Below is a list of well-known crossovers and SUVs that have developed a pattern of serious transmission troubles based on owner reports.

1. Jeep Grand Cherokee

Jeep’s Grand Cherokee is praised for its power and off-road prowess, yet a significant number of owners report recurring transmission troubles. Common complaints include unintended movement after coming to a stop, sudden transmission lock-up while moving, a clutch that slips or refuses to engage, and gears physically jumping out of place inside the gearbox. These issues are frequent enough that Jeep has had to launch multiple official recalls to address them.

2. Nissan Pathfinder

The Nissan Pathfinder won over buyers with its fuel efficiency and practicality, but many soon discovered a persistent weak spot: the CVT. Owners typically report a loss of pulling power and slowing down even with the accelerator floored, jerking and shaking when revs climb, and sudden total CVT failure. Faced with a flood of complaints, Nissan eventually chose to drop the CVT from later generations of the Pathfinder.

3. Ford Explorer

The Ford Explorer may be a top seller in the SUV segment, but it has also earned a reputation for transmission faults. Problems include random ECU disconnections that disrupt gearbox operation, failures of the parking brake that can cause unintended vehicle movement, and the transmission getting stuck in a single gear. In response, Ford organized large-scale service actions to tackle these defects.

4. Chevrolet Tahoe

The Chevrolet Tahoe stands out for its comfort and prestige, yet owners have repeatedly run into serious transmission ailments. Documented issues range from a rapid loss of acceleration and engine performance to transmission lockups that immobilize the vehicle, as well as harsh, unstable gear shifts accompanied by unpleasant noises and vibrations. Chevrolet conducted a recall for a number of units to fix these critical flaws.

5. Mercedes-Benz GLE

The Mercedes-Benz GLE may set a benchmark for premium build quality and technology, but even it hasn’t been immune to transmission woes. Owners frequently cite software glitches that shut down the engine while driving, uncommanded downshifts with jarring jolts and delayed reactions, and a broad sense of letdown that has left the GLE with notably low reliability ratings compared to its competitors.