ZF 8-speed (8HP / TorqueFlite 8) reliability: years to avoid, problems & recalls

By CarWhere Research · Updated

NHTSA records show no broad failure campaign for the ZF 8-speed (TorqueFlite 845RE/8HP) in Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep and Ram models. Its transmission recalls are small, build-specific campaigns: 2013 AWD 8HP45 output shafts (13V610), 2014 Ram park-pawl machining, 2017–2018 park-lock issues and a 2023 Ram control-unit weld. The largest related campaign, 16V240 (811,290 vehicles), fixed the monostable gear selector on 2012–2015 models, not the gearbox itself.

ZF 8-speed (8HP / TorqueFlite 8) at a glance

ZF 8HP eight-speed longitudinal automatic, built under ZF license by Chrysler/FCA as the TorqueFlite 845RE: key facts
FactDetail
TypeConventional automatic
Forward speeds8
Built byZF; Chrysler/FCA US builds the 845RE at Kokomo, Indiana under ZF license
Used byChrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Ram, BMW, Audi, Land Rover, Bentley, Rolls-Royce
Years in use2012 model year onward at Chrysler/FCA (US); ZF began a fourth generation in 2022
Also known as8HP, 8HP45, 8HP70, 8HP75, 8HP90, 845RE, TorqueFlite 8
Transmission-related NHTSA recalls listed6
Warranty extensions / special coverage listed0
Court settlements listed0

What the ZF 8-speed (8HP / TorqueFlite 8) is

The 8HP is ZF's eight-speed automatic for front-engine, rear- or all-wheel-drive vehicles. Chrysler introduced it in the 2012 Chrysler 300 and Dodge Charger V6, describing it as licensed through ZF and 'often found on high-end luxury cars including Audi, Bentley, BMW, Range Rover and Rolls Royce.' Chrysler first bought the units from ZF, then built its own 845RE version at Kokomo, Indiana, from September 2012, and markets the family as TorqueFlite 8.

The TorqueFlite family spread to the Jeep Grand Cherokee, Dodge Durango, Dodge Challenger and Ram 1500, with higher-capacity versions (8HP70, and 8HP90 for the Hellcat) behind V8 and diesel engines. ZF began building a fourth-generation 8HP for hybrid and combustion drivetrains in 2022, and its Gray Court, South Carolina plant has built that generation since 2025.

Which vehicles use the ZF 8-speed (8HP / TorqueFlite 8)?

Makes, models and model years equipped with the ZF 8-speed (8HP / TorqueFlite 8)
MakeModelModel yearsNotes
Chrysler3002012–2023V6 only for 2012–2014 (V8s kept a 5-speed); every 2015-on 300 uses the 8-speed[1][2][3]
DodgeCharger2012–2023V6 only for 2012–2014; HEMI and SRT models gained the 8-speed for 2015[1][4][5]
DodgeChallenger2015–2023 (automatic models)8HP70 with the HEMI; 8HP90 with the SRT Hellcat[4][6]
JeepGrand Cherokee2014–2021845RE with the V6, 8HP70 with the HEMI and EcoDiesel[4][7][8][6]
DodgeDurango2014–2024V6 and V8[4][9][8][6]
Ram15002013–presentV6 and HEMI; some 2013–2018 V8 trucks used a 6-speed instead; 2023 trucks named with the 8HP75 in recall 24V413[4][10][11][12][6]

ZF 8-speed (8HP / TorqueFlite 8) years to avoid vs. safer years

“Years to avoid” here means the model years with the most documented action — recalls, manufacturer warranty extensions or court settlements — not a prediction about any single vehicle. A car from these years with completed repairs and good records can be a sound buy; one without them deserves a closer look.

Model years with the most documented problems

  • 2013 Chrysler 300 / Dodge Charger AWD and Ram 1500 4x4 (3.6L V6) — Covered by output-shaft fracture recall 13V610 on the ZF 8HP45.[13]
  • 2012–2014 Charger and 300 (V6) and 2014–2015 Grand Cherokee — Covered by monostable-shifter recall 16V240 (a shifter issue), and the 2012–2014 cars are named in shift-quality bulletin 21-012-14.[21][8]

Known ZF 8-speed (8HP / TorqueFlite 8) problems

Shift-quality complaints addressed with an adaptation-learn procedure (2012–2014)

