2003 Montana. Major Tranny Problem

Three weeks ago my '03 Montana would not shift into OD. Symptoms were
at 100km/hr the RPMs were 3500. Put it on the scanner and it showed no codes. Took it to the dealer (charged my $45.00) to inspect and informed my I needed a new transmission. Either re-built or factory replace. Pleaded for mercy as long-time GM customer, as this was my third Montana since 1997. The 97 was traded with 265,000 km and the 00 with 244,000 km. NO PROBLEMS.
GM said sorry you were past Warranty. Was 20,000 km or 12,000 miles past. Left the dealer very upset and had it repaired for $1000.00 less than dealer quoted and that included 2 sonax up-dates.
The transmission repair shop informed me that in all honesty he felt there was a problem with the transmission, as he has noticed a number of repairs for the same thing. Failure: 4th clutch hub assembly. I have the part that failed as evidence.
In addition there is a previous post on this forum from another GM owner for the same problem, same repair.
Has anyone else had this problem? Perhaps it might be something to be watching for.
Transmissions should not fail at 72,000 miles (120 kms) under highway driving (cruise control) and I have no towing set up on the vechicle.

I bought my 3rd Montana as a result of my satisfaction with the other 2, and boy was I wrong.
Has anyone had any experience with the arbitration as this is the next step for me

Man, am I sorry to hear that. Does it have the 4T65E transmission? If so, it's bad. I've had persisting problems with mine -- 2000 Century. Head over to those forums to read all the Buick owners complaints -- it's really bad. I don't know what's worse, the fact that these transmissions are bad or the fact that GM doesn't know how to fix them. I had Six Hundred bucks worth of work done on my tranny and it still has the same problems, but the dealer that did the work refuses to do any repairs, because it still drives and doesn't throw codes -- what a crock.

As for going after GM, good luck, but I hope the best for you. GM seems stupid. For instance, my mom's tranny went at 80,000 miles in her 2000 Honda Oddysey. It was of course out of warranty, but hey, guess what, Honda gave her a brand new one -- at no cost to her. They admitted there was a design flaw, and so Honda stood behind their products and took care of their owners. GM's attitude seems to be pay for the repairs yourself and if that doesn't work then screw you we don't need your business. Which is laughable when you hear whining from GM about their shrinking market share.

When you go for arbitration, it would be good to find out legal costs. If you plan on retaining a lawyer make sure you'll come out ahead; you don't want to spend a lot of money on a lawyer and bury yourself deeper.

Personally, now that your vehicle has the new trans, I'd sell it. Assuming you don't owe on it and will not incure negative equity, get rid of it and never look back. Whatever you decide, best of luck :smile: .

I have also replaced the transmission in my 2000 Pontiac Montana and I decided to go after GM. I feel that a transmission shouldn't fail after 40000 miles. After $2600 worth of work done on my van GM decided to refund $1300 of it. So, if you go after GM, more power to you.

Thanks for the info Coachman. What part failed? Did GM do the repair or did you use a Trans shop. Any help would be appreciated.

Dave.

Yep 00 Venture here, 4th gear hub gone, and pressure solinoid, trq convertor support bracket etc etc..(got 210 000k)