Honda CVT Reliability: What You Need to Know

Honda, like many others, relies heavily on CVT transmissions in their lineup. While there are advantages for Honda as a manufacturer in using CVTs, the benefits for you, the vehicle owner, may not be as clear-cut. Stick around to uncover the real story behind why car manufacturers like Honda are choosing cheap CVT transmissions and what it means for your vehicle's dependability.

[@donh215]

So, CVTs are cheaper for the manufacturers to produce vs traditional a/t’s, but more expensive for the consumer to replace (& maintain) when it goes out. Got it

[@18_rabbit]

yep and there went the reputations of Honda namely and to a much lesser extent Toyota even perhaps!

[@heyitswesty]

save the manuals

[@keithsanders2792]

$$$$$$$$$

[@tocreatee3585]

toyota and honda CVT are much better than others. then mazda , shubaru.... the absolute worst are Hyundai KIA.

[@keithsanders2792]

@@tocreatee3585 Yes, I know, but if they're cheaper to make why aren't they cheaper to repair/replace is my question. Things aren't made to last, they're made to replace now. Built in obsolescence. It's a shame.

[@obxguy1]

I have a 2018 accord LX with 125k miles on it so far. I have no problem with the way the cvt feels when driving. Accelerates nice and smooth. I do my cvt fluid changes every 30k miles with Honda OEM fluid only and oil changes every 3k miles. Hardly any debris on the magnetic cvt drain plug when I remove it too. 7 more payments and it’s paid off!

[@ShadetreeAutomotiveLayton]

Funny how things last when we take care of them..haha. Keep it up!

[@SMoore-vj7bt]

@@ShadetreeAutomotiveLayton could failures be due to shoddy dealer maintenance? Becoming more frequent that dealers claim to have done work that they actually never did, because of the shoddy way service technicians are squeezed in terms of pay and hours billable (then having to supply their own tools, etc). Also insufficient warm up time and too many short trips?

[@anthonyxuereb792]

Small wonder there's hardly any debris when you change your oil so frequently, that's how it should be.

[@LoveLikeaHurricane]

you have a CVT filter you have to change

[@mitchhedberg4415]

It is a 6 year old car...@@ShadetreeAutomotiveLayton

[@anaveragehuman2937]

Watching all these prices skyrocket and "supply chain issues" makes me want to get a base model civic with a manual transmission and just call it done

[@donovanfahrbach2493]

No longer supply chain issues,but rather manufacturers scaling back production to keep prices high,..in other words,they are no longer overproducing cars.

[@redcatxb125]

That would be the move

[@Scroll_Lock]

@@donovanfahrbach2493 False, manufacturers always want to sell as much of their product as possible. Inflation and high interest rates are making people hold onto their current vehicles longer. MSRP has gone up on traditional vehicles to cover losses manufacturers are taking producing EV's which the government has forced them into doing. CAFE fines are major pain in manufacturers asses and CARB regulations cause ICE engine design to be more costly. The government sticking its fingers into the private market is always the culprit, not some mythical capitalist fat man behind a desk smoking a cigar rolled with $1000 bills. Good ole Marxists Union workers are also a big driver in vehicle prices going up. The UAW strike didn't help any consumer one bit.

[@donovanfahrbach2493]

@@Scroll_Lock This is all true.. No dispute there ,however they have scaled back manufacturing as well to keep prices higher… I should have expanded on my previous comment… as far as the government, they have been up their asses for years, but I stick with my previous comment..it is not false with due respect.. of course, many are hanging onto the vehicles ,which you just illustrated my point as far as them not manufacturing as many as they did before the pandemic .Btw, the point I was making that it was NOT a supply chain issue now…which is absolutely fact… that’s what I was addressing.

[@Scroll_Lock]

@@donovanfahrbach2493 Fair enough. One of the big reasons I think many 2023 models are still sitting on lots is because they massively overproduced supply knowing that the UAW strike was coming. That settled sooner than I predicted but also retooling for 2024 models with some new generations coming out will limit production when the current market conditions are not favorable to seller or buyer. It's basically a near perfect storm no matter how I look at it. I'm hoping things move back closer to normal in a couple years because I need to buy a truck.

[@natas12rm]

The biggest reason for cvt is fuel economy but yet they get the same gas mileage as a late 90’s model with a manual. Makes sense

[@ShadetreeAutomotiveLayton]

Haha yeah

[@PeterHernandez-lg2eh]

Makes sense to the manufacture only

[@H8HotWeather]

Lets forget how new cars have more power, weigh more and most importantly…have significantly better crash ratings while getting better gas mileage with the CVT

[@natas12rm]

@@H8HotWeather why does it need more power though? All that engine rpm and going nowhere with that cvt. Just keep dumping gas until you get to the mph seems not very efficient

[@johnkent6866]

@@natas12rm theoretically it places rmp at sweet spot for optimal fuel efficiency and performance regardless of mph but let’s be honest they do it for cutting costs whatever saves them money

[@mikefennema5561]

If CVT's are cheeper to manufacture, why are they so expensive to replace?

[@s99614]

Because profits at the dealer.

[@ronb493]

Good point!

[@cyberchondriac2534]

😂 love it

[@robertmceuen3630]

At least $100 an hour for labor adds up quick.

[@GaryL3803]

@@robertmceuen3630 How about $175 at major stealerships like Autonation. You know, the guys that are so female friendly.

[@marklo4416]

i have 2013 Honda Accord Sport with CVT and 2017 Honda Accord EX with CVT. No transmission problems. I like better than my 2020 RAV4 with 8 speeds transmission. CVT is quieter and smoother and better MPG.

