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
@@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.
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 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?
@@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. 😤
How many timing belts have you changed? Every Honda Engine built from 2018 and before has a timing belt and are interference engines and we all know what happens if the Timing Belt Breaks the valve hits the piston and its Engine time.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
@@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 UA-cam 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!
@@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.
@@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.
@@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.
No longer supply chain issues,but rather manufacturers scaling back production to keep prices high,..in other words,they are no longer overproducing cars.
@@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.
@@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.
@@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.
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.
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.
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
@@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
@@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
Great work. I've owned Hondas for last 30 years. Currently have a Civic which I've owned for 11 years. No problems at all. Still on same exhaust system
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.
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.
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.
My 2006 Fit (aka Jazz) had the CVT start clutch judder when I bought it off a friend. Regular fluid changes with genuine Honda CVTF help, but there is also a transmission stall test you can perform to burnish the clutch, and the Xado Revitalizant treatment also works wonders.
I wish we could still get the genuinely small cars with the classic British undersquare engines under 1000 cc. The other day I saw a late model Mini Clubman parked next to a 1980s Jeep Cherokee and the Mini looked bigger!
@@GraemeWant I also tried to post a link or at least search terms for the stall test instructions but UA-cam's comments don't seem to allow anything resembling an actual Web address. Let's try again...
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.
@@HarveyWallbanger-ho2cq Our transmission failed at 150k miles. I tried to get help from Honda and Honda accused us of not changing the fluid and denied our claim.
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.
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.
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
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
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.
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.
I actually chose a manual once I saw my only other option was a CVT. Hadn't driven a manual in years, but got back into the swing of it pretty fast. Normally would have chosen an auto...but they weren't on the menu.
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.
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.
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!
My mother owns a 2020 CRV with a CVT and I just changed the transmission oil at 30,000 miles - it looked like new and the magnetic plug had no metallic debris. The transmission operates very smoothly. She has no complaints thus far.
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
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.
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.
@@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.
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.
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
@@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.
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!!!
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.
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
A 2007 ford hybrid should be using Toyota's eCVT hybrid system borrowed from the Prius which is in fact not a CVT at all. eCVTs have no belts/chains which are the most common point of failure in most CVTs and instead use a planetary gear set. Making them very boring but also very reliable
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
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.
I have never liked the lack of responsiveness at low rpms with CVTs. I test drove a CR-V back in 2019 and did not like it because of that. After buying nothing but Hondas for 25 years, I bought my first Toyota in 2020 due this this one reason. I am in the market again right now. I had hoped to hear very positive news about Honda CVTs. It sounds like I am still better off with a traditional automatic transmission. Sticking with the Toyota. Thank you for this video!
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.
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.
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.
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
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
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.
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.
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.
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. It’s quicker than an oil change since you’re just draining the fluid and filling it back up. Run through the ‘gears’ after of course.
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.
I really like the way our 2024 Honda CRV 1.5 gas turbo with CVT transmission drives. It reminds me of an electric vehicle, smooth with the power you need at any time and no engine revs unless you press it hard which we rarely do. We are averaging 32 mpg, not bad for a gas engine powered SUV. This is our second Honda CRV with CVT trans. Drove the last one for 7 years and about 100K miles with 0 issues before trading it in.
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.
Make sure you also change the engine oil every 5k miles because these 1.5s are intolerant of late or missed oil changes… and use at least 89 octane gas… direct injection engines with turbos blow head gaskets under 100k if not well maintained.. the engine as well as the cvt need on time services…
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 $.
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.
I'm new to CVT, and to auto transmission in general, as these were never a thing in my country until now. I must say, I like it. I don't miss gear shifting at all, particularly not operating the clutch with a bum left knee. I like how smooth it is, and it's an absolute miracle when driving in stop-start city traffic. I love not having to juggle between clutch, brake, handbrake and accelerator after stopping on an incline. I suspect my tyres will last longer too because acceleration is so smooth and gentle. But keep in mind that I use my car to get from point A to point B, and not for entertainment. I hope I'm lucky with durability.
thank you. Great Video. I have a 1992 Honda Accord, with over 344,000 KM (Canada) with 5 speed manual trans. I like the feel of the shifting. I am in the process of looking for a newer Honda Accord, but it seems like the newer cars all have the CVT transmission. The CVT transmission if it feels like it is slipping is a huge AVOID for me. thank you for sharing.
