Which used cars have known gearbox problems?

Which used cars have known gearbox problems?

The gearboxes below have a DVSA recall or a warning in Parkers' used-car buying guides. The list isn't in any order, and it isn't every gearbox that can go wrong.

Checked against DVSA's recall file and Parkers' buying guides in the sources. Not every car with one of these gearboxes will go wrong; these are the ones Parkers or DVSA flag. Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.

Ford Powershift: Fiesta, Focus and Mondeo

Powershift is Ford's dual-clutch automatic. Parkers says it has a reputation for rough shifting, clutch shudder, lost power and parts that wear early in the Mk7 Fiesta, sold from 2008 to 2017, where it was fitted to higher-spec cars, and advises looking elsewhere for an automatic supermini.

On the 2011–2018 Focus, Parkers warns buyers off it, with faults that run from shudder to a clutch that fails completely. Early cars used a dry clutch, later replaced by a sturdier wet-clutch design, and the gearbox needs a fluid and filter change every three years. On the 2014–2022 Mondeo, mainly earlier cars have it: Parkers says to avoid any without fluid and filter changes every three years or around 40,000 miles on record, and that later cars' conventional automatics are smoother and more reliable.

On the 2017–2023 Fiesta, Parkers doesn't name the gearbox, but says the optional automatic is much more prone to trouble than the manual, so check that it engages every gear.

Ford EcoBoost with a six-speed manual

Ford recalled cars with a 1.0, 1.5 or 1.6 EcoBoost petrol engine and a six-speed manual because the clutch pressure plate could fracture, DVSA's recall service shows. The recall notice gives a clutch smell and reduced speed and performance as signs, and says that in extreme cases fragments could hit parts under the bonnet, with a risk of smoke and fire. The recalls, R/2018/082 in July 2018 and R/2018/351 in February 2019, cover some C-Max, Focus, Galaxy, Kuga, Mondeo and S-Max models. The fix is new software on cars with stop-start, and a new clutch kit on cars without it.

Volkswagen Group DSG

DSG is the dual-clutch automatic in Volkswagen Group cars, such as Volkswagen, Skoda and Audi models. Parkers says the six-speed DSG in the 2009–2013 Golf GTI can be prone to juddering, jerky changes and losing reverse, and that changing its oil often avoids most of this. A sulphur smell or oil around the gearbox's control unit, called the Mechatronic, warns of a costly replacement.

On the 2013–2020 Golf, Parkers says jerky changes or a surging feel on a light throttle can mean an expensive repair. On the 2013–2020 Skoda Octavia, it says the seven-speed DSG goes in lower-powered cars, such as the 1.6 TDI and 1.4 TSI, and that DSGs need servicing every 40,000 miles, which some owners skip. TPS, part of Volkswagen Group UK, lists no service interval for the seven-speed DQ200, so check the car's service booklet.

Automated manuals: Easytronic, MMT and EGC

An automated manual is a manual gearbox whose clutch and gear changes are worked by motors and a computer. Parkers advises against the Easytronic in the 2006–2014 Vauxhall Corsa: it says the changes aren't smooth, and that sudden electronic faults can mean a large specialist bill. It suggests the four-speed automatic instead.

The MMT in the 2005–2014 Toyota Aygo is a version of Citroën's SensoDrive, which Parkers says is highly complicated, with a long list of possible faults. Setting up its clutch needs a specialist tool. In the 2009–2016 Peugeot 3008, mostly with the 1.6 e-HDi diesel, Parkers says the EGC's weak spots are the battery, sensors and wiring, then clutch and actuator wear, and that the clutch can need replacing at 60,000 to 70,000 miles in hilly, congested areas.

Vauxhall Astra 1.4 turbo six-speed manual

On the 2009–2015 Astra, Parkers says it has seen several reports of the six-speed manual failing on the 1.4-litre turbo petrol. Listen for noise and feel for a notchy or reluctant change on the test drive.

What's the most reliable automatic gearbox?

No dataset we trust ranks gearboxes, but on two of the models above, Parkers favours a conventional automatic: the later Mondeo Mk5's over Powershift, and the Corsa D's four-speed over Easytronic. Whatever the type, Parkers and the RAC stress keeping up the servicing.

Conventional automatics need care too. On the 2009–2016 Peugeot 3008, Parkers says dealers were told the six-speed automatic was sealed for life, but it lasts a long time with a fluid change every 30,000 to 40,000 miles. On one with over 60,000 miles and no fluid change on record, slipping or jerky changes can mean a clogged internal filter.

What causes gearbox problems?

The RAC lists four causes: wear and tear, fluid leaks that leave the gears short of lubrication, mechanical failures, and poor maintenance, such as never changing the gearbox fluid. How the car was driven matters too: Parkers says the clutch in a 3008's EGC gearbox can wear out by 60,000 to 70,000 miles in congested, hilly areas.

How do I check a used car's gearbox before I buy?

Confirm the car and its gearbox, check the paperwork, then drive it.

1. 1

   Confirm the car

   Our free check shows the car's make, model, fuel, engine size and when it was first registered, from DVLA and DVSA records, so you can see whether it's one of the cars above. The advert and the car itself tell you the gearbox.

2. 2

   Ask for the gearbox servicing

   For a Powershift, six-speed DSG or conventional automatic, look for fluid changes at the intervals above. TPS lists no set interval for the seven-speed DQ200, so check its booklet. On a high-mileage car that needed them, no record is a reason to walk away or offer less.

3. 3

   Ask about recalls

   For a Ford EcoBoost manual, ask the seller or a Ford dealer whether the clutch recall was done. Enter the registration on GOV.UK's recall check to see whether it's been recalled.

4. 4

   Drive it in traffic

   Pull away gently from a stop several times, on a hill if you can, and reverse. Judder, clunks, slipping, slow changes or a warning light are all reasons to stop.

5. 5

   Read the MOT history

   An MOT doesn't test the condition of the engine, clutch or gearbox, so a clean history doesn't clear them. Still look for repeat oil leak advisories, and check that the mileage fits the service stamps.

CarCanny's full report shows every MOT test with its mileage and the tester's failure and advisory items, which can include a leak. It doesn't show servicing or fluid changes, so it won't tell you the gearbox is sound. It checks whether the mileage ever went down between MOT tests, and checks finance, write-off, stolen and whether the DVSA records an outstanding safety recall.

Check a car for free

If you're buying an automatic you can't test properly, a pre-purchase inspection by a specialist in that gearbox is worth considering.

Frequently asked questions

Written by

Michał Żelazko

Car enthusiast at CarCanny

Michał works at vlayer, the company behind CarCanny, and is a motoring fan after hours.