My 21 big bend left me stranded about a month ago. Had to have it towed to the dealership in the Metro Detroit area that I bought it from since my local dealers (I live near Ann Arbor) couldn't prioritize me and would have needed 4-5 months. The dealership determined that I need a new transmission at a cost of $10,200 installed. Ford is covering 40% via their customer satisfaction program, not sure if I should be grateful for that or not. This also happened just weeks after a $2700 catalytic converter repair bill. So, in the span of a month or two, the car costed me over 10 grand (Between towing, car rentals, cat repair and transmission replacement). I've had the car for exactly 3 years. I have never towed with it or taken it off road. I drive a little fast, but probably pretty average for a Michigander, I don't think I ever abused the vehicle. Heck, rarely ever used sport mode. I used slippery mode once or twice on actual snowy roads. I don't know if I'm being an ungrateful ass for wanting more than 40% on a past warranty vehicle, but to me them not taking this more seriously sends a message that this isn't going to be an uncommon problem. I get asked about the bronco sport constantly at mountain bike trailheads, more than my bike, lol. I'm kind of excited to get it back so I can give all those people an earful.

Perhaps the wildest thing about this story to me is the insane cost of the transmission replacement. Why the heck does it cost so much? I had my 2010 escape transmission completely rebuilt for $3k. That was in 2020 but inflation can't account for that much in 4 years could it? Is this a new car thing?

Edit to add: My exhaust was sounding slightly off even before my warranty expired, at around 93k miles the cat housing split open causing a loud exhaust leak. So... I guess learn from me and get any funny exhaust sounds checked out before your warranty lapses.