Ah, the Chrysler Sebring — the car that made you question if smooth shifting was just a myth. This mid-2000s marvel was notorious for its transmission throwing tantrums like a toddler denied candy. Harsh shifting, slipping gears, and early failures were all part of the Sebring experience. It was less of a car and more of a four-wheeled drama queen.
If you owned one, you probably became best friends with your mechanic — or at least their bank account. The Sebring’s automatic transmission had a knack for quitting the job early, leaving drivers stranded and wondering why they didn’t just buy a bicycle instead. It’s the kind of car that made you appreciate walking.
The Lincoln Aviator aimed to bring luxury to the midsize SUV market, but its 5R55S transmission brought nothing but headaches. Frequent failures due to solenoid and clutch problems made this SUV a regular at repair shops. It wasn’t so much an “Aviator” as it was a grounded plane that never quite got off the runway.
Replacing the transmission was an expensive ordeal, often costing more than the car’s resale value. Owners quickly learned that the only thing flying high with the Aviator was the repair bill. If you’re considering one of these, just remember: luxury isn’t luxurious when it comes with a side of constant breakdowns.
The Mazda CX-7 was marketed as a sporty and stylish SUV, but its transmission had a flair for the dramatic. Jerky shifting and full transmission failures were common, especially in higher-mileage examples. It was the kind of car that made you wonder if “Zoom-Zoom” was Mazda’s way of describing how fast your money would disappear on repairs.
Driving a CX-7 was like being in a bad relationship — unpredictable, expensive, and constantly leaving you stranded. Owners often found themselves at the mercy of costly repairs, wishing they had opted for something a little less “sporty” and a lot more reliable. If you see one on the road, give the driver a thumbs-up — they’ve earned it.
The Buick Rendezvous was supposed to be a stylish crossover, but its 4T65-E transmission turned it into a rendezvous with your mechanic. Hard shifting, sudden failures, and a general sense of unreliability made this car a frequent flyer at repair shops. It was less of a crossover and more of a “cross your fingers and hope it works” kind of vehicle.
If you owned one, you probably developed a love-hate relationship with it — love for its spacious interior, hate for its transmission that seemed allergic to functioning properly. The Rendezvous may have looked like a practical family car, but its transmission issues made it a masterclass in disappointment.
The Ford Taurus was supposed to be a dependable family sedan, but its transmission had other ideas. Faulty torque converters and frequent failures often left owners stranded before they even hit 80,000 miles. It was the kind of car that made you question if “Taurus” was short for “terrible reliability.”
Driving a Taurus from this era was like rolling the dice every time you turned the key. Would it shift? Would it stall? Would it even move? The suspense was almost cinematic — except the ending was always a trip to the mechanic. If you owned one, you probably became an expert in carpooling out of necessity.
The BMW X5 was marketed as the ultimate driving machine, but its 5-speed automatic transmission had a different motto: “The ultimate failing machine.” Sudden drops into neutral, hard shifts, and outright failures were all part of the X5 ownership experience. It was like the transmission had a mind of its own — and that mind was set on chaos.
For a luxury SUV, the X5’s transmission issues were anything but luxurious. Owners often found themselves stranded, staring at their expensive driveway ornament and wondering if they should’ve just bought a used station wagon instead. If you’re considering one of these models, just remember: the “X” in X5 might stand for “exorbitant repair bills.”
The Chevrolet Cruze was supposed to be a practical, fuel-efficient compact car, but its transmission had other plans. Shifting issues, stalling, and complete transmission failures were widespread, especially in automatic trims. It was the kind of car that made you nostalgic for the days of walking to work.
Owning a Cruze was like being in a never-ending game of “Guess the Problem.” One day it wouldn’t shift, the next day it would stall, and by the end of the week, you’d be Googling “how to sell a car for parts.” The Cruze may have been small, but its transmission problems were anything but.
The Hyundai Sonata from this era was a symphony of transmission troubles. Reports of hesitation, slipping, and early failures were so common that owners started to wonder if their Sonata came with a built-in countdown to disaster. Many didn’t even make it to 100,000 miles before the transmission decided to take an early retirement.