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
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.
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.
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.
New Subscriber. My granddaughter was looking at the 2018 Honda and I've been warning her to stay away of the CVT transmission for ALL makes. Thank you.
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?
Just saved me from making a mistake! When I look at all the certified pre owned Hondas being sold at dealers THEY'RE MOSTLY CVT everywhere. One dealer has over 700 pre owned Hondas, 504 are CVT! Yikes! Thank goodness I found this vid!
I have 2020 civic lx 2.0 NA why is my dealer telling me I have zero filters to replace, when they very clearly have the warmer filter and the pan strainer assembly?!! When to replace those?
They say that about the return filter on the 5 speed auto and don't even mention the cooler line filter. But no filter is made for the lifetime of the car.
Useful information. I wondered and asked when the 2017 CR V came out whether the CVT transmission was up to the task of long term durability with 1.5 liter turbo and as well with the ‘15 and ‘16 CR V’s. What years are you seeing failures?
I own a 2014 Honda Accord Sport with a CVT. Every time I search on Honda CVT reliability, the articles and videos keep circling back to Nissan CVT issues, and the recommendation to avoid all CVTs based on Nissan. I wish people would stop lumping Honda in with Nissan. I haven't had any problems with my Honda transmission.
FYI, for your reference. I am in OKC OK, local dealership just quoted a CVT flush 215. and oil change at 70. BTW, I do not have a car yet-my 2014 CRV automatic, had for 8 years, was totaled. Prior to that I had a 2000 accord. I learned to drive in a stick, I DO want to feel the gears! I am or have been a honda person but now in a quandary with the current CVT push. Research...Rules out Forester (damn!) , CRV , leaves possible Mazda CX5 (small cargo, low visibility), Rav4 (drives like a truck, hurts my back), Pilot (cost, low reliability)... Who would have thought this would be so complicated!
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
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.
Thank you for the upfront and honest take on why CVT transmissions are being used more. It seems like all major car makers are now moving towards these unfortunately....
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.
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)
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..
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.
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*****
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.
@@noelleonard2498pretty sure the 10th generaltion accords used an regular automatic transmission. The new 11th gen only comes in hybrid and cvt though.
I believe that the transition was around 12,13,14. I work on all makes and models so I also have to use my software as a cheat sheet once a vehicle is in my shops
@@ShadetreeAutomotiveLayton if I'm not mistaken the new accord with the 2.0 engine has the option with a 10 speed transmission instead of the cvr transmission
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.
I strongly prefer the feel of driving a CVT. I started on one though. I remember I had the opposite story when I tried a traditional automatic I at first thought there was some kind of issue. I drove traditional automatics for a few years and just bought a Honda with CVT and couldn't be happier. Smooth ride, no jerkiness, the amount you press on the gas is the amount you accelerate, and far superior fuel economy. Slightly higher maintenance costs are worth it.
I have a 2020 Accord EX and I love how smooth it accelerates. I am 64 so my lead foot days are over, I just take it easy on the gas because I want the car to last awhile. I also have a 2023 Camry and I think the Accord rides smoother and quieter.
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
👍🏻 All information is good information thank you. Something doesn't make sense. The increased cost of servicing the CVT, aside from the cost of the fluid. The Honda Civic has a drain plug and a fill hole at the top. No filter to replace, no need to crack the pan. Should be a simple drain measure the amount of fluid and refill. I don't understand the inflated price. I am referring to the 11 gen if that makes a difference.
