Portuguese 
English 
Spanish 
3 min of reading 
4 comments 
CVT, DSG, and Powershift Transmissions Lead Complaints in Brazil in 2025. Here Are the 04 Automatic Cars That Break Down Most, According to Procon and Workshops, with Repairs That Can Reach R$ 18 Thousand.
In the last ten years, automatic transmissions have shifted from being a luxury to becoming increasingly common in Brazil. According to data from Fenabrave, in 2025 more than 65% of new cars sold in the country will leave the factory without a clutch pedal. This trend has brought comfort but has also opened space for a problem that concerns drivers: the increase in failures and breakdowns in automatic systems, which can be very expensive to repair.
The Weight on the Driver’s Wallet
If a manual car’s clutch repair can cost between R$ 1,500 and R$ 3,000, in automatic vehicles, the prices are much steeper. Specialized workshops report that repairs can vary from R$ 8 thousand to R$ 18 thousand, depending on the brand and type of transmission.
According to Procon-SP, a significant portion of the complaints registered in 2025 involves CVT and dual-clutch automatic transmissions (DSG/DCT), known for their early wear.
-
The 2026 electric Vitara arrives in Brazil and proves that Suzuki is not leaving: 4×4 traction, 184 hp, 61 kWh LFP battery, 293 km range, R$ 259,000, and a trunk capacity of 224 L.
-
Hyundai has unveiled the Boulder, a square SUV with a body-on-frame design, 37-inch mud tires, and carriage-style doors that seems to be made to take on the Ford Bronco and the Scout Traveller in the United States.
-
The Toyota Hilux is R$ 75.5 thousand cheaper and bets on the 2.8 turbodiesel engine with up to 204 hp and 50.9 kgfm to catch up with the VW Saveiro, which leads with 4,472 sales.
-
The new Renault Koleos has a screen exclusively for the passenger that is invisible to the driver, heated rear seats, and 29 assistance systems, but its Chinese competitors cost R$ 40,000 less and deliver more power.
These Are the 6 Automatic Cars That Break Down Most in Brazil in 2025
1. Nissan Kicks CVT
The compact SUV from Nissan is a sales leader but also a champion of complaints in workshops.
- Common Problem: overheating of the CVT, especially during intense urban use.
- Consequence: jolting during shifts and loss of power.
- Average Repair Cost: R$ 10 thousand to R$ 15 thousand.
2. Honda Civic (CVT from Previous Generations)
Despite the brand’s good reputation, Civic models manufactured between 2016 and 2020 have accumulated complaints.
- Common Problem: premature wear of the CVT belt.
- Consequence: transmission “slipping” and risk of locking up.
- Average Repair Cost: R$ 12 thousand to R$ 18 thousand.
3. Volkswagen Golf and Jetta (DSG)
The dual-clutch transmissions (DSG) from Volkswagen have always been praised for their speed, but they are also subject to criticism.
- Common Problem: overheating of the mechatronic module.
- Consequence: jolting and total transmission failure.
- Average Repair Cost: R$ 15 thousand to R$ 18 thousand.
4. Ford Focus Powershift
The Powershift transmission from Ford has become one of the most controversial cases in Brazil, with legal actions and lawsuits at Procon.
- Common Problem: failures in the clutches and electronic module.
- Consequence: loss of acceleration and risk of sudden breakdown.
- Average Repair Cost: up to R$ 14 thousand.
Why Do Automatic Transmissions Have So Many Problems?
Specialized mechanics in automatic transmissions point to three main reasons:
- Lack of Preventive Maintenance – Many drivers believe that automatic transmissions do not require oil changes, but experts recommend replacement every 40,000 km.
- Overheating – Intense use in heavy city traffic accelerates wear.
- Sensitive Designs – CVT and dual-clutch transmissions have been created for efficiency but are more delicate and require extra care.
The Impact on the Used Car Market
These problems also directly affect the used car market. Models like Focus Powershift and Golf DSG have lost resale value, as buyers are wary of inheriting a problematic transmission.
In some cases, the depreciation reaches 20% below the market average, precisely due to the negative reputation of the transmission.
How Can Drivers Protect Themselves?
- Change the transmission oil on schedule (even if the manufacturer says it is “lifetime”).
- Be attentive to jerks and unusual noises.
- Request a transmission report on used cars before purchase.
- Seek specialized transmission workshops for early diagnosis.
What Do Manufacturers Say?
Manufacturers generally claim that the problems affect a “minority of vehicles” and that some failures result from improper maintenance.
However, consumer protection agencies warn that in some cases there have been design defects, which even led to international recalls.
Automatic cars have won over Brazil, but they have also opened space for a new headache: fragile transmissions and exorbitant repairs. According to data from workshops and records at Procon, models from Nissan, Honda, Volkswagen, Ford, Chevrolet, and Renault are among those that presented the most defects in 2025.
For drivers, the lesson is clear: preventive maintenance is the only way to avoid costs that can reach R$ 18 thousand.
A verdade é que os condutores não sabem operar corretamente câmbio automático!
Até onde eu sei o câmbio DSG e Powershift são automatizados e não automáticos.
Em determinado momento dessa postagem há o subtítulo “Estes são os 6 carros automáticos que mais dão defeito no Brasil em 2025”, porém a matéria não reflete o que diz, já que meciona somente 4 carros.
O possível jornalista está a procura dos outros dois modelos…. para finalizar a possível matéria