My Chrysler Dealer has just charged me €4500 to replace the auto gearbox - broken whilst in for a routine Service.
Have I been ripped-off and do I have any recourse ?
At the dealer - this was a take it or leave it ultimatum (Repair or throw-away.....)

After a major Service at 75k with my Chrysler Dealer (€2k spent on Brakes, Suspension, A/C, Full Service) - I was asked to bring the car back a couple of days later for fitment of some remaining parts (new interior fan/blower).

Once dropped off at the Chysler Dealer, he called me a day later to say that the Auto Gearbox had 'exploded' and could I drop by to discuss what I wanted to do with the car...

This is a 2002 Town & Country bought from new with nearly 75k miles on the clock, with full Chrysler service history. In the 3-4 days prior to this service, there had been a small problem with initial 'Drive' engagement with the gearbox, but once in 'Drive' it ran OK. This was one of the reasons the car went in for Service to check the linkage - which was done by the garage and confirmed OK.

The Chrysler Dealer showed me the Gearbox and sure enough, the casing was full of metal shavings and both front wheels span freely. There was no drive and no ability to repair. I noted that the Gearbox Oil was the correct colour of Red.
Remember - I had driven the Car back to the dealer after the Service and the Gearbox wreck took place in their hands. True - there was a symptom of a gearbox selection issue for a few days before the Service.

Sorry for the long description - but has anyone had similar issue on a T&C Auto Gearbox at 75k miles.?
This is a mightly expensive repair and I cannot help but suspect foul play as the car was driven into the dealers in good condition.

Any advice or comments most welcome.

 

I have experienced a similar failure with my GV at 95K whilst driving away from a roundabout it just stopped driving and rolled to a halt , there wasn't any drama or loud noises just no drive . I had it recovered to a local trans specialist who diagnosed total failure caused by the planet gears (a common fault in these boxes apparently). Newer boxes have 5 planet gears instead of 4 in the old ones . I was quoted £1350 for cash (no receipt) for a total recondition but I should imagine that I would have had a similar cost to you from my local stealers had I gone there . This trans specialist had two other GV's sitting waiting for the same treatment all with lower mileage than mine .