Stellantis 8‑speed automatics (primarily the 845RE and 8HP70) used in Jeep, Dodge, and Ram vehicles are known for harsh engagement, shift flare, shudder, delayed response, and occasional no‑gear scenarios. While generally more reliable than the 9‑speed, these transmissions still generate complaints, especially in early calibration years.
Legal actions include a mix of TSBs, recalls, and class litigation, often bundled into broader drivetrain defect cases rather than a single, high‑profile “8‑speed” lawsuit like GM’s 8L45/8L90 cases.
| Year(s) | Make | Model | Should Purchase? | Reason | Notes | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 | Jeep | Grand Cherokee | Not Suggested | Harsh engagement and shift flare |
Transmission: 8‑Speed – 845RE Reports of shudder and delayed engagement Multiple TSBs for software updates |
|
| 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 | Jeep | Grand Cherokee (V8 trims) | Not Suggested | Occasional harsh shifts and no‑gear events |
Transmission: 8‑Speed – 8HP70 More robust but still calibration‑sensitive Some class litigation references included |
|
| 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 | Dodge | Durango | Not Suggested | Shift flare and low‑speed shudder |
Transmission: 8‑Speed – 845RE Known for harsh engagement in early years TSBs address shift quality |
|
| 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 | Dodge | Durango (V8 trims) | Not Suggested | Occasional no‑gear scenarios |
Transmission: 8‑Speed – 8HP70 Stronger unit but still software‑dependent Some complaints of harsh downshifts |
|
| 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 | Dodge | Charger (V6) | Not Suggested | Harsh engagement and shift hesitation |
Transmission: 8‑Speed – 845RE Early calibration issues common Software updates improve but do not eliminate issues |
|
| 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 | Dodge | Charger (V8) | Not Suggested | Occasional shudder and flare |
Transmission: 8‑Speed – 8HP70 Better durability but still reports of harsh shifts Included in broader drivetrain defect claims |
|
| 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 | Dodge | Challenger (V6) | Not Suggested | Shift flare and delayed engagement |
Transmission: 8‑Speed – 845RE Known for low‑speed harshness TSBs address shift quality |
|
| 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 | Dodge | Challenger (V8) | Not Suggested | Occasional shudder and abrupt downshifts |
Transmission: 8‑Speed – 8HP70 More durable but still calibration‑sensitive Some class litigation references included |
|
| 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 | Ram | 1500 (V6) | Not Suggested | Harsh engagement and shift hesitation |
Transmission: 8‑Speed – 845RE Early years especially problematic Multiple TSBs for shift quality |
|
| 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 | Ram | 1500 (V8) | Not Suggested | Shudder and occasional no‑gear events |
Transmission: 8‑Speed – 8HP70 Stronger unit but still software‑dependent Included in broader drivetrain defect cases |
Stellantis 8‑speed automatics (845RE and 8HP70) used in Jeep, Dodge, and Ram vehicles are known for harsh engagement, shift flare, shudder, and occasional no‑gear scenarios. While more reliable than the 9‑speed, they remain calibration‑sensitive and have been the subject of TSBs, recalls, and broader drivetrain defect litigation. Buyers should proceed with Not Suggested.