Few mechanical problems damage a vehicle’s reputation as quickly as a failing transmission. Modern transmissions are highly complex systems, and even manufacturers that follow rigorous quality-control practices can struggle with design flaws, software issues, premature wear, and inconsistent component performance.

Some transmission trouble is expected as a vehicle ages and accumulates mileage. Buyers are far less forgiving when serious problems appear in relatively new models that should still have years of dependable service ahead of them. Repairs can be especially costly, often requiring extensive diagnostic work, major internal repairs, or a complete transmission replacement.

The vehicles on this list have attracted complaints, repair reports, or reliability concerns related to their transmissions. Before purchasing one, buyers should research the specific model year, review available service records, and check for recalls or technical service bulletins that may point to known problems.

Honda HR-V

This is a surprising entry, I’ll readily admit, but we’ve got plenty of surprises in store today. Drivers have reported sluggish take-off, shuddering at low speeds, and transmission failures at lower mileage when looking at the HR-V. Some of these are very much isolated problems, but they’re common enough that drivers are having to make warranty claims to get things right.

Nissan Rogue

I swear, every year I hear that Nissan has finally nailed the CVT, after well over a decade of teething pains, and it’s promptly shut down. While the Rogue’s transmission isn’t at risk of immediate failure, it leaves something to be desired when it comes to daily driving. Slipping when shifting, laggy acceleration, and problems with cold starts are just a few of the more common issues being reported on this year’s Rogue. Maybe next year Nissan will get it right.

Subaru Forester

Another surprising inclusion, the Forester, is seeing early transmission failures. Drivers have reported some issues with the 2024 and 2025 production models, something further reinforced when looking online. That said, some drivers have had complete failures at low mileage, which doesn’t instill much confidence in this Subaru.

Toyota Camry

I will add the caveat that this mostly applies to the hybrid model, but still. Seeing the Camry being noted on any list for transmission problems is a shock, but the data doesn’t lie. Odd noises, shuddering, and a slew of technical service bulletins all indicate that not all is well in the wider Toyota production line this year. Time will tell if it’s just ironing out the kinks or if something is fundamentally wrong with the hybrid drivetrain in use.

Toyota Tacoma

You can go digging online to see any number of complaints about this year’s Tacoma. Toyota’s mid-size pickup has something of a bulletproof reputation when it comes to any aspect of reliability. The latest Tacoma isn’t quite up to snuff, with sluggish acceleration, limping home to the service center for some vehicles, and long RPM hanging. While these aren’t part of a wider technical service bulletin, this is far for the first time we’ve heard of complaints around the Tacoma’s latest model.

Hyundai Santa Fe

Hyundai’s dual-clutch has had a number of complaints over the last few years, and that doesn’t look to be going away in 2026. The good news is that Hyundai is well aware of the issue, with the 2026 production run of the Santa Fe moving away from the dual-clutch completely. For drivers who have one this year, hopefully, Hyundai makes it right when considering the shuddering, early failures, and erratic shifting.

Kia Sorento

The Sorento suffers quite a few of the same issues seen with the Santa Fe, something that is shared among most mid-range Kia SUVs. Slipping, hesitation when shifting, and hard shifting have all been frequent complaints. Some of these issues have been fixed entirely with a software update. That said, some drivers have had to go through Kia to get a replacement done under warranty.

Ford Explorer

Ford’s 10-speed automatic transmission was at the heart of a sizable recall this year, especially where the Explorer is concerned. Drivers have been notified that a transmission valve body could cause their vehicles to slip into reverse or cause unexpected movement. While the recall is being fixed, this is just another in a long line of issues that drivers have noted with the Explorer over the last 5 years.

Ram Trucks

The NHTSA opened a broad recall query into the Ram trucks this year, thanks to concerns about the unintended movement experienced with vehicles from the product range. Some drivers have noted odd behavior, with shifting and brake-interlock symptoms that point to some more severe issues. This isn’t universal across the whole product range, but make sure to check your VIN or your local dealer to see if any open campaigns are running for your truck.

Chevrolet Equinox

Closing us out is the Chevrolet Equinox, which is also having trouble with its 10-speed automatic transmission. Drivers have described transmission warnings, jerky shifting, and the inability to shift properly on brand-new vehicles. While no active recalls are currently going on, the number of complaints is enough to give any prospective buyer pause.

Data and Sources

Corwin Honda has reported on transmission concerns with the Honda HR-V. Further claims made today can be corroborated by sources like Car & Driver covering the Hyundai Santa Fe. Consumer Reports also does coverage for vehicles that have potential problems.