MT82 Transmission: Problems, Durability, and Main Features

Every manual Ford Mustang from 2011 to 2020 utilizes the Getrag MT82 transmission. Ford used it as a replacement for the well-known TR-3650 and Tremec T5 adopted previously. Since then, the MT82 has faced several criticisms because of its many problems which have plagued Mustang users over the years.

MT-82 transmission highlights

• Average lifespan:150,000-230,000 miles
• Reliability Score:High
• Prone to minor issues:Seldom
• Price for repair after failure:$500-$1,000
• Price for replacement:$3,500-$5,000
• Availability of parts:Good
• Common problems: Almost no common problems registered.

Getrag MT82 Transmission in Ford Mustang

Ford Mustang's MT82 is a 6-speed manual trans that features an integral bell housing and aluminum shell. It has constant-mesh gearing and ball bearings as support for the output and input shafts-in addition to the countershaft.

The above-mentioned specs were put in place to make shifting better on the Mustang's trans. However, they didn't perform exactly as expected.

Note: The MT82-D4 is an upgrade from the fault-prone generation 1 and 2 MT82s.

Issues With the MT82 Transmission

MT82s have their fair share of issues, although they're the most recent transmissions of the Ford Mustang. Users of the vehicle have had various complaints about the trans over the years. We've stated them in the introduction. But keep in mind that high RPM lockout is the most common fault.

The MT82 can't handle a fast and hard push into 3rd gear, unlike the Tremec T5 which can do so efficiently. The former has a high chance of locking you out of 3rd gear because of the application of excess force.

It's worth noting that MT82s came as a big improvement in shifting quality in Mustangs. They had more ratio over their 5-speed predecessor (Tremec T5). Nonetheless, some users of the MT82-D4 have found shifting difficult due to the system's high friction. So you can say that all three generations of the trans are problematic.

Swapping out some particular components such as the clutch assemblies, shift shafts, synchros, shift forks, and others might not get rid of the issues. Not even changing the whole system is 100% sure to help. The faults would still occur with a new system.

Ford has however denied these assertions-stating that the faults happen due to user errors, rough driving, and wear and tear. They mentioned that the wear and tear is normal for a manual transmission. We've elaborated on Ford's response to various customer claims about the Getrag products in the next subheading.

Class Action Suit Against Ford

1) Background To the Suit

The class action lawsuit filed against Ford in 2020 cited the defects of the trans. And there were assertions that the company began to use Getrag's product to reduce costs.

The class action suit was titled "Gregorio et al versus Ford Motor Company" and was filed in the United States District Court for the Central District of California. It lists complaints that had been made for about 10 years (2011-2019).

2) Special Reports and TSBs (Technical Service Bulletins)

Ford was also accused of knowing about the trans problems being experienced by its customers all through the years. But they didn't cease the production of Mustangs with the problematic trans. Also, there weren't many improvements to the system as the years passed.

Customers blamed the company for not notifying them about the problematic trans all that time. This was because Ford had released multiple TSBs and special reports that were sent to their dealerships. The company has issued seven special service reports and TSBs on the MT82's repairs so far.

The TSBs were issued as regards the MT82-D4 and MT82 and they were mostly about improving shifting quality. For example; delayed clutch re-engagement, grinding, roughness, and higher-than-expected shift effort.

Dealerships were instructed by the company in the messages and bulletins to reassemble the system as a way to perform some fixes. They were also told to drain and refill the trans as well as swap out the following:

• Gearshift levers
• Countershaft 3rd gears
• 3rd and 4th gear shift forks
• Clutch pedal position switches
• Main shaft 2nd gears
• 1st, 2nd,3rd, and 4th gear synchro hubs and sleeves

The suit also included complaints about the incompatibility of the trans with Mustangs. In other words, the trans couldn't handle the horsepower generated by Mustangs efficiently, thereby leading to the system failing. Also, the system was deemed to be suited for smaller (4-cylinder) cars than the Mustang.

The above projects the engineering flaws of the trans. Mustang owners can expect the possibility of fast wearing, difficulty in shifting, inability to drive, and a catastrophic system failure at the end.

3) Probe by the NHTSA

An NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) investigation report was cited in the lawsuit. The report stated that the MT82 posed no safety hazards. This investigation was done in 2011 after the governing body discovered 364 Mustang customer complaints about the MT82's operation, particularly in cold weather.

Ford reportedly made some moves to rectify the issues, thereby making the NHTSA close the case. So that's why it's one of the references used in trying to prove that the company knew about customers' trans complaints as far back as a decade ago from 2020.

MT82 Features

Features such as the twin-disc clutch, dual-mass flywheel, strong synchronizers, power flow, direct-acting, hydraulic controls, and so on still make the MT82 a desirable product for Ford Mustang owners.

Then came the MT82-D4 in 2018 whose goal was to deal with the MT82's problems. It came with sturdier upsized synchronizers through 4th gear and an enhanced shift feel.

MT82-D4s have better dual-mass flywheels and twin-disc clutches than their predecessors. The former is meant to provide improved NVH (noise, vibration, and harshness), while the latter gives enhanced torque capacity and decreased inertia. See other notable features of the MT82-D4 below.

• Revised synchronizer cone angles & tooth geometry
• Improved power flow architecture & shift inertia (mass)
• Company-patented power-flow and direct-acting hydraulic controls

Certain upgrades can aid Mustang owners in fixing the issues mentioned so far. Read about such enhancements below.

What Can You Do To Fix or Upgrade Your MT82?

You can enhance the performance or feel of your MT82 transmission with some modifications. Such upgrades can help you get rid of common problems, make shifting smoother, and boost durability.

1) Swapping Out the Clutch

The only method for repairing the high RPM lockout problem is to change the clutch. Your choice aftermarket part should be capable of handling a higher power load since the MT82 isn't compatible with powerful engines. Some clutch kits can work with 1,000 HP (horsepower).

2) Purchasing a Short Throw Shifter

A new shifter can enhance the feel of switching gears and help to avoid missed shifts. Short throw shifters decrease the shift throw for a faster, more accurate, and smoother gear switch.

3) Adding Shifter Support Brackets

The trans has a semi-remote mount shifter which means that the shifter isn't positioned directly atop the trans like the Tremec T5. This leads to a reduction in NVH, but it adversely affects drivability.

A small amount of diversion is brought about by the semi-remote mount linkage and unstable shifter bracket. And it can unfortunately lead to missed shifts.

Improving the shifter brackets can give added support for the sake of optimal shift timing and smoothness. The feel of the shifts will be better as well. Some of the brackets can operate with aftermarket shifters.

4) Changing the Clutch Fluid Line

The stock fluid line can be unstable, thereby contributing to a sticking clutch pedal. Aftermarket clutch fluid lines can ensure trans durability and a better clutch feel.

You can also try to swap out the trans mount inserts, clutch springs, and other components that need to be changed to ensure standard performance and higher durability. We've discussed the MT82's expected lifespan in the next section.

MT82 Durability

You could be lucky to attain a mileage of 200,000 with this Getrag transmission if you care for it as recommended. Prolong the life of your MT82 or MT82-D4 by swapping out its clutch pads and changing the fluid routinely.

The MT82 is similar to a continuously variable transmission (CVT) in the area of susceptibility to faults. It can be a serious gamble to purchase it, but it's still worth the try based on positive reviews. Nonetheless, you could be unlucky to use an MT82 that experiences grinding and blows a synchronizer before hitting 70 miles.

Conclusion

Be careful not to totally disregard the Getrag MT82 transmission based on the negative reviews you find online without proper research. Some users have noted that they're satisfied with the performance of their MT82s.