Automatic transmissions are designed to make driving smoother and more convenient, but not all of them have lived up to that promise. Over the years, some models have gained a reputation for being unreliable, leading to costly repairs and headaches for drivers. In this article, we’ll take a look at 13 of the most problematic automatic transmissions ever made and explore why they caused so much trouble.
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Ford PowerShift (DPS6) Transmission
The Ford PowerShift, found in models like the Fiesta and Focus, was marketed as a dual-clutch transmission that could provide the smoothness of an automatic while delivering fuel efficiency. However, frequent clutch issues led to jerky shifts, hesitation, and stalling. Drivers experienced difficulty in stop-and-go traffic, and the transmission was prone to overheating. Numerous recalls and lawsuits were filed due to its unreliability, earning it a place among the most problematic transmissions.
Honda V6 5-Speed Automatic
Honda’s V6 5-speed automatic transmission, particularly in early 2000s models like the Accord and Odyssey, had a high rate of failure. It was prone to overheating, leading to internal wear and eventual failure. Owners reported slipping gears and total transmission failure as early as 60,000 miles. Despite Honda’s reputation for reliability, this transmission earned a bad name due to its frequent issues.
GM 8L90 Transmission
The GM 8L90 8-speed automatic transmission was introduced in luxury models like the Cadillac Escalade and Chevrolet Corvette. Despite its advanced design, it became notorious for rough shifting and a “shudder” that made driving uncomfortable. The issue was tied to faulty torque converters and poor fluid management, resulting in numerous complaints and costly repairs for owners.
Volkswagen/Audi DSG (Direct-Shift Gearbox)
Volkswagen and Audi’s DSG, a dual-clutch system, promised quick gear changes for a sportier driving experience. However, the complex mechatronics unit, clutch wear, and frequent delays in shifting resulted in owner frustration. Particularly in early models, these transmissions had reliability issues, leading to recalls and costly repairs.
Nissan RE5R05A 5-Speed Automatic
Used in vehicles like the Nissan Frontier and Pathfinder, the RE5R05A 5-speed automatic transmission was prone to overheating, especially when towing. This led to premature internal wear, torque converter issues, and early transmission failure. Despite being designed for durability, it struggled to meet expectations in heavy-duty situations.
Jeep Cherokee 9-Speed Transmission (ZF9HP)
The ZF9HP transmission in the Jeep Cherokee suffered from clunky, delayed shifts and general drivability issues. The design of the 9-speed made it overly complex, with frequent software updates and recalls attempting to solve problems. Owners reported difficulty shifting between gears, especially when accelerating, making it one of the most criticized transmissions in recent Jeep models.
BMW SMG Transmission
BMW’s SMG (Sequential Manual Gearbox), particularly in the M3 and M5 models, offered a performance-focused driving experience. However, it was prone to laggy shifts and expensive repairs due to its complex hydraulic system. Many drivers found the transmission jerky in daily driving situations, with high maintenance costs leading to dissatisfaction.
GM 6T70 Transmission
The GM 6T70 6-speed automatic was commonly found in vehicles like the Chevrolet Equinox and Buick Enclave. It had issues with premature failure, hard shifting, and transmission fluid leaks. Weak internal components led to frequent replacements, frustrating owners and tarnishing GM’s reliability reputation.
Mitsubishi F4A51 Transmission
The Mitsubishi F4A51 automatic transmission, used in the Eclipse and Galant, was known for slippage and overheating. Its inability to handle higher torque levels made it vulnerable to early failure, with owners often reporting rough gear changes and loss of power during acceleration.
Dodge Ram 47RE Transmission
The 47RE automatic transmission in Dodge Ram trucks was notorious for problems in its overdrive and reliability when towing. Frequent overheating led to transmission failures, particularly in heavy-duty use. Additionally, weak internal components resulted in premature breakdowns, frustrating truck owners who relied on the transmission for towing.
Audi CVT (Multitronic)
Audi’s Multitronic CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) system faced numerous failures due to its complex design. The transmission belt and electronic controls often failed, leading to a complete lack of acceleration or loss of power. This transmission was particularly problematic in Audi A4 and A6 models, leaving many owners with costly repair bills.
Mercedes-Benz 722.9 7G-Tronic Transmission
Mercedes-Benz’s 7G-Tronic automatic transmission had frequent issues with its electronics and shifting reliability. Owners experienced rough shifts, particularly during acceleration or deceleration, and expensive repairs were common due to the advanced electronics controlling the transmission.
Mazda Skyactiv-Drive 6-Speed Automatic
Mazda’s Skyactiv-Drive automatic transmission was designed for improved fuel efficiency, but owners often reported delayed shifting and harsh engagement. The transmission’s design, which was intended to be more efficient, sometimes led to jerky gear changes, particularly at lower speeds.
This article originally appeared in MyCarMakesNoise.
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