It is believed that a manual transmission is more reliable than an automatic one. However, a large number of modern cars are supplied precisely with "automatic machines" due to the ease of control and other advantages of the latter. Also, among the automatic transmission models, there are at least a dozen that can endure both difficult operating conditions and the whims of some drivers without significant damage. And even after overhaul they work like a clock. What are such devices - more on that later in the review.
Automatic transmission reliability criteria
Perhaps, any owner of an automatic transmission wants it to work for a long time and trouble-free. But manufacturers often limit the potential mileage of maintenance-free automatic transmissions to 150 thousand km, and this despite the fact that the service life of a car engine is on average 400 thousand km.
Real "marathon machines" are practically not produced today. Apparently, they are not profitable for manufacturers. But in the secondary market, you can find a car with automatic transmission, capable of working at a distance of 300 - 350 thousand kilometers or more without repair. Such boxes are sometimes called "unkillable" by motorists.
In addition to the usual "automatic", automatic transmissions are often referred to as robotic gearboxes, as well as variators. And yet, in this category, the classic torque converter unit is considered the most reliable and durable. The more steps, the more components are required and the higher the cost of the device. But, as a rule, the transmission does not become too vulnerable from this.
In addition, the reliability of a particular automatic transmission can be judged by its popularity among motorists or by their reviews. "Automatic machines" from ZF, Aisin, Jatco have won a good reputation. Similar products are distinguished by high quality from some automakers, such as General Motors.
Automatic transmission reliability rating for 2021
1. Aisin TF-80SC
The device called TF-80SC can rightfully be called the most reliable automatic transmission in the world. The six-speed unit is compact, perfectly balanced, well-functioning valve body and electronic control unit. The box is easy to repair and is much less hassle for owners than its predecessors TF60-SN and AW55-50.
The valve bodies of the TF-80SC automatic transmission are the development of the Japanese company Aisin, but they are manufactured and programmed by automakers taking into account the characteristics of specific car models. In general, there are two different approaches to setting up the electronics of the box:
- American - for Ford, Mazda, Land Rover;
- European - for Volvo, Opel, Peugeot.
The popularity of the TF80-SC is another confirmation that automatic transmissions do not intend to leave the market in favor of "robots". In addition, Volvo's alleged massive transition to DSG preselective gearboxes is postponed indefinitely.
2.ZF 6HP26 / 28/32
This family of automatic transmissions from the German company ZF is designed for cars with engines up to 6 liters. The ZF 6HP box, although it was distinguished by the rapid wear of the torque converter clutch, as well as problems with mechatronics, had a very successful design and became a kind of reference point for other manufacturers of "automatic machines".
Like its predecessor 5HP19, the "six" tolerates repairs well and with proper care it easily conquers the millionth kilometer. Boxes from Aisin can compete with the German 6HP series in terms of reliability and power, but not comfort.
ZF 6HP can be found on the following vehicles:
- BMW 3, 5, 6, 7 Series, X3, X5, X6;
- Bentley GT / GTC;
- Maserati Spider;
- Rolls Royce Drophead Cupe.
3. Volkswagen 01M
A four-speed automatic transmission from a German concern, which has become widespread in front-wheel drive cars with an engine capacity of up to two liters. It is characteristic that fast gear shifting is provided not by a hydraulic, but by an electronic unit.
The torque converter with bearing included in this transmission are considered to be very reliable parts, even taking into account the existing forced blocking. 01M is quite amenable to repair, and with proper care it can show a mileage of more than half a million kilometers.
At the same time, in 1995, the production of not only 01M units began, but also the five-stage ZF 5HP19, which outperformed them in terms of efficiency and price. This state of affairs forced VAG to close its own development of classic automatic transmissions, later switching to "automatic machines" from Aisin and ZF Group.
However, the VAG concern was not going to completely stop experimenting with the transmission and launched the production of its own 01J-CVT variators. And after a relative failure with this model, he began to produce the preselective "robots" DSG, which were considered more promising.
Automatic transmission 01M has found its application on the following vehicles:
- Audi A3;
- Volkswagen Passat;
- Mercedes V-Class.
4. Ford 4F27E
And this four-speed automatic transmission from the American manufacturer can be repaired without removing it from the car. The 4F27E is designed for front-wheel drive vehicles with an engine capacity of up to two liters.
Unpretentious and easy to operate, 4F27E often serves as a model for training automatic transmission mechanics. The box is reliable, maintainable, and with proper care it is ready to travel half a million kilometers.
Among the cars that got the 4F27E are:
- Ford Fiesta;
- Mazda 2, 3, 5, 6;
- Hongqi Mingshi.
5. Chrysler 45RFE
Among American automatic transmissions designed for heavy-duty engines, this model is considered the most reliable. The box was mated with power plants with a volume of up to 4.7 liters, which were supplied to Jeep SUVs: Grand Cherokee and Liberty, or a Dodge Dakota pickup.
In addition to the four forward speeds used during normal acceleration, the automatic transmission was supplied with an additional second for acceleration in the "kickdown" mode. But despite actually using five gear ratios, Chrysler called the transmission a "four-speed automatic." The aggregate index is deciphered as follows:
- 4 - the number of main forward gears;
- 5 - class of the box in terms of torque;
- R - "Rear wheel drive";
- FE - "Full Electronic" (fully electronic control of gear shifting).
