My buddy's kid picked up a 2013 dart turbo automatic, 40K miles total now. Transmission is causing alot of problems.Were they that bad & poorly engineered? Replacement costs estimates are at $9k(7200 trans & 1800 labor). Was on Dart forum and there seems to be no general consensus replace,repair or sell car. If it crapped out in 40k miles whats to say it won't in another 40k? More brain power and practical knowledge over here is why i'm asking. Thanks moe

Has the trans been serviced?
What do you mean by "causing a lot of problems?"

Did it have trans trouble when he bought it?

IIRC, the first couple years (2012 and 13) did have auto trans issues. When I bought my 14 the dealer assured me Chrysler had the trans issues solved. Mine was rock solid.

I'd check and see if there are any recalls still open on it.

While driving, the trans goes into a "limp" mode and the car has to be pulled over and restarted or codes cleared. Dangerous at highway speeds. Since he bought it trans has not been serviced. It did not have problems upon purchase. The car was owned by a Belvedere plant worker who had all the recalls done . it was immaculate & grandma kept. That's why he bought it. There are metal shavings/flakes in the pan, inspected by AAMCO this week. They say replace it. When they first came out I remember people complaining about the auto's. He picked it up because of condition. I just dont see $9k for a trans, but my last new car was in 87. Does anyone reccomend a trans shop that is familiar w this trans? Appreciate any and all help. moe

Why did the guy sell it? Its hard to get an honest assessment from dealer to trans shop because no one wants to touch them. For it to fail at 40k its either been beat to crap its whole life or its not in as bad as shape as your being told.

I dont know if app you can buy for your smart phone (https://alfaobd.com/) goes as deep into the trans as needed. I have known some told as you only to replace a pcm or noid pack.

You might consider a second opinion just to be sure.

Are you on this site... https://www.dodge-dart.org/

If you are not, the head mod Alpinegreeneon has more fiat info and charts and diagrams than any ive ever seen..... almost seems like he connected to fiat hes got so much.

You might check with that site and person as the darts have lots of issues and hes got all the info.... some may not like what they are told but the guy is sharp.

Some on there, the younger guys have not winced at pulling there trans to fix it. And many times its not been as bad as they were told.

As an Ex employee stay away from AAMCO. They use used parts to rebuild the transmissions.

I'm ignorant of the actual issue, but if it was my car, I would want to do some research as to what the problem is and why.
If it's something that can be repaired, I'm think the next thing is to find an independent trans shop who's capable, rather than a chain.
Unless of course there's a sharp guy working there, but I've usually found that the best guys are independents.
I'd also look for a good used - maybe the 2014-up version, if it can be swapped in - unit, though the final cost may not be advantageous.
Electronics may prevent that working out, though, as in PCM & etc.
The prices for late-model parts are outrageous; granted, the stuff is complex, but jeez...

How do you know it is a transmission issue that is causing vehicle to enter limp mode? Engine issues can cause limp mode.What codes is it displaying?

Mr PH
1.just trying to get info to help my buddy and lessen the dollar output
2.When he bought it the car looked minter than mint, can't say if or how bad it was beat if any.Private sale everything worked upon purchase.
3. I was on that sight but my search results and thread subject knowledge was lacking
4. Him and i are fed up wrenching on newer cars (just a fyi)
Stumpy
AAMCO totally sucks, same as a lot of other trans shops around us.They replace a small part and charge for a full rebuild 12 month 12k mile warranty.If it makes it great if not have the monkeys pull it again, nothing lost to trans shop.
Topside
Hard to find competent independents "competent" is a big ask
CrazyD
I dont have the codes, It has been throwing codes since fall. they all indicated the trans. I can ask what they were again.

I understand its normal to see some wear in the fluid, and i cant vouch for the kid or friends not beating the jesus out of the car since they got it. 3 sides to every story. will check out the link you posted.Thanks again for the input

Just got off the phone with him,and got code P1C9D. Don't remember if this is the same code from earlier in the year but it is the current one. Thanks moe

Have you checked the electrical connectors (especially grounds) for cleanliness and tightness?

I had an '05 Caravan that would randomly stumble and go into limp mode like your Dart. It turned out to be a broken ground near the starter.

https://www.google.com/search?ie=UT...s&source=android-browser&q=P1C9D

Looks like most of it is electrical.