Automatic Transmission Torque Converter Problems of Cadillac SRX

Event: while driving south on us 231 s (memorial pky) in huntsville al, transmission disengaged with engine still running. No prior warning symptoms-no sound-no vibration-no lock up-either some part became uncoupled or transmission "shifted" into neutral or some part failed such as input shaft. Was able to coast onto an exit ramp, but unable to move to far right shoulder for safety due to traffic volume. Came to stop about 50 yards south of intersection with martin road on a steep incline in 3rd lane of 4 lane exit ramp. Shut off engine and applied emergency brakes to prevent rolling backwards into on coming vehicles. Requested tow vehicle and police assistance to prevent rear end collision. Vehicle currently in storage. Sliding metal sound when engine is started, then no noise. Faint grinding when transmission shifter in drive or reverse. None in neutral. Intend to have transmission-torque converter-ring gear-input shaft replaced as required or install used or factory rebuilt transmission and keep original transmission for forensic disassembly. Quick inspection under vehicle revealed no obvious damage. No fluid leaks at scene or failure or at storage location. Transmission case appears free of fluid leaks. Drive shaft couplings appear undamaged. Have owned vehicle only for about 8000 miles. Purchased from carmax July 2017. No known previous transmission repairs. Transmission designed without "dip stick" for transmission fluid level check. What is statistical data for 2008-2009 gm vehicles in general or other gm vehicles with same transmission. Shifter on console. Parking pall still engages when in park position. Sudden failure presents a definite safety risk. Had this happened about 3 miles sooner, it would have been even worse on I-565 5-6 lanes wide in "rush" hour traffic. 77000 miles seems statistically very low miles for transmission failure.

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This complaint is a continuation of complaint bin23-53927 and describes the findings of the transmission disassembly. Disassembly was delayed due to medical treatment unrelated to this incident. Transmission failed suddenly in high volume "rush" hour traffic. Torque was lost just before an exit allowing the vehicle to exit without power however the vehicle stopped in middle lane of a service road. On coming vehicles had to brake behind the vehicle. Sudden transmission failure in heavy high speed traffic presents a high risk of rear collision with multiple vehicles and injury. Furthermore, if the transmission fluid pump had not failed, the transmission could have lock-up or exhibited high speed down shifting, due to failure of other parts. This incident should not be dismissed because there was no accident or personal injury. Some mother with children could easily have a different out come on a crowded large city highway. No computer codes were displayed. 5lte-40 5-speed automatic transmission. Disassembly of the transmission revealed excessive metal particles and debris. The transmission fluid pump failed which caused loss of torque due to inadequate fluid levels in the torque converter. Clogging of the fluid "pick-up" filter also probably contributed to reduced fluid flow and failure of the fluid pump. A non-metallic washer was found to have disintegrated, allowing fragments to circulate in the transmission. The washer separated 2 splined drums. Disintegration of the washer allowed excessive movement and contact of the drums. Recommend GMC be contacted to obtain their comment on failure of these transmissions, as well as statistical review of incident reports to determine if failures are statistically greater than in the automotive industry, in general. The 5lte-40 and other transmissions have no traditional "dip stick" to measure transmission fluid level and contam.