8-Speed Automatic 850RE Transmission: Reviews, Opinions, and Features

The 850RE is an 8-speed transmission that has been specifically designed to meet the needs of Dodge Ram 1500 pickups and Jeep Wrangler models. It can also be found in other vehicles, including RAM 3500 trucks, as well as in some Chrysler 300 models. Let's take a closer look at its specifications to see what this transmission has to offer.

850RE transmission highlights

• Average lifespan:180,000-200,000 miles
• Reliability Score:Medium
• Prone to minor issues:Yes
• Price for repair after failure:$1,400-$1,900
• Price for replacement:$5,000-$6,500
• Availability of parts:Bad
• Common problems: Pump problems, fluid contamination, overheating issues.

What is an 8-speed automatic 850RE transmission, and what are its features?

The 8-speed automatic 850RE transmission was developed by Chrysler in collaboration with ZF, a German company known for its high-quality automotive parts. This transmission was first launched for the 2013 model year, and it offers a number of interesting features, including:

• Better fuel economy

The 8-speed automatic 850RE transmission offers improved fuel economy thanks to its innovative design. This is due to the fact that it has a wider gear range, allowing for more flexibility when it comes to shifting between gears.

• Efficient RPM level

This transmission ensures that the engine is running at its most efficient RPM level for the best performance and fuel efficiency. It also allows drivers to switch between gears more smoothly, further optimizing engine efficiency.

• Quicker acceleration

The 850RE is able to deliver quick and smooth acceleration thanks to the advanced algorithms that control its shifting pattern. With this transmission, you can enjoy a more responsive and efficient driving experience.

• Higher durability

In addition to its other benefits, the 850RE transmission also features a high level of durability, which means that it can stand up to heavy use in demanding driving conditions.

• AutoStick function

When you activate the AutoStick feature, the stick shift moves through the gears automatically. It is great when you are driving on the road with much slow traffic and if they need to accelerate or decelerate frequently.

Overall, if you're looking for an 8-speed automatic transmission that offers improved fuel efficiency and better performance, the 850RE is certainly worth considering. It has consistently received positive reviews from drivers and experts alike, making it one of the most popular options on the market today. Let's take a closer look at reviews from actual users to see what they have to say about this transmission.

How much does the 8-speed automatic 850RE transmission cost, and where can I buy it?

The 8-speed automatic 850RE transmission typically costs between $2,000 and $2,750, depending on the vehicle model. It is typically available from major automotive parts retailers and online distributors, as well as from vehicle manufacturers directly.

The main difference between the abovementioned two models is that the $2,750 model is designed for 3.6 and 2.0 non-eTorque engines. These engines are available on the Rubicon and Sports models. The cheaper model, which costs $2,000, is designed for all other engines.

Who would be the best candidate for an 850RE transmission?

One of the best candidates for an 850RE transmission would likely be someone who regularly tows heavy loads or frequently hauls a large load. This type of user obviously understands the importance of having a reliable and smooth-shifting transmission, as they will be using their vehicles constantly throughout the day.

If a vehicle is being used on a regular basis, it will likely be used in a wide variety of conditions, potentially involving towing and hauling. This can put a substantial amount of stress on the transmission, so having one that is durable and able to handle stress efficiently would be crucial. Furthermore, someone who tows frequently could benefit from an 850RE because it weighs less than most other automatic transmissions, which can result in potential fuel savings.

Ultimately, the 850RE is a great option for those who need a reliable and efficient transmission that can handle frequent towing and hauling.

However, it is also a great transmission for those who simply want a smooth and responsive driving experience. It is known for its advanced algorithms that help to optimize performance and efficiency, which makes it an ideal choice for anyone looking for a reliable, high-quality transmission.

So whether you frequently tow or haul heavy loads or simply want a smoother driving experience, the 850RE transmission is certainly worth considering.

How reliable is the 850RE transmission, and how often do you need to service it for optimal performance and longevity?

