Conventional Automatic Transmissions – Common Problems and Solutions

While the majority of modern cars get alternative types of automatic transmissions, the conventional ones are still extremely popular in older cars. These transmissions use torque converters and a set of gears. The engineering is pretty simple and so the durability is quite predictable.

These are the most reliable automatic transmissions today. Some of them can easily beat 300,000 miles - not many modern engines are capable of this. So, people still love them and try driving the cars equipped with them as long as possible before switching to newer types.

In this article, I will tell you about various types of conventional automatic transmissions and their common problems to bear in mind.

BMW E60 automatic transmission

The BMW E60 was made between 2003 and 2010. While it also had the so-called AMT gearboxes or automated manual transmissions, the majority of the vehicles were equipped with the 6-speed conventional automatic transmission.

This is the BMW transmission, one of the most common ones at that time. There is nothing special I can tell you about this transmission - it's pretty reliable and can last longer than the engine. But it needs proper maintenance.

Among the problems, I can think of slipping at high mileage, some unusual sounds that may disturb you when driving, and also common fault codes that can send the car into limp mode and limit its speed or power.

Overall, this is a good unit that doesn't cause a lot of problems and can last really long.

BMW E60 automatic transmission highlights:

• Average lifespan:180,000-220,000 miles
• Reliability Score:High
• Prone to minor issues:No
• Price for repair after failure:$1,500-$2,500
• Price for replacement:$5,000-$7,000
• Availability of parts:Good
• Common problems:overheating, slipping, strange sounds, limp mode.

BMW E70 automatic transmission

The legendary X5 in its E70 body was made between 2007 and 2013. This is one of the best-selling luxury SUVs of all time, so you need to consider it if you want a used car of this type. But what about the transmission?

The vehicle used two different conventional automatic transmissions - the ZF 8HP and also the 6-speed BMW automatic transmission with Steptronic. Both are quite good and can be reviewed in one section of this article.

There are more issues in the 8-speed automatic than in the 6-speed one. Still, even the ZF transmission is pretty good and may not cause any minor issues till it's worn out and about to die. Interestingly, the ZF transmission was also used in Land Rover, Audi, Volkswagen, RAM, Porshe, Jeep, and even Rolls-Royce, among other applications.

BMW E70 automatic transmission highlights:

• Average lifespan:190,000-220,000 miles
• Reliability Score:High
• Prone to minor issues:No
• Price for repair after failure:$1,700-$2,800
• Price for replacement:$5,500-$8,000
• Availability of parts:Good
• Common problems:overheating, chaotic shifting, not available gears, no reverse, punching.

BMW 745Li automatic transmission

Actually, the BMW 745Li used the BMW automatic transmission with 6 speeds. This is one of the most common gearboxes for the cars of the German brand at that time. It's not extremely reliable but it's much better than average.

The transmission may easily fail if it's not maintained properly or used in harsh conditions like towing something heavy or driving in off-road conditions. Fortunately, this gearbox is pretty easy to repair, so it won't cost you a fortune to rebuild even after fatal problems.

BMW 745Li automatic transmission highlights:

• Average lifespan:190,000-230,000 miles
• Reliability Score:High
• Prone to minor issues:No
• Price for repair after failure:$1,300-$2,400
• Price for replacement:$5,500-$7,000
• Availability of parts:Good
• Common problems:overheating, slipping, strange sounds, limp mode.

BMW X3 automatic transmission

Only in its first generation, the X3 used the BMW-made 6-speed automatic transmission with almost zero problems. After 2010, all X3 models have been equipped with the 8-speed conventional automatic transmission from ZF called ZF 8HP.

I've already enlightened this transmission in previous sections of this article. But here, it's worth saying that in the X3 this transmission did worse than in other lighter cars of the company. The SUV is often used to carry some payload or tow something. And hence the transmission's life is getting shorter.

If you maintain the transmission well and care about it, you won't have a lot of problems with the unit.

