2016 AMG GTS Transmission issues??
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2018 AMG GTR
2016 AMG GTS Transmission issues??
so I was told to stay away from any 2016 due to transmission issues/failures, apparently 2017+ are not at risk for this problem. So as I'm looking to get a GTS should I dismiss all 2016's for this potential problem? how "real" or common or uncommon is this? found a killer 2016 but on the fence to proceed ( I know I can get a warranty but don't want to spend another $6K+ for that)
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Joined: Apr 2021
Posts: 1,568
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From: Scottsdale, Arizona
2001 E55AMG
so I was told to stay away from any 2016 due to transmission issues/failures, apparently 2017+ are not at risk for this problem. So as I'm looking to get a GTS should I dismiss all 2016's for this potential problem? how "real" or common or uncommon is this? found a killer 2016 but on the fence to proceed ( I know I can get a warranty but don't want to spend another $6K+ for that)
Trenton O. Gibson
tgibson@highline-autos.com
Highline Autos
Direct: 602.909.9216
Office: 480.348.0777
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 272
Likes: 58
2019 AMG GT
Any pre-'20 facelift I'd stay away from.
Trenton O. Gibson
tgibson@highline-autos.com
Highline Autos
Direct: 602.909.9216
Office: 480.348.0777
Trenton O. Gibson
tgibson@highline-autos.com
Highline Autos
Direct: 602.909.9216
Office: 480.348.0777
To assist you with your declaration, find below some guidance to the data sought:
Key Characteristics of emperical data:
Observable and measurable: Data derived from real-world experiences (MercedesBenz), such as repairs, surveys, or field observations.
Verifiable: Can be tested, replicated, and confirmed by other experts and professionals (Certified Mechanics) using the same methods.
Objective: Minimizes personal bias; relies on standardized instruments and procedures.
Empirical data contrasts with non-empirical data, which relies on speculation, theory, or subjective interpretation rather than direct observation or measurement.
Last edited by HHS550; Jan 30, 2026 at 02:21 PM.
SPONSOR
Joined: Apr 2021
Posts: 1,568
Likes: 475
From: Scottsdale, Arizona
2001 E55AMG
In my opinion, and respectfully, that's a pretty irresponsible comment to make. Either publish your emperical data that led you to "Your Opinion" or respectfully retract your comment.
To assist you with your declaration, find below some guidance to the data sought:
Key Characteristics of emperical data:
Observable and measurable: Data derived from real-world experiences (MercedesBenz), such as repairs, surveys, or field observations.
Verifiable: Can be tested, replicated, and confirmed by other experts and professionals (Certified Mechanics) using the same methods.
Objective: Minimizes personal bias; relies on standardized instruments and procedures.
Empirical data contrasts with non-empirical data, which relies on speculation, theory, or subjective interpretation rather than direct observation or measurement.
To assist you with your declaration, find below some guidance to the data sought:
Key Characteristics of emperical data:
Observable and measurable: Data derived from real-world experiences (MercedesBenz), such as repairs, surveys, or field observations.
Verifiable: Can be tested, replicated, and confirmed by other experts and professionals (Certified Mechanics) using the same methods.
Objective: Minimizes personal bias; relies on standardized instruments and procedures.
Empirical data contrasts with non-empirical data, which relies on speculation, theory, or subjective interpretation rather than direct observation or measurement.
Trenton O. Gibson
tgibson@highline-autos.com
Highline Autos
Direct: 602.909.9216
Office: 480.348.0777
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 272
Likes: 58
2019 AMG GT
.... I am an extended warranty provider and no longer offer coverage to AMG GT 2 doors older than 2020 because of the transmission issues. All I see is repair data on these cars.
Trenton O. Gibson
tgibson@highline-autos.com
Highline Autos
Direct: 602.909.9216
Office: 480.348.0777
Trenton O. Gibson
tgibson@highline-autos.com
Highline Autos
Direct: 602.909.9216
Office: 480.348.0777
Last edited by HHS550; Jan 30, 2026 at 06:22 PM.
Member
Joined: Mar 2020
Posts: 98
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AMG-GT
I know several guys with 17s, 18s and 19s that haven't had any transmission issues. All of these cars are regularly tracked. I would suggest that any person or company that makes unsubstantiated broad claims should be boycotted and the mods should consider revoking their memberships.
