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Transmission problems and the lemon law
Yes. Transmission problems count under the lemon law like any defect the dealer cannot fix: in most states 3 or 4 repair attempts for the same problem, or about 30 days in the shop, inside the protection period. Owners filed 14,399 transmission complaints with NHTSA for 2021 to 2027 models of 35 makes, 14% of all their complaints.
When transmission problems count
- The same problem, again and again. Each repair visit for it is an attempt. Report it in the same words each time.
- Inside the protection period, 12 to 36 months after delivery depending on the state.
- Or about 30 days in the shop in total, for this and other covered defects.
If the transmission drops out of gear or stops the car in traffic, say so: some states count that as a safety defect, which needs fewer repair attempts.
What to tell the dealer
Describe what happens: harsh or late shifts, slipping, shudder, no drive, a warning light.
- Say exactly when it happens: cold start, a speed, uphill, after a stop.
- Ask the dealer to write your words on the repair order, and to note any software update.
- A "no problem found" visit still needs a repair order.
Makes with the most transmission complaints
| Make | Complaints | Share of the make's complaints |
|---|---|---|
| Ford | 2,877 | 23% |
| Chevrolet | 1,734 | 20% |
| Hyundai | 1,196 | 14% |
| Toyota | 1,169 | 15% |
| Jeep | 1,148 | 17% |
| GMC | 1,027 | 19% |
| Kia | 890 | 14% |
| Honda | 716 | 7% |
| Ram | 597 | 18% |
| Nissan | 552 | 14% |
| Volkswagen | 362 | 9% |
| Chrysler | 341 | 31% |
Latest recalls in this area
- BMW, October 7, 2026: 2024 R 18, 2023 R 18, 2022 R 18, 2021 R 18, about 4,630 vehicles. NHTSA recall 26V658000
- Land Rover, September 23, 2026: 2027 Range Rover Sport, about 1 vehicles. NHTSA recall 26V607000
- BMW, August 12, 2026: 2021 540I, 2022 540I, 2023 540I, 2021 M550I, about 36,823 vehicles. NHTSA recall 26V525000
- Lexus, July 8, 2026: 2026 TX Plug-IN Hybrid, 2026 TX Hybrid, 2026 TX, about 5,408 vehicles. NHTSA recall 26V437000
- Nissan, June 30, 2026: 2026 Rogue, about 5,823 vehicles. NHTSA recall 26V419000
Questions people ask
Does the lemon law cover transmission problems?
Yes. Transmission problems count under the lemon law like any defect the dealer cannot fix: in most states 3 or 4 repair attempts for the same problem, or about 30 days in the shop, inside the protection period.
Which makes have the most transmission complaints?
Ford (2,877), Chevrolet (1,734), Hyundai (1,196), for 2021 to 2027 models in NHTSA's files. Big sellers get more complaints, so a count is not a defect rate.
What should I tell the dealer about transmission problems?
Describe what happens (harsh or late shifts, slipping, shudder, no drive, a warning light), when and how often, the same way every visit, and make sure it is written on the repair order.
About the data
From NHTSA's complaint files, complaints received 2020 to now for 2021 to 2027 model years, counted by the component the owner named (Power Train). A complaint can name more than one component. Complaints are what owners report, not findings, and big sellers get more of them. Read on October 26, 2026.
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