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PowerShift vs ZF 8HP: which gearbox is more reliable?

According to our risk index, the ZF 8HP gearbox carries less risk than the PowerShift gearbox: 36/100 (moderate risk) versus 72/100 (high risk). The PowerShift gearbox has 3 documented serious faults, the main one being «Juddering, hesitation and slipping of the dry clutch (DPS6)»; the ZF 8HP gearbox has 1 documented serious fault, the main one being «Mechatronic failure as the gearbox ages (sometimes with reverse)».

Risk index

PowerShift

72

High risk · 3 serious faults

Risk index

ZF 8HP

36

Moderate risk · 1 serious fault

Lower risk

The index (0–100) weights the severity and frequency of the three most serious documented faults. How it is calculated

15 sourcesHow we work

Is the PowerShift gearbox reliable?

Ford PowerShift covers two different dual-clutch gearboxes: the dry-clutch DPS6, fitted to the Fiesta, Focus, B-MAX, EcoSport and C-MAX; and the oil-bath 6DCT450, fitted to higher-torque diesels in the Focus, Kuga, Mondeo, S-MAX and Galaxy. The DPS6 has racked up thousands of complaints about juddering and slipping, with a US court settlement in 2020; the 6DCT450 is more robust, but needs its oil changed every 50,000-60,000 km to avoid wearing out the clutch.[1][2][3]

See the 4 of the PowerShift gearbox faults

Is the ZF 8HP gearbox reliable?

The ZF 8HP is an 8-speed torque-converter automatic gearbox, launched in 2008 in the BMW 7 Series and later adopted by BMW, Audi ('tiptronic'), Jaguar, Land Rover, Alfa Romeo and Jeep. It has a reputation for being reliable, although it accumulates jerking that sometimes calls for reprogramming the control unit, occasional mechatronic failures and leaks from the sump gaskets; the oil is sold as 'lifetime', but several garages advise changing it earlier.[4][5][6][7][8]

See the 3 of the ZF 8HP gearbox faults

Side-by-side comparison

Comparison of PowerShift and ZF 8HP
PowerShiftZF 8HP
Technical data
TypeGearboxGearbox
Gearbox typeDual-clutch, 6-speed: dry DPS6/6DCT250 (around 250 Nm) or oil-bath 6DCT450 (up to about 450 Nm), depending on versionTorque-converter automatic with planetary gearsets, 8-speed, longitudinal mounting
Production2010–2023[1][2][9]since 2008[4]
Reliability
Risk index (what is it?)72High risk36Moderate risk
Documented faults43
Of high or critical severity31
Worst severityHigh severityHigh severity
Main faults
  1. High severity: Juddering, hesitation and slipping of the dry clutch (DPS6)
  2. High severity: Clutch pressure plate breakage (2018 and 2019 recalls on the Focus and C-MAX)
  3. High severity: Accelerated wear of the wet clutch in the 6DCT450
  1. High severity: Mechatronic failure as the gearbox ages (sometimes with reverse)
  2. Medium severity: Jerking and hesitation when changing gear, sometimes needing reprogramming
  3. Medium severity: Oil leaks from the gearbox gaskets or sump
Most expensive documented repairup to €2,800Accelerated wear of the wet clutch in the 6DCT450Published figure[10]up to €3,500Mechatronic failure as the gearbox ages (sometimes with reverse)Published figure[5]
Which versions to buy
BuyRecommended versionsNone
With cautionVersions to be cautious about
  • PowerShift DPS6 dry clutch, first generation (2011-2016)[1][2]
  • PowerShift DPS6 dry clutch, revised clutch (2016-2023)[13]
  • PowerShift 6DCT450 oil bath (2010-2023)[3][10][14]
  • 1st generation (2008-2013)[5]
  • 3rd generation, with electrification (from 2018)[15]
AvoidVersions to avoidNoneNone

Severity of each fault: green, low; amber, medium; red, high; dark red, critical. How we rate them

Cars that each one is fitted to

PowerShift

See the 11 models with the PowerShift gearbox

ZF 8HP

See the 19 models with the ZF 8HP gearbox

Other comparisons

With the PowerShift gearbox

With the ZF 8HP gearbox

Compare other engines

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Sources

Every fact on this page links to its source. If you find an error, let us know.

  1. Ford Focus (third generation)Wikipedia · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026
  2. Ford Fiesta (sixth generation)Wikipedia · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026
  3. Ford Mondeo MK5 (2014-2022): Typische Probleme & Rückrufegebrauchtwagenberater.de · Other source · published 9 August 2025 · consulted 27 September 2026 · in German
  4. ZF 8HP transmissionWikipedia (en) · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026
  5. Fiabilité BMW Série 5 (2010-2016), pannes et témoignagesFiches-auto.fr · Owners' forum · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
  6. Fiabilité BMW X5 (2013-2018), pannes et témoignagesFiches-auto.fr · Owners' forum · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
  7. Fiabilité Jaguar F-Pace, pannes et témoignagesFiches-auto.fr · Owners' forum · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
  8. Fiabilité BMW Série 1 (2011-2019), pannes et témoignagesFiches-auto.fr · Owners' forum · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
  9. GetragWikipedia · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026
  10. Ford Kuga (Mk2, 2012-2019): Typische Probleme & Rückrufegebrauchtwagenberater.de · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026 · in German
  11. Fiabilité BMW X3 (2010-2017), pannes et témoignagesFiches-auto.fr · Owners' forum · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
  12. Fiabilité Audi A6 (2011-2018), pannes et témoignagesFiches-auto.fr · Owners' forum · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
  13. Used Ford Fiesta (Mk7, 2017-2023) buyers guide: a solid second-hand superminiAuto Express · Motoring press · published 26 June 2026 · consulted 27 September 2026
  14. Ford S-Max: Typische Probleme & Rückrufegebrauchtwagenberater.de · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026 · in German
  15. Fiabilité Land Rover Range Rover Sport (2013-2022), pannes et témoignagesFiches-auto.fr · Owners' forum · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French