Towing Issues: 2000 KIA Sephia towed backward with front wheels on the ground., 2000 kia sephia, kia sephia

Question
Dear Donald:

My car is a 2000 Kia Sephia with an automatic transaxle.  
The car's Owner Manual states the car should be towed with the rear wheels on the ground if towed from the front OR have wheel dollies placed beneath the rear wheels if towed from the back.  A Warning statement says, "NOTICE:  DO NOT TOW THE VEHICLE BACKWARD WITH THE FRONT WHEELS ON THE GROUND.  THIS MAY CAUSE INTERNAL DAMAGE TO THE TRANSAXLE."

What part does the transaxle play in the overall functioning of the automobile's operation?
If the transaxle is transaxle is damaged internally, what symptoms will the car produce that it is damaged?  What would be an estimated cost of repair to repair a damaged transaxle?

PLEASE ADVISE

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Answer
Since your vehicle is front wheel drive and towing the vehicle with the front wheels on the ground will damage the transaxle which is the transmission. If the transmission gets damaged the vehicle will not operate as designed. I have heard of stories that the transmission could catch on fire with improper towing which we all know is BAD!