Can Low Battery Cause Transmission Problems?

If you’ve noticed an issue with your transmission shifting late, or even missing a gear, this may be connected to a larger issue with your battery.

Indeed, it’s possible that the corrosion of the battery terminals under the hood can cause transmission problems with your vehicle. This is because a car’s transmissions are operated through a computer system, which is powered by the battery. If the battery has corroded and the connections are starting to die, this may not shut the vehicle down, but can instead cause transmission problems off and on.

Even if the battery’s connections are affected, the engine may still start just fine, due to the extra current the engine takes as it turns on, pushing through the bad connections. But for more low-level tasks like transmissions, battery connection problems can make it so that the transmissions don’t work consistently or, eventually, at all. Plus, if your battery is having issues, you may be facing more than just transmission issues—battery defects can also lead to electrical fires.

Fortunately, professionals can help you by servicing the battery itself to get rid of this transmission problem.

Many types of vehicles may be affected by defects that cause transmission problems. In 2019, an investigation into Ford vehicles found that some models of the Ford Fiesta and Ford Focus were sold with defective transmissions. Some consumers who purchased these vehicles reported experiencing terrifying and dangerous problems with the cars, including spontaneous loss of power while driving on the freeway, or unexpected acceleration or deceleration of the car. At least 4,300 consumer complaints were made regarding these Ford vehicles and transmission problems.

Some consumers reported experiencing car accidents or injuries as the result of problems with the transmission. According to one consumer who claims he was stopped at the exit of a parking lot, his 2012 Ford Focus suddenly accelerated without his intervention, causing him to speed forward into the lane of traffic, where he was T-boned by another driver. Other consumers have reported Ford Focus and Fiesta vehicles shuddering, jerking, or hesitating when changing gears, in addition to unexpected acceleration or deceleration. Some of these customers claim that although they have brought their vehicles in to be serviced by dealerships multiple times, the vehicles continue to have problems with the transmission. In these cases, reporting vehicle safety defects may be the best way to have these issues repaired.

Can I Report Safety Defects?

If battery issues or defects cause transmission problems, you may be able to file a lawsuit and pursue compensation. Some common safety defects include issues with acceleration or deceleration, airbags that fail to deploy, fuel leakage, seat belts, and wiring, among others.

Safety defects are never fun to deal with, especially when it comes to our vehicles. Not only do we constantly use our cars, but safety defects with these machines can often lead to serious injuries or even fatalities. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has, since 1966, recalled more than 390 million vehicles, along with tens of millions of tires, equipment, and car seats, due to such safety defects.

The NHTSA offers a few methods of reporting safety complaints with vehicles, which it outlines on its website. You may be able to file your complaint by calling the administration’s toll-free number or by filling out the online form. Documentation in the form of photos, videos, or police reports may aid you in your case.

Can I File a Lawsuit Over Transmission Problems?

If you have been affected by a safety defect, you may be able to file a lawsuit. This class action lawsuit investigation is looking for consumers who have been affected in one or more of the following ways:

• Your vehicle has a safety defect but has not yet been included in a recall
• You or a loved one have suffered an injury in a vehicle with a safety defect, regardless of whether or not it has been included in a recall
• Your vehicle has a safety defect, but the warranty period is over
• Your vehicle has a safety defect issue that isn’t covered by the warranty, but it should be

Filing a lawsuit can be a daunting prospect, especially while dealing with an injury, so Top Class Actions has made the process easier for you by connecting you with an experienced attorney. Consulting an attorney can help you determine if you have a claim, navigate the complexities of litigation, and maximize your potential compensation.

Join a Free Vehicle Safety Class Action Lawsuit Investigation

If you own a vehicle that you believe has a safety defect and you are outside of the warranty period or you believe the defect should be covered by the warranty and it’s not, or you or a family member have been injured by a safety-related defect, you may qualify to join this vehicle safety defect class action lawsuit investigation.

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This article is not legal advice. It is presented
for informational purposes only.