good question. don't know enough about transmissions to have an answer for you unfortunately. Never had any issues other than the from-start frustration, when it often can't decide whether to be in second or first. it's only a split second, of course. but it can still be annoying. i've found putting it in sport mode eliminates the hesitation, as it forces it to stay in first. but still, not ideal. my only gripe about the car, though, so I should shut up already....