[@slowpokemax]

I live in Singapore and have been driving my 2015 Honda Vezel (HRV) for 8.5 years now. I have been changing my CVT transmission fluid ( Original Honda CVT fluid, HCF-2) religiously at every 40,000km and the cost of the fluid and labor is only SGD100 which I honestly think is not expensive considering that Singapore is the most expensive place in the world when it comes to cars and anything related to cars. My car has clocked about 104.000km to date and the engine and CVT transmission is still smooth and nice.

[@ez_556]

Good for you but that’s just luck. CVT’s aren’t meant to last and that’s a fact. It doesn’t matter if you take care of it or not. It’s meant to die at a certain mileage.

[@kinluke]

​​@@ez_556 you might want to be careful before generalising nonsense. I've got many friends with 2016 Honda Civics with the turbo engines, the Honda Fits, the Honda Graces and they've all clocked in over 180,000km. The Civic owners have had their cars modded pushing over 280 hp and 300 NM of torque. They're all still running perfectly fine. I myself drive a 2017 Honda Civic FK7 and I've just gotten past 168,000km. CVT is still smooth as butter. Still finding it unbelievable? There are many people even on KZbin who've testified. Heck, I've seen videos of Civics with well over 300,000km on the clock and the CVTs are going strong. As long as you're changing your CVT fluid diligently, the likelihood of them failing is super slim and that's a fact. Can't blame the CVTs for breaking apart when the owners themselves have neglected the maintenance schedules. Period!

[@ez_556]

@@kinluke yeah that’s cap. I have had Nissan before with their bad CVT’s and as well people who had Honda Fits. I can literally show you the video how it makes no difference and as well saving money compare to old transmission. Toyota Corolla with their 4 speed. That fact you think because Hondas last forever especially with their CVT’s. I love Hondas but I don’t like their weak transmissions and i don’t like their oil delution that’s going on their engines now. You should read that topic by the way if you were living under rock. Not everything looks what it seems.

[@ez_556]

@@kinluke by the way how about you listen to Scotty Kilmer since he tells you facts about it. CVT’s are cheap to manufacture and that’s also a fact. Why do you think every car company still make those transmissions? To save more money for them.

[@ez_556]

@@kinluke not only that I am talking about transmissions that last 500k miles and I guarantee you it will never reach that mileage when it comes to a CVT. Even if you take care of it, changing the fluid and etc. IT wont last and that’s a fact. You don’t like to hear idc but the truth is there. Scotty Kilmer if you need more information and the video i seen if you still want to know more about it. Other than that have a good day.

[@ryancroon5131]

My wife and I both have cvt's in our honda's. Staying on top of the fluid change is the key like noted in the vid. As a side note, if you have the k20c2 matched to a cvt, put it in 'S' and enjoy the vtec range thanks to the cvt.

[@edubb2491]

He says maintance is more expensive on the cvt..no it aint..all it is is 1 drain plug..jus like a oil change..I do it myself! Reg tanny..you have a mess..and 12 bolts! Lol

[@abraham3981]

Yes they are more expensive to service since they also have two filters to replace, which is recommended to do every other fluid change. One circular filter on the side of the trans and the strainer assembly filter on the valve body. To get to the strainer assembly you have to drop the pan which further requires a pan gasket replacement. They require more fluid and even more if you replace the filters vs the manual which is the other transmission option honda currently offers even in the 2.0L N/A civic hatch.

[@josephj.ibbetsonjr.8927]

Thank you for educating me on cvt transmission

[@GraemeWant]

I am an old guy, 75 years of age. Bought my first manual car, an English made 1948 850CC Morris 8 Series E at the age of 15. Have had many Manual cars and Automatic cars since then. The 2nd to last car I bought was a 2007 Honda Jazz Sport with a CVT. I looked at a number of smaller cars at that time and decided that if it was not a CVT then I was not interested. I have now done 250,000 Kilometers . The engine is still like new. The CVT is the one with the auto clutch, not a torque converter. Hence it does have that slight shudder problem sometimes, but apart from that it is performing extremely well. When I go to pass a car, I just put the accelerator to the floor and off it goes, no drama and I hold up no one. With a normal automatic I am not game to do that. You are correct about the cost of that Oil. Really expensive. However I have only had to have the CVT Oil changed twice so far. The last car I bought was a 2nd hand 2013 Honda Accord 3.5L i-VTEC VCM with 180,000 Kilometers. It has a 5 Speed auto. CVT was not an option on that car. I don't like VCM so I disabled it.

[@michaelbanko9965]

I have a 2018 accord 1.5t with a cvt and I appreciate that it is smooth most of the time and that it simulates gear shifts even at partial throttle . I don't always like the noise it makes when you want to get on it though and that is a little sluggish off the line but so far it is doing great and the car is amazing on gas.

[@edubb2491]

You hit the gas..and then let go a bit..and it takes ff..lol..its weird!

[@DIE2dayORelse]

@@edubb2491yes! It’s weird lol glad to know mine isn’t the only one

[@nothing.mp3]

Bought a '23 Civic sport hatch with the CVT and the second gen unit they use on the 2022+ models is a noticeable improvement. Still not an engaging driving experience whatsoever but that's kind of the point of a CVT. Works great as a comfortable commuter car, good on gas too. Cruising down the highway in econ mode I'm getting about 34MPG with the engine ticking over at just under 2 grand. If you want to have some fun though definitely, definitely go with the MT.

[@imfamousdragon8766]

I have a 2023 Honda Civic Sport. Coming from a 2007 Ford Escape Hybrid the driving experience has been MUCH better despite both being CVTs. I watching this video did give me plenty of insight on what to keep an eye out for and letting me know what to prepare my wallet for

[@vienduong8842]

2010 Honda Insight, 356,200 miles. Original hybrid battery and original transmission oil. Still averages about 34 miles per gallon.

[@I_know_what_im_talking_about]

That’s ridiculous.

[@yusufsesay6648]

@@I_know_what_im_talking_aboutin a good or bad way?

