Vauxhall Mokka Gearbox Problems

The Vauxhall Mokka, a relatively recent addition to the automotive market, has been in the spotlight due to increasing reports of gearbox issues. Notably, several cases have surfaced in which the vehicle displayed problems merely months after purchase. This has raised concerns about the quality and reliability of the Vauxhall Mokka, specifically the 1.7cdti auto diesel variant.

The Main Issue

Several Vauxhall Mokka owners reported an intermittent juddering when pulling away, as well as an inability of the vehicle to change down gears when slowing. To illustrate, one specific instance involved a car that had been functioning well for about five months before these gearbox problems emerged. The dealership took a significant amount of time to address this by replacing the gearbox, but even then, the problem persisted. Furthermore, although one mechanic acknowledged an intermittent fault during a test drive, the dealership and Vauxhall’s field tech denied any issues. Even the provision of video evidence showing the problems did little to sway Vauxhall’s stance.

Dealer’s Response

While some owners were given the option to exchange their faulty Mokka for another vehicle, the offers presented were far from satisfactory. Some were offered a base model, second-hand Mokka with fewer features and without the lifetime warranty of their original purchase. On top of this, they were asked to shell out an additional £3000 for what was advertised as an “equal model.”

Seeking Solutions

Dissatisfied owners tried various channels to get a resolution, including:

• Contacting Vauxhall’s head office, which unfortunately did not yield any favorable results.
• Consulting with the citizens advice bureau to understand their legal rights and get advice on further action.
• Attempting to get in touch with GMAC for potential relief.

It’s worth noting that if the car was purchased on finance, approaching the finance company might be a viable strategy for some. Especially since GMAC, the finance company in question, might have leverage over Vauxhall.

Public Outcry

One course of action taken by aggrieved owners was to publicly display their dissatisfaction. Parking their faulty cars prominently with signs expressing their grievances might not solve the issue directly, but it certainly draws attention to it. This kind of publicity can be detrimental to a dealership’s reputation and may pressure them into offering a better resolution.

Media outlets, such as Auto Express, have also been suggested as platforms for airing these concerns. Stories about such prominent manufacturing flaws can sometimes make manufacturers reassess their decisions.

Conclusion

While Vauxhall Mokka’s gearbox problem appears to be intermittent and might only manifest under specific conditions (like cold days), the issue is of serious concern. Not only is it a potential financial drain for the car owners, but it’s also a safety hazard. The collective voice of the owners could be the key to prompting Vauxhall to address this issue adequately. Until then, potential buyers might want to exercise caution and thoroughly research before deciding on their next vehicle purchase.