Junior Member
Joined: Jan 2026
Posts: 16
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From: USA
AMG GTR
That's interesting because I just purchased a 2018 AMG GTR and was able to get an extended warranty without any hassles or indications that the transmission or drivetrain for that matter is excluded. Does the GTR have a different transmission than the other GT's?
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Senior Member
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2019 AMG GT
Similar unsubstantiated & irresponsible claims were made by this vendor on the Porsche 991 GT3/RS forums that has been repeatedly been challenged and proven as disingenuous.
This not difficult. This vendor should post their empirical data of their claim or recant.
Caveat Emptor!
This not difficult. This vendor should post their empirical data of their claim or recant.
Caveat Emptor!
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Member
Joined: Mar 2020
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AMG-GT
I looked at more posts by Trenton and many of them are using scare tactics to drive business to his aftermarket warranty program. If the moderators of this website don't address this type of manipulation, then it's time to find another forum.
SPONSOR
Joined: Apr 2021
Posts: 1,568
Likes: 475
From: Scottsdale, Arizona
2001 E55AMG
Similar unsubstantiated & irresponsible claims were made by this vendor on the Porsche 991 GT3/RS forums that has been repeatedly been challenged and proven as disingenuous.
This not difficult. This vendor should post their empirical data of their claim or recant.
Caveat Emptor!
This not difficult. This vendor should post their empirical data of their claim or recant.
Caveat Emptor!
Trenton O. Gibson
tgibson@highline-autos.com
Highline Autos
Direct: 602.909.9216
Office: 480.348.0777
Member
Joined: Mar 2020
Posts: 98
Likes: 49
AMG-GT
so I was told to stay away from any 2016 due to transmission issues/failures, apparently 2017+ are not at risk for this problem. So as I'm looking to get a GTS should I dismiss all 2016's for this potential problem? how "real" or common or uncommon is this? found a killer 2016 but on the fence to proceed ( I know I can get a warranty but don't want to spend another $6K+ for that)
Here’s information from a source I consider reliable and close to the actual data. For all AMG GT models produced between 2015–2021, based on worldwide dealer repairs and/or replacement parts shipped:
- Fewer than 0.12% of GETRAG 7DCL750 transaxles were fully replaced — most of those were in heavily modified GTR and GTS cars.
- An additional ~0.23% required fluid seal repairs (typically dry seals on very low-mileage cars, overfilling, maintenance lapses, or other unknown causes. Leak ratio is higher on older MY and lessen on newer)).
That’s essentially the full picture.
In my opinion, you should feel comfortable buying any model year, the combined failure-related rate is around 0.35%, which is well below typical market expectations. Overall, it appears to be a very solid transaxle. Just avoid modified cars.
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 272
Likes: 58
2019 AMG GT
Ignore all the noise above.
Here’s information from a source I consider reliable and close to the actual data. For all AMG GT models produced between 2015–2021, based on worldwide dealer repairs and/or replacement parts shipped:
- Fewer than 0.12% of GETRAG 7DCL750 transaxles were fully replaced — most of those were in heavily modified GTR and GTS cars.
- An additional ~0.23% required fluid seal repairs (typically dry seals on very low-mileage cars, overfilling, maintenance lapses, or other unknown causes. Leak ratio is higher on older MY and lessen on newer)).
That’s essentially the full picture.
In my opinion, you should feel comfortable buying any model year, the combined failure-related rate is around 0.35%, which is well below typical market expectations. Overall, it appears to be a very solid transaxle. Just avoid modified cars.
Here’s information from a source I consider reliable and close to the actual data. For all AMG GT models produced between 2015–2021, based on worldwide dealer repairs and/or replacement parts shipped:
- Fewer than 0.12% of GETRAG 7DCL750 transaxles were fully replaced — most of those were in heavily modified GTR and GTS cars.
- An additional ~0.23% required fluid seal repairs (typically dry seals on very low-mileage cars, overfilling, maintenance lapses, or other unknown causes. Leak ratio is higher on older MY and lessen on newer)).
That’s essentially the full picture.
In my opinion, you should feel comfortable buying any model year, the combined failure-related rate is around 0.35%, which is well below typical market expectations. Overall, it appears to be a very solid transaxle. Just avoid modified cars.
I will add that this specific transmission is shared amongst many other exotics. These being:
Ford GT, Mercedes-AMG GT, and SLS AMG share identical gear ratios and final drive, making their transmissions functionally the same.
Ferrari models (California, F458, 488, etc.) use the same base transmission but with different gear ratios, final drives, torque ratings, and tuning specific to each model. For example, the California has a unique fifth gear, and the LaFerrari uses a hybrid-optimized version.
