Buying a car is one of the biggest purchases most of us will make in our lifetime, and nobody wants to shell out a few thousand bucks just to end up with a transmission failure that’ll cost as much as the car itself to repair.
The transmission is the lifeblood of your car, responsible for shifting gears and transmitting power from the engine to the wheels. When it fails, it’s not just a minor issue—it’s a major headache.
The worst part? Transmission repairs are often expensive, running anywhere from $2,000 to $6,000 depending on the make and model.
So, if you’re looking for a used car, knowing which vehicles are notorious for transmission issues is key to avoiding these costly repairs.
Let’s dive into five cars with major transmission problems that you should think twice about buying.
1. Nissan Rogue (Pre-2015 Models with CVT)
The Nissan Rogue has long been a popular choice for a compact SUV, but it comes with a huge downside: its CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission).
Nissan’s CVT is infamous for failure, with many drivers reporting issues after just 60,000 to 80,000 miles. CVTs are meant to provide a smooth driving experience, but Nissan’s version of the CVT has become widely regarded as problematic.
It can overheat, lose fluid, or simply fail, often requiring costly repairs or full transmission replacements.
Why you should avoid it:
The Rogue’s CVT is particularly prone to slipping, overheating, and losing power. Even with regular maintenance, the failure rate remains high, leading to an expensive repair bill that could easily run upwards of $6,000 for a new transmission.
Tip: If you’re set on a Nissan Rogue, opt for post-2015 models, as Nissan made improvements to the CVT design in later years. These newer models are generally more reliable when it comes to transmission performance.
2. Ford Focus (2012-2016 Models with Dual-Clutch Transmission)
Next up, the Ford Focus, specifically the 2012-2016 models, comes equipped with a dual-clutch transmission (DCT).
Ford’s dual-clutch transmission was marketed as a fast-shifting, fuel-efficient alternative to traditional automatics, but in practice, it has proven to be one of the worst transmissions Ford has ever produced.
Why you should avoid it:
The dual-clutch transmission in these Focus models has a reputation for early failure due to poor design and premature wear.
Issues with the transmission include jerky acceleration, grinding noises, and the complete breakdown of shifting mechanisms.
Tip: If you’re in the market for a used Ford Focus, try to find one that has a traditional automatic transmission, as the DCT is known to be unreliable. Be wary of any Focus from the 2012-2016 range with a DCT, and make sure to check for any transmission repairs before making a purchase.
3. Infiniti QX60 (2014-2018 Models with CVT)
The Infiniti QX60, a luxury crossover SUV, might seem like a good option, but unfortunately, it shares the same CVT transmission problems as its Nissan counterparts.
The QX60, built on the same platform as the Nissan Pathfinder, comes with a CVT that has had significant issues with reliability, particularly in models from 2014 to 2018.
Why you should avoid it:
Just like the Nissan Rogue, the CVT in the Infiniti QX60 has been known to overheat, lose fluid, and fail unexpectedly.
The luxury SUV may have a more upscale interior, but the transmission problems are exactly the same as in lower-end Nissan models, making the QX60 a poor investment if you’re after reliability. A transmission failure on this vehicle can cost as much as $6,000 to replace.
Tip: Like with the Nissan Rogue, if you’re looking at an Infiniti QX60, make sure it’s a model from 2019 or later, as Infiniti made significant improvements to the CVT design starting with the 2019 models. But again, be sure to check the maintenance history of any used car before committing.
4. Chevrolet Equinox (2010-2015 Models)
The Chevrolet Equinox from the 2010-2015 range is another vehicle plagued with transmission issues. The 6-speed automatic transmission in these models is prone to rough shifting, delayed acceleration, and complete transmission failure.
Even with regular maintenance, this transmission system has been known to fail much earlier than expected.
Why you should avoid it:
This transmission has a history of poor design, with many owners reporting issues well before the 100,000-mile mark. These problems can lead to early and costly transmission repairs.
Even if you maintain the transmission well, the design is inherently flawed, which means you’ll likely face major problems down the road.
Tip: If you’re set on buying a Chevrolet Equinox, look for a 2016 model or later, as Chevrolet significantly improved the transmission in these later models, making them much more reliable.
5. Nissan Sentra (2013-2017 Models with CVT)
If you’re considering the Nissan Sentra, especially from 2013 to 2017, be aware that this car comes with the same CVTtransmission that’s caused so many headaches in other Nissan vehicles.
The Sentra’s CVT is notoriously unreliable, with many owners experiencing premature failure or needing a costly replacement after just 60,000 to 80,000 miles.
Why you should avoid it:
The CVT in the Sentra is known for overheating, slipping, and losing power, especially on older models. These issues often arise just after the warranty period expires, leaving drivers with a hefty repair bill. A new CVT can cost as much as $4,500, making it an expensive repair for a relatively low-cost car.
Tip: If you’re considering a used Sentra, it’s best to avoid the 2013-2017 models, especially if they have no record of transmission repair or replacement. Look for models with a more reliable transmission, or consider a different vehicle altogether.
Summary Table
| Car Model | Transmission Type | Common Issues | Cost of Transmission Repair | Tip |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nissan Rogue | CVT | Overheating, slipping, power loss | $6,000+ | Opt for post-2015 models, as CVT issues were improved. |
| Ford Focus | Dual-Clutch Transmission | Rough shifting, slipping, hesitation | $4,000+ | Avoid 2012-2016 models with DCT, look for manual or newer automatics. |
| Infiniti QX60 | CVT | Overheating, fluid loss, failure | $6,000+ | Go for 2019 or later models with updated CVT. |
| Chevrolet Equinox | 6-Speed Automatic | Rough shifting, delayed acceleration, failure | $3,000+ | Avoid 2010-2015 models, look for 2016 and later. |
| Nissan Sentra | CVT | Overheating, slipping, power loss | $4,500+ | Avoid 2013-2017 models unless they have transmission repair records. |
These cars, while attractive on the surface, are plagued with transmission problems that can end up costing you thousands in repairs.
If you’re buying used, always check the vehicle’s service history, especially for any transmission work. A little research now can save you from a transmission nightmare later on.