If your vehicle’s transmission fails, power from your engine never makes it to the wheels — not something you want happening.
Unfortunately, transmissions don’t last forever.
Hard-to-shift gears and transmission fluid leaks are just some of the warning signs that your transmission is in trouble. We’ll explore the most common symptoms to help you spot issues early, so you can get them fixed before they escalate.
This Article Contains:
8 Signs of a Failing Transmission
Catching transmission issues in time can mean the difference between a minor service and a major, wallet-draining replacement.
Here’s what to look out for:
1. Your Car Struggles to Shift Gears
One of the most obvious red flags is trouble changing gears. Maybe the shifter feels stiff, or there’s a noticeable delay when you move into Drive or Reverse. In some cases, the car may hesitate when you press the gas pedal.
Possible causes: Low or dirty transmission fluid, clogged filters, worn transmission components, or faulty hydraulic pressure systems.
2. The Engine Revs but the Car Doesn’t Move (Slipping Gears)
You press the accelerator, the engine roars, but the car barely moves — or worse, it lurches unpredictably. Gear slippage often feels like the car has lost traction, even on dry pavement. This one is especially dangerous since gears can disengage unexpectedly while driving.
Possible causes: Worn clutches, torque converter failure, low fluid, or internal transmission wear.
3. Your Car Jerks or Shakes When It Shifts
Smooth shifts are something you don’t think about until they’re gone. If your vehicle shudders, jerks, or vibrates when changing gears, it’s usually a sign that the transmission is struggling.
Possible causes: low transmission fluid, failing solenoids in automatics, a worn clutch in manuals, or deeper internal wear inside the transmission.
4. Unusual Sounds While Driving or Using the Clutch
Cars make plenty of sounds, but you know when something feels off. Whining, humming, buzzing, or clunking while driving — or even in Neutral — often signals transmission trouble. Manual drivers may also notice grinding or squealing when pressing the clutch pedal.
Possible causes: Low or contaminated transmission fluid, worn bearings, damaged synchronizers, a failing torque converter, or, in manual cars, a worn clutch disc or linkage issues.
5. You Spot Red, Pink, or Brown Fluid Under the Car
Transmission fluid is usually red or pink when fresh, and turns brown as it ages. It also tends to have a sweet or slightly burnt smell. Finding a puddle of transmission fluid under your car is almost a sure sign of a leak. Even small leaks can lead to big problems if ignored.
If driving a manual car, leaks can also appear under your clutch or near your brake pedal.
Possible causes: Leaking seals, gaskets, or cooler lines; debris in dirty fluid, which creates pressure buildup that breaks the pipes.
6. You Smell Something Burning
That acrid, overheated odor is never a good sign. If you smell something burning after a drive, the transmission could be the culprit. This symptom should always be taken seriously—heat is a transmission’s worst enemy.
Possible causes: Overheated or burnt transmission fluid, leaks dripping fluid onto hot engine parts, or worn clutch material in manual transmissions.
7. Your Car Loses Power
If your car feels sluggish, struggles to accelerate, or loses steam on hills, it could be more than an engine issue. Transmission problems often show up as a lack of power reaching the wheels.
Possible causes: Gear slippage, torque converter failure, problems with the transmission control module, or other internal wear.
8. Warning Lights Come On
Modern cars are quick to alert you when something’s wrong. If the Check Engine light, Transmission Temperature warning, or Overdrive light pops on or blinks, don’t brush it off. Combined with drivability issues, these lights often point to transmission trouble.
Possible causes: Overheating, slipping gears, faulty sensors, or failures in components like the torque converter or control module. Diagnostic scans can reveal the exact error codes, as Check Engine light warnings cover many parts of your car.
How to Tell It’s the Transmission (and Not Something Else)
Many car problems feel similar. Weak acceleration can be caused by engine issues, clogged fuel lines, or dragging brakes — not just transmission trouble.
One way to narrow it down is to notice when the symptoms happen. If problems appear specifically during gear changes — like jerking, slipping, or noises while shifting — it’s far more likely transmission-related.
Another clue is the fluid. Low levels, a burnt smell, or dark fluid all point toward transmission trouble. If the fluid looks clean and the symptoms persist, the problem could be elsewhere.
Stay Ahead of Transmission Troubles with AutoNation Mobile Service
Transmission problems don’t appear overnight — they build up slowly. Paying attention to how your car shifts, sounds, and smells can often help you catch small issues before they snowball into a full transmission failure. Recognizing and addressing warning signs quickly ensures a safer, smoother ride, saving you from costly breakdowns.
If you need expert help, contact AutoNation Mobile Service. We offer easy online booking and are available seven days a week.
With a 12-month | 12,000-mile warranty on all repairs done, you’ll have peace of mind knowing your transmission is in good hands. Get in touch today.