[@I_know_what_im_talking_about]

@@yusufsesay6648 - LOL. Both I guess. 🤷🏻‍♂️ I’m amazed that it lasted that long and at the same time, I’m appalled that nothing has been serviced that long. 😤

[@slingshot1961]

Just the cold hard facts. Thanks for the video!

[@johnschaefer2238]

Great video when my sister told me 6 months ago that she wanted to trade in her RAV4 with 160,000 for a car she asked me for advice. I encouraged her to stay away from a CVT. She drove a 2017 Camry with a real tranny and a 2017 Carolla with a CVT. She said she did like the Camry better and went with that. Another great video from you Guys keep them coming!

[@ralphwaters8905]

Thanks for the overview on mechanical CVTs. Except for your love of shifting, I pretty much agree on all points. I think this is simply personal taste. I recently bought a Maverick hybrid (compact pickup) that has an eCVT, which uses a planetary gear train like the Prius to combine the engine with a motor to drive the wheels. When the engine speeds up the motor slows down. Reverse is engine off, motor only. The gear case is so simple it should last forever. I really like the way it works (and the 45 MPG I get). Ford did consider folks like you though. You can put it in "Sport" mode where the engine runs all the time and the tranny simulates traditional shifts! It's all in software now. I'm amazed it works as well as it does.

[@texastoyz9341]

recently purchased an Accord Hybrid. recently did an oil change and i use synthetic oil for all my cars. Also did the trans service with the oil change. I love the fact that you are just draining the fluid on the trans which is on the opposite side of the drain plug for the oil. I bought the recommended fluid for the trans and it was not expensive plus you only need less than 3 quarts to fill it. 3 quarts is not going to be expensive so i plan on just doing both services at the same time as i already have it on ramps / 2 birds with one stone as they say.

[@josephkelleher8820]

When I drain the fluid out of 12' Altima 4 quarts come out. I do a drain and fill every 2 years or 25,000 miles whichever occurs first. In the 13th year of driving the car and the original CVT is hanging in there.

[@unikornkontroller]

From what I understand an E-CVT that’s in the new hybrid CRV is a completely different beast than a traditional CVT. They even sound potentially more reliable than a traditional transmission but I think it requires a hybrid power train.

[@littlestinker9716]

eCVT is marketing speak for a planetary gearset. It's extremely robust and has nothing in common with a belt-driven CVT.

[@ShadetreeAutomotiveLayton]

They are so new that they are still covered under factory warranty so I don't have any real data just yet. My research shows they should be pretty good.

[@0bzen22]

That's Toyota SynergyDrive / Power Split Device. Honda does something else, but it's not a classic CVT either.

[@Deadslowsupra]

Ecvt by design is crazy reliable and strong look at Camry ecvt the hybrid

[@unikornkontroller]

@@Deadslowsupra There's a really good video by a professor at Weber State University in Utah. He explains it and, to me, it seems like it could be the most reliable transmission design ever. Very few moving parts compared to traditional automatic transmissions.

[@Sirvivhor328]

Thank you SO MUCH! I've subscribed now!

[@ItsAlive111]

$5k to $10k is a big range for a Honda Civic CVT coming from a Honda mechanic. Imagine getting a quote like that 😅

[@georges.7683]

The video contained quite a few ambiguous statements like that. I would have preferred something more specific like, we just replaced a CVT in a 2021 Honda HR-V with X miles for X $.

[@neilkurzman4907]

I’m about six months ago somebody in front of me at the Honda dealership was getting a quote of 6000 for a transmission. But I don’t know which one.

[@femaledeer]

He doesn't want to disclose the real total cost

[@ItsAlive111]

@@femaledeer shady

[@ShadetreeAutomotiveLayton]

We work on all models of Honda's, not just the Civic I own that you saw in the video. Pricing changes by a large amount based on year, make and model. Our cost and availability from suppliers is quite volatile lately also. If anyone suspects they need a replacement, call us with the vin and miles and we can work up an exact quote. We always do for our customers before we ever do any work. Actual work day vs. making a youtube video obviously has it differences.

[@nealkaye9056]

I recently purchased a 2024 Honda Accord EX which has the CVT transmission and 4-cyl turbocharged engine. To be honest, I was pleasantly surprised how smooth the transmission operates and how well the car drives as I had previously driven vehicles with conventional auto transmissions. Also I'm averaging 30-32 mpg highway/city. I plan to change the CVT fluid every 30K miles.

[@gflores7018]

Thank you for the video Good to know

[@ShadetreeAutomotiveLayton]

Glad it was helpful. Thank you for your support

[@craigsawyer6453]

In the early 2000s Honda made racing bicycles with CVTs. Once perfected, to the point of no more failure, they started putting them in motorized vehicles. Don't know if you noticed, but you don't see bicycles with CVTs. The CVT did give cyclists a slight advantage in the amount of overall effort that was required to complete a race, but the disadvantages out weighed the small savings in effort. I have a feeling that the CVTs in cars will some day pass when other more efficient gains are found. I sure hope they don't just figure out how to keep them from failing - I am wrong often - hope I am not mistaken about this.

[@GaryL3803]

As a avid cyclist, I can say with confidence that the chaindrive is far more efficient than anything that has attempted to replace it over many decades. However, chains do require a LOT more maintenance.

[@craigsawyer6453]

The Honda bicycles had a Chain drive but used the CVT for "unlimited shifting possibilities." The drive train was set up like a go-cart with a CVT. @@GaryL3803

[@DeltaWhiskeyBravo13579]

Great pro and con Honda CVT list. I really liked the addition to mention service intervals. I myself am looking for a decent Honda with CVT at the end of the year, so it's useful to know what maintenance to expect. I used to like manual only, even driving tractor trailer for 11 years. But bad legs and knees say Auto only now. I will like the fuel savings in anything Honda I get, with higher reliability.

