THE CHIPS ARE STILL DOWN

As auto shops struggle to get chips, broken cars sit waiting for months |

BY RACHEL WATSON

When the transmission control module on Jordan Gray’s 2017 Ford Focus gave up the ghost, he never dreamed he’d end up forfeiting the car altogether — and certainly not for want of a semiconductor chip.

Gray’s sedan broke down in late 2021. He took it to Tom Holzer Ford in Farmington Hills, where he said they gave him two options: Buy an entire transmission system, or wait six to 10 months for the back-ordered chip.

Because the part for his model year wasn’t under recall or covered by warranty, he’d have to pay out of pocket.

What’s more, the dealership was out of loaner vehicles and rentals to drive while he waited.

“I could not a ord the new transmission they were suggesting I get, and in the end, had to have my car voluntarily repossessed because I wouldn’t be able to a ord two car payments,” Gray said. “It wasn’t making sense to pay on a non-working vehicle.”

Gray isn’t alone. As the chip shortage continues into 2023, auto service centers and their customers are su ering the same 2023