BMW X3 automatic transmission highlights:

• Average lifespan:190,000-220,000 miles
• Reliability Score:High
• Prone to minor issues:No
• Price for repair after failure:$1,700-$2,800
• Price for replacement:$5,500-$8,000
• Availability of parts:Good
• Common problems:overheating, chaotic shifting, not available gears, no reverse, punching, death because of overloading.

Lexus RX300 automatic transmission

The first generation of the RX called RX300 used only one transmission - the conventional automatic model U140E/F. The U-family transmissions were initially made by Toyota and used in various cars associated with this brand.

I should say that in comparison with any modern automatic gearbox, the U140E model was just bulletproof and could last longer than the entire car. It was a very durable unit made to last. But it had one problem - lack of flexibility. This led to huge fuel consumption.

Interestingly, till now a lot of Lexus RX300 models are alive and running on American roads and their transmission bolts weren't even touched by mechanics. Just fluid replacement is the thing to remember about.

Lexus RX300 automatic transmissions highlights:

• Average lifespan:220,000-260,000 miles
• Reliability Score:High
• Prone to minor issues:No
• Price for repair after failure:$1,200-$1,500
• Price for replacement:$4,000-$4,500
• Availability of parts:Good
• Common problems:high-mileage problems, jerking, lack of smoothness, lack of flexibility, bad MPG.

Lexus IS250 automatic transmission

Lexus IS250 was produced between 2005 and 2013 and it had several serious upgrades, including the change of the standard transmission model. It used 6-speed and 8-speed automatic transmissions.

They all belonged to Toyota's A-family transmission. There were several types of 6-speed transmissions but they didn't differ much from each other. Interestingly, the transmissions offered good reliability but still were worse than earlier families of Toyota automatic gearboxes.

Owners reported problems that could occur on relatively low mileage and this was unusual for Lexus vehicles. They were seen as top-quality cars and owners apparently expected better results from the technologies.

Lexus IS250 automatic transmissions highlights:

• Average lifespan:180,000-200,000 miles
• Reliability Score:High
• Prone to minor issues:Partially
• Price for repair after failure:$1,300-$1,700
• Price for replacement:$4,700-$5,500
• Availability of parts:Average
• Common problems:sudden failure, limp modes, electronic glitches, very sensitive to any overloading.

Lexus LS460 automatic transmission

The LS460 model was made from 2007 to 2017 and had several facelifts and upgrades. But it kept using the same transmission - an 8-speed automatic. This is the A-family Toyota transmission that got mixed reviews but is still seen by mechanics as a pretty reliable automatic gearbox.

One of the advantages of the 8-speed transmission is that it gives you the proper flexibility for driving in any condition. This allows you to burn less fuel under any circumstances and also not pay attention to how the gears shift.

The transmission has also one big disadvantage - it's pretty hard and expensive to repair or replace. So, you should keep up with the maintenance routine to avoid premature death of the gearbox.

Lexus LS460 automatic transmissions highlights:

• Average lifespan:190,000-210,000 miles
• Reliability Score:High
• Prone to minor issues:Partially
• Price for repair after failure:$1,500-$2,200
• Price for replacement:$5,000-$6,500
• Availability of parts:Average
• Common problems:electronic glitches, limp mode, sudden fatal failures, overheating.

Lexus RX350 automatic transmission

Here, I will be discussing the third generation of the RX model also called RX350 that was made between 2008 and 2015 (model years 2010-2015).

So, this model, in major cases, used the 6-speed automatic transmission called U660E. But, in some countries, they also used a CVT. Later on, the American market also got another conventional automatic gearbox for the F-Sport trim. This was the 8-speed automatic transmission by Toyota.

The type of transmission you have in your Lexus largely differs in the price of maintenance and repair. The 8-speed option is much more demanding and will take more money out of your pocket. But still, both transmissions are OK and live quite long lives.