[@rusack7174]

I don't put a lot of miles on my '19 Accord (I'm retired) but I actually like the smoothness in operation that it has. And that's coming from someone who's ridden motorcycles since a young boy.

[@armandocardona6975]

I know plenty of people with 2018+ civics with over 100k miles and no issues. I had a 2021 500hp supra and 2022 jeep wrangler rubicon and i love the feel of the cvt. The best commuter transmission.

[@fatherdanmclaughlinosa3215]

I have a Honda 2020 CR-V with a CVT transmission and 25,000 miles. I get the same city mpg as my previous Honda 2011 Accord. On long highway trips the mpg is very good. The CVT is able to respond well from having to accelerate quickly when entering an expressway. I am pleased with my Honda CR-V.

[@jackrusso2182]

Thanks for your great input , currently searching older model civic , prolly 14 or 15 .

[@mrgoldtaco9438]

I think 2014/2015 also have CVT, the 2013 is when they stopped Automatic

[@twystedhumour]

Thanks for the video! Is there a driving style that can "preserve" a CVT?

[@rafeebuet]

Thank you for this and other content in the channel. The question I have is, “how ecvt compares with cvt? ecvt = 2 motor hybrid system Honda uses.

[@GaryL3803]

I have a 86k 2015 Fit with a CVT that is used occasionally to tow a 1k pound trailer for several thousand miles. It pulls quite easily on flat roads at 70 mph but definitely breathes hard on steeper hills. I change the CVT trans fluid and engine oil before leaving and immediately after returning. It still uses about 1/2 pint of engine oil and the CVT fluid is definitely a medium brown on the long trips with the trailer. I'm assuming that I may not reach the 300k mile mark but would be very satisfied with 200k. No unexpected service performed yet. Three things to note here. 1 - The Pre 2015 Fits used a clutch type CVT. The 2015+ use a torque converter like found in an automatic trans. 2. If you change that CVT trans fluid as needed you will get much better service out of it. 3 - Don't use the paddle shifter on the high end models, it's a trans killer since it stresses the belt in a reverse manner, especially if used to get that cool manual trans sound. I have a 2024 Civic Type R with a manual trans for sport and track driving for that. Love the rev-matching downshifting, much better that the old heel-n-toe since it gives a very precise match.

[@eduardoligeiro2817]

Great video, based on facts/engineering. overall message is that all negative side does surpass the ONLY (to me the only, lool) "advantage" that is fuel economy. I keep with the 2.0 , 4 cylinder, 140 cv, no direct injection, no turbo, a very traditional, reliable and low cost mechanic. No CVT, no turbo (on small engines), no direct injection, no 3-cylinder engines, etc

[@hughgordon335]

I have a 2014 Honda Accord that I purchased a year ago with close to 90000 miles. The dealer did not provide me a vehicle history as far as CVT transmission service. On inspection I noticed that the transmission oil was black but did not smell burnt. The vehicle drove ok although I did not enjoy the driving response as much as with my old 2008 Accord. Closely following OEM info I purchased HCF-2 fluid and proceeded to drain and refill. I have a question though: my Accord has a transmission oil filter that I did not change so what is the recommended mileage for changing it. I enjoy your videos on U-Tube. Keep them coming. 👏👍👍

[@johnkent6866]

I have a 2008 Mitsubishi lancer gts with a cvt 265,415k miles never had any issues and also have a 22 civic sport cvt imo they can be reliable if you don’t drive hard all the time and beat them up just like with any other transmission change fluid, limit your heavy foot ect lol

[@stan1027]

I had a Nissan Altima with a CVT transmission and I loved it.

[@user-xx5po3lo3s]

I have a 2016, civic, 1.5 turbo with CVT. Nowe at 227000k , no issues, change fluid and filter every 30000k, they are a bit sluggish off The line but fast as a Bunny in sport mode

[@AkoSoCalPinoy]

Thank You For The Pros & Cons Of A CVT.

[@noobwow2009]

I like how smooth CVT feel. My sister VW Tsao DCT surge from time to time

[@georgeburns7251]

Honda used to rank around #3 on reliability. I think they are running around # 14 right now. The fall is more than just the transmission.

[@johncorman8715]

Although I have little experience with CVTs, my one day in a loaner with a CVT, I noticed it created a noise that I've heard others complain about. May or may not be a big deal for everyone.

[@amshootez]

I just bought a 2024 Civic Sport with a 6 Speed Manual. It's a gorgeous gearbox!!!

[@randyblanton3684]

Why do you charge more to service a Honds CVT,? I've done it and it's even more simple than an oil change. Remove drain plug, replace exact same amount that you took out. Unless you've had a leak it's INCREDIBLY EASY

[@jonam20]

cant agree more

[@EnemyTec]

ANY time something can be marketed as a niche or obscure repair there’s a markup associated with it, even if it’s an easier job. “Oh you know well CVTS are a new technology so they’re a bit more expensive to work on” smfh

[@TroyRossberg]

Do you change the CVT fluid when its cold to replace the same amount that was taken out?

[@randyblanton3684]

@@TroyRossberg I did it cold so that the fluid I took out was the same temperature and volume as the fluid that I put in

[@yactabay]

I started driving a CVT for the first time 2 years ago after driving for about 40 years. I like it just fine. I fix my own cars within a non-mechanic scope. I never cared about feeling the shift changes so this was an easy switch to CVT. Stop thinking about it and drive and all is fine. I change my own fluid every 30k miles the right way.

[@tocreatee3585]

modern CVTs are much better now/.

[@yactabay]

@@tocreatee3585 They sure are though I’m still wary of Nissan stuff. Only time will tell if they improved on theirs also.