FCA bulletin 21-012-14 (Rev. A, July 2014) covers 2012–2014 Charger and 300, 2013–2014 Ram 1500, 2014 Durango and 2014 Grand Cherokee with the 845RE, 8HP45 or 8HP70. It tells dealers to rate shift quality when customers complain and, if needed, run an adaptation drive-learn, because the learned clutch values reset when the control module is replaced or cleared.[8]

Reported symptoms

  • Harsh or inconsistent shifts, especially after transmission or control-module service

AWD 8HP45 output shaft fracture (2013)

Recall 13V610 covered 2013 Chrysler 300 AWD, Dodge Charger AWD and Ram 1500 4x4 models with the 3.6L V6 and ZF 8HP45 transmission, whose output shaft could fracture. A fracture causes loss of drive and can stop the transmission from holding in Park. Dealers tested the shaft and replaced the transmission where needed.[13]

Reported symptoms

  • Sudden loss of drive
  • Vehicle not holding in Park

Build-specific park-engagement recalls (2014, 2017, 2018)

NHTSA records show three small park-related recalls: 2014 Ram 1500 4x4s with improperly machined transmission cases that could keep the park pawl from engaging (14V161, 125 trucks); 2017 Challenger 5.7L/8HP70 cars whose control software might not hold Park if the driver exited with the engine running (17V431); and 2018 vehicles built at Kokomo with an incorrect park lock rod in the 845RE (18V280, 71 vehicles).[14][15][16][17][18][19]

Reported symptoms

  • Vehicle may roll after being placed in Park

Transmission control unit weld on 2023 Ram trucks (2023)

Recall 24V413 covered 2023 Ram trucks with the 8HP75 whose TCU cover-to-baseplate weld could let transmission fluid reach electrical components, causing loss of drive or Park. Dealers replace the valve body and control unit.[20][12]

Reported symptoms

  • Loss of drive power
  • Loss of Park function

Monostable gear selector rollaway risk (shifter, not gearbox) (2012–2015)

Recall 16V240 covered 811,290 2012–2014 Charger and 300 cars and 2014–2015 Grand Cherokees with the eight-speed and a 'monostable' electronic gear selector. NHTSA's summary says the vehicles might not warn drivers who opened the door while not in Park. The remedy was a software update that adds rollaway protection. This campaign concerns the shifter design and park logic, not a mechanical transmission failure.[21]

Reported symptoms

  • Driver exits believing the vehicle is in Park when it is not

ZF 8-speed (8HP / TorqueFlite 8) recalls

Transmission-related NHTSA safety recalls (campaign numbers link to NHTSA)
NHTSA campaignReportedVehiclesSummary
13V6102013-12-062013 Chrysler 300 AWD, Dodge Charger AWD, Ram 1500 4x4 (3.6L, ZF 8HP45)4,194 vehiclesTransmission output shaft may fracture, causing loss of power and possible rollaway; dealers inspect and replace the transmission as necessary.[13]
14V1612014-04-012014 Ram 1500 4x4 built Jan. 24–Feb. 5, 2014125 vehiclesImproperly machined transmission case may keep the park pawl from fully engaging; dealers inspect and replace the transmission as necessary.[14]
16V2402016-04-252012–2014 Dodge Charger and Chrysler 300; 2014–2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee (eight-speed with monostable shifter)811,290 vehiclesGear-selector/park-logic recall: vehicles may not adequately warn a driver who opens the door while not in Park; dealers update vehicle software. Shifter design, not a transmission failure.[21]
17V4312017-07-072017 Dodge Challenger 5.7L with eight-speed (8HP70)7,802 vehiclesTransmission may not remain in Park if selected with the engine running and the driver exits; dealers update TCM software.[16]
18V2802018-05-012018 Dodge Charger, Challenger, Durango; Jeep Grand Cherokee, Wrangler; Chrysler 300; Ram 150071 vehiclesAn incorrect transmission park lock rod may have been installed; dealers install the correct rod.[18]
24V4132024-06-062023 Ram 1500, 2500, 3500 with 8HP75214 vehiclesInsufficient weld in the transmission control unit can let fluid leak onto electrical components, causing loss of drive or Park; dealers replace the valve body and control unit.[20]

Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers regardless of age or owner. Check a specific car by its 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with the CarWhere recall check.

NHTSA owner complaints: the power-train signal

Owners file complaints with NHTSA and tag each with the components involved. The tables below count, for each model year, how many complaints include NHTSA’s “power train” component (transmission, transfer case and driveline). Raw counts are not adjusted for sales volume or vehicle age, so compare the power-train share across years of the same model rather than across models.

