Buying Guides
Automatic Gearboxes To Avoid: Which Used Automatics Have Known Problems?
6 min read
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CarVerified Team
Some automatic gearboxes have a record of judder, slipping and expensive failures. Here's which types to be careful with, the warning signs, typical repair costs and what to check before you buy.
Automatic cars are more popular than ever, but not all automatic gearboxes are equal. Some types have a track record of judder, slipping and expensive failures, while others are known for being very durable. Knowing which gearbox a car has, and how it’s been looked after, matters as much as the make and model.
This isn’t a list of cars nobody should buy. Many cars with these gearboxes run without trouble, especially when the right maintenance or software updates have been done. It’s a guide to what to check.
Check this car free first: enter the registration at carverified.co.uk to confirm the engine, fuel type and year, and see the MOT history.
The Main Types Of Automatic Gearbox
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Torque converter automatics are the traditional type, generally smooth and durable when the fluid is changed as recommended.
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Dual-clutch gearboxes (DSG, PowerShift and similar) shift quickly and efficiently, but some early designs, especially “dry” clutch versions, have a mixed record.
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CVTs (continuously variable transmissions) use a belt or chain instead of fixed gears. Some are very reliable, others less so.
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Automated manuals (AMTs) are a manual gearbox with robotic clutch and gear changes. They’re cheap to make but often jerky, and the clutch actuators can fail.
Automatic Gearboxes With Known Problems
Ford PowerShift Dual-Clutch (Around 2011 To 2018)
Fitted to automatic versions of the Ford Fiesta, Focus, EcoSport and some other models. Widely reported problems include shuddering when pulling away, slipping, hesitation and failures of the gearbox control module. Ford has offered extended cover and repairs in some markets. Check the service history for gearbox software updates and clutch replacements.
Early Volkswagen Group 7-Speed Dry Dual-Clutch (DQ200)
Fitted to many smaller-engined automatic Volkswagen, Audi, SEAT and Skoda models from around 2008, including the Polo, Golf, Audi A3, Ibiza, Leon, Fabia and Octavia. Reported problems include judder at low speeds and failures of the mechatronic (control) unit. Later versions were improved. A car with records of mechatronic or clutch work, or dealer software updates, is a better bet.
Some CVT Automatics
Some CVT gearboxes, including those used in some Nissan models such as the Qashqai, Juke and X-Trail, have had reported problems with judder, whining and failures, particularly on higher-mileage cars or where the fluid hasn’t been changed. Toyota’s hybrid system uses a different design (e-CVT) that has a strong reliability reputation.
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Automated Manual Gearboxes
Automated manuals were common on small city cars, for example Fiat’s Dualogic, older Toyota MMT and Citroën and Peugeot “EGS” and “2-Tronic” systems, plus Ford’s older Durashift. They’re often jerky to drive, and the clutch and actuator can be expensive to fix. They’re fine for some drivers, but try one on a long test drive first.
Automatic Gearboxes With A Good Reputation
Conventional torque-converter automatics from established suppliers, and Toyota’s hybrid system, generally have strong durability records. Wet-clutch dual-clutch gearboxes (such as Volkswagen’s 6-speed DQ250, used with larger engines) are also generally robust when the fluid is changed on schedule. As always, the individual car’s history matters more than the type.
Warning Signs Of Gearbox Trouble On A Test Drive
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Judder or shudder when pulling away, especially in slow traffic or on a hill.
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Hesitation, slipping or the revs flaring between gears.
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Clunks when changing from drive to reverse.
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Whining or grinding noises that change with speed.
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Gearbox warning lights, or the car going into a “limp” mode with limited gears.
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Jerky, slow changes on automated manuals.
How Much Do Gearbox Repairs Cost?
These are typical UK ranges and vary by model and garage, so get a quote:
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Gearbox fluid change: often around £150 to £400.
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Dual-clutch clutch pack replacement: often around £800 to £1,800.
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Mechatronic or control unit repair or replacement: often around £1,000 to £2,500.
