Hertz - Pasadena, CA Sold me a Lemon with Faulty Transmission on a 2016 Jetta! Pasadena California

I bought my 2016 Volkswagen Jetta in April 2017 and it has had consistent issues since after a couple of months after I bought it. It has had mechanical issues with the transmission for over a year. I originally purchased it at Hertz of Pasadena on 4/25/17 with 37,187 miles. I have had the check engine light come on 7 months ago and it was first diagnosed at Albert’s Auto Tech as a transmission issue with a code of P2714.

I called Volkswagen of Downtown LA and they said that my car was still under warranty and I could bring it in. I had approximately 55,000 miles on it or so. I decided to avoid paying another high diagnostic fee and I took it to my mechanic, Carlos at RC Automotive and had him run a 2nd opinion on it. The check engine light went off within a day or so, so when I took it to him he was unable to diagnose it because he stated that when the light is off it is impossible to run a code on the transmission.

Codes are present when the check engine light would be on. I let the issue go thinking it might have been an idiot light or something. ​Seven months went by and the light reappeared again with now mechanical issues. The car started having issues switching gears, jerking when the engine was cold, and the RPM would accelerate at a low speed to where I could not drive over 30-40 mph.

I took it back to my mechanic Carlos at RC Automotive on 12/17 and he ran a code again of P2714. I met a friend of his Stanley that referred me to go to Galpin Volkswagen and to speak to Danny there to help me. I called right away and made and appointment for the morning the next day. I showed up having to drive 30mph on the highway to get there and Danny called out sick.

They did not apologize or try to help. ​I then decided to call Volkswagen Group of America for goodwill. When I had spoke to Danny over the phone he suggested that I do that since the car is not out of warranty by 4,000 miles at 64,000 miles I had on it. The customer service agent submitted a report and they denied my claim due to the fact it was out of warranty.

​I decided to try again and call Volkswagen of Downtown LA. On 12/19 @ 115p I spoke to Jeff, whom was very helpful. He stated they would have to submit for the goodwill. I showed up and he took great care of the head service manager and me as well. I left it there overnight and got a rental car for the day. I came back the next day and spoke with the head service manager and he stated Volkswagen Group of America and they denied the claim for the replacement of a new transmission for $6422.00.

The service manager stated they could match me with a sales manager for a new Jetta for a trade-in. I did not want to do this because I cannot afford a higher car payment being in school pursuing my Master’s Degree. ​I then decided to call Hertz in Pasadena, from where I originally bought it. Apparently, they do not maintain their cars. If the car had bought new or from 1 owner, it would have been in better condition.

I spoke with Ron, the branch manager and he was the RUDEST jerk ever and had very poor management and communication skills. He does not listen and interrupts the customer when they are speaking. I asked for a copy of my sales contract and he refused to give me a copy, which legally I am entitled to. He did not rectify the situation and then hangs up on me. How he got his job I will never know or understand how someone with such poor uneducated sense should be dealing with the public and speak like a junk-yard dog.

He is not qualified in any way for his position. This was a horrible situation, as the company is liars and scams their customers. I had a great experience years ago from Enterprise, which went above and beyond. I wish to sue them in addition to social media and better business bureau complaints. Do not do business with HERTZ in PASADENA. They are scam artists that sell faulty cars and lie to their customers.