NHTSA Complaint #11430543 — 2011 CHEVROLET MALIBU

While driving down a highway at 60mph, the transmission failed, at just over 118,000. It started surging without moving forward any faster, and reverse doesn't work at all anymore. My son was in the car, and we were miles from home. I was lucky to be able to get off the highway fairly quickly before we got run over, or hit along the side of the road. This particular transmission failure is a well known issue for GM, it is covered for older vehicles up to 2010, and fixed in newer vehicles in 2012, but dealership (Paul Richard's Peru, IN) said "these things happen" and it could cost $3000-$5000 to replace. They will do nothing to help, because they won't acknowledge that this model year needs extended coverage, too. (Actually a recall!) This is completely unacceptable, I've only put 30,000 miles on this car. I had the fluids lab tested when purchased, and it in no way indicated any failure imminent! In fact, it said everything was in fantastic condition for the mileage. We also flushed and filled the transmission ~25,000 miles ago, as recommended by the maintenance schedule. We shouldn't be on the hook for thousands of dollars, when we in no way caused this failure, especially after it could have killed my son and I. Our old 2005 Malibu has 170,000 miles on the original drivetrain, and it's still going. There is no acceptable reason that our 2011 should only last 118,000 miles before needing major repairs, or the transmission replaced already, 100% on our dime.