A transaxle combines the transmission, differential, and axle into a single integrated unit. This design is most commonly found in front-wheel-drive cars, all-wheel-drive crossovers, compact SUVs, and some rear-engine vehicles.
This guide provides a clear explanation of transaxle fluids, followed by a comprehensive transaxle fluid transmission fluid chart covering major automakers.
Transaxle Fluid Transmission Fluid
| Manufacturer | Transmission / Transaxle Type | Recommended Fluid | Common Applications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Toyota | Automatic Transaxle | Toyota ATF WS | Corolla, Camry, Avalon |
| Toyota | CVT Transaxle | Toyota CVT FE | Corolla CVT, Prius |
| Toyota | Hybrid Transaxle | Toyota ATF WS | Prius, RAV4 Hybrid |
| Lexus | Automatic Transaxle | Toyota ATF WS | ES, RX, IS |
| Lexus | CVT / Hybrid | Toyota CVT FE | UX Hybrid, NX Hybrid |
| Honda | Automatic Transaxle | Honda ATF DW-1 | Civic, Accord |
| Honda | CVT Transaxle | Honda HCF-2 | Civic CVT, HR-V |
| Honda | Manual Transaxle | Honda MTF | Fit, Civic MT |
| Acura | Automatic Transaxle | Honda ATF DW-1 | TLX, RDX |
| Acura | DCT Transaxle | Acura DCT Fluid | NSX |
| Nissan | CVT Transaxle | Nissan NS-2 / NS-3 | Altima, Rogue |
| Nissan | Automatic Transaxle | Matic S / J | Maxima (older) |
| Infiniti | CVT Transaxle | Nissan NS-3 | QX50, QX60 |
| Infiniti | Automatic Transaxle | Matic J | G35, FX35 |
| Ford | Automatic Transaxle | Mercon LV | Fusion, Escape |
| Ford | CVT Transaxle | Motorcraft CVT Fluid | Five Hundred |
| Ford | Dual-Clutch Transaxle | Motorcraft DCT Fluid | Fiesta, Focus |
| Lincoln | Automatic Transaxle | Mercon LV | MKZ, Corsair |
| Chevrolet | Automatic Transaxle | Dexron VI | Malibu, Cruze |
| Chevrolet | Manual Transaxle | GM Manual Trans Fluid | Spark, Sonic |
| GMC | Automatic Transaxle | Dexron VI | Terrain |
| Buick | Automatic Transaxle | Dexron VI | Encore, Regal |
| Chrysler | Automatic Transaxle | ATF+4 | 200, Pacifica |
| Dodge | Automatic Transaxle | ATF+4 | Caliber, Journey |
| Jeep | Automatic Transaxle | ATF+4 | Compass, Patriot |
| Hyundai | Automatic Transaxle | Hyundai SP-IV | Elantra, Sonata |
| Hyundai | CVT Transaxle | Hyundai CVT Fluid | Elantra IVT |
| Hyundai | DCT Transaxle | Hyundai DCT Fluid | Veloster |
| Kia | Automatic Transaxle | Kia SP-IV | Forte, Sorento |
| Kia | CVT Transaxle | Kia CVT Fluid | Forte CVT |
| Kia | DCT Transaxle | Kia DCT Fluid | Soul Turbo |
| Mazda | Automatic Transaxle | Mazda ATF FZ | Mazda3, CX-5 |
| Mazda | Manual Transaxle | Mazda MTF | MX-5, Mazda3 MT |
| Subaru | CVT Transaxle | Subaru CVT Fluid II | Outback, Impreza |
| Subaru | Manual Transaxle | Subaru Extra S | WRX, Crosstrek |
| Volkswagen | Automatic Transaxle | VW ATF G 055 | Jetta, Tiguan |
| Volkswagen | DSG Transaxle | VW G 052 182 / 529 | Golf GTI |
| Audi | Automatic Transaxle | Audi ATF G 060 | A4, A6 |
| Audi | DSG Transaxle | Audi DSG Fluid | A3, Q3 |
| BMW | Automatic Transaxle | ZF Lifeguard 6 / 8 | Mini, X1 |
| BMW | DCT Transaxle | BMW DCTF-1 | M Models |
| Mercedes-Benz | Automatic Transaxle | MB 236.14 / 236.15 | A-Class, CLA |
| Mercedes-Benz | DCT Transaxle | MB DCT Fluid | GLA |
| Volvo | Automatic Transaxle | JWS 3309 | S40, V50 |
| Volvo | Automatic Transaxle | AW-1 | XC40, XC60 |
| Mitsubishi | CVT Transaxle | DiaQueen CVTF-J4 | Lancer, Outlander |
| Mitsubishi | Automatic Transaxle | DiaQueen ATF SP-III | Galant |
| Suzuki | Automatic Transaxle | Suzuki ATF 3317 | Swift, SX4 |
| Suzuki | Manual Transaxle | Suzuki Gear Oil | Jimny |
| Fiat | Dual-Clutch Transaxle | Tutela DCT | 500X, Tipo |
| Fiat | Manual Transaxle | Tutela Gear Oil | Punto |
| Peugeot | Automatic Transaxle | ATF AW-1 | 308, 508 |
| Peugeot | Manual Transaxle | PSA Gear Oil | 206, 207 |
| Renault | Automatic Transaxle | ELF Renaultmatic | Megane |
| Renault | Manual Transaxle | ELF Tranself | Clio |
| Skoda | Automatic Transaxle | VW ATF G 055 | Octavia |
| Skoda | DSG Transaxle | VW DSG Fluid | Superb |
| Seat | Automatic Transaxle | VW ATF G 055 | Leon |
| Seat | DSG Transaxle | VW DSG Fluid | Ibiza |
| Opel / Vauxhall | Automatic Transaxle | Dexron VI | Astra, Insignia |
| Saab | Automatic Transaxle | JWS 3309 | 9-3, 9-5 |
| Mini | Automatic Transaxle | BMW ATF | Cooper |
| Mini | DCT Transaxle | BMW DCT Fluid | Cooper S |
| Tesla | Electric Transaxle | Tesla Gear Oil | Model 3, Model Y |
| BYD | Electric Transaxle | OEM EV Gear Fluid | Atto 3 |
| Nissan Leaf | Electric Transaxle | Nissan EV Fluid | Leaf |
Related Transmission Fluid Viscosity Chart(For All Fluid Types)
What Is Transaxle Fluid?
