In less than 1,000 miles, the transmission totally failed again. Just thought i'd update everyone about what a terrible place this is to have your vehicle repaired. read more

My 1997 Dodge Ram pickup truck had a transmission failure: no reverse. After 22 years, I guess I can't blame it. It also had a Check Engine light, for the torque converter lockup not working. I drove it for a year with the check engine light on, who needs a locking TC? I suspected it was a bad solenoid valve. I took my truck to Chatsworth Transmission shop. The owner, Al, is a fine gentleman and quoted me a fair price to have the transmission rebuilt. During the time he had it, he saw the Check Engine code and he told me he replaced the solenoid for me! That was awesome of him to do! When I got my truck back, the overhauled transmission was working just like new and the Check Engine light was off. But after a few days, the Check Engine light came back on. Same code, for the TC lockup. I took it back to Chatsworth Transmission and spoke with Al. I asked him if he thought he could figure it out for me. He just told me to leave the truck. 3 days later he calls and tells me my truck is ready. When I was at his shop I asked him what he had found was wrong. He told me it was the torque converter itself. Now then, the torque converter is not a part of the transmission, it is separate. So when the transmission was overhauled, the TC was not part of the job. But Al went ahead and replaced the torque converter! And when I asked him how much the repair cost, he said "don't worry about it". Wow! That my friends, is above and beyond! Highest recommendation for Chatsworth Transmission and Mr. Al !! read more

NO Alfred it was definitely your shop. Would you like me to post a picture of the receipt stating "chatsworth transmission" along with my review? read more

Came here to get my transmission replaced guy took 2 weeks to fix it got my car in less then two days my car was having transmissions issues again except it was worse then when I brought it in such as the car would switch gear while driving when I placed the car in park it would be stuck in driving mode took the car back to the guy he kept it for an extra week only to fix the issue and create another issue the car came back with a leak in the coolant system per the guy in which before bringing it I never had this issue it only had transmission issues turns out that was a lie I took it to another mechanic and he said the head gasket was blown and coolant leak so this review is only to give you a Warning and let others know of my experience so no one else has to go through what I went through read more

UPDATED: My car started leaking oil right after the transmission warranty expired. My mechanic said, "it's your rear main seal that needs to be replaced. It could have easily been replaced when you had the transmission out. Normally these things cost about fifty bucks." So now the TRUE COST of my transmission rebuild is $1000 BUCKS MORE than what I paid Chatsworth Transmission. This used to be a 5-Star rating until I learned that they cut corners and clearly don't look out for their customers. The reason the transmission shops won't ask about or offer this maintenance (replacing the rear main seal), is because TECHNICALLY SPEAKING, IT HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH THE TRANSMISSION. If you're not familiar with cars, the rear main seal keeps oil sealed inside the rear of the engine, where the crankshaft connects to the transmission. The thing that makes this such a HUGE DISAPPOINTMENT is having convenient access to replace A $5 DOLLAR SEAL which is right there in front of your face when the transmission gets pulled out of your vehicle for the transmission repair/rebuild. With high-mileage vehicles, this is clearly a no-brainer and any diligent transmission shop would recommend that seal be changed or just change it for you as part of their service while they have the transmission out for the repair/rebuild. NOW I'M OUT ANOTHER $1000 ON A REPAIR THAT COULD HAVE BEEN AVOIDED COMPLETELY. Chatsworth Transmission had a choice to exercise a little bit of extra diligence by putting the best interest of their customers first and they chose not to. I'm happy to report the transmission rebuild is actually holding up great so far but now I feel like I bought the world's MOST EXPENSIVE TRANSMISSION REPAIR as a result of this oversight. Be diligent, Yelpers. Ask your mechanic EVERYTHING you can think of before moving forward. What's involved in the repair/rebuild? How long is the warranty? How long will the work take? ARE THERE ANY OTHER REPAIRS OR MAINTENANCE THAT COULD BE OR SHOULD BE ADDRESSED WHILE YOU HAVE THE TRANSMISSION OUT OF THE VEHICLE? read more

He dose not honor his own warranty here it is 12000 mile or 1 Year. You look at the picture and deside to give them your business or not. I am under 8000 mile or 9 month after repair and he refuse to work on what he did on my vehicle. And here it is a pucture of the transmission code read more

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This place a the worst auto repair shop that I have ever dealt with. MUST READ: 1. It took them 4 times to repair my transmission. Each time they said they fixed it, my transmission would lock up or set codes on the dash within a day or two 2. In total, they had my car for 4-5 weeks. Towards the end I demanded to get a loaner car and for 2-3 days they provided one. After I drive off, I looked at the papers and realized it was another CUSTOMERS vehicle Definitely the worst auto repair experience ever read more