If they are anything like the Toyota 8 speed trans. it's really rather complicated involving the computer and exact temperature of fluid requirement.It's a whole complicated step by step procedure which must be adhered to.There's no dipstick on the new transmissions which makes it really tricky in not underfilling/overfilling.Maybe the CVT is similar and this accounts for the expense involved.The CVTs on the hybrid Toyotas anyway are a planetary system of gears so are not really a CVT as such.Extremely reliable in this case.
When you drain it using the drain plug, you only get about 50% of the fluid out. The torque convertor, valve body and other parts are still holding a good amount of fluid. Then you fill it back up and the first time you start it, it mixes the new fluid with the old fluid. It seems wasteful but if we find the fluid to be dark, we drain and fill it twice in order to get as much old fluid out and new fluid in. Obviously we are car guys so we are very particular. The key is to drain and fill it before the fluid breaks down. Then you are typically ok to just exchange what comes out the drain the first time.
I have a 2019 CR-V with the tried and true 2.4L and the CVT. First and foremost, don’t expect to win any races with this set up. These cars were not built for racing. That doesn’t necessarily mean that they’re dogs off the line, either. And mine doesn’t struggle in uphill driving. You just have to ease into a rolling start and not floor it, like you would a bicycle. Second, CVT fluid changes are a must to have any chance at longevity. Like he said in this video, I have mine changed every 30,000 miles direct at my local Honda dealer. Expect to pay around $200 for such service. That all being said, my CR-V now has over 114,000 miles, and I have yet to have one problem with the car as a whole. Safe to say that it’s seen a lot of action in the 5 years since I bought it brand new. Yet, it’s still as solid and smooth. If anything, my CVT feels more stout after my first 3 fluid changes. (My next CVT fluid change is due around 120,000.) Should the CVT ever fail, don’t worry. I have a plan for replacement. I plan on keeping this car for a while. Btw, I average around 28 mpg in real-world everyday driving, which is fine with me considering I’m running all-terrain tires, and all the gear I’m carrying inside. Best I’ve ever gotten was 37 mpg. Honestly, I don’t even think about gas mileage anymore because it’s not like I’m driving a big gas-guzzling money-pit pickup truck anymore. Moral of the story is that if you take care of it and don’t abuse it, it can last a long time. Will my CR-V make it to 200,000 miles trouble-free? Stay tuned.
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.
I have a 2012 Kia Optima with 130,000 miles and Mazda 5 speed transmission. I get 39 miles to a gallon on the highway. My daughter just bought a new car with a cvt transmission. It gets 40 miles to a gallon. Hope it holds up over time.
I don't mind the CVT in my 2019 Civic, but it only has 50k on it so far. And I'm keeping my fingers crossed that it will last since I don't plan on buying another car for several years.
I bought my 2020 civic sport hatch brand new and its got 45k now. I change my fluid every 30k and seems to be doing perfectly fine! I think our cars can go to 150k no problem
His comments are in sync with the experiences of a few friends who have had cars with CVTs including CRV, Nissan Maxima, various Subarus. I would be interested in explanation on CVT vs eCVT as I see that popping up in Toyotas and maybe some other brands. My niece loved her old 2001 CRV which carried her thru college and 200K miles. When it got too old and nearly dead she got a new CRV. It is a 2021 and she has had more issues in 3 years on a new car than ever on an old Honda. CVT, oil and gas mixing in the engine. This is her first ever new car and her first adult purchase post college and starting her new job. She is still paying for it and it has these issues. Honda even tried to deny the oil and gas issues until the dealer finally acknowledged it. Very sad how the quality has slipped.
Had a higher power Nissan with a CVT. Miss that transmission. Fastest, most responsive, no issues. Know several other people with 4 cyl and 6 cyl CVTs. The only one that failed was the not cared for (did not change fluid before 30-60K). Nissan did have issues with the Gen 1 CVTs, but as EVERY single new technology, it needed perfected. CHANGE your fluid. Do not drive it hard when cold and let it cool down when hot. That’s it. Whatever any expert can say, CVTs are the fastest, most efficient and quickest (always in the power band) transmissions, for a given engine! Regardless what they tell you, car makers are NOT in the business of paying for warranty repairs or recalls, but ALL new technologies did have their own issues at the very beginning!