[@zeljkodjukic5889]

Please let me know I'm very interested when do you change transmission oil and rear differential on my 2018 honda crv lx awd 2.4 engine cvt I do drive every day around 150 miles please let me know thank you

[@yactabay]

@@zeljkodjukic5889 Both fluids should never be allowed to go more than 50 thousand miles without changing. Supposedly the differential fluid is at 30k. Whether you choose to change fluids at 30k or 40k or 50k, just plan on doing them both at the same time. I would be more concerned with the transmission than the differential as I’ve never had a differential go out on me but have had transmissions go bad. If either one goes bad it will be VERY expensive.

[@jimthompson3030]

better where on Mars????buy their junk and that is all you will get and live in poverty!!!! nooooo cvt or turbo and 200000 miles of good driving for one fifth the price 65 years as mechanic!!!I know junk when i see it!!!

[@nathandeparis9852]

2016 Civic EX with 130K on it. No issues either but since car was bought serviced the trans every 30k sometimes 25k. Always at the dealer. Yes you change the fluid a lot more in these but the dealer I go to I pay about $200 - $230 parts and labor so its well worth it compared to cost of one breaking and getting a whole new one in. plus it takes us about 3 years to go 30k so 20-230 every 3 years isn't bad.

[@rachegreenrg]

I changed atf fluid first time on my 2015 Infiniti automatic transmission at 180k miles. Changed fluid myself for $60 . Runs like new)

[@johnk5774]

Great info. Good job

[@ShadetreeAutomotiveLayton]

Thank you! Appreciate your support

[@russtaylor385]

I have a Toyota eCVT which is quite different to a traditional belt driven CVT. It uses a power split differential. The feel is a bit better (but not as good as a manual) but I expect longevity will be good. Honda do a similar but slightly different eCVT as well as the old belt CVT and I guess that will be about as good as the Toyota system. Any growing experience of them?

[@curtisssmith5204]

I have a 2013 Accord coupe with the cvt. Currently with 150000 miles. No problems. I do service it every 30000 miles. The driving characteristics is something you get used to. It is responsive and doesn’t have that rubber band effect some cvt’s were known for. The sport shift using the paddle shifters works well if you want to use specific ratios.

[@ThomasAnderson-MetaCortex]

I have the 2014 of this model, just hit 140k drives the same as the day I got it, car refuses to die.

[@michaelw6277]

Yeah I don’t care what other people say… a CVT is like any other automatic transmission, there are good ones and bad ones. The worst CVTs are among the worst transmissions I’ve ever used but the best CVTs are among the best automatic transmissions I’ve ever used.

[@ThomasAnderson-MetaCortex]

@@michaelw6277 this reads like a Kamala Harris speech

[@michaelw6277]

@@ThomasAnderson-MetaCortex I’ll take your word for it, I avoid listening to political speeches whenever possible

[@ShadetreeAutomotiveLayton]

Good on ya for servicing it! Dealers around here are telling people the transmission is a lifetime fill.

[@katrinaewarak]

I have been driving for 23 years and I do like the way a CVT feels.

[@rambug99]

😎 Just sold our first gen 97 Honda CRV and we're going to miss it after having it 26 yrs. It was a very dependable, very reliable but we did not go back with Honda because of the CVT failure rates they dropped from like number one. The number six on customer satisfacts and independability. The only issue we had was with a rear end all-wheel drive but it wasn't major. Another thing to keep the fluid changed in. A first gen ridge line is still on our list because of the four-wheel drive. Not all wheel drive. We did just pick up a third gen Toyota Prius after doing her research and we've been well. Satisfied a little adjustment to the driving habit, but until you drive one you won't understand how much fun they really are and 53 to 61 MPG is great. My wife and I both love the Prius now. Finding a good used ridgeline is like a needle in a haystack. People keep them three and four hundred thousand miles. That alone should make a statement. Good videos.

[@lji2000]

It all depends on the change interval. Original owner of a 2014 Honda Accord at 198.5k on the original CVT transmission. Do CVT drain and refill every 25k miles.

[@anthonysuhadolnik948]

Have a 2013 Honda Accord. 196000 miles. Did the tranny every 25000 miles? Shifting, all right, start to make noise not happy. Was hoping to get 300 thousandlike my last one.

[@glenn9057]

good vid. thanks for the heads up about CVT transmissions. i recently purchased a 2022 Honda Civic Sport. 20,000 miles. i will look to have the transmission serviced at 30,000 miles. what should be done in that service? are we talking about a fluid change only? how much money can i expect to pay for that service? should i use the Honda dealership service techs for that service? i appreciate any advice you can give me. thanks🚙🚘

[@mark1nyc]

Advantage: Cheaper for the manufacturer Disadvantage: Expensive to replace Basically a win-win for manufacturers

[@michaelmccafferty7341]

2013 Honda Accord with 112000 miles. CVT serviced every 30k. No problems yet, excluding the starter replacement just after the warranty expired.

[@kenhoward3512]

Most commenters here are saying how durable their CVT has been, but they are ignoring the two truthful negatives from this video: that manufacturers are employing CVTs in their "grocery-getter" type vehicles to help meet EPA fuel economy standards while lowering their production costs. If CVT transmissions were as durable as conventional (torque converter) automatics - especially in higher-power applications - they'd be used in luxury or high-performance cars, and trucks - which they are not (except for Subaru, which seems permanently wedded to the things, for better or worse). Mazda, alone among mass-market manufacturers, forgoes maximum fuel economy for greater durability and a more-enthusiastic, more-connected driving experience. For those who don't care, enjoy your "smooth" CVT - and change fluids religiously.

[@ShadetreeAutomotiveLayton]

Preach Ken Preach!!!

[@alexanderkennedy2969]

honda cvt reliability is great. 100K miles on our 2019 honda fit, no issues. just changed the cvt fluid yesterday too

[@TroyRossberg]

Did you change the CVT fluid when its cold to match what's going back into the transmission?

[@abesavona594]

Great video! 👍 Liked and subscribed.