The F12 berlinetta and FF use different configurations due to their front-engine, all-wheel-drive layouts.
There maybe other variants but these transmissions are extremely reliable and as you noted, failures are statistically none existent. The only known significant issues that have taken place are when mods exceed the intended design limits.
The irresponsible statement made by Highline Autos is without any merit whatsoever. It's up to him to correct his declaration. I know I will be shopping elsewhere. Caveat Emptor!
Here's how to get a hold of him to set him straight:
Trenton O. Gibson
Gibsontgibson@highline-autos.comHig
Highline Autos
Direct: 602.909.9216
Office: 480.348.0777
Last edited by HHS550; Feb 3, 2026 at 07:36 PM.
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From: Land of 10,000 lakes
AMG GTC Roadster, E63s Ed.1, M8 Comp. Coupe
I think the sponsor understands at this point that his comments/conclusions were not qualified related to this platform. He simply reported that the warranties he offers do not support the model/model years. Your money will go obviously to other warranty providers that do offer coverage...
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2016
Posts: 260
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From: Canada
AMG GT-S, AMG C43, Ferrari Roma, Maserati MC20, Genesis GV70 Electrified
I have been tracking my 2016 GT-S hard core since 2016 with thousands of laps and virtually no reliability issues in almost 10 years. One dynamic engine and one dynamic transmission mount needed to be replaced, and a power steering hose. That's it. Oh, and lots of front rotors and brake pads and tires and fuel, track fees, travel costs, you know the drill.
Please get rid of the guy saying the sky is falling.
Please get rid of the guy saying the sky is falling.
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Nov 2018
Posts: 11,430
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From: San Francisco Bay Area
2019 C63CS
Probably should always correlate issues with the mileage of the respective car. The GT is more likely a low mileage car that is driven infrequently. It's not so much of a daily. I respect people who regularly take them to the track and truly drive them. And I suspect, those are the examples that have the least issues, other than just the wear that comes from tracking it. The issue with low mileage cars is that seals can dry out as things are not getting lubricated regularly enough. I find myself in the same situation with my C63 as I don't have a need to daily drive. Drove it for only 3000 miles last year. So far no real issues, but sitting around isn't really doing it any favors. I'd be somewhat reluctant of buying a low mileage, 10 year old GT, but if well maintained and still regularly driven, it wouldn't necessarily stop me based on my personal experience having low mileage cars. It is interesting to note from the stats above that the leak failure rate is twice as a high as complete transmission replacements. Still fairly low considering that the GT is more likely to be a low mileage car.
The one thing I would add is that the early models, particularly the 2016 had issues with the e-diff actuator. It affected the early C63S model years as well as they share the diffs. Although with the GT the transmission and the diff is a single unit, so if one fails the entire unit may have to be replaced depending on the failure.
The one thing I would add is that the early models, particularly the 2016 had issues with the e-diff actuator. It affected the early C63S model years as well as they share the diffs. Although with the GT the transmission and the diff is a single unit, so if one fails the entire unit may have to be replaced depending on the failure.
Last edited by superswiss; Feb 4, 2026 at 01:14 PM.
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 272
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2019 AMG GT
Kudos to the Moderator for stepping in and helping to keep things civil.
Huge dissapointment in Highline for not swallowing its pride, admitting their error and putting their ego aside. In my opinion, smart businesses would have handled this differently.
Trenton still has the opportunity to fix this. Do the right thing Trenton and don't destroy what you've built.
Huge dissapointment in Highline for not swallowing its pride, admitting their error and putting their ego aside. In my opinion, smart businesses would have handled this differently.
Trenton still has the opportunity to fix this. Do the right thing Trenton and don't destroy what you've built.
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2016
Posts: 260
Likes: 166
From: Canada
AMG GT-S, AMG C43, Ferrari Roma, Maserati MC20, Genesis GV70 Electrified
..
The one thing I would add is that the early models, particularly the 2016 had issues with the e-diff actuator. It affected the early C63S model years as well as they share the diffs. Although with the GT the transmission and the diff is a single unit, so if one fails the entire unit may have to be replaced depending on the failure.
The one thing I would add is that the early models, particularly the 2016 had issues with the e-diff actuator. It affected the early C63S model years as well as they share the diffs. Although with the GT the transmission and the diff is a single unit, so if one fails the entire unit may have to be replaced depending on the failure.