Unfortunately in the case of Nissan, their cvts for many years,and across most models have been plagued with early failures, regardless of the fluid changes..with 3 different class lawsuits pertaining to their cvt premature failures…not so much failures since about 2020 and up thankfully 🤞
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
That is the reason I went with Toyota on my wife's car. I do not like CVT transmissions and Honda not offering an alternative costs them customers. I like Honda and would have purchased an Accord over the Camry had it had the option of a regular automatic. I do know if you service a CVT often like every 25k-30k miles and drive them carefully they can make it to 200k miles got a family member right now with an original CVT in his Nissan Maxima that just hit 200k miles. He has done fluid and filter changes every 25k miles on it. Did the work himself to save money, but its really easy.
Hello from Australia 🇦🇺. We are a Honda and Mazda family because they make excellent reliable cars. We just updated my wife's 2015 Honda CRV with a conventional auto with a 2021 CRV with a CVT. Although I like the new CRV, I must say the older one drove better. I also worry about the long-term reliability of the CVT.
@@JJ-iw7nh there is a warmer filter. You don’t really have to change. But idk why he is saying cvt regular service is expensive. It’s just as easy as engine oil change
@@JJ-iw7nh 25450-P4V-013 I just call it warmer filter. It’s located beneath the battery. You just unscrew 3 bolts and swap one of that orange filter. Lots of shops don’t do that they just drain and refill
2018 CRV AWD with the old-school 2.4L engine and CVT. Full synthetic oil/filter every 5K, trans fluid (Honda only) every 30K, rear differential break-in at 15K and every 30K thereafter (Honda fluid only.) Fluids are not too expensive at the local Honda parts counter since they match most online Honda supplier prices. Maybe $55 for a trans fill, $20 for the differential. Way cheaper than fixing them. So far, zero issues in 100K plus miles.
That is a loaded question. I have a customer at 180k with no problems so far. Good clean fluids and decent driving habits should make it last a long time.
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.
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.
A service Mgr at Kia said he doesn't see cvt failures on cars that get regular fluid changes, just with customers who have never changed the fluid... I don't know if that's related but I change the fluid in my wife's cvt annually with Amsoil and no problems yet at 100k kms... watch it blow up next week now lol
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.
If you can change the engine oil on a car, you can easily change the oil on Honda CVT's. It's no different. Drain plug, fill hole, level plug. It's that easy and the Fluid is not a crazy price $60-$70 total. So doing preventative maintenance is not harder than a conventional transmission.
I live in the mountains and having a CVT is almost a necessity. My last vehicle with a traditional automatic trans. would hunt for gears and lug the engine going up mountain roads to the point that it would bang back and forth between gears. It would never find the right gear to be in. My Honda CR-V would climb my roads like a champ with a steady RPM and no banging or excessive shifting or engine lugging. I did all my own work on my vehicle and would change the CVT fluid every 3rd engine oil change. I change my engine oil @ 5000 mile intervals. Never a problem. Why do you say it's more complicated to change fluid on a CVT? I find it easier than doing an engine oil change. There's a drain plug and a check plug. Put back what came out and run up to operating temp, pull the check plug let any excess drain and you're done. 170k when I traded it in without any problems.
What you're indicating is that you previously had a poorly-designed traditional automatic, and/or, that you neglected to shift it manually into a lower gear for hill climbing. It's great if you like CVTs, have fun, but I wouldn't own one, and am thankful that you don't find them in more-upscale vehicles, in which manufacturers don't prioritize fuel economy and lower production cost above *all* else.
We need channel like this to educate the consumers. Manufacturer tries to lower their costs, If car buyers refuse to buy CVT or DCT, car makers would have no choice but switch back to traditional automatic.
