Which car has most transmission problems?
Across all years, there is no single car that can claim the absolute top spot for transmission problems. However, certain transmission types and model families repeatedly show higher complaint and recall rates in reliability data.
This article surveys reliability rankings, recall histories, and owner reports up to 2024-2025 to identify which cars have been linked most often to transmission trouble, why those problems arise, and what buyers can do to reduce risk.
Models most often linked to transmission problems
Below is a look at vehicle families that have shown higher-than-average transmission complaint rates in reliability surveys and recall data. The goal is to provide filters for consumers rather than to declare a single car as the worst offender.
- Ford PowerShift 6-speed dual‑clutch transmissions used in the Fiesta and Focus (roughly early- to mid-2010s) have been the subject of numerous complaints about shuddering, hesitations, and failure, leading to recalls and replacement programs.
- Nissan CVTs used across Versa, Sentra, Rogue and other models in the 2010s frequently appear in owner forums and reliability surveys with reports of CVT failure or costly repairs.
- ZF 9‑speed automatics in Jeep/Chrysler models (notably Cherokee and Grand Cherokee from about 2014–2018) have attracted attention for hard shifting, slipping and, in some cases, expensive transmission work.
- Subaru CVTs found in several 2010s models (Legacy, Outback, Forester) have been associated with higher repair costs and reliability complaints compared with conventional automatics.
Note: Within any given model line, year-to-year variation is significant. Some examples perform well, while others in the same family face transmission problems, depending on maintenance history, driving conditions, and factory specifics.
Where the data come from and how to read it
Reliability rankings from Consumer Reports, J.D. Power, and other testers, along with NHTSA recall data and owner-reported complaints, are used to identify patterns. Each source uses different methodologies, so a model may rank differently across lists. The overall takeaway is not that a single car is universally the worst, but that certain transmissions and model years have shown higher incidence of issues in aggregate data.
Practical steps for shoppers or owners
If you’re buying a used car or evaluating your current ride, these practical steps can help mitigate risk and reduce the chance of costly transmission problems.
- Check for open recalls on the vehicle’s VIN at the NHTSA or manufacturer sites, and verify that any performed recall work is documented.
- Review reliability ratings for the exact model year from Consumer Reports and J.D. Power to see how your candidate compares within its generation.
- Ask for a formal transmission health check during a pre-purchase inspection, especially for CVTs, dual-clutch autos, and older 9-speed units.
- Inspect the transmission fluid condition and service history; unusual smells, dark color, or metallic debris can signal trouble.
- Consider a model with a robust warranty or extended powertrain coverage, particularly for vehicles known to have transmission issues.
- Test-drive with attention to symptoms such as slipping, shuddering, harsh shifts, or delayed engagement in all gears and in both city and highway speeds.
Being informed and thorough in checks can help buyers avoid the worst offenders or at least secure coverage and maintenance support if needed.
Sources and data landscape
Reliability rankings from organizations such as Consumer Reports and J.D. Power, combined with NHTSA recall data and owner-reported complaints, help illuminate which transmission issues tend to recur. The picture varies by year, transmission type, and model, so it’s important to consult multiple sources and the vehicle’s service history before forming a conclusion about a specific car.
Summary
While there isn’t a single “worst” car for transmission problems, certain transmission types and model families recur in reliability data as more prone to issues. Ford’s PowerShift dual-clutch transmissions, Nissan’s CVTs, Jeep/Chrysler’s 9-speed automatics, and Subaru’s CVTs are among the groups most frequently cited in recalls and owner reports. Buyers should check recall status, review reliability ratings for the exact year and model, and insist on a thorough transmission assessment or warranty protections when considering vehicles from these lines.