Jeep Grand Cherokee

In the model years that used the ZF 8-speed (8HP / TorqueFlite 8) (highlighted), 1,195 of 6,189 NHTSA owner complaints (19.3%) list the power train as a component, versus 8% across the other Jeep Grand Cherokee model years in the same snapshot. The highest count is the 2014 model year, with 473 power-train complaints.

Jeep Grand Cherokee: NHTSA owner complaints by model year, all components vs. power train
Model yearAll complaintsPower-train complaintsPower-train share
20087337710.5%
20091382316.7%
20101172218.8%
20111,638905.5%
20121,6371016.2%
2013799546.8%
2014ZF 8-speed (8HP / TorqueFlite 8)2,36947320%
2015ZF 8-speed (8HP / TorqueFlite 8)1,34035026.1%
2016ZF 8-speed (8HP / TorqueFlite 8)3067825.5%
2017ZF 8-speed (8HP / TorqueFlite 8)3618724.1%
2018ZF 8-speed (8HP / TorqueFlite 8)837708.4%
2019ZF 8-speed (8HP / TorqueFlite 8)3564412.4%
2020ZF 8-speed (8HP / TorqueFlite 8)2243817%
2021ZF 8-speed (8HP / TorqueFlite 8)3965513.9%
20223565314.9%
2023371359.4%
20242322510.8%
202559915.3%

Dodge Durango

In the model years that used the ZF 8-speed (8HP / TorqueFlite 8) (highlighted), 191 of 2,346 NHTSA owner complaints (8.1%) list the power train as a component, versus 5.9% across the other Dodge Durango model years in the same snapshot. The highest count is the 2014 model year, with 42 power-train complaints.

Dodge Durango: NHTSA owner complaints by model year, all components vs. power train
Model yearAll complaintsPower-train complaintsPower-train share
20089744.1%
200919315.8%
2011797516.4%
2012637375.8%
2013640345.3%
2014ZF 8-speed (8HP / TorqueFlite 8)781425.4%
2015ZF 8-speed (8HP / TorqueFlite 8)502387.6%
2016ZF 8-speed (8HP / TorqueFlite 8)1593018.9%
2017ZF 8-speed (8HP / TorqueFlite 8)2092311%
2018ZF 8-speed (8HP / TorqueFlite 8)227135.7%
2019ZF 8-speed (8HP / TorqueFlite 8)138128.7%
2020ZF 8-speed (8HP / TorqueFlite 8)5335.7%
2021ZF 8-speed (8HP / TorqueFlite 8)183105.5%
2022ZF 8-speed (8HP / TorqueFlite 8)53917%
2023ZF 8-speed (8HP / TorqueFlite 8)32721.9%
2024ZF 8-speed (8HP / TorqueFlite 8)9444.4%
2025700%

Chrysler 300

In the model years that used the ZF 8-speed (8HP / TorqueFlite 8) (highlighted), 66 of 506 NHTSA owner complaints (13%) list the power train as a component, versus 11.6% across the other Chrysler 300 model years in the same snapshot. The highest count is the 2015 model year, with 24 power-train complaints.

Chrysler 300: NHTSA owner complaints by model year, all components vs. power train
Model yearAll complaintsPower-train complaintsPower-train share
2008758314.1%
20099544.2%
201013753.6%
201120063%
20124247818.4%
20133055819%
20142366929.2%
2015ZF 8-speed (8HP / TorqueFlite 8)972424.7%
2016ZF 8-speed (8HP / TorqueFlite 8)761418.4%
2017ZF 8-speed (8HP / TorqueFlite 8)8267.3%
2018ZF 8-speed (8HP / TorqueFlite 8)1521711.2%
2019ZF 8-speed (8HP / TorqueFlite 8)5935.1%
2020ZF 8-speed (8HP / TorqueFlite 8)10110%
2021ZF 8-speed (8HP / TorqueFlite 8)1900%
2022ZF 8-speed (8HP / TorqueFlite 8)5120%
2023ZF 8-speed (8HP / TorqueFlite 8)600%

Dodge Charger

In the model years that used the ZF 8-speed (8HP / TorqueFlite 8) (highlighted), 100 of 807 NHTSA owner complaints (12.4%) list the power train as a component, versus 8.3% across the other Dodge Charger model years in the same snapshot. The highest count is the 2015 model year, with 32 power-train complaints.