Maintenance of the 45RFE is limited to oil and filter changes. If this is done on time, then the American "automatic" will be able to demonstrate a mileage of up to 400 thousand km without overhaul.
6.GM 5L40E
Developed on the basis of the 4L60E box, which has gained popularity in the USA, the 5L40E five-speed "automatic" has found wide application in rear-wheel drive cars from GM and BMW. The automatic transmission is reliable and has many functions. In particular, support for manual control and a sporty driving mode.
5L40E is considered to be very hardy, however, during its operation, it is advisable to prevent severe contamination of the oil by friction dust, which damages not only the mechanical part of the unit, but also the oil pump with a hydraulic plate.
The "automatic" does not make any special claims to the brand of transmission fluid, but it is picky about its volume, purity and temperature. If these conditions are met, the mileage of an American box without major repairs can reach 300 thousand km.
Among the cars equipped with the GM 5L40E automatic transmission, it is worth noting:
- BMW 3, 5 Series, X3, X5;
- Cadillac CTS, SRX, STS;
- Land Rover Range Rover.
7. Jatco JF613E
Automatic transmission from a Japanese manufacturer, capable of transmitting torque up to 330 Nm and belonging to the "heavy-duty" category, in which it competes with Aisin's TF-80SC, although it is a little simpler and cheaper. And in terms of reliability and service life, the JF613E can compete with the 6T45 gearbox from GM or the Korean A6MF1 family from Hyundai.
"Automatic" Jatco even outstrips variators from the same manufacturer in terms of unpretentiousness and resistance to damage.
With a timely oil change, as well as driving without overheating and extreme acceleration, the JF613E will be able to work at a distance of more than 200 thousand km without being distracted by overhauls.
Moreover, the parts of the box, as befits a Jatco product, are not only reliable, but also have a power reserve. Well, upon reaching serious mileage, it is advisable to carry out planned preventive maintenance of the unit, which is not particularly difficult, but can significantly increase the service life of the automatic transmission.
JF613E has graced the transmission of the following vehicles:
- Nissan Qashqai / Qashqai + 2;
- Mitsubishi Lancer;
- Renault Espace.
8. Hyundai A8LR1 / TR1
Eight-speed automatic transmissions can be quite reliable too. As, for example, the Korean "brothers" A8LR1 and A8TR1, designed, respectively, for V6 and V8 engines. Problems with electronics that occurred at the initial stages of production, including incorrect configuration of the box computer, were eliminated. After that, no significant deviations in the operation of the unit were observed.
Automatic transmissions of the A8 family need SP-IV RR oil, the volume and quality of which should be checked every 60 thousand kilometers. If necessary, the fluid should be changed, and at the same time the sump with the filter. Then the service life of the "machine" will be considerable.
Boxes A8LR1 and A8TR1 are the prerogative of relatively rare cars:
- Hyundai Equus;
- Hyundai Genesis;
- Kia Quoris.
9. Automatic transmission Infiniti QX60
In the second generation QX60 crossover, the Japanese automaker Infiniti intends to replace the variator with a nine-speed "automatic"! The brand new automatic transmission from ZF is characterized by a very decent gear ratio - almost 10: 1. The box is expected to perform reliably, as well as a confident and quick response.
The car itself was equipped with a six-cylinder engine, which was installed on active supports to reduce vibration. Main characteristics of the motor:
- volume: 3.5 l;
- power: 295 hp with.;
- torque: 360 Nm.
The crossover is designed to provide a comfortable ride both in the city and on the highway. For this, the car has five driving modes: Standard, Eco, Sport, Winter Snow and customizable Personal.
How the promising automatic transmission will show itself in practice can be judged after the start of mass sales of the updated QX60 crossover. Infiniti intends to bring this luxury SUV to market in mid-2021.
10. Jatco JF414E (for Lada Granta)
Lada Granta became the first Russian car equipped with an automatic transmission. This device was and still is the four-speed JF 414E from the renowned manufacturer Jatco.
The integration of the Japanese "automatic" with the Togliatti sedan was not entirely smooth, but still the transmission with the engine was able to make friends. The high levels of quality and reliability of the JF 414E are confirmed by the results of numerous test drives and owner reviews. Caring for an automatic transmission is reduced to periodic replacement of the lubricant and filter. Formally, such maintenance is not required, but it is still better to take care of the unit once again.
But AvtoVAZ does not carry out warranty repairs of this box. In the event of a malfunction, the automatic transmission is changed to a new one, and the failed device is sent to its direct manufacturer - Jatco for “debriefing”.
The main characteristics of Lada Granta:
- engine power: 87 - 106 hp with.;
- ground clearance: 180 mm;
- drive: front.
Conclusion
Japanese automatic transmissions from companies such as Aisin and Jatco are already, by definition, considered quite reliable. German ZF is not far behind in this indicator. And yet, among new cars, it is not easy to find a model with a "long-playing" automatic transmission, since automakers often give priority to the dynamic performance of the unit, rather than its durability. But in the secondary market, it is quite possible to buy a car with an “automatic” with a mileage reserve of a million kilometers.
|| list |
- Automatic transmission reliability criteria
- Automatic transmission reliability rating for 2021
- Aisin TF-80SC
- ZF 6HP26 / 28/32
- Volkswagen 01M
- Ford 4F27E
- Chrysler 45RFE
- GM 5L40E
- Jatco JF613E
- Hyundai A8LR1 / TR1
- Infiniti QX60 automatic transmission
- Jatco JF414E (for Lada Granta)
