Never had anything like that. Would not consider it normal - likely a poor gasket. My 22 Badlands has been in the Smokey Mountains. South Florida where the usual humidity is high, and everything in between. 18K miles and nothing like what you are describing,
Same experience with my ‘22 Badlands. Manual gives me more control of the shift points and off-road action. Grew up driving manuals so I am a bit biased. Tranny has been flawless thru 18,000 miles
No way to explain the stupidity of some people. They have no respect for hard working people who do their best to be honest, good citizens. Can only hope it happens to them some day.