Dodge Charger: NHTSA owner complaints by model year, all components vs. power train
Model yearAll complaintsPower-train complaintsPower-train share
2008624355.6%
200917563.4%
2010238198%
2011692213%
20126486510%
20133584813.4%
20143426017.5%
2015ZF 8-speed (8HP / TorqueFlite 8)1353223.7%
2016ZF 8-speed (8HP / TorqueFlite 8)1822513.7%
2017ZF 8-speed (8HP / TorqueFlite 8)1251612.8%
2018ZF 8-speed (8HP / TorqueFlite 8)122108.2%
2019ZF 8-speed (8HP / TorqueFlite 8)11810.8%
2020ZF 8-speed (8HP / TorqueFlite 8)5700%
2021ZF 8-speed (8HP / TorqueFlite 8)32515.6%
2022ZF 8-speed (8HP / TorqueFlite 8)11218.2%
2023ZF 8-speed (8HP / TorqueFlite 8)25936%
2024900%
202519421.1%

Ram 1500

In the model years that used the ZF 8-speed (8HP / TorqueFlite 8) (highlighted), 358 of 2,707 NHTSA owner complaints (13.2%) list the power train as a component, versus 12.8% across the other Ram 1500 model years in the same snapshot. The highest count is the 2019 model year, with 202 power-train complaints.

Ram 1500: NHTSA owner complaints by model year, all components vs. power train
Model yearAll complaintsPower-train complaintsPower-train share
200937924.3%
201168717525.5%
20126949213.3%
20131,250866.9%
20141,73219111%
20151,42522515.8%
20161,50120013.3%
20178589711.3%
2018641558.6%
2019ZF 8-speed (8HP / TorqueFlite 8)1,44620214%
2020ZF 8-speed (8HP / TorqueFlite 8)6076110%
2021ZF 8-speed (8HP / TorqueFlite 8)6549514.5%

Source: NHTSA owner-complaint records (api.nhtsa.gov complaintsByVehicle), snapshot as of 2026-07-14. Complaints are unverified owner reports; one complaint can list several components.

Buying a used car with the ZF 8-speed (8HP / TorqueFlite 8): what to check

  1. Run the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and confirm any 13V610, 14V161, 16V240, 17V431, 18V280 or 24V413 remedy is complete.
  2. On 2012–2015 models with the monostable (spring-return) shifter, confirm the 16V240 software update was done and that the vehicle shifts to Park and warns you when the driver's door opens.
  3. On a test drive, check engagement into Drive and Reverse, light-throttle upshifts and kick-down; harsh shifts right after a transmission service can reflect reset adaptive values, which FCA's bulletin addresses with an adaptation-learn procedure.
  4. Ask for service records showing any transmission, valve body or control-module replacement.
  5. On a parked test, confirm the vehicle holds in Park on a slope before releasing the brake.

Related research

Year-by-year verdicts for models with the ZF 8-speed (8HP / TorqueFlite 8)

Engines and model known-issues pages

Compare other transmissions

All transmissions: reliability and years to avoid

Frequently asked questions

Is the TorqueFlite 8 the same as the ZF 8HP?

Yes. Chrysler introduced the eight-speed for the 2012 Chrysler 300 and Dodge Charger as a transmission 'introduced and licensed through ZF,' first buying units from ZF and then building its 845RE version at Kokomo, Indiana. Chrysler's TorqueFlite family also includes the 8HP70 and 8HP90.

Does the ZF 8-speed have a transmission recall?

Several, all small and build-specific in the NHTSA record: 2013 AWD 8HP45 output shafts (13V610, 4,194 vehicles), 2014 Ram 1500 case machining (14V161), 2017 Challenger park software (17V431), a 2018 park lock rod mix-up (18V280) and a 2023 Ram control-unit weld (24V413).

Was recall 16V240 a transmission failure?

No. Recall 16V240 covered 811,290 2012–2014 Charger and 300 cars and 2014–2015 Grand Cherokees with the eight-speed and a monostable electronic shifter. NHTSA's summary describes a rollaway risk when drivers exit without being in Park; the fix was a software update to the shift logic, not a gearbox repair.

Which model years of the 8-speed have the most documented problems?

The most documented model years are the early ones: 2013 AWD Charger, 300 and Ram 1500 V6 models (output-shaft recall 13V610) and 2012–2015 cars and Grand Cherokees with the monostable shifter (16V240). Later recalls affected only small production windows.