Lexus RX350 automatic transmissions highlights:

• Average lifespan:170,000-200,000 miles
• Reliability Score:High
• Prone to minor issues:No
• Price for repair after failure:$1,600-$2,500
• Price for replacement:$5,000-$7,000
• Availability of parts:Average
• Common problems:lots of glitches and electronic problems, high-mileage issues, poor-maintenance failures, sudden limp mode.

Ram 2500/3500 Aisin 68RFE transmission

In Dodge vehicles with the Cummins 6.7L diesel engine, you will find the Aisin conventional automatic transmissions codenamed 68RFE. This is a pretty good option for almost anyone who needs a reliable and almost unbeatable truck for any hard tasks.

The Aisin transmission is not without its sin of course and it can be killed if you try hard. This transmission was introduced in the Ram trucks in 2007 and is still used in new vehicles. It's pretty modern and ensures wonderful fuel efficiency.

Of course, Aisin did a lot of job to prepare this unit for the high-torque diesel engine. And it's clear that it will survive almost any kind of job you will do on the truck.

Ram 2500/3500 Aisin transmission highlights:

• Average lifespan:220,000-260,000 miles
• Reliability Score:High
• Prone to minor issues:No
• Price for repair after failure:$2,000-$2,800
• Price for replacement:$6,500-$8,000
• Availability of parts:Good
• Common problems:valve body leakage, torque converter problems, sprag assemblies issues, overdrive clutches failure.

TorqueFlite 727 automatic transmission

Since we've started talking about Chrysler automatic transmissions, the Torqueflite 727 model shouldn't be overlooked. This is the purely legendary transmission that was first shown in 1962 to replace another legendary transmission called A466.

The 727 model powered dozens of models by Chrysler and its other brands and was used up until 1991. This is the aluminum transmission that introduced a lot of various technologies to the world. Like it was the first-ever transmission to introduce the parking pawl.

Interestingly, the 727 model is still very popular for drag racing and also off-road projects. These transmissions are cheap to rebuild and they are extremely strong and durable. Maybe, this should be called the best automatic transmission ever.

TorqueFlite 727 automatic transmission highlights:

• Average lifespan:350,000-450,000 miles
• Reliability Score:High
• Prone to minor issues:No
• Price for repair after failure:$500-$1,200
• Price for replacement:$2,000-$3,500
• Availability of parts:Good
• Common problems:shifting issues, noisy work, fluid leaks, vibrations.

Nissan Armada automatic transmission

So, the first-gen Nissan Armada (2004-2015) used the 5-speed automatic transmission called RE5R05A. Since 2017, the new Armada generation has used the 7-speed automatic transmission with the index RE7R01B.

Both are the transmissions made by Jatco, the company owned and operated by Nissan. These transmissions are both pretty good with the older 5-speed one being more durable and reliable. The new 7-speed transmission focused on flexibility, fuel consumption, and comfort rather than enhancing durability.

But still, even the new 7-speed transmission does seem to be a good choice among competitors. Its only serious flaw is that it's going to be extremely expensive to repair or replace in case of fatal failure.

Nissan Armada automatic transmissions highlights:

• Average lifespan:190,000-240,000 miles
• Reliability Score:High
• Prone to minor issues:Rarely
• Price for repair after failure:$1,200-$2,300
• Price for replacement:$6,000-$7,800
• Availability of parts:Bad
• Common problems:issues with shifting, electronic glitches, weak control unit, torque converter premature failure.

Chevrolet Colorado automatic transmission

There have been three generations of the Chevy Colorado. The first one started in 2004 and offered one manual transmission and also one 4-speed automatic - the legendary 4L60-E.

The second-gen Colorado still had manual transmissions to offer but the majority of trucks were sold with 6-speed or 8-speed GM automatic transmissions. The 2023 generation received only the modified 8-speed transmission called 8L80. This is one of the freshest conventional automatic gearboxes made by GM.

