Stall squall

COMPLAINT: Debbie Horton-Wren, Olathe, Kan.

"I had a new transmission and computer installed on my 2003 Toyota by Certified Transmission-Gladstone. They had the car for a couple of months and even sent it to Toyota to have them help diagnose the problem. I told them I didn't want the car back if there was a chance it might stall, but they assured me it would be safe.

"I picked it up on a Friday, and drove it Saturday. It was 'dogging' on me, but it didn't die. Sunday, I turned onto a busy road and the car died. I pulled over, but a big car plowed into me and my two children. Because it had a brand-new computer and transmission, I had to salvage the car. The bill for the damages and towing was $976."

DESIRED RESOLUTION: "I'd like to be reimbursed for the total cost of the computer, transmission and the rental car - $4,700."

RESPONSE: Peter Fink, president, Certified Transmission

"The member has a warranty on the transmission and we stand willing and able to honor it for any issue with the transmission. The member was informed, and it was stated on her invoice, that there were other drivability problems with her vehicle and an oxygen sensor needed replacement.

"Nowhere does she state that after we installed a new transmission, she experienced transmission problems. The transmission was operating properly, and you can't blame the transmission for the other unresolved issues which caused the car to stall.

"The bottom line is that the transmission didn't cause the vehicle to stall, and it's not Certified Transmission's fault someone else was paying so little attention that they hit her vehicle while it was on the shoulder of the road."

STATUS: Stalemate