Driving one of these was like playing a game of “Will it shift, or won’t it?” every time you hit the accelerator. The Sonata may have been marketed as a reliable family sedan, but its transmission issues turned it into a cautionary tale. If you ever see one for sale, just remember: some songs are better left unsung.
The Audi A4’s Multitronic CVT was a multitasker, all right — it could lag, jerk, and fail all at the same time. This transmission was the automotive equivalent of a bad first date: awkward, unpredictable, and guaranteed to leave you disappointed. Internal gear failures were common, and repairs weren’t just costly — they were practically a second mortgage.
For a luxury car, the A4’s transmission issues were anything but premium. Owners often found themselves stuck in neutral, both literally and figuratively, as they waited for their wallets to recover. If you’re considering one of these models, just remember: the only thing “multi” about this transmission is the number of problems it’ll give you.
The Pontiac Grand Prix was supposed to be a sporty sedan, but its 4T65E automatic transmission had other ideas. Common failure points like solenoids and torque converters turned this car into a pit stop champion — not on the racetrack, but at your local repair shop. It was less “Grand Prix” and more “Grand Problem.”
Driving one of these was like playing a game of “What’s That Noise?” every time you hit the gas. Owners often found themselves stranded, wondering if they should’ve just invested in a bus pass instead. The Grand Prix may have had the looks of a winner, but its transmission made sure it never crossed the finish line.
The Acura TL was supposed to be a luxury sedan, but its transmission issues made it feel more like a cruel joke. With massive automatic transmission failures and multiple recalls, this car was a masterclass in how to turn a premium experience into a premium headache. Faulty gearsets and overheating were the culprits, leaving owners with repair bills that could rival a semester of college tuition.
If you owned a TL, you probably became an expert in public transportation while your car sat in the shop. Acura tried to fix the problem with recalls, but for many, the damage was already done — both to their wallets and their trust in the brand. The TL may have looked sleek, but its transmission was a ticking time bomb in disguise.
The Jeep Liberty promised freedom and adventure, but its transmission had other plans. Owners reported jerking, failure to shift, and premature breakdowns around 80,000–100,000 miles — because nothing says “off-road capable” like being stuck in your driveway. It was the kind of vehicle that made you question if “Liberty” referred to the freedom to walk home.
Driving a Liberty was like being in a toxic relationship: unpredictable, frustrating, and expensive to fix. Just when you thought things were going smoothly, the transmission would remind you who’s really in charge. If you ever see one parked in a used car lot, keep walking — unless you’re in the market for a very expensive paperweight.
The Dodge Caravan: the minivan that made family road trips a little too memorable. Its automatic transmission had a habit of failing early and often, leaving parents stranded on the side of the road with a car full of screaming kids. If you thought the “Are we there yet?” questions were bad, try explaining why the car won’t move.
This minivan was one of the most complained-about vehicles of its time, and for good reason. Frequent transmission failures turned what should’ve been a reliable family hauler into a rolling headache. If you owned one, you probably spent more time at the repair shop than at soccer practice. The Dodge Caravan — proof that not all heroes wear capes, and not all minivans make it to 100,000 miles.
The Mini Cooper may have been small in size, but its transmission problems were anything but. The CVT in these models was like a diva on a bad day — temperamental, prone to breakdowns, and impossible to fix. When it failed (and it would fail), the only solution was a full replacement, often costing over $6,000. That’s right, more than the value of some of these cars today.
Driving one of these Minis was like playing Russian roulette with your wallet. Every mile felt like a gamble, and every strange noise made you wonder if your transmission was about to wave the white flag. Cute on the outside, catastrophic on the inside — the Mini Cooper CVT was the ultimate lesson in not judging a book by its cover.
The Saturn Vue’s VTi transmission was so bad, it could’ve been a plot twist in a horror movie. Imagine driving along, minding your own business, when suddenly your transmission decides it’s had enough of this whole “working” thing. That’s the Vue experience in a nutshell. GM eventually discontinued the VTi, but not before settling lawsuits and leaving a trail of frustrated owners in its wake.
This CVT was less “continuously variable” and more “continuously vexing.” Repairs? Forget it. Replacement was often the only option, and even that felt like throwing good money after bad. If you ever see a Saturn Vue from this era on the road, give the driver a sympathetic nod — they’ve been through a lot.