I took my car in to get the transmission fixed on a Monday. The owner told me I could have it back by Thursday at the latest. I had to call over and over each day past Thursday to see if my car was ready, since no one was giving me an update. Each time I called I was told a different day it would be ready. After waiting and waiting I finally got my car back after 2 weeks, and the owners excuse was that "they were busy". The very next day after getiing my car back the battery was dead. After driving it a couple miles my car was telling me that the oil pressure was low, which could not be since I had just had an oil change before my transmission died. When my dad went to check my oil he noticed a large puddle under my car, which was ALL the transmission fluid that was to be in my car. Obviously they left some part loose and my car was running on no transmission fluid. I took the car back and they said that it must have been something I had done. RIDICULOUS! Not only did this happen, but they broke the part that holds up my hood and tried to tell me that I broke it myself. Ugh! read more

I regret to write reviews like these, but as I have no formal recourse, I figure it's better to warn others. I regret that I did not read these other reviews before I went to Chatsworth Transmission. When my transmission went out, I didn't have "go-to" place here in Hollywood, so I went to a couple places close by to get some estimates. The estimates ranged from $1500-$1780. A friend recommended his mechanic in Reseda who referred me to Al at Chatsworth Transmission. Here's what happened. Thursday, May 23: I called Al. He quoted me $1100 for the rebuild which included a 1-year warrantee. He said if I brought it in the next day, (the Friday of Memorial Day weekend), it would be done by Tuesday. He said he would give another person there the heads up that I was coming in (Pablo, I think?). Friday, May 24: I brought my Explorer in. Al is not there, so I ask for Pablo. A guy with "Javier" on his shirt who speaks no English just stares at me. So, I call Al's cell. It turns out Al is in Florida. He gets on the phone with Javier who starts the paperwork on my car. At some point, Javier gets confused. Carlos appears and takes over. Carlos completes the paperwork, takes my keys and tells me to call Al Tuesday. Tuesday, May 28: Though I'm dubious my car will be ready, I called Al. He says it's not ready, that he just got back from Florida that day, they have to order the parts and one guy called in sick. Since I didn't expect it to be ready, I wasn't upset and confirmed it would be ready the following day. Al said it probably would, but to call around 5PM the next day, since he had already left the shop. Wednesday, May 29: I called Al at 5:15PM. My car was not ready. I confirmed that he had ordered all the parts - he had. He said, "You have to understand." I told him I did understand and was only going on what timeline he gave me. He said it should be ready the following day, but not to call him - he would call me. Thursday, May 30: Since I had not heard anything by 2:30, I called anyway. It was not ready. He said he needed to get a part. I reminded him he confirmed he had ordered all the parts the previous day. He said my car would be ready the next day. Friday, May 31: They had now had my car a week - but it was not ready. Nor was it ready Monday or Tuesday or Wednesday or Thursday. It was finally ready on the following Friday, so I went to pick it up. Everything seemed fine with the car except for the wires hanging down from the steering column. I didn't notice them until I got home and got tangled in them getting out of the car. Did I get a "deal"? In some ways, yes. Would I have preferred they instill confidence and give realistic deadlines and follow up with what they said? Absolutely. If you want to save a few bucks and don't care how long they have your car or whether it's ready remotely close to what they tell you, go elsewhere. read more

Al helped me out of a jam. Professional busy shop. Worked with me on pricing. Very satisfied with the work, would recommend to others. read more

Al "helped " me. Mine was the plumbing van brought to you by my embarrassed mechanic who you partially repaid. You cost me an additional 2300 An apology without $ serves only your face read more

We were recommended by our regular mechanic, as our transmission had failed. We got there and all seemed well, though we ended up buying a used car in the meantime, because he was going to have our car for roughly three weeks, which was a little frustrating, but sure, we could deal. He gave us a pretty good deal on a rebuilt transmission, and you really get what you pay for with that. We ended going back three separate occasions, and thank goodness for a warranty because each time the car was there, it was there for at least a couple weeks. I get that a rebuilt transmission is going to be a hit or miss kind of thing to put in your car in the first place, but the length of time it took for us to get the car serviced under the warranty was a bit on the ridiculous side. After the transmission failed a fourth time, we decided to get rid of the car, because at that point another three weeks in the shop just wasn't worth it. read more

Can't even park to get an estimate. Extremely busy and owner of next door auto repair asked me to move even though he had several spots.