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Nov 2018
Posts: 11,430
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From: San Francisco Bay Area
2019 C63CS
That you have to ask AMG. I don't have all the details, but the 7DCL750 is modular and the gear ratios, final drives and overall configuration can be customized by the OEM. There isn't a one fits all version of the transaxle. The GT and C63S were the first two models to get the electronic locking differential (final drive), and the early model years for both suffered from differential malfunctions related to the actuator. If you do a search, you can find threads related to both models with e-diff errors and malfunctions.
Newbie
Joined: May 2023
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Mercedes-Benz AMG GTS
I searched a bit for reliability and maintenance cost data before purchasing my 2016 GTs three years ago. It was only after buying it that I started seeing warnings about transmissions going bad and being very costly to repair or replace. I guess maybe I didn't search hard enough before buying. This certainly made me nervous, but there was no going back since the car was in my name at that point. It's my daily driver, though I don't necessarily drive every day, and I have just over 26k miles on it. No issues at all so far and maintenance cost seems reasonable for a car like this. It's nice to look at and fun to drive, so I no longer worry about the 'what if' of issues. It's part of the family now.
Junior Member
Joined: Oct 2024
Posts: 32
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From: Simsbury, Connecticut U.S.
2016 AMG GTS, 2018 Volvo V90, 1956 Ford F500, BMW R1150R
I appreciate your question. I repair the Getrag transmissions, sell all of the parts for the repairs, wrote a manual for the same repairs for anyone that wants to DIY it and offer custom tools to hep get it done. There are 733 vehicles that are part of the 2016 GTS Mercedes Benz recall. It's a very specific number. The reason for the program was due to an improperly installed retainer clip for the primary shaft coming into the gearbox, in the rearward side of the transmission. The purpose of that retainer ring is to lock the primary shaft bearing into its seat. However the retainer ring was installed in the drainage channel by someone at the Getrag factory. When under heavy load, the twist of the primary shaft makes the primary shaft bearing creep rearward and slam into the radial shaft seal. Eventually, that slamming will push the seal outward over time. And once it gets far enough, the drainage channel gets exposed. Hence the DCT fluid draining out of the weep hole. This isue is isolated to the 2016 GTS year and model only. No other year or model is know for this factory defect. This failure is not matter of if. It's when. It will fail. It just depends on how hard the car is driven. So if you are looking at a 2016 GTS and you have no proof the transmissionw as properly replaced, 100% stay away from the car. Here is my youtube video showing the improperly instaleld clip.
Newbie
Joined: Feb 2026
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I appreciate your question. I repair the Getrag transmissions, sell all of the parts for the repairs, wrote a manual for the same repairs for anyone that wants to DIY it and offer custom tools to hep get it done. There are 733 vehicles that are part of the 2016 GTS Mercedes Benz recall. It's a very specific number. The reason for the program was due to an improperly installed retainer clip for the primary shaft coming into the gearbox, in the rearward side of the transmission. The purpose of that retainer ring is to lock the primary shaft bearing into its seat. However the retainer ring was installed in the drainage channel by someone at the Getrag factory. When under heavy load, the twist of the primary shaft makes the primary shaft bearing creep rearward and slam into the radial shaft seal. Eventually, that slamming will push the seal outward over time. And once it gets far enough, the drainage channel gets exposed. Hence the DCT fluid draining out of the weep hole. This isue is isolated to the 2016 GTS year and model only. No other year or model is know for this factory defect. This failure is not matter of if. It's when. It will fail. It just depends on how hard the car is driven. So if you are looking at a 2016 GTS and you have no proof the transmissionw as properly replaced, 100% stay away from the car. Here is my youtube video showing the improperly instaleld clip. https://youtu.be/VKb7Pfc4RUM
Junior Member
Joined: Oct 2024
Posts: 32
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From: Simsbury, Connecticut U.S.
2016 AMG GTS, 2018 Volvo V90, 1956 Ford F500, BMW R1150R
You are no longer at risk for that failure to repeat itself yes. The Kaco radial shaft seals used are on hundreds of thousands of other European cars and should be good for the life of the vehicle. Drive the car and enjoy it!
Newbie
Joined: May 2023
Posts: 12
Likes: 4
Mercedes-Benz AMG GTS
@Connecticut GTS Your post has me a bit worried now. My 2016 GTS had the drive shaft recall done, but is there a separate transmission seal issue that could cause future issues?
