These Are the 6 Most Faulty Automatic Cars in Brazil in 2025, According to Workshops and Procon, with Repairs That Can Cost Up to R$ 18,000 for Drivers

Written by Valdemar Medeiros

Published on 20/08/2025 at 23:44

Foto: Estes são os 4carros automáticos que mais dão defeito no Brasil em 2025, segundo oficinas e Procon, com reparos que podem custar até R$ 18 mil aos motoristas

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CVT, DSG, and Powershift Transmissions Lead Complaints in Brazil in 2025. See the 6 Automatic Cars That Fail the Most, According to Procon and Workshops, with Repairs Costing Up to R$ 18,000.

Over the past ten years, automatic transmissions have transitioned from luxury to a common feature in Brazil. According to data from Fenabrave, by 2025 more than 65% of new cars sold in the country will leave the factory without a clutch pedal. This trend has provided comfort, but it has also paved the way for a concerning issue for drivers: the increase in failures and breakdowns in automatic systems, which can be very expensive to repair.

The Burden on the Driver’s Wallet

While a clutch repair on a manual car can cost between R$ 1,500 and R$ 3,000, expenses are significantly higher for automatic transmissions.
Specialized workshops report that repairs can range from R$ 8,000 to R$ 18,000, depending on the brand and type of transmission.

According to Procon-SP, a large part of the complaints recorded in 2025 involves CVT transmissions and dual-clutch automatics (DSG/DCT), known for premature wear.

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These Are the 6 Automatic Cars That Fail the Most in Brazil in 2025

1. Nissan Kicks CVT

The compact SUV from Nissan is a sales leader, but also a top contender for complaints in workshops.

Common Issue: overheating of the CVT, especially in intense urban use.
Consequence: jolts during gear shifts and loss of power.
Average Repair Cost: R$ 10,000 to R$ 15,000.

2. Honda Civic (CVT from Previous Generations)

Despite the brand’s good reputation, Civic models manufactured between 2016 and 2020 have accumulated complaints.

Common Issue: premature wear of the CVT belt.
Consequence: transmission “slipping” and risk of locking up.
Average Repair Cost: R$ 12,000 to R$ 18,000.

3. Volkswagen Golf and Jetta (DSG)

The dual-clutch transmissions (DSG) from Volkswagen have always been praised for their speed but also face criticism.

Common Issue: overheating of the mechatronic module.
Consequence: jolts and total transmission failure.
Average Repair Cost: R$ 15,000 to R$ 18,000.

4. Ford Focus Powershift

The Powershift transmission from Ford has become one of the most controversial cases in Brazil, with lawsuits and complaints filed with Procon.

Common Issue: failures in the clutches and the electronic module.
Consequence: loss of acceleration and risk of sudden breakdown.
Average Repair Cost: up to R$ 14,000.

5. Chevrolet Onix Plus (first units with 6-speed automatic transmission)

The best-selling sedan in Brazil also appears in workshops.

Common Issue: failures in the transmission oil pump.
Consequence: overheating and accelerated wear.
Average Repair Cost: R$ 8,000 to R$ 12,000.

6. Renault Captur CVT

The Renault SUV made the list due to recurring complaints recorded by Procon.

Common Issue: overheating on long trips and loss of pressure in the transmission.
Consequence: risk of transmission failure.
Average Repair Cost: R$ 9,000 to R$ 13,000.

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 the automatic transmission does 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 were designed 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, 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 within the recommended timeframe (even if the manufacturer claims it is “lifetime”).
Pay attention to jolts and unusual noises.
Request a transmission inspection 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 organizations warn that in some cases there have been design defects that led to international recalls.

Automatic cars have won over Brazil, but they have also opened the door to a new headache: fragile transmissions and expensive repairs. According to data from workshops and records at Procon, models from Nissan, Honda, Volkswagen, Ford, Chevrolet, and Renault are among those with the most defects in 2025.

For drivers, the lesson is clear: preventive maintenance is the only way to avoid expenses that can reach up to R$ 18,000.

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Robson

#162610

27/08/2025 06:46

Algum fabricante q explique porque nao precisa trocar o oleo, conforme o manual , se temos tantos problemas ?? Motivo mau uso ? Entao os carros nao podem mais andar mais nos engarrafamentos ?? Vendam bicicletas… Kkkkk

Responder

Fábio

#162569

27/08/2025 01:25

Câmbio automático é pra ****.

Responder

Alexandre Damião

#161782

25/08/2025 19:26

Fácil resolver esse problema.de.cambio…
Compre um TOYOTA….
Tenho o meu há 3 anos e.meio e troquei o óleo de câmbio com 112000 km e ainda estava bom…
Troquei o óleo de freio agora com 110000
e as VELAS com 107000…
meu carro nunca deu problema…..

RESUMINDO COMPRE UM …TOYOTA …
e saiu fora dessas **** que tem ai no mercado….

-2

Responder

Carlos

#162172

Em resposta a Alexandre Damião

26/08/2025 11:12

A aisin fabrica o câmbio do Toyota e do jeep e só o do jeep é ruim, vai entender, por isso não dou a mínima pra essas opiniões

Responder

These Are the 6 Most Faulty Automatic Cars in Brazil in 2025, According to Workshops and Procon, with Repairs That Can Cost Up to R$ 18,000 for Drivers

CVT, DSG, and Powershift Transmissions Lead Complaints in Brazil in 2025. See the 6 Automatic Cars That Fail the Most, According to Procon and Workshops, with Repairs Costing Up to R$ 18,000.

The Burden on the Driver’s Wallet

Major Oil, Gas, and Energy Event Will Take Place in Brazil: Macaé Energy Will Gather Petrobras, Equinor, Prio, Among Other Suppliers and Energy Executives for Business, Networking, and Employment Opportunities

These Are the 6 Automatic Cars That Fail the Most in Brazil in 2025

1. Nissan Kicks CVT

2. Honda Civic (CVT from Previous Generations)

3. Volkswagen Golf and Jetta (DSG)

4. Ford Focus Powershift

5. Chevrolet Onix Plus (first units with 6-speed automatic transmission)

6. Renault Captur CVT

Why Do Automatic Transmissions Have So Many Problems?

The Impact on the Used Car Market

How Can Drivers Protect Themselves?

What Do Manufacturers Say?

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These Are the 6 Most Faulty Automatic Cars in Brazil in 2025, According to Workshops and Procon, with Repairs That Can Cost Up to R$ 18,000 for Drivers

CVT, DSG, and Powershift Transmissions Lead Complaints in Brazil in 2025. See the 6 Automatic Cars That Fail the Most, According to Procon and Workshops, with Repairs Costing Up to R$ 18,000.

The Burden on the Driver’s Wallet

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These Are the 6 Automatic Cars That Fail the Most in Brazil in 2025

1. Nissan Kicks CVT

2. Honda Civic (CVT from Previous Generations)

3. Volkswagen Golf and Jetta (DSG)

4. Ford Focus Powershift

5. Chevrolet Onix Plus (first units with 6-speed automatic transmission)

6. Renault Captur CVT

Why Do Automatic Transmissions Have So Many Problems?

The Impact on the Used Car Market

How Can Drivers Protect Themselves?

What Do Manufacturers Say?

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