Transaxle fluid is a specialized lubricant designed to:
- Lubricate gears, bearings, and clutches
- Maintain proper hydraulic pressure
- Cool internal components
- Protect against corrosion and wear
Depending on the vehicle, transaxles may use:
- Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF)
- Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) fluid
- Dual-Clutch Transmission (DCT) fluid
- Manual transaxle gear oil
Each type has unique friction modifiers and viscosity characteristics.
Related Transmission Fluid Leak Color(For All Colors + Solutions)
Why Using the Correct Transaxle Fluid Matters
Using the wrong fluid can lead to:
- Slipping or delayed shifts
- Transmission overheating
- Seal damage and leaks
- Gear noise or vibration
- Complete transaxle failure
Automatic vs CVT vs Manual Transaxle Fluids
Automatic Transaxle Fluid
Traditional automatic transaxles use ATF with carefully balanced friction properties. Fluids like Dexron VI, Mercon LV, ATF WS, and ATF DW-1 fall into this category.
CVT Transaxle Fluid
CVTs require dedicated CVT fluid. These fluids are formulated to handle steel belt or chain operation and must never be substituted with ATF.
Manual Transaxle Fluid
Manual transaxles usually use gear oil or manual transmission fluid, often with lower viscosity than standard differential oil.
Related Transmission Fluid Temperature Chart(Complete Guide)
How Often Should Transaxle Fluid Be Changed?
Service intervals vary, but general guidelines include:
- Automatic transaxle: every 60,000–100,000 miles
- CVT transaxle: every 40,000–60,000 miles
- Manual transaxle: every 60,000–100,000 miles
Heavy towing, hot climates, or stop-and-go driving may require more frequent changes.
Symptoms of Low or Bad Transaxle Fluid
Watch for these warning signs:
- Hard or delayed shifting
- Whining or grinding noises
- Transmission overheating
- Burning smell
- Fluid leaks under the vehicle
Ignoring these symptoms can result in extremely expensive repairs.
Related Gear Ratio Transmission Calculator
Can You Use Universal Transmission Fluid?
“Universal” fluids may claim compatibility with multiple specifications, but manufacturer-specific fluid is always safer, especially for CVT and dual-clutch transaxles. Mixing fluids or using incorrect specs can void warranties and shorten transmission life.
FAQs
Is a transaxle the same as a transmission?
A transaxle is not exactly the same as a traditional transmission. A transmission only manages gear changes, while a transaxle combines the transmission, differential, and axle into one compact unit. Transaxles are commonly used in front-wheel-drive, all-wheel-drive, and some hybrid or rear-engine vehicles to save space and improve efficiency.
What are the symptoms of a bad transaxle?
Common symptoms of a failing transaxle include hard or delayed shifting, slipping gears, grinding or whining noises, vibration during acceleration, leaking fluid, burning smells, and warning lights on the dashboard. As the problem worsens, the vehicle may struggle to move or lose power entirely.
How to check automatic transaxle fluid?
To check automatic transaxle fluid, park the vehicle on level ground, start the engine, and allow it to reach operating temperature. Shift through all gears, then place it in park or neutral. Locate the transmission dipstick if equipped, remove it, wipe it clean, reinsert it, and check the level and color.
The fluid should be within the marked range and appear clean, not dark or burnt. Some modern vehicles require checking fluid through a fill or inspection plug instead of a dipstick.
What is another name for a transaxle?
Another common name for a transaxle is an integrated transmission and differential assembly. In some service manuals, it may also be referred to as a final drive unit, especially in front-wheel-drive and hybrid vehicles.
How long does a transaxle last?
A well-maintained transaxle can last 150,000 to 300,000 miles or more. Longevity depends on driving habits, maintenance intervals, fluid quality, load conditions, and whether the correct transaxle fluid is used. Regular servicing significantly extends its lifespan.
How often do you change transaxle fluid?
Transaxle fluid change intervals vary by vehicle and transmission type. In general, automatic transaxles should be serviced every 60,000 to 100,000 miles, CVT transaxles every 40,000 to 60,000 miles, and manual transaxles every 60,000 to 100,000 miles.
Final Thoughts
The transaxle is one of the most complex and expensive components in any vehicle. Using the correct transaxle transmission fluid, maintaining proper fluid levels, and following recommended service intervals are essential for longevity and performance.