The older 4-speed units were the most durable and reliable. I would say that the 8-speed automatic in the second generation is the worst choice. All other transmissions are more or less solid in the Colorado.

Chevy Colorado automatic transmission highlights:

• Average lifespan:180,000-240,000 miles
• Reliability Score:High
• Prone to minor issues:Yes
• Price for repair after failure:$1,200-$2,500
• Price for replacement:$5,500-$7,000
• Availability of parts:Bad
• Common problems:shudder and vibrations, leaks of fluid, noisy work, expensive repair and replacement.

GMC Acadia automatic transmission

From 2007 and up to 2019 the GMC Acadia used 6-speed automatic transmissions. Then. For a short period of time, the second generation of the Acadia implemented 9-speed GM gearboxes. In 2024, GM introduced the new Acadia with the new 8-speed auto transmission.

The 9-speed transmission looks like the worst option due to a lot of reports. But even this gearbox is better than a lot of competitors.

When it comes to more popular 6-speed transmissions, there are basically no serious problems with them. Yes, their lifespan is not as long as you may expect it to be. But they cause almost zero problems and they aren't that expensive to repair.

GMC Acadia automatic transmissions highlights:

• Average lifespan:190,000-220,000 miles
• Reliability Score:High
• Prone to minor issues:Sometimes
• Price for repair after failure:$1,000-$2,000
• Price for replacement:$4,500-$6,000
• Availability of parts:Average
• Common problems:shuddering transmission, vibrations, harsh work, shifting issues, sudden failures, electronic glitches.

Chevrolet Cruze automatic transmission

In the first generation of Cruze, the company used three different types of 6-speed automatic transmissions. The GM 6T30 and 6T40 were the main options while some markets also used the Aisin AF40-6 transmission.

In the second generation, the company shifted to the 6T35 option for the majority of markets and introduced the 7-speed DCT unit for China. Also, manual transmissions were available in both generations.

All 6-speed automatic transmissions were good. All of them were able to throw some surprises though. Sometimes, these units require way more maintenance than you can imagine but in comparison with competition, they are still considered good.

Chevy Cruze automatic transmissions highlights:

• Average lifespan:180,000-220,000 miles
• Reliability Score:High
• Prone to minor issues:Sometimes
• Price for repair after failure:$1,200-$1,700
• Price for replacement:$4,000-$5,500
• Availability of parts:Good
• Common problems:leaks, sudden slipping, vibrations and shuddering, overheating and need to upgrade cooling.

Mercedes E-350 automatic transmission

The Mercedes W212 E-Class in its E350 trim had various engines and transmissions within the years of its production. It could have 5G-Tronic, 7G-Tronic, and 9G-Tronic under the hood. These are 5-speed, 7-speed, and 9-speed Mercedes transmissions offering great quality and durability.

While they still have their own issues and common flaws, these automatic gearboxes may be considered role models in the world of modern cars. They can survive longer than the car physically can last.

Also, all of these transmissions are very efficient in terms of fuel consumption and flexibility. They shift smoothly and bring joy when you drive your luxury Mercedes car. The only problem is if they eventually need repair, it will cost you a fortune.

Mercedes E350 automatic transmissions highlights:

• Average lifespan:210,000-240,000 miles
• Reliability Score:High
• Prone to minor issues:No
• Price for repair after failure:$2,000-$2,700
• Price for replacement:$7,000-$8,500
• Availability of parts:Bad
• Common problems:high-mileage problems, very sensitive to fluid quality, require wise use.

6.7 Power Stroke automatic transmission

In 2011, Ford introduced a new diesel engine for heavy-duty trucks - the 6.7L PowerStroke machine. It was coupled with the 6R140 6-speed automatic transmission. This is a real beast and it was made for super-high-torque diesel engines.

The transmission is very durable and has little to no problems. Unless you modify your truck. Engine chip tuning, larger wheels, etc. These things can seriously affect your transmission and lead to premature failure of expensive units and parts.