I did automatic transmission rebuild on my BMW E46 here something like a half a year ago. I was advised to this place by my friend and I'm 100% satisfied by far. The price was the lowest I could get, the job was done in 2 days (actually even in one but Al checked it after, found a leak and had to keep it for the next day) and the car runs great so far. Highly recommend this shop. This review is real, I remember how I was looking for a good shop to do it and I just want people to know that this shop is real deal. read more

I had a tranny problem on my BMW 325i and looking for the right transmission shop is a big deal, I started calling for a quote and the range was so wide so you think..Who's giving me the right quote? Until I found Chatsworth Transmission which gave me the best quote for the job. I went and checked the review first and read a couple of bad reviews on not getting your car as promised, costumer service etc. I call the shop again and spoke with Al and he seems pretty honest and sounds like he knows what he's talking about. So I said to myself...I gonna take a gamble with this guy and see what happen. To a surprise, he did the job on time as promised. I did'nt write this review until now (waited for 2 months) to make sure that the tranny will not fall apart. So far so good, keep up the good work Mr. Al. Willie read more

Do NOT have anything to do with Chatsworth Transmission. Had to have my trans rebuilt twice within three years. Horrible everything. STAY AWAY!!!! read more

Wonderful, wonderful! Al is a gem. He went to great lengths to make sure that my transmission was repaired correctly - he actually got me a brand new one - after a botched job 18 months ago AND wouldn't return my car until he was sure that everything was in perfect running order. He's also an extremely nice man, very accessible, and seems to have very nice people working for him. That's a sign of a happy work environment. I was ready to get rid of my car after the transmission repair because I thought it was falling apart, but Al convinced me otherwise, and for that I'm extra grateful. (I really love my car.) Al, you have my trust and appreciation. I will refer anyone to you anytime they need transmission work. Thank you so very much! read more

I went to Al with my car who wouldn't drive in reverse. Al found out that the transmission fluid was low and just needed a refill! It was such a relief, Thank you for the honesty and saving me money Gil read more

Got referred to him by my mechanic. Al is an honest guy. Took my GMC Canyon to him and noted that it was slipping from 2nd to 3rd. Got the car back and in a couple of days it happened again. Took it back and worked on it again. On my return the vehicle was still having problems. Al lent me his car to go home. Next day he calls me up and tells me the car is ok. It has been some time now and reflecting back and spending $350.00 - it was worth it. He did offer to give me a full refund or to make good. I told him to just fix the vehicle and that is what he did. I guess you can not make everyone happy and I was patient and he delivered. I do believe him to be an honest individual and did what he could do for me. Saved me a lot of money compared to some other Transmission shops would have charged. read more

Big trouble. Lousy work. Horrible shop. No warranty honored. A joke of a transmission shop. Their "actual" line of work is body work where they probably operate a chip shop I'd imagine. Stay clear of this place! read more

I was referd to Chatsworth Transmission by my mechanic.I have 1997 G.M.C white no revers .I hade Chatsworth Transmission replaced the transmission for me in one day.he hade one in stock . Very happy read more

Al was very pleasant and seems to really know his stuff. He was able to pinpoint exactly what was wrong with my car, test it and fix it! Thank you so much! :) read more

I was referred to Chatsworth Transmission by Vahe (who is awesome) at Vahe BMW when he diagnosed that I had transmission-related problem. When I took it there, rather than charge me and try to upsell me on anything, Al was very honest and recommended I take it back to Vahe, as it didn't seem to be the transmission. Vahe and Al then worked together to figure out the problem. When it was all fixed, Al didn't charge to fix the final problem! An honest and good business! Highly recommend!! read more

Al is one of those rare finds, an honest guy who does great work. I amazing honda accord (that I was told is suppose to last for at least 200,000 miles!), started having some trouble around the 120,000 mark. I live in Culver City but work in Chatsworth and just so happen that this place is like a block away from me. Anyway I brought it in and even though the shop was slammed Al did a free diagnostic test and said it was a problem with a regulator/starter (in fact they are always busy... a good sign if you ask me, funny b/c I guess the same rule applies with restaurants.. right?) So.. of course I have no idea what this is... I mean I don't know too much about cars, but he quoted me a price for the parts and labor and I decided to head back to work and check what the price was online.. wouldn't you know it, they were nearly identical! It was fixed the next day and I was on my way. FAST FORWARD 6 MONTHS LATER... My transmission started acting up (for anyone that never experience this.. it sucks!), especially b/c you don't know what the hell is going on with your car, I have an automatic and it was like I was now driving a stick shift that would stay in gear 2. You know when you get sick and you start going to web md to see your symptoms and then start freekin out? well I did the same to diagnose my car's symptoms (and wouldn't you know it, it's like the same thing, you begin freakin out like was my honda accord the one that was suppose to get recalled is my taillight going to spontaneously com-bust!). As I mentioned before, I live in Culver City and Chatsworth is a loong way from Culver City.. especially when your transmission is on the verge of life support. But this is how good I felt with Al and his team. I drove all the way to chatsworth so that he could look at it and take care of me. In fact I called him to explain the situation and he picked up the phone even after business hours and helped me over the phone to diagnose what was wrong and the best time to bring it to him. So, yes, in the end this time around it was the tranny. They fixed the transmission right away and it came with a 1 year warranty. I would say it was the best experience I have ever had with any service dealing with my car. I don't care if I have to drive an hour to get here, he has a customer for life! read more