Thank you. We will keep working to share all the knowledge we can! If you have other questions, let me know. We are always looking for more video topics 👍
QUESTION FOR YOU. So i have a 2014 accord sport. I have replaced the struts on it back in 2018. They put quick struts, so first set went out in 6 months. They replaced it. Then it starded making grinding noise while turning the wheel while being parked and clunking when going over regular small bumps on the road, uk like uneven sections etc. So they replaced the struts again, The noise dissapeared for a few months then came back. Then they changed the mounts saying it was the mounts. Which also lasted another 6 months or so and came back. Then they said the compnay that made the mounts went out of business so youd have to pay out of pocket. So we got OEM mounts from the dealer. Which lasted anohter 6 months and the noise came back again. The strusts obsorb big bumps as it should. it doesnt feel like when it went bad and its unstable or what ever. It just sounds clunky and dried up going over small uneven sections on the road/ parking lots below 40 mph. Last summer i replaced damn near the whole front of the car from tye rods, wheel bearings, sway bars, axels, lower ball joints , control arms, rotors calipers etc. Axels actually broke off so i had no choise to replace those. and one side of the other parts went bad so i had them do it in pairs. buttt the same noise coming from the struts never left. ITs still there. It went away during the winter. Soon as it warmed up, it came right back. Whats my problem here? Do i need new strusts and strut mounts or is it something else.? Someone mention could be engine mount or differential, but it doesnt feel it. Bc i had engine mount go bad on my old car and it doesnt feel like that at all. Lastly car also rolls when i make turns its not as tight as it should be . Tires are brad new. Any advice would be much appriciated.
Sounds like something is bent and putting undue stress on the upper strut bearing. Probably wouldn't be a bad idea to replace engine and transmission mounts to ensure everything is in proper location, but I doubt that will solve that issue. Was the car in an accident at any point?
@ yes back in 2018 i slipped on black ice on the high way and the front left corner hit the barriers . But the noise goes away when its winter time. Comes back during the summer. Few months ago they said they lubed it up and it went away for a week then came right back. Now its gone again bc its muggy outside.
@ottomanbeatsofficial sounds like your best course of action would be for a good collision shop to see what is out of alignment (likely a poor repair from damage) and go from there. That likely would not be cheap tho.
Yeah, Toyota Repair Nut channel hasn’t flagged the Toyota CVTs as an issue with reliability. Boring, fuel saving yes, but never mentioned a thing about $5k to $10k like for a Civic CVT
@@ItsAlive111 yeah i watch him too but fact is that the parts and labor are gonna be around those prices ie depending on how damaged, but due to labor i'ts always gonna be several k's to do ANYthing on it and usually way way more bcuz as this guy says, the fluid degrades and then kaput. 8K easily and way more on some. Subies are megabucks for them and almost all fail by upper 100k's
I found changing both filters and o rings and refilling it with CVT fluid very easy on my 2020 Honda Fit Honda made it so easy they even made it idiot proof for overfilling. I change my fluid every 30,000 MI and change my CvT filters every 60,000 cost under 200 bucks and can be done in 2 hours. If you're just changing the fluid can be done as fast as a oil change. 160,000 miles on my cvt
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
yep and there went the reputations of Honda namely and to a much lesser extent Toyota even perhaps!
save the manuals
$$$$$$$$$
toyota and honda CVT are much better than others.
then mazda , shubaru....
the absolute worst are Hyundai KIA.
@@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.
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!
Funny how things last when we take care of them..haha. Keep it up!
@@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?
Small wonder there's hardly any debris when you change your oil so frequently, that's how it should be.
you have a CVT filter you have to change
It is a 6 year old car...@@ShadetreeAutomotiveLayton
If CVT's are cheeper to manufacture, why are they so expensive to replace?
Because profits at the dealer.
Good point!
😂 love it
At least $100 an hour for labor adds up quick.
@@robertmceuen3630 How about $175 at major stealerships like Autonation. You know, the guys that are so female friendly.
