Reasons for transmission problems

Question

What are the main causes for an automatic transmission of a car to break down?

Answer 1

It usually happens from mistreatment, shifting from reverse to forward before the car comes to a complete stop, driving the car "hard" before the transmission gets up to operating temp, not servicing the tranny periodically, or the tranny oil cooler gets clogged and "cooks" the tranny from the inside-out. Thats most of it, not all but most.

Answer 2

I would think abuse is the main cause and lack of maintenance.  Its a good idea to have the trans fluid changed when recommended.  The fluid can get bad and cause pre-mature wear.