Originally Posted By: Olas
If your brakes overheat you need better components.
If your transmission overheats you need a thermostatic cooler.
Or, if you want better control of what gear you're in, you need a manual.
Precisely, and my sentiments exactly.
I personally have never heard of, or experienced a transmission failure from manually downshifting auto's when the situation required.
However there is limited choice available in terms of available transmission with some vehicles makes/models that are otherwise fit for purpose in accordance with the owners core requirements.
My Darling Sweet Sweet has a Mercedes sedan with an auto(the only option available in oz), which is very frustrating in terms of it's ability to adapt to variations in operating parameters unless it's driven normally and gently in D. The same vehicle had a manual transmission option in other markets.
In sport mode it's sort of an improvement under limited circumstances.
IMO it's the worst auto I have ever encountered, but she prefers an auto, even though she grew up on a farm and is quite capable of manually shifting gears herself.
I would rather have a manual any day with my preference being for the versatility of having a 6 speed. It can effectively be driven as a 3 speed under normal/gentle conditions, with the flexibility of having more ratio options available when required.
To get back on topic.
With reference to the OP's question there may be an inherent design flaw with the auto which contributes to the failures.
Either that, or the units are being operated outside of the design parameters.
Only the manufacturer can make the determination.
All I know is that "our" next car will most likely be an auto.
Experience has shown that anything with a well programed paddle shift ZF 6 speed auto will be the only alternative as far as I can see.