2010 Honda Insight, 356,200 miles. Original hybrid battery and original transmission oil. Still averages about 34 miles per gallon.
That’s ridiculous.
@@I_know_what_im_talking_aboutin a good or bad way?
@@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. 😤
How many timing belts have you changed? Every Honda Engine built from 2018 and before has a timing belt and are interference engines and we all know what happens if the Timing Belt Breaks the valve hits the piston and its Engine time.
@@nobsatthistimei thought they had chains
2016 Civic EX with 190000 miles and zero problems with anything on the car. My CVT has been great. Best car I've ever owned.
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.
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
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.
@@edubb2491 He's referring to if it has actual issues...
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.
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.
@@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 UA-cam 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!
@@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.
@@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.
@@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.
Advantage: Cheaper for the manufacturer
Disadvantage: Expensive to replace
Basically a win-win for manufacturers
160k on mine. Change fluid every 20k. Costs $30
@@iiddrrii6051 Very wise. I suspect changing the fluid sooner than 30k substantially decreases the chance of failure, especially because of the heat.
A big f u to consumers i won't buy a cvt ill fn walk b4 I buy a cvt junk box
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
No longer supply chain issues,but rather manufacturers scaling back production to keep prices high,..in other words,they are no longer overproducing cars.
That would be the move
@@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.
@@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.
@@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.
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.
You hit the gas..and then let go a bit..and it takes ff..lol..its weird!
@@edubb2491yes! It’s weird lol glad to know mine isn’t the only one
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.
@@nothing.mp3 In reality, there NEVER was/is a replacement for manual transmission.
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
Haha yeah
Makes sense to the manufacture only
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
@@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
@@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
Great work. I've owned Hondas for last 30 years. Currently have a Civic which I've owned for 11 years. No problems at all. Still on same exhaust system
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.
I have the 2014 of this model, just hit 140k drives the same as the day I got it, car refuses to die.
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.
@@michaelw6277 this reads like a Kamala Harris speech
@@Tommy-Eagle-USA I’ll take your word for it, I avoid listening to political speeches whenever possible
Good on ya for servicing it! Dealers around here are telling people the transmission is a lifetime fill.
Wife's 2016 civic touring. CTV ROCKING, not a single issue. And she RIDES that car HARD!
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.
My 2006 Fit (aka Jazz) had the CVT start clutch judder when I bought it off a friend. Regular fluid changes with genuine Honda CVTF help, but there is also a transmission stall test you can perform to burnish the clutch, and the Xado Revitalizant treatment also works wonders.
Not sure if UA-cam will let me link but the hondafitjazz site has the stall test instructions.
I wish we could still get the genuinely small cars with the classic British undersquare engines under 1000 cc. The other day I saw a late model Mini Clubman parked next to a 1980s Jeep Cherokee and the Mini looked bigger!
@@thromboid Thanks for that info.
@@GraemeWant I also tried to post a link or at least search terms for the stall test instructions but UA-cam's comments don't seem to allow anything resembling an actual Web address. Let's try again...
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.
how often did u change the transmission fluid and how much did it cost
They should put a cvt fluid change reminder just like when to change the oil.
They don't want you to change the fluid
@@HarveyWallbanger-ho2cq Our transmission failed at 150k miles. I tried to get help from Honda and Honda accused us of not changing the fluid and denied our claim.
They do. At least my '23 Civic does. It's in the maintenance minder on the dash.
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.
That’s why Honda ranks 14 on automotive reliability. Way to go, all down hill from being #3 for so long.
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.
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
cant agree more
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
Do you change the CVT fluid when its cold to replace the same amount that was taken out?
@@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
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.
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.
I changed atf fluid first time on my 2015 Infiniti automatic transmission at 180k miles. Changed fluid myself for $60 . Runs like new)
I just bought a 2024 Civic Sport with a 6 Speed Manual. It's a gorgeous gearbox!!!
Getting a 6 speed manual transmission means all the corporate deception & lies did not work on you.
