Buying a used SUV can save money, but a transmission failure can quickly erase those savings. Some models have a history of developing expensive transmission problems soon after the factory warranty expires, leaving owners with repair bills that can cost thousands of dollars. While these issues do not affect every vehicle, they have been reported often enough to deserve careful attention before making a purchase.
Many of these cases are supported by thousands of NHTSA complaints, class action lawsuits, and manufacturer technical service bulletins that address known transmission concerns.
If you’re considering a used SUV, knowing which models have a record of transmission trouble can help you make a smarter decision. Below are seven SUVs with well-documented transmission issues, including the mileage ranges where problems are most often reported and the evidence behind each entry.
1. Nissan Pathfinder (2013-2020)
- Engine: 3.5L V6
- Horsepower: 260-284 hp
- Torque: 240-259 lb-ft
- Size: 197.2-198.5 inches long × 77.2 inches wide
The 2013 to 2020 Nissan Pathfinder is often mentioned when discussing SUVs with CVT reliability concerns. Equipped with Nissan’s Jatco Xtronic continuously variable transmission, this generation has received a large number of complaints from owners, many of which were submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). For anyone shopping for a used Pathfinder, the transmission is one of the first areas worth checking.
Many owners describe a shudder or vibration during acceleration, especially at lower speeds. Others report hesitation when pulling away from a stop, delayed throttle response, and transmission overheating during longer drives or in heavy traffic. These issues can make the SUV feel less responsive and may point to internal transmission wear.
Nissan responded by extending the CVT warranty on many affected Pathfinders to seven years or 84,000 miles. While that provided extra protection for some owners, reports of transmission failures continued to appear, with many replacements taking place between 80,000 and 120,000 miles. Once the extended warranty expired, repair costs often became the owner’s responsibility.
The Pathfinder remains a roomy and comfortable family SUV with a capable V6 engine, though buyers should carefully review its service records. A documented transmission replacement or a consistent maintenance history can provide added confidence when considering one of these models on the used market.
2. Ford Explorer (2020-2023)
- Engine: 2.3L EcoBoost Turbo I4
- Horsepower: 300 hp
- Torque: 310 lb-ft
- Size: 198.8 inches Long × 78.9 inches Wide
The Ford Explorer comes with the 10R60 automatic transmission. Some owners have reported hard gear changes, delayed engagement, and power loss. Ford has released multiple technical service bulletins to improve transmission performance.
Lawsuits involving Ford’s 10-speed transmissions, including the closely related 10R80, claim internal parts such as the CDF drum can wear prematurely. Many reported problems appear between 70,000 and 100,000 miles, though many Explorers never experience these issues.
Ten-speed transmissions promise genuinely smoother, more efficient power delivery through considerably more gear ratios than conventional automatics, yet Ford’s execution of this technology within the current Explorer generation has generated genuine reliability concerns worth understanding before any used purchase.
Harsh shifting represents one of the more frequently documented complaints, with owners describing genuinely noticeable jolts during gear changes that feel considerably less refined than what buyers would reasonably expect from a modern, sophisticated transmission design marketed around smooth, seamless operation.
Delayed engagement compounds this frustration further, with some drivers reporting a genuinely concerning pause between shifting into drive and actually feeling the vehicle respond, a characteristic that becomes particularly worrying in situations requiring immediate acceleration, like merging into traffic or pulling away from an intersection.
Litigation specifically targeting Ford’s broader 10-speed transmission family, including the closely related 10R80 unit found in other Ford and Lincoln models, alleges genuine internal component defects, specifically pointing toward CDF drum wear as a documented mechanical weakness contributing to these widespread performance problems.
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3. Jeep Cherokee (2014-2018)
- Engine: 2.4L Tigershark I4
- Horsepower: 184 hp
- Torque: 171 lb-ft
- Size: 182.0 inches Long × 73.2 inches Wide
The Jeep Cherokee uses the ZF 9HP nine-speed automatic transmission. Early models were known for rough gear changes, hesitation, and unexpected neutral conditions. FCA released software updates, recalls, and technical service bulletins to address these problems. Some owners still needed full transmission replacements between 70,000 and 100,000 miles.
Many buyers expected Jeep’s nine-speed automatic transmission to deliver smooth performance and better fuel economy, but the early versions fitted to this Cherokee generation quickly developed a reputation for reliability concerns. Owner complaints started appearing soon after launch, leading many drivers to question whether the transmission was fully refined before reaching the market.
Early model years were widely criticized for rough gear changes that made daily driving less enjoyable. Many owners also complained about delayed acceleration when pulling away from a stop or trying to overtake another vehicle. That hesitation often made the SUV feel slower to respond than expected, especially during highway driving where quick reactions matter.
Another issue that attracted plenty of attention involved reports of the transmission unexpectedly slipping into neutral while the vehicle was moving. Although this did not affect every Cherokee, it raised safety concerns and resulted in closer attention from regulators and owners alike.
Fiat Chrysler Automobiles responded by releasing several software updates, technical service bulletins, and recall campaigns aimed at improving transmission performance. Many vehicles showed better behaviour after receiving the updated programming, though the experience varied from one owner to another.
It is also wise to check service records carefully and take the vehicle on a thorough test drive to spot hesitation, harsh gear changes, or any other warning signs before making a purchase.
4. Nissan Murano (2015-2018)
- Engine: 3.5L V6
- Horsepower: 260 hp
- Torque: 240 lb-ft
- Size: 192.8 inches Long × 75.4 inches Wide
The 2015 to 2018 Nissan Murano delivers a comfortable ride, a quiet cabin, and a smooth V6 engine, but its Jatco Xtronic continuously variable transmission has raised concerns among many owners. This generation shares the same CVT design used in several other Nissan models that have received a large number of complaints submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
Commonly reported problems include shuddering during acceleration, hesitation when pulling away from a stop, transmission overheating, and reduced acceleration. Some owners say the Murano becomes less responsive during highway driving or when carrying a full load of passengers and cargo. These symptoms can point to internal transmission wear and may become more noticeable as mileage increases.
