Dealer wants to totally replace the transmission

[thotpatrol]

Took my Maverick to the dealer for a quick transmission service and now they want to replace the whole thing at an estimated cost of $9,000 and no idea how long it will take (they said the transmission is on back-order)

2022 XLT AWD EcoBoost with the 4k tow package just over 85,000 mi.
Was driving home from a business trip (little over 700mi highway driving one-way) and in the last hour or so started to notice some delayed shifting & hard shifting.
When I got home I ran the codes and one of my transmission solenoids was stuck-on
Hoping it was just my fluids needing topped-off/replaced, I took it to my regular repair shop, but they don't touch transmissions.
So then I took it to a quick lube place and they refused to touch it because they didn't have the right fluids.
So then I took it to the ford dealer in town, and at first they refused to change the fluids because ford, in their infinite wisdom, claims that their transmission fluid lasts 150k mi. and being only half that, they don't need to change it.
Then I told them the whole story, and they told me they again refuse to change the fluids - "it's their policy" that they need to do a full diagnostic ($150+tax) before anything else.
Called them today for an update and they won't tell me exactly what's wrong, just that "there's a lot of codes" and that they need to replace the whole thing.
They don't want to even attempt repair, and claim it'll cost more than the replacement.

Called-around to some transmission-specific shops nearby and none of them will work on it because they claim that the 22 maverick has no information whatsoever in whatever system they use; they all claimed that they could only find info on the 23, and that even that info wasn't enough to do work on the truck.

In my research I've seen lots of people having transmission issues with these things.
Has anyone had similar issues & found any resolution other than ponying-up half the KBB for a new trans?

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[Robber's Roost]

I would call more independent transmission shops to see if anyone has experience servicing the 8F35 transmission. It's a fairly new design but has been used in the Escape and Transit for a few years now. Hopefully it can be brought back into service with a valve body service/repair. Most ford dealers aren't equipped to service these so will opt for replacement rather than repair. Oh and forget that 150k fluid change interval. Every 30k for mine just to reduce a chance of failure due to contaminants fouling the valve body solenoids and passages.

 

[olderbudwiser]

I know nothing about 8F35 transmission but 9k is way way far out.

Call another dealer get an out the door cash and carry price. Probably about 3K maybe a bit more maybe less. Check labor for an R&R.

 

[Scott Asheville]

OP, see the Daniel Deliverz YouTube channel for his transmission story. I'm sure he'll share anything he learned with you if you reach out.

 

[olderbudwiser]

check e bay

 

[colinl]

https://www.lkqonline.com/2022-ford-maverick-pickup-transmission-or-transaxle-assembly

edit: one of those in the search is a hybrid, obviously don't use that.

I don't know if the FWD transmission could be adapted. your safest bet are the few that are listed as AWD.

I agree that 9k is high but it's not double or anything. and I agree with taking it to a transmission specialist who has worked on the 8F35 before. it's highly similar to GM's 9 speed FWD/AWD transmission also, but any capable shop will already know that.

 

[1929]

Took my Maverick to the dealer for a quick transmission service and now they want to replace the whole thing at an estimated cost of $9,000 and no idea how long it will take (they said the transmission is on back-order)

2022 XLT AWD EcoBoost with the 4k tow package just over 85,000 mi.
Was driving home from a business trip (little over 700mi highway driving one-way) and in the last hour or so started to notice some delayed shifting & hard shifting.
When I got home I ran the codes and one of my transmission solenoids was stuck-on
Hoping it was just my fluids needing topped-off/replaced, I took it to my regular repair shop, but they don't touch transmissions.
So then I took it to a quick lube place and they refused to touch it because they didn't have the right fluids.
So then I took it to the ford dealer in town, and at first they refused to change the fluids because ford, in their infinite wisdom, claims that their transmission fluid lasts 150k mi. and being only half that, they don't need to change it.
Then I told them the whole story, and they told me they again refuse to change the fluids - "it's their policy" that they need to do a full diagnostic ($150+tax) before anything else.
Called them today for an update and they won't tell me exactly what's wrong, just that "there's a lot of codes" and that they need to replace the whole thing.
They don't want to even attempt repair, and claim it'll cost more than the replacement.

Called-around to some transmission-specific shops nearby and none of them will work on it because they claim that the 22 maverick has no information whatsoever in whatever system they use; they all claimed that they could only find info on the 23, and that even that info wasn't enough to do work on the truck.

In my research I've seen lots of people having transmission issues with these things.
Has anyone had similar issues & found any resolution other than ponying-up half the KBB for a new trans?

Very low mileage units listed on car-part.com range from $2500 to $3500.
I'd find an expert on 8F35 to determine what is wrong with your current transmission. In the event there is not a transmission whisperer in your area my advice is buy replacement used low mileage transmission and have competent shop swap it.

 

[WNYEscapee]

They don't want to even attempt repair, and claim it'll cost more than the replacement.

I haven't priced a transmission for a Maverick in a long time, so I cannot say they're full of .... but that sounds quite high. I'd love to know how they're pricing it and the labor time and rate. I suspect like most dealerships, they're using a matrix pricing system to inflate the MSRP prices, and perhaps are doing so quite aggressively, too.
We repair transmissions in the shop all the time, and even with full seal kits, valve bodies, a torque converter, and sometimes clutch packs and some hard parts it's not often more expensive than a factory replacement. In fact, Ford requires this under most circumstances vs. replacing the entire transmission. There are cases where a full replacement is covered, but if they're paying for the repair, it is to replace what's broken, unless the repair totals more than a complete unit. The fact that we repair more transmissions than we replace should tell you something about most of those instances. And there's much more labor involved in rebuilding a transmission than simply the R & R of one.

I'm also a little miffed on why they won't change the fluid. Dealerships more often than not push services which are easy money makers for the service department; of which transmission services, cooling system flushes, and fuel injection services are prime examples of money makers for them.
The fluid required is ULV -- ultra low viscosity. It's not new, though not every service facility or parts store is likely to have it either.

 

[Dmthomp32]

I’ll tell you what, all these stories about transmissions and cv axles going so quickly in the Maverick really give me concern. All the little issues are challenge enough to deal with, I certainly don’t want to end up with a $10,000 bill sitting looming over my vehicle. Never changed the transmission fluid in my Volvo throughout 165,000 miles and never once had an issue.

 

[Scott Asheville]

Also, OP, have you asked for the number of the regional Ford tech rep? Just asking that question alone might put fear into a disreputable service manager. And suddenly they might change their tune.

A good example is a Canadian Hyundai dealer quoting a $50,000 replacement cost for an "unrepairable" BEV battery pack. Once Hyundai Canada corporate found out, they went ballistic. You can find that story on Motormouth. My point is - some service managers lie through their teeth until they get called out.

 

[Packer Bill]

Never changed the transmission fluid in my Volvo throughout 165,000 miles and never once had an issue.

Consider yourself lucky. Most vehicles still need tranny fluid change every 30,000 miles to avoid tranny issues. Just ask any competent mechanic.

 

[dlhort1955]

How close is the next Ford dealer? Get a second opinion. I have a Ford dealer a mile away and I drive to the one 12 miles away and get better service. Plus they great me by name, not 'How can I help you?'.

 

[Dmthomp32]

Consider yourself lucky. Most vehicles still need tranny fluid change every 30,000 miles to avoid tranny issues. Just ask any competent mechanic.

I believe it but the transmission fluid for my Volvo was I believe good for 150,000 miles or the life of the vehicle. Could be wrong but I’m pretty sure that’s what the manual said.

 

[Automan21]

To the op, Keep is posted and good luck.

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