I didn't realize they were still making manuals. I have a 2019 civic with a manual.
I actually chose a manual once I saw my only other option was a CVT. Hadn't driven a manual in years, but got back into the swing of it pretty fast. Normally would have chosen an auto...but they weren't on the menu.
We don't care about your manual trans we are concerned about CVTs
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.
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.
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!
You do realize you are comparing a compact car with a mid-size car. Of course she liked the Camry better.
Yes and?
My mother owns a 2020 CRV with a CVT and I just changed the transmission oil at 30,000 miles - it looked like new and the magnetic plug had no metallic debris.
The transmission operates very smoothly. She has no complaints thus far.
I put 150,00 miles on mine, never changed the fluid and had zero problems.
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
Wow lucky. My 2018 1.5t hatchback didn’t even make it to 120k before CVT transmission completely failed.
@@notcomplyingdid you do drain and fills and filter changes every 25k at dealer?
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.
eCVT is marketing speak for a planetary gearset. It's extremely robust and has nothing in common with a belt-driven CVT.
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.
That's Toyota SynergyDrive / Power Split Device. Honda does something else, but it's not a classic CVT either.
Ecvt by design is crazy reliable and strong look at Camry ecvt the hybrid
@@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.
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.
modern CVTs are much better now/.
@@tocreatee3585 They sure are though I’m still wary of Nissan stuff. Only time will tell if they improved on theirs also.
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
@@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.
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!!!
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.
I have a 2017 Honda Accord EX-L 4-cylinder with a CVT. I love it! It drives smooth and stays at a consistent RPM when accelerating.
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
A 2007 ford hybrid should be using Toyota's eCVT hybrid system borrowed from the Prius which is in fact not a CVT at all. eCVTs have no belts/chains which are the most common point of failure in most CVTs and instead use a planetary gear set. Making them very boring but also very reliable
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
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.
Lol😅 the would be somthen I'd do!!
I have never liked the lack of responsiveness at low rpms with CVTs. I test drove a CR-V back in 2019 and did not like it because of that. After buying nothing but Hondas for 25 years, I bought my first Toyota in 2020 due this this one reason. I am in the market again right now. I had hoped to hear very positive news about Honda CVTs. It sounds like I am still better off with a traditional automatic transmission. Sticking with the Toyota. Thank you for this video!
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.
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.
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.
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
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
My 2016 Lancer had the CVT fail at 45,000 miles. Thankfully it was still under warranty.
I followed all the recommended maintenance.
Have a 2016 accord sport with a CVT, it has 128,000 miles and the cvt runs great, no issues at all. I change the cvt oil every 30,000 miles.
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.
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.
Thank you for educating me on cvt transmission
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.
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.
Wow! That is a great price. What area do you live?
@@ShadetreeAutomotiveLayton - Gates Honda in Richmond Kentucky.
You said that so correctly. Maintaining your vehicle is the most important thing. You can do to keep the vehicle on the road
It is also pretty easy to do by yourself.
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. It’s quicker than an oil change since you’re just draining the fluid and filling it back up. Run through the ‘gears’ after of course.
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.
Have you ever changed the filter inside the trans?
I really like the way our 2024 Honda CRV 1.5 gas turbo with CVT transmission drives. It reminds me of an electric vehicle, smooth with the power you need at any time and no engine revs unless you press it hard which we rarely do. We are averaging 32 mpg, not bad for a gas engine powered SUV. This is our second Honda CRV with CVT trans. Drove the last one for 7 years and about 100K miles with 0 issues before trading it in.
I was just about to buy an Acura Integra with the CVT and then I saw your video. I've changed my mind! Thanks for your insights!
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.
Make sure you also change the engine oil every 5k miles because these 1.5s are intolerant of late or missed oil changes… and use at least 89 octane gas… direct injection engines with turbos blow head gaskets under 100k if not well maintained.. the engine as well as the cvt need on time services…
Have a 2014 Accord. Changed CVT fluid every 30k, car runs like NEW. Over 150k on it.