Also, overheating should be considered a common problem. Owners tend to modify its cooling system to let the transmission last longer, especially if it hauls or tows a lot of weight regularly or is used in mountains.

6.7 Power Stroke automatic transmission highlights:

• Average lifespan:210,000-240,000 miles
• Reliability Score:High
• Prone to minor issues:Sometimes
• Price for repair after failure:$1,200-$2,100
• Price for replacement:$5,500-$6,500
• Availability of parts:Average
• Common problems:overheating issues, problems in modified cars, issues with poor maintenance.

6.0 Power Stroke automatic transmission

Between 2003 and 2007, Ford used the 6-liter diesel engine in its F-Series heavy-duty pickup trucks and also E-Series vans. The 6-liter engine was mated to the 5-speed automatic transmission called 5R110W.

This was one of the strongest transmissions in the lineup of Ford. It could easily withstand the huge torque those diesel engines offered even after chip tuning. Of course, the heavy-duty use still limited the lifespan of these transmissions.

The 5R110W is still considered to be a reliable workhorse and is often used in upgrades and project cars. The transmission is almost flawless but the efficiency is questionable.

6.0 Power Stroke automatic transmission highlights:

• Average lifespan:200,000-230,000 miles
• Reliability Score:High
• Prone to minor issues:No
• Price for repair after failure:$1,200-$2,000
• Price for replacement:$5,000-$6,500
• Availability of parts:Average
• Common problems:shuddering and vibrations, noisy operation, issues in upgraded cars.

Ford F-150 automatic transmission

The new F-150 generation uses the 10-speed automatic transmission called 10R80 Select Shift. This is a durable yet very demanding transmission that needs proper maintenance and a lot of effort to keep it running smoothly and for a long time.

First of all, the transmission hates any kind of overheating, so putting on larger wheels or chip-tuning your engine is not a very bright idea. Also, these gearboxes are very sensitive to fluid quality and levels, so better to change it once every 40K miles or so.

Other than that, these are good transmissions that can easily withstand the torque any of the modern F-150 engines can produce. Interestingly, the same transmission is used in the Mustang and also in the Lincoln Navigator.

If you think that Ford reconsidered its failure and installed a better transmission in the Raptor and Raptor R models, you are wrong. All Raptor models still come with the 10R80 transmission that fails really often.

Interestingly, in the 2005 F-150 model, the company used the 4-speed automatic transmission called 4R75E and it wasn't much better in terms of its durability. It also had a lot of issues with heating and fluid contamination.

F-150 automatic transmission highlights:

• Average lifespan:150,000-180,000 miles
• Reliability Score:Low
• Prone to minor issues:Yes
• Price for repair after failure:$1,900-$2,400
• Price for replacement:$6,000-$7,500
• Availability of parts:Average
• Common problems:jerking, poor electronic system, a lot of upgrades and TSBs, transmission is still under development.

Ford Explorer automatic transmission

The new Explorer generation uses the only one available transmission - the 10-speed automatic gearbox. This is the 10R60 transmission. It has a different code from the F-150 truck's transmission but it has the same problems.

This is probably the worst automatic transmission in the Ford's history with some of its models giving up at 10-15 thousand miles. It's especially bad with the 3.0L EcoBoost with its high torque. There is a whole bunch of problems that can be thrown at you one by one.

It's good if you have all the problems solved within the warranty period. Otherwise, the 10R60 transmission has a chance to become one of the most expensive pieces of technology you ever owned in your life.

Ford Explorer automatic transmission highlights:

• Average lifespan:140,000-160,000 miles
• Reliability Score:Low
• Prone to minor issues:Yes
• Price for repair after failure:$1,900-$2,400
• Price for replacement:$6,000-$7,500
• Availability of parts:Average
• Common problems:jerking, poor electronic system, a lot of upgrades and TSBs, transmission is still under development.