Families who need a third row also need a transmission that survives school runs, road trips and towing. Owner complaint records, consumer testing, recalls and class actions all point to models where the gearbox became the weak link. Here are twelve three-row SUVs with documented transmission trouble, each with the details that matter most to a buyer.
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1. Toyota Highlander: The Priciest Gearbox
The Highlander has 821 complaints, and the CarComplaints Highlander page lists a 2017 transmission failure averaging $8,600 at 57,000 miles. That is the highest repair figure in this gallery, and it arrives at a mileage when many owners still expect trouble-free driving.
A used 2017 Highlander should come with a clear service history, and shoppers can check the VIN for recalls at NHTSA. Any transmission hesitation on a test drive is a reason to walk away or get an inspection.
2. Ford Freestyle: Two Bad Years
The Freestyle has 427 complaints, with 2005 as its worst year, according to CarComplaints data on the Freestyle. Transmission failure that year averaged $4,600 at 107,000 miles, and a 2007 failure averaged the same $4,600 at 116,000 miles.
A buyer of either model year should expect the transmission to be the first thing to inspect. Fluid condition and shift quality are good indicators, and a mechanic can offer a more detailed read.
3. Nissan Pathfinder: Belt Slip and a Settlement
SlashGear reports that the 2013-2014 Pathfinder’s CVT suffered belt slip, causing power loss and shuddering. According to the SlashGear transmission roundup, a $277.7 million class-action settlement covers 2015-2018 models.
The settlement applies to later years than the belt-slip reports, so owners of a 2015-2018 Pathfinder may want to look at the terms. Shoppers should test any CVT-equipped SUV for smooth, shudder-free acceleration, and ask whether the unit has been serviced or replaced.
4. Toyota Sequoia: Aging Sequoia Trouble
The Sequoia has 339 complaints, and CarComplaints data on the Sequoia shows 2002 models leading the list. Their transmission failures average about $3,500 at around 97,000 miles, so the problem tends to arrive late in the vehicle’s life.
A 2002 Sequoia is now a very old vehicle, so a buyer should rely on service records and a thorough inspection. Evidence of fluid changes is especially valuable on a model this age.
5. Ford Expedition: A Rough Patch
The Expedition has 1,665 complaints, and CarComplaints rates the 2004 Expedition worst, for transmission failure averaging $2,700 at about 76,000 miles. That is the lowest repair cost among the transmission failures listed here, though it is still a substantial bill.
Shoppers looking at a 2004 should ask whether the transmission has been rebuilt or replaced. Towing history is also worth discussing with the seller, since heavy loads can be hard on a transmission. Checking the VIN for open recalls at NHTSA takes only a few minutes.
6. GMC Acadia: An Acadia Failure
A 2008 Acadia transmission failure averaged $3,700 at 86,000 miles, according to CarComplaints’ GMC page. The Acadia has 892 complaints in total, so the failure is one data point among many reports rather than the whole story.
Buyers of an older Acadia should look for records showing transmission service or replacement. A thorough test drive matters, including a few hard stops and accelerations, and checking recall status by VIN at NHTSA is a quick extra step.
7. Buick Enclave: Buick’s Top Problem
A 2008 Enclave transmission failure is the number one Buick problem on the CarComplaints Buick page, at $3,600 and 92,000 miles. The Enclave has 665 complaints overall, so this failure is the one CarComplaints singles out first for the Buick brand.
An older Enclave with high mileage should be checked for slipping or harsh shifts. A seller who can produce transmission service records makes the buyer’s decision a lot easier, and a pre-purchase inspection is worth the cost.
8. Ford Explorer: Rolling in Park
SlashGear describes a problem with Ford’s 2020-2022 Explorer and its 10R60 transmission, where an unintended PCM reset can cause the park pawl to engage unexpectedly. In the SlashGear Explorer entry, symptoms include grinding, power loss and rolling in Park.
A vehicle that can roll in Park is a safety concern, so shoppers should check recall status by VIN at NHTSA. Any reports of grinding or sudden power loss should be investigated before purchase.
9. Chevrolet Tahoe: Wheel Lockup Recall
GM’s recall 24V-797 covered 461,839 Tahoe-family vehicles over rear wheel lockup caused by trouble with the 10-speed transmission. SlashGear’s transmission roundup notes the recall followed 1,888 reports.
Owners of a recent Tahoe can look up the VIN at NHTSA to see whether the recall applies and has been completed. Buyers should ask for proof that the remedy was done, and should treat a missing record as a reason to confirm with a dealer before paying.
10. Honda Pilot: A Software Lawsuit
A 2024 class action names 2016-2022 Pilots. CarComplaints reported on the lawsuit, which alleges that software calibration in the ZF 9-speed causes rough, delayed shifting and loss of power. These are allegations rather than findings.
A used Pilot from those years should be test-driven with attention to shift smoothness. Owners who have experienced similar symptoms might keep dealer records of every visit for reference, since documentation helps if a claim or repair dispute comes up later.
11. Chevrolet Traverse: A Long Run, Then Trouble
Consumer Reports lists the 2013 Traverse among the models most likely to need a new transmission. The Consumer Reports list puts the typical mileage when the problem occurs at 110,000-135,500, a far later point than some other entries here.
A 2013 Traverse that is already near that mileage deserves extra scrutiny. Buyers can ask whether the transmission has been replaced, and a mechanic’s inspection is a sound investment, particularly on a vehicle that has already covered the miles where trouble is typically reported.
12. Subaru Ascent: Extended Coverage
A settlement over 2019-2020 Ascents with the TR690 CVT, alleged to hesitate, jerk, shudder and stall, extends powertrain coverage on affected parts. According to CarComplaints’ settlement report, the coverage runs to 8 years or 100,000 miles.
Owners of a 2019 or 2020 Ascent should read the settlement terms to see which parts qualify. A buyer can ask for dealer records showing that any covered work was completed, and should confirm in writing which repairs the extended coverage would handle on that particular vehicle.
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