Automotive News reports that a group of owners of 2011 and newer Ford Mustangs is suing the company over alleged defects in the sports car’s Getrag MT82 six-speed manual transmission. The suit alleges that Ford knows of the issue but has not taken adequate steps to prevent it, despite a series of technical service bulletins (TSBs) and other guidance to dealerships about various transmission problems.
The TSBs address a number of issues, all related to shift quality: Grinding, higher-than-expected shift effort, delayed clutch re-engagement, and notchiness. A National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) investigation found there was no safety risk associated with the issues, and Ford provided a few fixes that are claimed to address these complaints. You can check out the NHTSA summary of the investigation here.
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But owners say it isn’t enough—and that, unaddressed, the alleged underlying flaws in the Getrag design can cause “premature internal wear, increased shift efforts, inability to drive, and eventually suffers a catastrophic failure.” Ford declined to comment on the allegations, according to AN.
The Getrag MT82 replaced the older Tremec 3650 for the 2011 model year. When new, it was a significant upgrade in both shift quality, and—more importantly—gained an entire ratio over its five-speed predecessor. Revised for the 2018 model year, the updated MT82-D4 (which is also implicated in the lawsuit) was intended to fix some of the issues that plagued the earlier variant, with stronger synchros through fourth gear and a revised shift feel. Ford also added a twin-disc clutch and dual-mass flywheel. We found the MT82-D4 “high-friction and balky” in use, receiving nearly unanimous criticism from our staff.
The lawsuit, filed in California, will be heard in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan.