My 2008 6MT TL type-s has been to the dealership four times under warranty for problems with my 6MT transmission and it is currently there for a fifth time in the past 3 years. I bought my type-s brand new from the dealership in July 2008, but I didn't notice problems with the transmission until over a year and 19,000 miles later (November 2009 @ 19,287 miles).

The first time I took it in under warranty was because the third gear and reverse gear popped out after being engaged. I believe the 3rd gear issue was a TSB and the dealership fixed it under warranty (I believe the transmission was either rebuilt or replaced). However, after they fixed this transmission issue, another issue started occurring: my car would engage the reverse gear lock-out even when the car was not moving. What's worse is that once the lockout is engaged, it stays engaged until I drive the car a few feet and play with the shift lever to get it into reverse. However, I do not always have the option of driving forward a few feet due to a curb being in the way or other objects that may damage the car if I drove forward. This process is not guaranteed to work and can sometimes take over five minutes. I believe it is very dangerous (especially in the case of a three-point-turn). The TL already has a below-average turning circle and there have been two instances where I couldn't complete a legal U-turn and my car was stuck in the intersection because I had no reverse gear to execute a proper three-point-turn.

Since the initial transmission replacement/rebuild I have taken it to the dealership four additional times. Here is the breakdown of this specific issue:

11-16-09 (19,287 miles) went in because 3rd gear and reverse gears popped out after being engaged--> Removed and replaced transmission

1-18-10 (21,467 miles) went in because unable to shift into reverse gear at times--> dealer stated "normal characteristic of car." No action was taken to fix. I believe this can be considered neglect on the dealership's part. No car should be characteristic to not be able to get into reverse gear at times. It can be potentially life threatening (think of my intersection case).

4-06-11 (42,114 miles) went in for same reason (car wont go into reverse at times)--> dealer wasn't able to duplicate customer's complaint. No action was taken to fix the car.

7-28-11 (47,187 miles) went in for same reason (car wont go into reverse at times) except this time I asked to have a technician sit in the car with me so that I could demonstrate the problem. Finally got to engage the reverse gear lockout after several attempts and the technician couldn't get the car to go into reverse either.--> Replaced failed lock-up solenoid.

03-10-12 (~59,900 miles) went in again because car still wont go into reverse at times--> Again, this time I offered to have a tech sit in my car so that I could demonstrate the problem to him (so they can't say the problem couldn't be duplicated). The tech witnessed the lock-out problem and couldn't get it into reverse either. The car is currently at dealership for repair and before I left the service manager even told me that the tech ran into the reverse gear lock-out while trying to get the car into the garage for repair.

The tech told me that he has never seen this problem before and that he was going to call the corporation to see what he should do. This is the same tech that replaced the lock-up solenoid on 7-28-11.

Note that the powertrain warranty is limited to 5 years or 70,000 miles, whichever comes first.

The reason I've been dealing with this is because besides the transmission problem, I LOVE my 6MT UA7 and there is no other car on the market today that I would want for it's price. However, it's getting out of hand and I believe that I have a case under the New Vehicle Lemon Law. My only concern is the large amount of time between the warranty claims. This has been recurring since 2009, would I still have a case? If you guys have personal experience with the Lemon Law in California or in any other state, your personal accounts would be greatly appreciated!

 

Lemon Laws vary by state.

You need to Google "Lemon Law yourstate" and get the info. Pretty much everywhere there are Lemon Law Lawyers. Most will do a "free consultation". Call one, explain your problem and ask if you have a case.

Another alternative is to find a better dealer service department.

You should also change your MT trans fluid to GM Synchromesh Friction Modified formula.

 

Yeah if my car comes back from the dealership and still has the problem I will definitely contact a Lemon Law lawyer.

Wouldn't using a non-Honda transmission oil void the warranty?

edit: I've researched the California Lemon Law a few times before but i'm just scared because there's a section that states the problems had to be brought to the dealership within the first 18 months of purchase or 18,000 miles. Something like that. Will definitely consult an attorney if the car comes back with the same problem.

 

anybody have info on this? I've been pondering the idea and even if the dealer decides to give me $30,000 back for them Lemon Law ($30,000 after you include the mileage I put on the car before I first brought it in under warranty), I probably wouldn't be able to find another 6MT type-s for sale in California, would I? Even if I did it would cost ~$25,000 and come with 60,000+ miles