[@gxc9845]

While performing the oil change on my 2016 Civic EX-T, I accidentally drained the CVT fluid, since the CVT drain plug is located before the oil drain plug. 😂 I put the car in neutral, pushed it to the backyard, and had a friend drive me to a Honda dealership to buy CVT fluid. Fast forward about 5,000 miles, and two months later, and I haven't had a single issue. I plan to change out the fluid every 15,000 to 18,000 miles on the car to safe.

[@edubb2491]

Lol😅 the would be somthen I'd do!!

[@BA-gn3qb]

Many people won't do simple maintenance on their cars, and wonder why they break. $130 CVT fluid service at my dealership is worth it.

[@ShadetreeAutomotiveLayton]

Wow! That is a great price. What area do you live?

[@BA-gn3qb]

@@ShadetreeAutomotiveLayton - Gates Honda in Richmond Kentucky.

[@cedricjackson7521]

You said that so correctly. Maintaining your vehicle is the most important thing. You can do to keep the vehicle on the road

[@adamnagel7436]

It is also pretty easy to do by yourself.

[@denamatthews2466]

hi there love your channel question for you have a Nissan rogue need another cvt transmission the cost is crazy and i was thinking of getting honda but not anymore think i will move over to rav 4

[@jacobpetersen5662]

Wife's 2016 civic touring. CTV ROCKING, not a single issue. And she RIDES that car HARD!

[@SunnyCue-ew5ow]

Greeeaaat, I'm in-between civic coupe and Toyota 86. I'm coming from a coupe G35 which needed oil and fluids like a marathon runner and I'm willing to compromise with the low HPower and have reliability driving on Los Angeles freeways. I'm also built like an NFL linebacker so I was leaning towards civic but now, I'm not sure. Any wisdom on the Toyota 86??

[@petertrout7866]

I’ve driven Hondas for 40 years and their traditional transmissions always had problems. I am the original owner of a Canadian 2013 Honda accord sport it’s got 280,000 km not miles and to be honest never had a problem with it. After living with cvt for 11 year I realize I prefer the traditional transmission. I have a lot of friends who own Hondas and none of them have problems with the cvt transmission so I hope when you said a high rate of failure with the cvt’s you were being completely honest. Even the Honda dealers here said they don’t get a whole lot of people with problems with the cvt.

[@peteranson4021]

Our 2007 Honda Jazz with 365,000 km is still going strong. I've changed the CVT oil twice when it developed a shudder and the problem was solved. It's just like any other automatic to drive except smoother and better at employing engine braking. I like driving with a manual transmission but I can't fault the CVT.

[@FuerzaMotrizTV]

I have a brand new Civic Hatch; CVT trans. And… i dont hate it.. but pretty sure now that if i can go back on time , manual trans. Would be a better choice because i do like to hace a good acceleration and more in the first moment you hit the gas. I use to have a manual Honda Fit 2016 and that car i can tell you that the response of Gas was immediately. I miss that . I do like the rest of my civic

[@toddwerther188]

I'd argue Honda cvt is better than some other standard auto transmission, but like you, I have no actual data (numbers) to support my position. We get you don't like them, but would prefer actual failure rates over feelings.

[@Support_Ad_Blocker]

Just look up CVTs on the Internet. It will open your eyes.🤔

[@thomas4315]

I had a Honda hybrid cvt that had a sliding problem, I tell you what mistake people do. Because it’s a rubber steel belts that goes over a round cone. You can’t just gas it your polishing it smooth, you need to let it grab first let it load and start moving, or just let it creap forward Then baby the gas till about 5-10 mph then you can 1/2 trottle it and go flying, it become habit and you never slip the belt.

[@noelleonard2498]

Just picked up a 13 civic for the wife, last 5 speed auto civic they made. We have a 05, 11, and 13 civic and the 13 will be our last honda. If I can't get 250000 out of a car then I don't want it, great job destroying the brand Honda as I refuse to ever own a car with a disposable transmission.

[@IgoZoom1]

Thanks for this video! I really hate that so many automakers are using these. As long as Mazda keeps using their 6-speed AT in everything, I’ll be sticking with them!

[@DavidNguyen-ke2zv]

thank you for your information, I am looking into Honda Pilot 2025, and I saw there are two options Drivetrain: AWD CVT and Drivetrain: AWD, I assume Drivetrain: AWD is still better choice ? Thank you

[@XayVeeNo]

My moms 2020 ex w the L15B7 paired w the cvt and hers has a mishimoto trans cooler, dp, cai, phearable 1.5 tune and around 47k miles and ive properly maintain the powertrain and car itself, accelerates just as well as it did at 2k miles when she was first tuned and fitted w the few performance parts. I prefer my 2010 5 spd k24 accord but the cvt is nice to drive for regular people but yeah i thoght her shi was broke when we picked it up from the dealership w only 14 miles on the odometer and no tune but to each their own.💪🏽we still love @Honda tho

[@Nogocat]

I have a 2003 civic hybrid with a cvt. It is approaching 300k miles and no issue with the cvt. I change the cvt fluid about every 50k miles. BTW, spend the money and purchase the Honda cvt fluid because the one time I didn’t that fluid didn’t last long before I swapped it back to the Honda brand fluid. It cost about $10 a quart for the Honda brand and the civic takes about 3.5 quarts.

[@cedricparkinson3635]

I like the CVT in my 2021 KIA Rio compact car, it is very smooth and so far trouble free and I prefer it to a DCT or an auto with gears and it is very responsive.

[@user-if2gu4wp4q]

What I disliked (hated) about old school traditional transmissions was the constant downshifting / depending upon the always unknown and fickle position of the throttle...along with never being able to use anything beyond 1/2 throttle position without the transmission jerking and slamming into a lower gear...plus all that extra engine rpm screaming that I didn't want...plus the added wear and tear to the drivetrain...and the decrease in fuel economy. CTV's are fantastic in my opinion ! As they eliminate all of the problems I've listed above.