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Replacement gearbox: often £2,000 to £4,000 or more.
What To Check Before Buying A Used Automatic
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Find out exactly which gearbox the car has. The trim name in the advert isn’t enough, so check the specification or ask a dealer.
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Look for service records of gearbox fluid changes where the manufacturer recommends them, and any dealer software updates.
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Ask for invoices for any clutch, mechatronic or gearbox work.
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Check the MOT history for clues about how the car was used, such as very low yearly mileage, which can mean lots of stop-start driving. You can check it free with our MOT check.
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Take a long test drive from a cold start, including slow traffic, a hill start and reverse.
Take Our Used Car Checklist To The Viewing
Our free used car checklist builds a tick-off list for the exact car you’re viewing: choose dealer or private seller and petrol, diesel, hybrid or electric, and it adds the extra checks for that fuel type. It covers the automatic gearbox checks to do on the test drive, so nothing gets missed. You can add notes as you go and download it as a PDF.
Should You Avoid These Automatics?
Not automatically. Many cars with these gearboxes have been repaired, updated or simply looked after well. Avoid cars that judder or hesitate on a test drive, or have no gearbox history, and be wary of a cheap price on a car with a known-problem gearbox. If you want peace of mind, choose a car with a torque-converter automatic or a hybrid system with a strong reputation.
You can read more in our guides to buying a used Ford Fiesta, Ford Focus, VW Golf, VW Polo, Audi A3, Skoda Octavia, Nissan Qashqai and Nissan Juke, and in our main guide to cars to avoid buying in the UK.
Which CarVerified Report Covers This?
A gearbox fault won’t show in a history report, so combine a long test drive with a full check that the car’s mileage, finance and write-off record are clean.
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Free check: start with the free vehicle check for the make, model, engine size, fuel type, year and MOT and tax status, so you can confirm the car matches the advert.
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Silver: the core vehicle history check, including write-off and stolen records. Finance is not part of Silver, but it can be unlocked separately.
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Silver Plus: adds the outstanding finance check.
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Gold: the most complete report, adding ex-taxi, salvage and valuation checks.
See exactly what each report includes on the pricing page or in the sample report.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is The Most Reliable Type Of Automatic Gearbox?
Conventional torque-converter automatics and Toyota’s hybrid system generally have the strongest durability records. Wet-clutch dual-clutch gearboxes are also usually robust when serviced on schedule.
Are DSG Gearboxes Reliable?
It depends on the version. Early 7-speed dry-clutch DSG gearboxes had more reported problems than the wet-clutch versions used with larger engines. Service history and any updates matter a lot.
How Do I Know Which Gearbox A Car Has?
Check the car’s specification, the service book or ask a main dealer to look up the VIN. The gearbox type often depends on the engine as well as the model.
Should I Buy A Used Car With A PowerShift Gearbox?
Only with care. Look for evidence of updates or repairs, and avoid any car that judders or hesitates on the test drive.
Does A Vehicle History Check Show Gearbox Problems?
A history check shows MOT history, mileage, write-off and finance records. It can’t test the gearbox itself, so combine it with a long test drive or an independent inspection.
Conclusion
The type of automatic gearbox can make a big difference to what a used car costs you over time. Some dual-clutch, CVT and automated manual gearboxes have well-known weak points, while torque-converter automatics and Toyota’s hybrid system have strong reputations. Find out exactly which gearbox the car has, check its service history, take a long test drive, and run a full history check before you buy.

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Related Guides
Table of Contents
1.
The Main Types Of Automatic Gearbox
2.
Automatic Gearboxes With Known Problems
3.
Automatic Gearboxes With A Good Reputation
4.
Warning Signs Of Gearbox Trouble On A Test Drive
5.
How Much Do Gearbox Repairs Cost?
6.
What To Check Before Buying A Used Automatic
7.
Take Our Used Car Checklist To The Viewing
8.
Should You Avoid These Automatics?
9.
Which CarVerified Report Covers This?
10.
Frequently Asked Questions
11.
Conclusion
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