You are so correct.
The second transmission is going into a Subaru in my building. Under 55k miles. Local guy explained that cafe standards are requiring cars to overuse their transmissions and constantly
shift to maintain speed. Also same Subaru needed new brakes at 40k. Explained. Cars have to be lighter so parts are thinner and wear out much faster.
Manufacturers need to meet standards and shift costs to consumers.
Witness dishwashers. Watersaving. One has to run hot water before starting and keep home hot water temperature high to have effective wash. God knows what chemicals are left on dishes with the reused water.
The wealthy purchase commercial equipment which are exempt from the standards. But not many middle class can pay 3 or 6k for a dishwasher.
Vance Packard had several books about planned obsolescence that were quite popular in the 60s and seventies. They apply today. Only EPA and government induced anti engineering.
In clothing as with healthcare and everything else... third world standards are here .
Vance Packard had a big influence on me and the “Hidden Persuaders” probably contributed largely to my lifelong avoidance and condemnation of television.