[@tomslick2058]

Made in Mexico to. I leased. Although my dealer gives a free lifetime warranty on drive train. Of course you better maintain according to schedule. The Toyotas are lasting.

[@alexross8722]

I watched this video with my wife nearby as she owns a 2019 Civic 2 dr EX turbo already with 175k miles and the cvt is still strong and I want to keep it that way. A tech at local stealership sounded discouraging when I asked about changing the warming/cooling filter on the front of the transmission and the strainer in the pan as he said it was a lengthy, expensive process. I'm intending to change those two filters soon and replace the fluid, but it's her car and her $$$ if she says "no" and the cvt fails....wish me luck! :D

[@ShadetreeAutomotiveLayton]

Haha good luck! Glad that civic is still running strong! 💪

[@SuperTater2000]

I changed the pan filter in my Fit at 30,000 miles when I did the fluid. It was easy. The filter is what was expensive. I think I paid almost $80 for it. The next time I do a drain and fill I won’t be changing the filter. I just wanted to change it for the initial drain and fill. The cooler filter and rubber gaskets weren’t expensive at all. It was also an easy job.

[@knot3d_]

For my 2019 Honda Fit/Jazz here in the Philippines there was basically NO other option than CVT (well except the base trim model). 24K miles so far so good. Pro tip for CVT longevity is to NOT floor it from standstill or low speed.

[@devinzhong6436]

I strongly believe thats the causes of most cvt failures, negligence of maintenance. when i called my local dealer about cvt filter they flat out told me they don’t change filters and you are not supposed to change them😂. Bought both filters from rockauto and did it myself.

[@Jahalang82]

I replaced the Cvt warmer filter myself on my 2015 CRV. Just make sure to get all the o rings associated with it

[@Davo-jd7ey]

Thank you I appreciate the video. Is there anything I can do as a CVT owner to give more longevity to the transmission

[@ShadetreeAutomotiveLayton]

The key is to service it. You can see from a lot of the comments that there are people getting upwards of 200k miles out of there's. The common thing is they are all servicing the fluid a minimum of every 30k miles.

[@tkin1973]

Don't be a lead foot. Hard mashing on the pedal from a dead stop is very hard on cvts.

[@murffromcanadamurf6414]

Great video

[@ShadetreeAutomotiveLayton]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@Support_Ad_Blocker]

Have driven Nissans, VWs and Hyundais with a CVT and the word “smooth” never comes to mind. From a stop (like at an intersection) there is an annoying lag or hesitation. The only way I could see to get around that is by flooring it to get moving. Disposable cars.....

[@cerinawoehrley4199]

I like the new civic that are out now they look cool and get good mpg. Iam in. A 19 honda accord but it's got a ten speed trans and I hade the fluid change 1 times the car got abut 90.000 miles on it now.. Looking to update to a new civic or wait for the hybrid civic later this year

[@glenn9057]

great vid. i own a 2022 Honda Civic Sport model. 20K miles. my local Honda dealer wants to do a full flush and fill of the cvt at 30K miles. im not a big fan of the flush. is it better to do a drain and fill instead? i understand only about 50% of the fluid comes out in a drain and fill. what do you think

[@joz1765]

How are the Subaru Assents holding up? It’s a new model for Subaru which has become very popular and has a CVT transmission (if I’m not mistaken). Thanks.

[@newworlddisorder7210]

2017 Honda Accord owner with 213,000 (365,000 km) on it. No issues at all. All services performed at dealership I bought this car from. If you interested the previous car’s with. CVT (Subaru Outback) died T 140,000 miles on it. CVT failure

[@viffer94]

The Honda CVT is fine. It’s probably one of the most reliable CVT’s you can buy and tends to drone a lot less than others. It’s not a performance transmission, that’s why you won’t see one in an Si or type R. But for what it is it should suit the needs of 95% of the commuters out there. As far as maintenance goes I always use OEM Honda ATF anyways because Hondas never run quite as smoothly on third party fluids so buying Honda CVT fluid isn’t that big a deal. Maintain it, don’t abuse it and you should be fine.

[@georgeburns7251]

That’s why Honda ranks 14 on automotive reliability. Way to go, all down hill from being #3 for so long.

[@Tracy-wr7mj]

have you done a video on the chains with tensioner or acctuators issues..seems my 2016 crv has the rattle at cold start which isnt part of the recalled years..whats your experience with those timing chain years which are supposed to maintence free.

[@ShadetreeAutomotiveLayton]

We haven't actually had many timing chain issues. The nice thing about timing chains is they don't have a mileage/age replacement like timing belts do. The downside is when they do have an issue, it is typically a bit more complicated and costly.

[@HumbleBearcat]

@Shadetree Auto how about the Toyota's CVT, are they reliable? How to they compare to the Honda's in terms of reliability?

[@JackThompsonJr]

Great Video, I am not a fan of CVT's, my daughter has a Versa 2019 with the CVT and had there known issues start at 80,000 miles, do to the recall I had to argue with Nissan to get them to fix it, it still cost me about 1500 buck, but after reading about the CVT issues across the board, I am reluctant to buy one, even a Honda. I am going to go for a Toyota now.

[@TroyRossberg]

Toyota has CVT's also. Personally I would go with Mazda if you don't want to get a CVT. I currently have a toyota with a CVT & I plan to trade it in for a Mazda CX-30 only because I don't want a vehicle with a cvt again as I don't like the CVT. Also been reading about how great the motors on the Mazda's & they also say good things about the 6 speed automatics on them too

[@juliedumont3417]

My 23 Acura Integra CVT is so smooth and quiet, I can’t imagine going back to an annoying automatic.