I was referred to Al of Chatsworth Transmission by AAA & I am beyond ecstatic at the repair done to my car. I have been having car issues on & off for years, going to multiple mechanics/shops around the San Fernando Valley only to have them partially fix the issues. Immediately when I went to Chatsworth Transmission, Al was able to not only rebuild my entire car transmission (it has over 140,000 miles but it's like I'm driving a new car) but he also noticed an issue in my engine (that I had previously attempted to fix) and took the initiative to talk to the mechanic that "fixed" it & had them finish the job correctly. Al is a trustworthy mechanic & man. read more

I took my 1999 E320 Mercedes Benz to Chatsworth Transmission to have my transmission rebuilt excellent service . Al is most definitely a professional man and does what he promises. no sooner than I had my transmission repaired, it I needed it my EGR valve to be replaced and he was the guy that I went to at, Chatsworth Transmission to have it replaced. His prices were very reasonable . if I ever need service again for any of my cars, I will take it to Chatsworth Transmission Thank you Al. read more

Chatsworth Transmission was referred to by my mechanics at Pro-Auto Tech Wit and Sal. Al rebuilt my Honda Odyssey transmission 5 years ago and it's still running. Last week my other car Ford Fusion has a problem with the differential, my mechanic ask me to go see Al again. Since I have a good experienced last time I kinda trusted him. The trans oil is leaking in my car and he fixed it. After 4 months it started leaking oil again. I was kinda skeptical to bring it back because when I checked his yelp reviews it has a lot of negative reviews lately about expired warranty. I still decided to take a chance. And good thing I did. Al not only fix the problem, the car runs better now. Thank you Al in bringing back my faith in you. You are a good person and very honest. You are highly recommended on my books. read more

Al is a great and very honest person! He serviced my transmission and replaced needed parts at very reasonable cost. My 2011 BMW 740Li drives like a new car now. read more

I was referr to Chatsworth transmission by friend of mine. I have 2003 bmw 325i . I took my car to three shops and they wanted to rebuild my whole transmission for 2500$. But I had a small issue with my rivers , I couldn't afford that much money to pay, so friend of mine refereed me to Chatsworth transmission. I went and I spoke with Al. I was told by Chatsworth transaction that I don't have to rebuild the whole transaction and I need to fix only the rivers. He fixed my car very fast with a reasonable price. I'm very happy and highly recommend Chatsworth transaction to all. read more

I was referred to this shop by my friend, my wife's car got stuck in the middle of the road, due to transmission issues so I called Al he had arranged a tow truck for me and once he got the car, he diagnosed it and told me what needs to be done and how much would it cost me which his pricing was way better try han other transmission shops I worked with in the past for my previous cars. The only concern I had is the time frame since my wife needs to take my kids to camp in the morning, so Al promised me the car will be ready the next day, so it was. Thank you Al for great service pricing and positive attitude. Rami read more

Having transmission issues after Al did install and he won't do any diagnostics except for driving up the block and says sounds fine! They'll tell you car will be done same day then will never follow up with you! You'll have to call yourself and get told there to busy to deal with you, so pissed! read more

I will start by informing you to avoid doing business with AL or his shop. I would refer you to Leon's or TRC Transmission especially for performance vehicles or work. Although he did a decent job on a transmission rebuild, the following work I had him complete was awful. I spent $600 on Differentials to be installed. The first test drive it was clear something was wrong by the improper shifting. AL test drove it and despite agreeing, had me drive it to work the following day. Halfway to work the differentials gave. After paying $70 for the over tow, and $100 for a car rental. I still missed a day at work. On top of the fact it took him 2 days to repair the horrible installation job and differentials he destroyed. After making sure several times and even writing it down the invoice he installed 4.10 despite the proper 4.56. If you are asking how I found out. Well other than it failed for a second time, but the mph on the speedometer and actual speed were off 5-7 mph. Even worse was the massive scratch and damage to my fender from AL hitting a transmission in his garage. I also appreciated him leaving my vehicle, along with others in a parking lot across the street, with the keys on the floor mat. I eventually took the vehicle to Ramjet Rear Ends to find out that the gears were installed improperly and that indeed were 4.10 not the 4.56 he was to be replacing. In his defense, AL claimed he was given the wrong part from his supplier and that a buddy who does not work at his shop installed the gears. How do you not see the big bold print on the box or gear. Furthermore why are strangers whom I am not made aware of working on my car. The guy is a liar and only interested in making money. I incurred $1000 in damages from missing work, rentals, parts and body damage. Stay away from AL and Chatsworth Transmission. read more

