I was dead wrong about automatic transmissions lasting forever

Always thought a well-maintained auto trans would go 200k miles no problem, but after rebuilding 3 of them last year at my shop in Detroit, I changed my mind. The 8-speed units in those newer SUVs are packed with tiny solenoids and valve body issues that fail way before 100k. Anyone else see these modern autos dying earlier than the old 4-speeds did?

2 comments

2 Comments

adam_lewis11d ago

Rebuilding 3 of those in a year sounds like a great way to pay for a vacation or two. Guess the 8-speed is great for keeping mechanics busy.

lisak2611d ago

lol I used to be one of those people who swore older automatics were basically bulletproof. But honestly, seeing how many of these new 8-speeds crap out before 100k miles is making me rethink everything. Back in the day you could beat on a 4-speed and it'd just keep going, but now it's like they're made to fail right after the warranty ends. I get why some folks are sticking with manuals or even considering a swap these days.