Overall, the 850RE transmission is considered to be quite reliable and durable. It has a high rating on most consumer review sites, with drivers praising its smooth shifting and responsiveness.

As such, it generally requires minimal maintenance or service in order to maintain optimal performance and longevity. The exact frequency of maintenance will depend on how you use your vehicle and how many miles you drive each year, but most experts recommend following the manufacturer's recommended service schedule for the best results.

Additionally, it is important to use only high-quality automotive fluids and parts when performing maintenance on your 850RE transmission, as this can help to ensure optimal performance and reliability over time.

What are people saying about the 8-speed automatic 850RE transmission online - good and bad reviews

1) Positive Reviews

Many people who have used the 850RE transmission praise its fuel efficiency and smooth performance, with some drivers reporting that they've seen an improvement of up to 15% in their fuel economy.

Most positive reviews emphasize that this transmission is way better than a 5-speed automatic, and it offers improved performance and efficiency when compared to a 6-speed transmission. It is more durable than previous generations of automatic transmissions, which is also a common theme among positive reviews.

Moreover, some drivers enjoyed this transmission even more than 10-speed automatic transmissions as it downshifts better and more efficiently.

Smoothness is another common theme, with many drivers noting that the 850RE transmission delivers seamless gear changes and a more responsive driving experience. Furthermore, it is emphasized that this transmission is well-calibrated, which means that it is able to adapt to various driving styles and different road conditions.

The transmission is almost bulletproof, so it is unlikely to experience any issues or problems even after years of heavy use.

Adaptive learning is another major benefit mentioned in positive reviews, as it allows the transmission to learn and adjust to your driving style over time. This can lead to further improvements in performance and efficiency, which is why many drivers see the 850RE transmission as a long-term investment.

Interestingly, drivers who enjoyed manual transmission before and switched to the 850RE have reported that they are now able to drive in automatic mode without any issues. This speaks volumes about the quality and smoothness of the transmission, as well as its ability to adapt to various driving styles and preferences.

Drivers have also mentioned that they don't even notice when gears are shifted, which only confirms that this transmission is truly one of the best options on the market today.

However, there are also some negative reviews from drivers who say that this transmission is too sensitive when switching between gears, leading to unintentional downshifting at inappropriate times.

2) Negative Reviews

There are some reports stating that the 850RE transmission may be stuck in first gear. Unfortunately, this may require the replacement of the entire transmission, which can be quite costly. Furthermore, you will probably need to wait for a while before a replacement unit is available.

Some drivers also emphasize that engine breaking is too aggressive, so it can take some time to get used to it. Furthermore, some drivers complain that this transmission doesn't use the 1st gear as often as it should, which can lead to unnecessary fuel consumption. These issues can be fixed with a software update, so it is a good idea to check for updates regularly.

Additionally, in manual mode, you have to push up to downshift and down to upshifts, which many drivers find confusing and unintuitive.

There were also problems with fluid dripping and transmission failure, but it is not clear if these issues were caused by a manufacturing defect or subpar quality control.

Hard upshifting was also reported on some occasions, especially when the transmission was cold. However, this problem usually resolves with the help of adaptive learning.

Despite these issues, most drivers seem to be happy with the 850RE transmission and would recommend it to other drivers. Overall, if you're looking for an efficient and reliable 8-speed automatic transmission, the 850RE is certainly worth considering. However, it's always a good idea to do your research and talk to other drivers before making a final decision.

Bottom Line

The 850RE transmission is one of the most popular options on the market today, thanks to its fuel efficiency and smooth performance. While it does have some minor issues, most drivers seem to be happy with this transmission and would recommend it to others. If you're looking for a durable and reliable 8-speed automatic transmission, the 850RE is definitely worth considering. Don't worry too much about the negative reviews, as they tend to be sporadic and don't represent the overall experience with this transmission. Ultimately, it all comes down to your individual driving style and preferences; however, it seems that the 850RE transmission perfectly aligns with the needs of most drivers out there.