As you make your way through this list, you’ll find Nissan is a star among the subpar. If you have a 2012, 2013, or 2015 Nissan Sentra, I hate to break the bad news, but you’re dealing with a bad transmission. Maybe you already know this and have been simply ignoring this tidbit of unfortunate information.
The Sentra suffers from a wonky transmission, particularly those with CVTs. Owners usually experience shuddering, delayed acceleration, and, worst of all, complete transmission failure. There are ways to counteract these issues, of course, but with these Nissan models, the bad likely outweighs the good.
Nissan again with its bad track record. Pathfinder owners with 2013 and 2014 models will find that they have some of the worst transmissions. The vehicle gets good mileage, but all the repairs you’ll need from said mileage aren’t worth any amount of money.
The Nissan Pathfinder has similar problems to the Sentra, with shuddering, poor acceleration, etc. Owners reported more complaints and praises. These problems not only undermined the vehicle’s reliability but also led to costly repairs and dissatisfaction, casting a shadow over its reputation among SUV buyers.
Ford usually has a good reputation for its reliable vehicles that can get you anywhere and through any terrain. However, it's had its fair share of problems with transmission. The Ford Focus 2012-2017 is among the few Ford models that bring its owners more trouble than anything. Frankly, you’ll be lucky even to get 100,000 km out of the car.
This model became infamous for its flawed PowerShift dual-clutch transmission. Many recurring issues, combined with costly repairs, significantly harmed the car’s reliability and driver satisfaction, tarnishing its reputation and causing hesitancy among potential buyers.
Many Kia Forte owners found that their 2019 model gave up after only a few thousand miles. Drivers reported problems like jerking, slipping, and overheating, which disrupted smooth operation and raised safety concerns. These recurring issues damaged its reliability and required expensive repairs.
Many owners are left dissatisfied and questioning its long-term value as a dependable vehicle. In exchange for this disappointing car model, you can opt for a Toyota Corolla or Kia Soul. Hopefully, you’ll find the transmissions are much better and you won’t be worried about breaking down while on the road!
Owners of the 2011 and 2013 Nissan Murano were likely shocked when they started to face transmission issues at 190,000 km. Owners experienced very similar issues to the other models on this list, which only leads to one outcome: costly repairs.
These annoying and frustrating recurring problems undermined the vehicle’s reliability and diminished driver satisfaction, making it a less appealing choice among midsize SUVs. If you’re in need of a better option, the Ford Edge and Toyota Highlander may be your best bet.
From 2011 to 2014, Ford released several Fiesta models that didn’t receive the praise they expected. Many owners had complaints about the transmission. It didn’t matter how much mileage these cars could reach; the issues popped up regardless.
The transmission issues brought financial strain, as owners faced frequent repairs and replacements, which could cost thousands of dollars. Such challenges undermined the car's reputation for reliability, causing hesitation among potential buyers in both the new and used markets. Frustrated drivers expressed disappointment in the lack of durability and questioned the long-term value of the Fiesta.
The 2014 Infiniti QX60 faced widespread criticism due to persistent problems. Malfunctions, such as overheating and jerking during acceleration, severely disrupt driving comfort and often result in erratic behavior that makes the vehicle feel unreliable. For a luxury SUV, these issues were especially disappointing as customers expected smooth performance and reliability to match the premium pricing.
These transmission flaws also dealt a heavy blow to the model's overall reputation. Many owners experienced costly repairs or replacements, sometimes repeated, which added to their frustration and reduced confidence in the brand. Altogether, these problems tarnished the QX60’s image.
The 2011-2012 Nissan Rogue is often remembered for its significant transmission challenges. Complaints of jerking and shuddering during acceleration added to the frustration, creating an inconsistent and often unpleasant driving experience. Premature transmission failures were another frequent problem, leaving drivers facing hefty repair bills far earlier than expected. These recurring issues tarnished the Rogue’s reputation for reliability.
Owners were often forced to deal with costly repairs, replacements, or even complete transmission rebuilds, which led to financial strain and disappointment. These issues also disrupted the Rogue’s practicality as a family-friendly SUV, with some drivers expressing concerns about safety during trips.
