Who makes transmissions for Dodge?
Most modern Dodge transmissions are built by ZF for automatic gearboxes, with Tremec supplying manual transmissions for performance variants; some older or region-specific models used other suppliers such as Aisin. This article explains the landscape, who supplies what, and how it has evolved under Stellantis.
Dodge’s transmission supply chain centers on a core pair of partners. ZF Friedrichshafen provides the widely adopted eight-speed automatics found in most current Dodge cars and SUVs. Tremec handles the brand’s manual transmissions, chiefly for high-performance variants of Challenger and Charger. Over the years, there have been occasional contributions from other suppliers for specific markets or older generations, such as Aisin, but they play a much smaller role today.
Key suppliers and their roles
Below is a rundown of the primary transmission suppliers Dodge works with and what they provide to different models and generations.
- ZF Friedrichshafen: Supplies the eight-speed automatic transmissions used across most Dodge models in recent years, noted for smooth shifts, efficiency, and broad availability across the lineup (Charger, Challenger, Durango, and other Stellantis products sharing the platform).
- Tremec: Provides manual transmissions for Dodge’s performance-focused variants, including the Challenger and Charger, where a six-speed or other manual configurations have been offered in certain trims and generations.
- Aisin: Has historically been involved with FCA/Chrysler transmissions in some markets or older generations, but is not the primary source for current mainstream Dodge automatics.
In practice, the overwhelming majority of current Dodge vehicles use ZF for automatics, with Tremec reserved for the manual transmissions that appeal to enthusiasts. The involvement of Aisin is largely historical or regional rather than central to the modern Dodge lineup.
Notable model applications
The following examples illustrate how the supplier mix maps to Dodge models in recent years, highlighting where you’d typically find each supplier’s tech in action.
- Dodge Challenger: Automatic transmissions commonly come from ZF; manual options have been supported by Tremec in several years/variants for enthusiasts seeking a stick shift.
- Dodge Charger: Similar to the Challenger, with ZF-sourced automatics across most trims and Tremec-manual availability on select performance configurations in earlier generations; modern configurations predominantly use ZF automatics.
- Dodge Durango: Primarily offered with ZF eight-speed automatics; no current manual transmission option is available.
These examples show the general pattern: ZF automatics across the lineup, Tremec for manuals in performance-focused variants, and occasional historical or regional exceptions for other suppliers.
Historical notes
Over the past decade, FCA and then Stellantis gradually standardized on ZF eight-speed automatics for most mainstream models, while Tremec has remained the go-to source for genuine manual transmissions in the Dodge performance archive. As the brand portfolio evolves, this mix has become a defining characteristic of Dodge’s engineering and driving experience.
What this means for buyers
For buyers and enthusiasts, the transmission supplier often signals whether a Dodge model is aiming for refined everyday driving (ZF automatic) or traditional shifting engagement (Tremec manual). If you’re shopping used performance cars, the presence of a Tremec manual typically indicates a specific trim or generation; otherwise, expect ZF automatics in most modern Dodge vehicles.
Summary
In short, Dodge’s transmissions are primarily made by ZF for automatic gearboxes, with Tremec handling the manual options in the brand’s performance lineup. Aisin and other suppliers have played a smaller, more historical role. This supplier mix reflects Dodge’s shift toward efficient, high-performance automatics while preserving the enthusiast appeal of manual transmissions in select models. As Stellantis continues to update its lineup, this pattern is likely to persist, with ZF automatics remaining the standard and Tremec continuing to serve manual enthusiasts.