Chatsworth Transmission - Damage from Chatsworth Transmission - Transmission Repair Near Me - Northridge, California

Al is a dick. He replaced my transmission and left me a CEL that he does not want to replace because it falls under the warranty and the cost would be free. Do not go here, all he wants is money. He refuses to help me in anyway. I have never been treated so bad, this is the first time I actually review a place and it's because the horrible quality and lack of courtesy this place has to offer. AVOID. read more

I was looking up their new address to update my phone book and noticed several one star reviews for Chatsworth Transmissions. I was shocked! Al and his team have repaired or replaced the transmissions on 2 of our cars over the past several years, and I had a great experience each time. They replaced the transmission on my Mercedes E Class and charged a price that was more than fair. A few weeks later it needed an adjustment which they took care of with no problem, free of charge. A couple of years later they repaired (not replaced) the transmission in our Ford Minivan and it ran fine until we sold it 4 years later. Price was fair and they always did a good job. I highly recommend them. read more

Broke my bov and tried fixing it with a piece of plastic in the plumbing. I went back after I noticed it and they wouldn't take responsibility and I had to call over and over for a month. But they claimed they were "busy" every time I called or went in. Ended up getting fed up with waiting and buying the part myself, because having a boost leak is bad for the engine. I wouldn't bring a performance car here. read more

Took my car there for transmission work charged me an arm and leg not only that but didn't give me any recipes not only that but it started leaking the first few miles and I had to get it towed then he took his sweet time 3 months finally have the car back and guess what the transmission was not shifting at all and not only that but he wouldnt fix it or give money back i ended up paying someone else to fix it . I do not recommend anyone to this place. read more

Was recommended by my regular mechanic. Came here for the first time and unfortunately I will not come back and would not recommend this business. I had a transmission issue worked on and the car was not finished according to the time that was promised, which can be overlooked, but there were scratches on my car and a dent in my hood that were not there previously. The workers here are very careless with your car and Al (owner) does not give much attention to the quality of service his workers are doing nor does he even care. He cannot be trusted and will overcharge you. Save yourself the time, headache, frustration, and money and go somewhere else. Don't usually feel like I have to write a review, but people who are considering going here need to be made aware of what they are getting into by bringing there car here. read more

The guy won't honor his own warranty Transmission went bad after it was completely rebuild at this shop What good does a warranty do if you can't use it when needed Very slow and unreliable service ... I will not use or recommend this place to no one read more

took a car that had the transmission case cracked. i knew it simply needed a rebuilt replacement.. anyway, the replacement transmission had the " pick your part "junkyard paint marker markings on the bolts untouched. it was dirty at the seams on all the gaskets. was black and oily around. they didnt even clean it and forget any silver paint !!!!! no shame at all at the crook job. They charged me 1400$ for a rebuid and all they did was just change it out for a junk transmission. i was so angry ,unfortunately the cars engine blew up before i had a chance to return it. Blah blah. think of that "car mechanic shop scene" in the movie the mask with Jim Carey, the mechanic tells the other mechanic, " hey Larry whats this?" As he yanks out a part from the engine, the other mechanic Jokingly replies " i dont know Joe, 500 dollars?" The other mechanic tosses the part like its trash, and they both laugh it off. . . GET THE PICTURE? btw just because it looks "busy " means nothing in terms of quality or honesty. its at a good location where lots of fishes swim by and get caught in the trap. most cars there are junk cars, it seems hes a packrat...some hoarding issues going on. my point is; 99 cent stores are busy and i dnt shop there for anything important like maintenance repairs etc... stay away! Or get ripped off!!! read more

These guys took my car at the last minute and helped me out the best they could with how busy they were. The car runs great now! These guys know what they're doing. Al was completely honest with me about what was going on with my transmission, which I appreciated. Thanks to Al and his crew for taking the man power and hours to fix my car. I really appreciate it. Their word is represented in their work. They got the job done well. read more