Once again, Nissan’s car issues outshine anyone else. Between 65,000 and 125,000 km, Nissan Altima 2016 owners experienced transmission issues. This model faced similar issues to previous models mentioned, including shuddering, premature transmission failure, and poor acceleration.
Owners of this car often expressed disappointment with a vehicle they thought would be reliable and effective in the long run. For a vehicle positioned as a practical and dependable sedan, the transmission troubles cast a shadow over its appeal. For better options, the Toyota Camry and Volkswagen Passat are models you should check out.
The 2013 Chevrolet Traverse faced significant criticism for its problematic six-speed automatic transmission. Drivers commonly reported rough shifting, where gear transitions felt harsh or delayed, leading to a jarring and unpredictable driving experience. These issues were particularly noticeable during acceleration or when changing speeds, undermining the vehicle's overall smoothness. Compounding the problem, some owners experienced delayed gear engagement.
While the Chevrolet Traverse offered plenty of space and features, these transmission troubles overshadowed its strengths, leaving many owners with a disappointing ownership experience. If you find yourself in this very position with the Chevrolet Traverse, a better alternative is the Toyota Highlander.
From 2014 to 2015, the Jeep Cherokee was known for rough shifting and frequent transmission failures. Along with all the other models on this list, the Jeep Cherokee faced several problems that were more trouble than they were worth. Instead of delivering on the promise of innovative technology, the transmission too often became a source of unreliability.
Many drivers felt that the repeated need for fixes disrupted their overall ownership experience, casting doubt on the vehicle’s long-term value. Additionally, the inconsistency of performance made some owners hesitant to trust their Cherokee for longer trips or demanding conditions.
Dodge faced several recalls with its Dart model from 2013 to 2016. Much like the other car models on here, the Dodge Dart faced the very same troubles of stalling, rough shifting, disrupted driving smoothness, etc. These transmission problems became especially frustrating during urban commutes or stop-and-go traffic, where seamless performance is crucial.
Many owners found their driving confidence diminished as a result, and the Dart's appeal as a reliable compact sedan suffered considerably. The Dodge Dart may have a stylish, sleek design, but the failed transmission was a glaring setback that made owners feel disappointed more than content with their car.
The 2001-2005 Honda Civic faced persistent automatic transmission problems, which significantly impacted its reputation for reliability. Drivers often reported issues such as slipping, where the transmission would fail to maintain proper engagement, leading to erratic engine performance. These issues posed potential safety risks in situations requiring quick response, such as merging onto highways or navigating through busy intersections.
These recurring transmission issues greatly impacted driver satisfaction, as owners often found themselves dealing with unexpected repair bills and repeated visits to service centers. The Civic, typically regarded for its longevity and dependable performance, saw its reputation tainted during these model years. Potential buyers became wary of the automatic variants, particularly in the used car market, due to the high likelihood of transmission-related problems.
For Toyota’s mission of producing high-quality, reliable, and affordable vehicles, the Corolla proved to be the opposite. From 2003 to 2008, this Toyota model faced recalls due to a poor transmission. Owners would experience the universal problems of a bad transmission: shuddering, stalling, rough shifting, etc.
A car with a subpar transmission only brings frustration and annoyance, so it’s safe to say that Corolla models declined in reliability and increased in dissatisfaction. All of the mechanical shortcomings that come with shoddy transmissions hurt the Corolla's resale value, as potential used-car buyers grew cautious about these model years. Even though the Toyota Corolla is known for practicality, the 2003 to 2008 models were anything but.
The Volkswagen Jetta model from 2006 to 2010 had issues with its DSG transmission. Inconsistencies were particularly noticeable during acceleration or when transitioning between lower gears, leaving drivers frustrated and uneasy. Among the numerous issues Jetta owners faced, inconvenience and reduced confidence resulted from frequent mechanical issues.
Volkswagen is a brand known for luxury designs, engineering innovation, and reliability, but the 2006 to 2010 models fell short in these areas. Owners were weighed down by constant repair expenses and uncertainty when they took their Jetta on the road. This car failed to meet the expectations of drivers and ended with a strained relationship between car owners and the brand.
