Common Transmission Problems by Vehicle Brand

Certain transmission issues are seen more often in specific vehicle brands due to unique design characteristics, manufacturing decisions, and historical patterns. Understanding these differences can help car owners recognize warning signs and seek appropriate repairs sooner.

GM and Cadillac

GM and Cadillac vehicles often experience problems related to their automatic transmissions, especially in models using the 6-speed 6L80 and 8-speed 8L90 series.

Symptoms can include rough shifting, hesitation between gears, and occasional slipping, sometimes noticed as clunks or delays when accelerating.

Drivers might observe shuddering during gear changes or transmission overheating in both GM trucks and Cadillac sedans. One frequent concern is torque converter failures, leading to vibration or a “shudder” sensation at highway speeds.

Transmission fluid leaks are also more common, so spotting red or brownish spots under the car can be an early warning. Electronic control issues, such as unnecessary check engine lights linked to shifting, are another known problem.

Changing the transmission fluid at regular intervals is critical. Owners should always resolve any hesitation or jerky shifting promptly to avoid major failures.

For more information on common transmission warning signs, see these warning signs of transmission problems.

Toyota and Infiniti

Toyota and Infiniti transmissions are generally reliable, but there are recurring issues in some models, including delayed gear engagement and rough shifting.

CVT transmissions in Infiniti vehicles have been reported to suffer from whining noises, overheating, and gradual loss of acceleration, especially in high-mileage cars.

Common Toyota transmission problems include hard upshifts or downshifts, especially in older Camry or Corolla models. Sometimes the issue is due to worn solenoids, software calibration faults, or inadequate fluid levels, which lead to slipping or poor response when changing gears.

Electronic malfunctions can result in dashboard warning lights and the transmission entering “limp” mode to protect itself from damage. Routine fluid inspections and listening for unusual noises—such as humming or buzzing—are important to catching failures early.

If slipping or hesitation becomes noticeable, a transmission specialist should diagnose the problem quickly to prevent further deterioration.

Chrysler, GMC, and Lincoln

Chrysler, GMC, and Lincoln vehicles commonly show signs of transmission trouble such as hard shifts, slipping gears, and delayed or missed gear changes.

Chrysler’s automatic transmissions, particularly the 42RLE and 62TE variants, may develop shifting problems related to faulty sensors or internal mechanical wear.

Erratic shifting between reverse and drive is also frequently reported in older Chryslers. GMC trucks, which often share design features with GM vehicles, are susceptible to overheating and torque converter issues, leading to shuddering and a noticeable loss of power.

Transmission fluid leaks are also a concern; pooling fluid under the car should be checked out immediately. Lincoln vehicles, especially in SUVs and crossovers, may exhibit transmission hesitation, lurching forward, or difficulty engaging from a stop.

Regular fluid maintenance and paying close attention to early signs like buzzing or clunking during operation can extend transmission life.

See more about the common reasons for transmission problems.

Pontiac

Pontiac models, particularly from the late 1990s and early 2000s, are prone to a range of transmission failures.

The most frequently reported problems include slipping out of gear, rough or delayed shifting, and failure to engage drive or reverse.

Transmission fluid leaks are routinely seen underneath aging Pontiacs, which can quickly lead to low fluid levels and internal failures. A notorious issue in Pontiac Grand Prix and Grand Am models is erratic shifting due to worn clutch packs or solenoids.

Drivers may notice burning smells, grinding noises, or the car slipping back into neutral unexpectedly. Addressing small fluid leaks and scheduling regular transmission flushes are the best ways to stave off bigger repairs.

If symptoms such as delayed engagement or hard shifting prompt concern, immediate inspection is recommended. Prompt repair attention can prevent a minor concern from developing into a full transmission rebuild.

Read about additional common transmission issues to stay informed on early warning signs.

Performance Symptoms of a Failing Transmission

Transmission problems often cause noticeable changes in how the car accelerates and moves power to the wheels.

Issues in the gearbox can create symptoms that directly impact vehicle performance and driver safety.

Jerking or Hesitation

When a transmission is failing, jerking or hesitation during acceleration is common.

Drivers may feel the car lurch forward or pause unexpectedly when shifting gears or moving from a stop.

These symptoms can occur in both automatic and manual transmissions, signaling trouble with the synchronization or gear engagement inside the gearbox. A hesitating transmission often struggles to deliver smooth power transitions, making the vehicle feel unresponsive.

This can lead to difficulty merging onto highways or passing other cars. Causes include low transmission fluid, worn clutch components, or problems with internal gears.

Drivers should watch for gear slipping, delays in shifting, or rough movements, as these are classic signs of transmission issues.

Loss of Power to Wheels

One of the more serious indicators of transmission problems is a noticeable loss of power reaching the wheels.

The engine may rev, but the car moves sluggishly or not at all.

This symptom points to severe issues within the transmission or gearbox, such as failed clutch packs or damaged internal gears. Loss of power is dangerous because it reduces acceleration and control, impacting safety.

In some cases, the transmission will fail to engage any gear, causing the vehicle to remain stationary even though the engine runs. Immediate professional inspection is required when this occurs, as operating the car further could cause additional damage.

More information about these symptoms is available and can help identify when the transmission is not working properly.