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6HP216HP286HP28X6HP326HP32A

2nd generation (6HP21/28/32, 2007-2014) gearbox: faults and reliability

ZF 6HP (caja automática de convertidor de par, 6 velocidades) version

With caution

The 2007 revision did not eliminate the family's weak points: jerking and mechatronic faults are still documented on cars with this version, and Jaguar ended up replacing the 6HP with the ZF 8HP on the XF as early as 2012. It is still worth checking the gearbox service history before buying.[1][2][3]

Years
2007–2014
Power
No data
Faults that affect it
3
1 of high or critical severity
Cars that use it
9
in our database

13 sourcesHow we work

What changes in this version

ZF revised the gearbox in 2007 with the 6HP21 and 6HP28 variants, without changing the basic architecture of the torque converter and Lepelletier planetary gear sets; it coexists with the higher-capacity 6HP32 until the end of production around 2014, when the ZF 8HP family gradually replaced it depending on the manufacturer and model.[4]

Engine codes of this version: 6HP21, 6HP28, 6HP28X, 6HP32, 6HP32A.

Faults of the 6HP21 gearbox

The documented engine faults that affect this version and its years, from most to least important.

  1. 1High severityFrequency: CommonElectronicsValve body and mechatronic failure: erratic shifts or a locked-up gearboxYes, and it can be serious: there are documented failures of the ZF 6HP valve body or mechatronic unit on BMW, Audi and Land Rover models from around 90,000-100,000 km, with cases that go as far as preventing a gear from engaging (including reverse) and dealer quotes of €6,000 to €10,000.Repair: €6,000–€10,000Appears at around 90,000 km
  2. 2Medium severityFrequency: CommonTransmissionJerking and harsh shifts from converter wear and ageing oilYes: on BMW, Audi and Land Rover models with the ZF 6HP there are reports of jerking, hesitation and harsh shifts from 80,000-150,000 km, especially if the gearbox oil has never been changed. The converter locks up in all six gears to save fuel, which speeds up its wear over the years.Repair (garage): €150–€400Appears at around 80,000 km
  3. 3Medium severityFrequency: OccasionalLubricationOil leaks from the sump or the gearbox sealsYes, although in a minority of cases: there are reports of ZF 6HP gearbox oil leaks on the BMW X5 (at 180,000 km) and the Audi A6 (between 204,000 and 208,000 km). If not repaired, the loss of pressure can speed up internal wear and lead to valve body or mechatronic failure.Repair (garage): €300–€600Appears at around 180,000 km

Cars fitted with the 6HP21 gearbox

Open each car to see all its faults with this engine and what to check before buying it.

Audi

  • Audi A6 C6A6 3.0 TDI quattro tiptronic · A6 3.2 FSI quattro tiptronic2004–2011[4][9]
  • Audi A8 D3A8 3.7 quattro tiptronic · A8 4.0 TDI quattro tiptronic2002–2010[3][10]

BMW

Jaguar

Land Rover

Frequently asked questions

Is the 6HP21 gearbox reliable?

Our verdict is “With caution”. The 2007 revision did not eliminate the family's weak points: jerking and mechatronic faults are still documented on cars with this version, and Jaguar ended up replacing the 6HP with the ZF 8HP on the XF as early as 2012. It is still worth checking the gearbox service history before buying.[1][2][3]

What faults does the 6HP21 gearbox have?

The documented ones that affect this version, by importance: valve body and mechatronic failure: erratic shifts or a locked-up gearbox (high severity), jerking and harsh shifts from converter wear and ageing oil (medium severity) and oil leaks from the sump or the gearbox seals (medium severity).

Which cars use the 6HP21 gearbox?

BMW Serie 3 E90 (2005–2012), BMW Serie 5 E60 (2003–2010), BMW X3 E83 (2003–2010), BMW X5 E70 (2006–2013), Audi A6 C6 (2004–2011), Audi A8 D3 (2002–2010), Land Rover Range Rover Sport I (2005–2011), Land Rover Discovery 3 (2004–2010) and Jaguar XF I (2007–2012).[1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12][13]

Are you buying a car with the 6HP21 gearbox?

We will put you in touch with a partner only if you authorise it in the form.

Do you have a car with this engine? Tell us which faults you have had and at how many kilometres. Report your fault.

Sources

Every fact on this page links to its source. If you find an error, let us know.

  1. Jaguar XFWikipedia (en) · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026
  2. Fiabilité BMW X3 (2004-2010), pannes et témoignagesFiches-auto.fr · Owners' forum · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
  3. Fiabilité Audi A8 (2002-2010), pannes et témoignagesFiches-auto.fr · Owners' forum · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
  4. ZF 6HP transmissionWikipedia (en) · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026
  5. Fiabilité BMW Série 3 (2005-2011), pannes et témoignagesFiches-auto.fr · Owners' forum · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
  6. BMW 5 Series (E60)Wikipedia (en) · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026
  7. Fiabilité BMW Série 5 (2003-2010), pannes et témoignagesFiches-auto.fr · Owners' forum · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
  8. Fiabilité BMW X5 (2007-2013), pannes et témoignagesFiches-auto.fr · Owners' forum · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
  9. Fiabilité Audi A6 (2004-2010), pannes et témoignagesFiches-auto.fr · Owners' forum · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
  10. Audi A8Wikipedia (en) · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026
  11. Range Rover SportWikipedia (en) · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026
  12. Fiabilité Land Rover Range Rover Sport (2005-2013), pannes et témoignagesFiches-auto.fr · Owners' forum · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
  13. Land Rover Discovery 3Wikipedia (en) · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026