Press Releases
Montgomery County Office of Consumer Protection Warns of Costly Auto Transmission Repair Pitfalls
For Immediate Release: Friday, June 20, 2025
The Montgomery County Office of Consumer Protection (OCP) is warning residents after receiving complaints about local transmission repair shops. Some drivers are paying thousands of dollars for repairs only to be left with vehicles that still need additional work and even costlier fixes.
While each fix may seem legitimate, the costs quickly add up if the "check engine" light continues to come on. When evaluating the transmission of a vehicle, a reputable shop should consider the age of the parts, the vehicle’s mileage, how much needs to be taken apart or replaced and the total cost of the repair.
In a recent complaint, a repair shop accepted a car that was nearly 20 years old with 200,000 miles and replaced only one part of the transmission. The repair cost more than the car was worth. A reputable shop would not have recommended such an expensive fix, which ended up causing more part failures, additional repairs and ultimately left the car undrivable.
David Elswick, OCP’s automotive investigator is an ASE-certified triple master technician with over 17 years of experience. He now helps consumers resolve issues related to repairs, deceptive practices and automotive fraud. ASE, the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence, certifies automotive professionals to ensure they meet industry standards for skill and professionalism.
“While each repair may sound reasonable, fixing a transmission one part at a time is not always the best solution,” said Elswick. “A full rebuild may seem like more money upfront, but it may save you time, stress and thousands of dollars in the long run.”
He also urges drivers to ask questions before approving major repairs.
“When a transmission starts to fail, many of the hundreds of parts inside of it are likely wearing out at the same rate,” he added. “Ask if a full rebuild is the smarter option. Don’t be afraid to get a second opinion, and make sure the shop explains what they’re doing and why.”
Tips for consumers:
- Ask if a full transmission rebuild is better than fixing one part at a time.
- Always request a written estimate and a clear explanation of the problem.
- Do not be pressured into fast decisions. Get a second opinion if you are unsure.
- Be wary of vague answers from a repair technician such as, "there are several potential issues.” Always ask more questions to understand the problem better and find the right solution.
The Office of Consumer Protection is located at 100 Maryland Ave., Suite 3600, in Rockville. Walk-in hours are 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m., Monday-Friday. For more information or to file a consumer complaint, call 240-777-3636 or visit the OCP website.
Stay connected with OCP on X, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and the Consumer Connection podcast.
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Media Contact: Brittany Clingerman 240-777-373