Transmission Failure. Following a 550 mile road trip over two days. The transmission would fail to engage in Drive and Reverse until the engine was throttled to 4000-4500RPM. Transmission felt like a Manual with failing clutch, would slip until slowly engaging after running at high RPMs for a few seconds. The condition appeared after the first day of the trip, and was intermittent, occurring only during standing starts. Once the vehicle was moving, there was no problem maintaining speed. Over the next two days the condition deteriorated to the point where it was occurring almost every time the vehicle was started and an attempt was made to start from a stand still. It began to become noticeable shifting from 1-2, 2-3, 3-4 as well, where it felt like the transmission was slipping during acceleration. There were no warning lamps or indications from the vehicle that there was a failure. This caused a loss of power and acceleration, which endangers the vehicle occupants in situations where power and acceleration is needed, such as merging, crossing intersections, or making defensive driving maneuvers. This vehicle was towed to a dealer, where the dealer validated the concern, and the transmission was replaced under warranty. Repair notes state that the transmission converter had failed. The transmission was returned to the manufacturer during the service visit. There are multiple instances online of other vehicles with this transmission having the same problem.

- Ramsey, MN, USA

Driving down road at 45 mph as usual. Car suddenly shudders and as I pull to a stop car is stuck in neutral. Will not receive gas. Suddenly lurches into first gear, almost making me hit who is in front of me. I pull into center lane and the car is frozen and won't move. I restart the car and it stays stuck in first gear revving high. I limp it home given I'm a few minutes away. Could have caused a serious incident.

- Renton, WA, USA