Not all used cars are created equal. Back when they were brand-new from the factory, some turned what owners thought would be a smooth ride into a jerky journey. Let’s look at the worst offenders for faulty transmissions, based on real-world complaints, lawsuits, and expert reviews.

We’ll start with the Ford MT82, the 6-speed manual transmission that Ford installed in 2011 to 2020 Mustang models, especially the V8s. On paper, this setup looked ideal: a manual transmission in a muscle car. In reality, it caused plenty of frustration. Drivers reported grinding gears, missed shifts, and unpredictable clutch engagement. The problems ran deep enough that Ford issued internal service bulletins and later replaced the MT82 with a more reliable Getrag unit. A class-action lawsuit even claimed Ford knowingly used a defective design (ClassAction.org).

The 2013–2014 Nissan Pathfinder also stands out here. Nissan equipped these models with a CVT (continuously variable transmission) that often failed early. Many owners saw issues around 58,000 miles. Drivers described shuddering, poor acceleration, and sometimes total failure. Faulty torque converter castings often triggered the breakdowns, damaging other internal components in the process.

GM didn’t escape criticism either, thanks to a partnership with Ford. Their 10R80 10-speed automatic transmission, developed jointly and used in a range of trucks and SUVs, brought its own set of headaches. Owners reported jerky shifts, clunking noises, power loss, and even complete failure. The backlash led to recalls and class-action lawsuits, highlighting the widespread nature of the problem.

Several other models also made headlines (and repair shop visits) for transmission issues:

• Nissan Sentra: Various model years struggled with CVT problems, including surging and early failure.
  
• Ford Focus: The PowerShift dual-clutch transmission plagued owners with slipping, hesitation, and jerky performance.
  
• Kia Forte: Some drivers reported transmission failures at surprisingly low mileage.
  
• Nissan Murano (2011, 2013): These models showed a tendency to overheat and lose power due to CVT troubles.
  
• Ford Fiesta (2011–2014): This subcompact suffered from the same PowerShift problems as the Focus.
  
• Infiniti QX60 (2014): Owners frequently dealt with premature wear and torque converter issues.
  
• Nissan Rogue (2011–2012): CVT overheating often caused acceleration issues.
  
• Nissan Altima (2016): This model faced reports of complete transmission failure and costly repairs.
  
• Chevrolet Traverse (2013): Data shows a high rate of full transmission replacements in this model year.

Despite these built-to-break transmissions, buying a used car doesn’t have to feel like gambling. Do the legwork: Read up on specific model years, request vehicle history reports, and schedule a pre-purchase inspection. Spending a little time and money up front can save you from a transmission nightmare down the road.