Who makes the most reliable automatic transmission?

Valerie Raskovic

May 13, 2025

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The automatic transmission is a critical component of a vehicle, responsible for automatically shifting gears smoothly and efficiently. However, not all automatic transmission actively work to shift gears without human intervention. With the introduction of the Constantly Variable Transmission (CVT) the process of shifting gears has been replaced with a more efficient constantly variable gear ratios optimizing fuel economy.

Before making your car purchase decision it is important to consider all your options since in the recent years the automatic transmission has become an Achilles heel of the auto industry. There are many years, make and models of vehicle you may want to avoid for this specific reason.

With many of the most popular modern cars experiencing premature automatic transmission failure it is no wonder that consumers are a bit apprehensive about buying cars equipped with some of these newer 8, 9, 10 speed and CVT transmissions. These transmissions may offer improved fuel economy and seamless shifts some of them come with some additional long term reliability issues. In fact, there are so many vehicles on the market the last decade that are plagued with transmission issues it is simply easier to identify the few good ones rather than list all the ones one should avoid when shopping for a new or preowned vehicle. 

When it comes to the reliability of automatic transmissions, several manufacturers stand out for their consistent performance and durability. Here is the list of those manufacturers:

1. Aisin/Toyota

The Aisin brand is globally recognized for making some of the most reliable automatic transmissions on the market today. Aisin is partially owned by Toyota and embraces Toyota’s “quality first” mentality utilizing tried and true designs, assembly methods quality components and high standards. Aisin's transmissions have a reputation for worry free longevity with many vehicles equipped with Aisin transmissions lasting well over 200,000 miles on their original transmissions.

Some of the more noteworthy examples includes:

• Aisin 6AT: Aisin's 6-speed automatic transmission is known for its reliability and is used in a variety of Toyota and Lexus sedans, including the Toyota Camry and Lexus ES.
• Aisin 8AT: Aisin's 8-speed automatic transmission, used in vehicles like the Toyota Avalon and Lexus LS, has received positive reviews for its smooth operation and durability.
• Aisin/Toyota CVT: Toyota vehicles equipped with the Aisin CVT transmission are amongst the only CVT transmissions that are widely considered reliable. Vehicles equipped with this transmission like the Toyota Corolla, is known for its smooth operation and reliability for years to come.

2. ZF Friedrichshafen

ZF Friedrichshafen or more commonly known as “ZF” is a German company known for producing a wide range of products for the automotive industry. One of their top products which can be found in many of today’s vehicles like Audi, BMW and even many domestic brands like Jeep are automatic transmissions. In fact, ZF transmissions are amongst the most widely used automatic transmission brands in the industry. This brand makes custom tailored transmission to meet various automotive manufacturers specifications. They are renowned for using high quality materials and advanced manufacturing processes to ensure the reliability of its transmissions.

One of the biggest advantages ZF has in the industry is the fact that they are used by multiple automakers and have amongst the highest real-world testing data on which they based their improvements. Each reiteration is a bit better than the one it replaces.

Some of the more noteworthy examples include:

• 8HP: ZF's 8HP transmission is one of the most reliable and widely used automatic transmissions in the industry. It is found in a variety of luxury and performance vehicles, including BMW, Audi and Jaguar.
• 9HP: ZF's 9HP transmission is used in vehicles like the BMW X5 and Audi A6 and is known for its smooth shifts and durability.

3. Ford

Ford may not be widely known for making the most reliable transmissions however, the transmissions they have used in their larger vehicles has stood the test of time and are widely considered as very reliable. While lacking some of the more refined shifting characteristics of the ZF transmissions the transmissions Ford coupled with their 8-cylinder vehicles are well ingenerated and use robust components. They are known for incorporating advanced technology, such as adaptive shift scheduling and torque management, to enhance performance and durability. Coupled with rigorous testing Ford ensures that their V8 coupled transmissions meet high standards of reliability. Just keep in mind not all Ford vehicles are equipped with these transmissions so be sure to do your research in order to make an informed decision.

Some of the more noteworthy examples includes:

• 6F50N and 6R80: Ford's 6F50N and 6R80 transmissions are known for their reliability and smooth operation. These transmissions are used in vehicles like the Ford F-150, Ford Mustang, and Lincoln Navigator.
• 10R80: Ford's 10-speed 10R80 transmission, used in the Ford F-150 and Mustang, has received high praise for its performance and reliability.

4. General Motors (GM)

Like Ford, GM also reserves their best transmission to a select vehicles. They use high-quality materials and precise engineering. Additionally, the widespread use of GM transmissions in various models has allowed for extensive real-world testing and refinement.

Some of the more noteworthy examples includes:

• 6L80 and 8L90: GM's 6L80 and 8L90 transmissions are widely regarded for their reliability and performance. These transmissions are used in a variety of GM vehicles, including the Chevrolet Silverado, GMC Sierra, and Cadillac Escalade.
• 9-Speed 9T50: GM's 9-speed 9T50 transmission, used in vehicles like the Chevrolet Malibu and Buick LaCrosse, has also received positive reviews for its smooth operation and durability.

The reliability of an automatic transmission is crucial for the overall performance and longevity of a vehicle. While several manufacturers produce high-quality transmissions, 4 companies stand out for their consistent reliability and performance. Each of these manufacturers has a strong track record of producing transmissions that are durable, smooth and designed to last.