XADO EX120 Automatic Transmission Fix is a specialty oil additive designed to restore, repair, and protect metal components within automatic transmissions and CVTs. Produced by XADO, a company known for its advanced revitalizant technology, EX120 aims to reduce symptoms like shuddering, slipping, and harsh shifting by filling in microscopic wear and coating surfaces with a protective ceramic-metal layer. Suitable for a wide range of automatic transmission fluids and compatible with various transmission types, it targets owners of high-mileage vehicles or those experiencing mild to moderate drivability issues. Positioned in the mid-to-premium price segment, XADO EX120 distinguishes itself by promising extended protection—up to 62,000 miles per treatment—catering to drivers seeking a proactive, effective alternative to costly transmission repairs.
1. Functions and Benefits: 4/5
XADO EX120 provides multiple functions, including rebuilding and repairing worn transmission surfaces, reducing shudder, and protecting components against further wear. By forming a ceramic-metal layer on gears, bearings, and clutch assemblies, it helps restore smoother gear changes and often reduces operational noise. Many users notice improvements in shift quality, especially in older or high-mileage automatics, with some reporting near-instant reductions in transmission noise and vibration. While it is not a cure-all for severe mechanical failures, it’s highly beneficial for mitigating early signs of wear and prolongs the transmission’s lifespan.
2. Notable Technologies: 4.5/5
EX120’s standout feature is its proprietary Revitalizant technology, which uses a high concentration of active agents to both fill micro-scratches and create a self-regulating ceramic-metal coating. This innovative process not only repairs existing wear but also increases resistance to future damage. The product is chemically inert with all transmission fluids, ensuring it doesn’t interfere with viscosity, friction, or fluid compatibility. The unique approach of long-lasting protection (up to 62,000 miles per treatment) sets it apart from conventional additives, offering significant technological advancement in wear prevention for automatics.
3. Ease of Use: 4/5
XADO EX120 scores well for user-friendliness. The product is dispensed via an easy-to-use syringe and is simply injected into the transmission fluid reservoir or dipstick port. No special tools or prior transmission service is required, and treatment is a single-application process based on transmission fluid capacity. The active process completes after around 50 hours (about 1,500 km or 950 miles) of normal driving. Most users find the instructions straightforward, although care should be taken to inject the full dose and ensure the fluid is at operating temperature for optimal mixing.
4. Popularity: 3.5/5
XADO EX120 enjoys moderate popularity among DIY vehicle owners, especially those maintaining older vehicles or dealing with minor transmission issues. It garners discussions in automotive forums and reviews on enthusiast platforms, with users sharing reports of smoother operation and extended transmission life. Professional adoption appears limited; mechanics more often rely on traditional repairs or chemical flushes. Regional popularity varies, with stronger brand recognition in Europe and Asia. While it hasn’t become mainstream in North American workshops, awareness is growing due to online testimonials and positive anecdotal experiences.
5. Customer Satisfaction: 3.5/5
Customer reviews reveal a predominantly positive experience: many users report noticeable reductions in transmission noise, improved smoothness, and less shudder or slipping soon after application. Some claim dramatic improvements, even resolving issues like reverse slipping. However, feedback is mixed; a subset of customers report minimal or no improvement, especially in cases of advanced mechanical wear. Occasional negative reviews cite limited long-term effects or disappointment when used for severe problems beyond the scope of an additive. Overall, satisfaction trends higher when used on moderate wear or as preventive maintenance.
6. Competitive Comparison: 4/5
Compared to leading products like Lubegard Platinum and Lucas Transmission Fix, XADO EX120 distinguishes itself through its ceramic-metal revitalization process rather than solely relying on friction modifiers or seal conditioners. Lubegard is often praised by professionals for immediate improvement in shift quality, while Lucas is well-known for reducing slipping and hard shifting. However, neither offers the long-lasting wear-reversal technology or extended protective claims of EX120. EX120’s higher price is justified by its unique mechanism and long effective duration, though some competitors may offer quicker, albeit less durable, results.
7. Performance Results: 4/5
Performance feedback centers on reduced noise, smoother gear changes, and diminished symptoms like shuddering and slipping, often within the first several hours of driving after treatment. Some Honda CVT and Toyota automatic users have specifically noted improved driveability and shift response after application. Independent anecdotal tests frequently confirm these benefits, though milder improvements are seen in transmissions with extensive wear or damage. Hard, measurable data on long-term effects or comprehensive before-and-after testing is less common, but consistent positive reports lend credibility to XADO’s claims.
8. Value for Money: 4/5
XADO EX120 occupies a premium price tier for transmission additives, but its cost is offset by the potential savings from staving off expensive repairs and the impressive duration of its protective effect (up to 62,000 miles). For vehicles exhibiting early-to-moderate signs of wear, the investment is justified by the tangible reduction of drivability issues and the unique restorative technology. However, those expecting miracles for heavily worn or failing transmissions may find the value less compelling. Given its longevity, ease of use, and multi-faceted performance improvement, EX120 delivers strong overall value relative to competitors.
XADO EX120 Automatic Transmission Fix stands out as a technologically advanced additive designed for consumers seeking to prolong the life of their automatic transmissions or address mild to moderate symptoms such as shuddering, slipping, and rough shifting. Its strongest attributes are the proprietary Revitalizant technology, ease of application, and long-lasting results—up to 62,000 miles per dose—making it ideal for high-mileage cars, vehicles showing early signs of wear, or those with sensitive CVT and conventional automatics. While customer satisfaction is generally high for preventive or moderate correction cases, it is less consistent for vehicles with severe mechanical faults where no additive can substitute for mechanical repair. Compared to mainstay competitors like Lubegard and Lucas, EX120’s ceramic-metal coating and restorative claims put it in a unique category, albeit with a higher price tag and somewhat limited professional adoption. For DIY owners wanting an effective, maintenance-focused approach, and especially for those with aging Honda, Toyota, Nissan, or European automatics or CVTs, EX120 is a compelling choice. Overall, I rate XADO EX120 at 4/5 and recommend it for most use cases, with reservations only for situations involving advanced mechanical degradation. Recommended.