The Murano has also been mentioned in owner complaints and legal actions involving Nissan’s CVT technology. Many reported transmission repairs or replacements occur after the vehicle passes 80,000 miles, particularly on models that see frequent highway driving or occasional towing. Once warranty coverage expires, replacement costs can be substantial.
Despite these concerns, the Murano remains a comfortable midsize SUV with a refined interior and dependable V6 engine. Anyone considering a used 2015 to 2018 model should carefully review its maintenance records and determine whether the transmission has been serviced or replaced. A documented service history can provide greater confidence and help reduce the risk of unexpected repair expenses after purchase.
5. GMC Acadia / Chevrolet Traverse (2007-2016)
- Engine: 3.6L V6
- Horsepower: 281-288 hp
- Torque: 266-270 lb-ft
- Size: 200.7 inches Long × 78.2 inches Wide
The first-generation GMC Acadia and Chevrolet Traverse quickly became popular with families looking for roomy three-row SUVs that offered comfortable seating, generous cargo space, and a smooth ride. Powered by GM’s 3.6-liter V6 engine, both models delivered solid performance for daily commuting, family road trips, and weekend errands.
While these SUVs earned praise for their practicality, many owners eventually faced a costly problem that affected long-term ownership. The biggest concern involved the GM 6T75 six-speed automatic transmission. As mileage increased, many owners began reporting slipping gears, harsh or delayed shifts, and sudden transmission failure.
One of the most common causes was the failure of the 3-5-R wave plate, an internal transmission component that has been widely identified by transmission repair specialists as a frequent weak point. General Motors also issued several technical service bulletins addressing transmission-related concerns in these vehicles.
Drivers often noticed the first warning signs as rough gear changes or the engine revving higher than expected before the SUV finally accelerated. Some experienced hesitation when shifting into drive or reverse, while others found the transmission becoming less predictable during normal driving. If ignored, these symptoms could develop into complete transmission failure, requiring an expensive rebuild or replacement.
Many of these failures were reported between 80,000 and 120,000 miles, leaving owners with substantial repair bills after factory warranty coverage had ended. Because transmission replacement can cost several thousand dollars, buyers considering one of these SUVs should review maintenance records carefully and ask whether the transmission has already been repaired or rebuilt.
A thorough test drive that checks for smooth shifting under different driving conditions is also worthwhile. Choosing a well-maintained example with documented transmission service can greatly reduce the chances of facing expensive repairs after purchase.
6. Infiniti QX60 (2014-2020)
- Engine: 3.5L V6
- Horsepower: 265–295 hp
- Torque: 248–270 lb-ft
- Size: 196.4–200.1 inches long × 77.2 inches wide
The 2014 to 2020 Infiniti QX60 offers a comfortable ride, a spacious cabin, and a strong 3.5-liter V6 engine. Despite its luxury badge, this generation shares much of its engineering with the Nissan Pathfinder, including the Jatco Xtronic continuously variable transmission. As a result, it has experienced many of the same reliability concerns.
Owners have reported transmission shuddering, hesitation during acceleration, overheating, and sluggish response when merging onto highways or climbing steep grades. These problems can become more noticeable during long trips or when the vehicle is carrying a full load of passengers and cargo. Some drivers also say the transmission struggles under towing conditions, leading to reduced performance.
The QX60 has received numerous complaints submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), with many owners describing early transmission wear. Repair reports often begin appearing after 80,000 miles, though some vehicles experience problems sooner depending on driving conditions and maintenance history. Replacing the CVT can be expensive once warranty coverage has expired.
Although the QX60 delivers many of the comfort and convenience features expected from a luxury SUV, shoppers considering a used model should pay close attention to its service records. A vehicle with documented transmission maintenance or a professionally replaced CVT may be a safer choice. Taking the time to inspect its maintenance history can help reduce the risk of unexpected repair costs after purchase.
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7. Hyundai Santa Fe Sport (2013-2018)
- Engine: 2.4L Inline-4
- Horsepower: 185 hp
- Torque: 178 lb-ft
- Size: 184.6 inches Long × 74.0 inches Wide
The 2013 to 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport is a popular compact SUV thanks to its comfortable interior, generous equipment, and smooth driving manners. Many owners have enjoyed years of dependable service, but buyers looking at a used model should pay much closer attention to the engine than the transmission.
While some owners have reported automatic transmission concerns such as torque converter shudder or rough shifting through complaints submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), those issues are far less common than the engine problems linked to this generation.
The biggest concern is Hyundai’s 2.4-liter Theta II engine. Thousands of owners reported connecting rod bearing failures that could lead to engine knocking, loss of power, or complete engine failure. The large number of complaints led to investigations by the NHTSA, multiple recalls, warranty extensions, and class-action settlements. Because of this history, the condition of the engine should be the first thing any used buyer checks before making a purchase.
If you’re considering one of these SUVs, ask the seller whether all recall work has been completed and request documentation to support it. It’s also worth confirming whether the vehicle qualifies for Hyundai’s extended engine warranty, as coverage can vary depending on the model year, engine, and recall status.
Service records showing regular oil changes and routine maintenance can provide extra confidence that the engine has been properly cared for. During a test drive, listen carefully for knocking sounds, pay attention to any warning lights on the dashboard, and watch for rough engine operation or unusual vibration. Even if the transmission feels smooth, a healthy engine is far more important on this generation of Santa Fe Sport.