[@ceburockhead]

I have a 2015 CRV 2WD AT CVT , 65,000 km , no issues so far but I like my 2008 1.5 AT VIOS sedan , has more torque it runs like a manual transmission very responsive when pushing down the accelerator

[@thumperbangin2000]

Just got a 24 civic sport and it is smooth af.

[@dnle3452]

Please comment about the 1.5 liter turbo oil dilution in honda CRV. Even for the new 2020. Thank you.

[@garybeaty4032]

The biggest things I don't like about the CVT in my 2014 accord are the amount of vibration it puts off when in drive while idling, the lurchiness when driving low speeds, and how these things are becoming more prevalent at 70k miles. I would have steered away from the CVT in hindsight, but it's been a fantastic car outside of worries and some buzziness that is kind of characteristic of a Honda

[@Nogocat]

I had similar issue with my civic thinking it was the cvt, but a mechanic found that my transmission mount was failing. $100 later (this includes mechanic’s labor in it- new mount was $25) with a new mount no more vibration at launch from stop.

[@Julian-il4oi]

My 22 civics cvt jerks pretty bad when it up shifts at low speeds and yes the lurchiness..not a fan. But my wife's 2014 accords cvt us awesome..weird

[@rickj9615]

Would you consider doing a video series on the Toyota RAV4? I drove a Subaru Forrester with the CVT for almost 6 years… It worked OK but the local dealer is confusing in that Subaru says it's a "lifetime fluid" and the dealer says it needs to be serviced… So there's a pull and tug with that simple thing… I started having other failures with the Subaru including suspension issues, CV axles going out and very expensive air conditioning failures that we're not under warranty unfortunately… I recently got a Toyota RAV4 gas model with the traditional eight speed automatic… It's almost as smooth as a CVT in my estimation and I'm hoping that being a traditional gas/transmission combination will be more reliable longer-term…. Plus the RAV4 with traditional transmission gets better gas mileage than the CVT Subaru!

[@tomellis7949]

I just bought a 2024 Honda CRV. What mileage would you recommend changing the fluid? And would this be a benefit to help eliminate a failure. Thanks love the vids.

[@npolite22]

A lot of people suggest 30k miles. I've changed my ATF fluid every 30k in my 07 TSX and it still runs perfectly. I have 125k miles but it is 17 years old (was bought in 2006)

[@donovanfahrbach2493]

Do it every 30,000 miles, and only at the dealership..Dont do any towing, as it will shorten the lifespan of the cvt…I have a 2013 Honda Accord with a cvt and I have 167’000 miles on it now.. Mostly city driving as it’s used commercially…you will get 200,000 miles at least with fluid changes as recommended…these failures this mechanic is talking about are MOSTLY because these transmissions are NOT serviced with 30,000 mile fluid changes…lack of maintaining these are the main why some fail under 100,000 miles.. these units are intolerant of lack of fluid changes..this is my observation of only the Honda cvts…stay away from Nissan cvts…they are terrible..

[@ShadetreeAutomotiveLayton]

I agree with other comments. Every 30k miles. The Civic in the video is one of my loaner vehicles and was getting its first fluid service at 32k miles. You can see the fluid was fairly dark.

[@anthonysuhadolnik948]

In my Honda, accord 13. I did it every third 25000 miles. I have 196000. I always took care of my car never Drove it hard. Tranny, starting to make noise like a light winding noise. Everything ships all right, but I'm afraid to take it on the trip now. Hearing some humming noise is not a good sound. I'm p*****

[@iamthenra1968]

I agree with you about not liking the CVT... As a snowmobile, 4 wheeler, side by side driver... I am not a fan of that type of transmission. having to change belts on a "toy" is one thing, but on a car is totally another... That is why I prefer the Honda "toy's" 4 wheelers, sided by side etc... hopefully de-regulation of the overzealous EPA will happen after November IF all things go as expected.

[@adamnagel7436]

The belts in the cars are nothing like the rubber belts in snowmobiles and side by sides. Hondas have a steel belt made by Bosch in them. These aren't rubber belts and they aren't that easy to break.

[@user-ib6bw7gn8n]

Thank you, what about E-CVT?

[@Tjdryed]

My 2015 Honda CRV I purchased new, has 168,000 miles on it and the CVT is original and still running well. I’ve been changing the fluid about every 40,000 miles myself with no problems. I also own a 2015 Honda Civic we purchased with 35,000 miles on it. It now has over 115,000 miles an again no problems with the CVT. Maybe I just got some good ones but my friends with Honda CVT’s are experiencing the same results, very reliable.

[@TroyRossberg]

When you change the cvt fluid, Do you change it cold so you know exactly the same amount of fluid is going back in? About to change my fluid

[@michaelw6277]

Do you have any data that suggests CVTs are less reliable overall than the traditional alternative? There’s lots of talk but not a lot of actual data. Personally, as a “driver” (track, autocross, mountains), I like my Aisin CVT. It always seems to give me the precise amount of torque I want, when I want it, and doesn’t feel like a rubber band.

[@GreekItalian]

I have been looking at new cars (Honda or Toyota but I favor Honda). I have driven cars with CVT's and I'm not terribly bothered by the shiftless experience. This video was helpful but are the CVT's in the Honda Hybrids different? From reviews it sounds like they aren't a conventional CVT but they don't really explain why? If they are different, what are the pluses and minuses? More of the trims are going hybrid vs.non hybrid now. Thank you!!!! (Currently driving a 2013 Acura TSX wagon that I've been encouraged to keep)

[@wheresbicki]

Direct drive motors with clutch plates. Toyota ecvts are similar except it uses a planetary gear system instead of clutch plates.

[@PHICEN]

It seems like the CVT is the only choice for small economy vehicles. What are your thoughts about the “Start Gear” technology in the Toyota CVT?

[@Blank00]

How would you compare Honda’s CVT against Hyundai/Kia’s IVT?