Why might my 8-speed shift harshly after a repair?

FCA bulletin 21-012-14 says the 845RE, 8HP45 and 8HP70 learn clutch fill times and pressures, and that these values reset when the transmission or control module is replaced or the values are cleared. Until the transmission relearns, shift quality may not meet expectations; the bulletin gives dealers an adaptation drive-learn procedure.

How CarWhere compiled this page

Every problem, recall, warranty extension and settlement above is CarWhere’s own summary of a primary record — NHTSA recall campaigns, manufacturer service bulletins and warranty-extension notices filed with NHTSA, manufacturer press material, and court or settlement-administrator records — and is numbered to its source below. We list a model year under “years to avoid” only when a manufacturer, regulator or court record ties it to the transmission. Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public owner-complaint data, counted once per complaint. We do not estimate failure rates or repair costs. See also the years-to-avoid methodology.

Sources

Descriptions are CarWhere’s own summaries of the records below. Recall details are as reported to NHTSA by the manufacturer.

  1. New Eight Speed Transmission Introduced by Chrysler (Aug. 31, 2011) — Chrysler Group LLC (Stellantis media)
  2. fueleconomy.gov: 2014 Chrysler 300 options (5-spd V8, 8-spd V6) — U.S. DOE / EPA (fueleconomy.gov)
  3. fueleconomy.gov: 2015 Chrysler 300 options (Auto 8-spd only) — U.S. DOE / EPA (fueleconomy.gov)
  4. Chrysler Group Customers on Track to Save $2.5 Billion, 700+ Million Gallons of Gasoline With TorqueFlite Eight-Speed Automatic Transmissions (June 16, 2014) — Chrysler Group LLC (Stellantis media)
  5. fueleconomy.gov: 2015 Dodge Charger options (Auto 8-spd only) — U.S. DOE / EPA (fueleconomy.gov)
  6. FCA US Celebrates One Million Eight-Speed Transmissions Assembled at its Kokomo Transmission Plant (July 17, 2015) — FCA US LLC (Stellantis media)
  7. fueleconomy.gov: 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4WD engine/transmission options (Auto 8-spd) — U.S. DOE / EPA (fueleconomy.gov)
  8. FCA Service Bulletin 21-012-14 REV. A: Transmission Shift Enhancements – Adaptation Drive Learn Procedure (845RE, 8HP45, 8HP70) — Chrysler Group LLC via NHTSA
  9. fueleconomy.gov: 2020 Dodge Durango AWD options (Auto 8-spd) — U.S. DOE / EPA (fueleconomy.gov)
  10. fueleconomy.gov: 2016 Ram 1500 4WD options (8-spd and 6-spd) — U.S. DOE / EPA (fueleconomy.gov)
  11. fueleconomy.gov: 2021 Ram 1500 4WD options (Auto 8-spd) — U.S. DOE / EPA (fueleconomy.gov)
  12. FCA US Safety Recall 63B advance communication – 2023 Ram with 8HP75 automatic transmission — FCA US LLC via NHTSA
  13. NHTSA recall 13V610: ZF 8HP45 AWD transmission output shaft may fracture — NHTSA
  14. NHTSA recall 14V161: 2014 Ram 1500 4x4 transmission case machining / park pawl — NHTSA
  15. Safety Recall P13 / NHTSA 14V-161 owner letter – transmission case — Chrysler Group LLC via NHTSA
  16. NHTSA recall 17V431: 2017 Dodge Challenger 5.7L eight-speed may not remain in Park — NHTSA
  17. Part 573 Safety Recall Report 17V-431 – 5.7L V8 with 8HP70 transmissions — FCA US LLC via NHTSA
  18. NHTSA recall 18V280: incorrect transmission park lock rod — NHTSA
  19. Part 573 Safety Recall Report 18V-280 – 845RE transmissions built with an incorrect park lock rod at Kokomo — FCA US LLC via NHTSA
  20. NHTSA recall 24V413: 2023 Ram transmission control unit weld — NHTSA
  21. NHTSA recall 16V240: eight-speed vehicles with monostable gear selector (rollaway warning) — NHTSA
  22. Automatic Transmission: Fourth-Generation Efficiency (8HP Gen4) — ZF Friedrichshafen AG

Independent reference compiled by CarWhere Research — not affiliated with or endorsed by any manufacturer or transmission supplier. Product and model names are trademarks of their owners.