2013 Honda Accord with 112000 miles. CVT serviced every 30k. No problems yet, excluding the starter replacement just after the warranty expired.
$5k to $10k is a big range for a Honda Civic CVT coming from a Honda mechanic. Imagine getting a quote like that 😅
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 $.
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.
He doesn't want to disclose the real total cost
@@femaledeer shady
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.
I'm new to CVT, and to auto transmission in general, as these were never a thing in my country until now. I must say, I like it. I don't miss gear shifting at all, particularly not operating the clutch with a bum left knee. I like how smooth it is, and it's an absolute miracle when driving in stop-start city traffic. I love not having to juggle between clutch, brake, handbrake and accelerator after stopping on an incline. I suspect my tyres will last longer too because acceleration is so smooth and gentle. But keep in mind that I use my car to get from point A to point B, and not for entertainment. I hope I'm lucky with durability.
I have been driving for 23 years and I do like the way a CVT feels.
thank you. Great Video. I have a 1992 Honda Accord, with over 344,000 KM (Canada) with 5 speed manual trans. I like the feel of the shifting. I am in the process of looking for a newer Honda Accord, but it seems like the newer cars all have the CVT transmission. The CVT transmission if it feels like it is slipping is a huge AVOID for me. thank you for sharing.
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
Haha good luck! Glad that civic is still running strong! 💪
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.
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.
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.
I replaced the Cvt warmer filter myself on my 2015 CRV. Just make sure to get all the o rings associated with it
New Subscriber. My granddaughter was looking at the 2018 Honda and I've been warning her to stay away of the CVT transmission for ALL makes. Thank you.
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?
Just saved me from making a mistake! When I look at all the certified pre owned Hondas being sold at dealers THEY'RE MOSTLY CVT everywhere.
One dealer has over 700 pre owned Hondas, 504 are CVT! Yikes!
Thank goodness I found this vid!
I have 2020 civic lx 2.0 NA
why is my dealer telling me I have zero filters to replace, when they very clearly have the warmer filter and the pan strainer assembly?!! When to replace those?
They say that about the return filter on the 5 speed auto and don't even mention the cooler line filter. But no filter is made for the lifetime of the car.
Useful information. I wondered and asked when the 2017 CR V came out whether the CVT transmission was up to the task of long term durability with 1.5 liter turbo and as well with the ‘15 and ‘16 CR V’s. What years are you seeing failures?
I own a 2014 Honda Accord Sport with a CVT. Every time I search on Honda CVT reliability, the articles and videos keep circling back to Nissan CVT issues, and the recommendation to avoid all CVTs based on Nissan. I wish people would stop lumping Honda in with Nissan. I haven't had any problems with my Honda transmission.
The Honda HRV CVT has an extremely high failure rate. Several recalls and Honda extended the warranty on it to 7 years due to the high failure rate.
FYI, for your reference. I am in OKC OK, local dealership just quoted a CVT flush 215. and oil change at 70.
BTW, I do not have a car yet-my 2014 CRV automatic, had for 8 years, was totaled. Prior to that I had a 2000 accord. I learned to drive in a stick, I DO want to feel the gears! I am or have been a honda person but now in a quandary with the current CVT push. Research...Rules out Forester (damn!) , CRV , leaves possible Mazda CX5 (small cargo, low visibility), Rav4 (drives like a truck, hurts my back), Pilot (cost, low reliability)... Who would have thought this would be so complicated!
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
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.
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
Thank you for the upfront and honest take on why CVT transmissions are being used more. It seems like all major car makers are now moving towards these unfortunately....
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.
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)
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..
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.
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*****
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.
What were the last yrs that civic and accord used a regular transmission?
2012
13 was the last 5 speed auto for the civic and 14 was the last year for accord.
@@noelleonard2498pretty sure the 10th generaltion accords used an regular automatic transmission. The new 11th gen only comes in hybrid and cvt though.
I believe that the transition was around 12,13,14. I work on all makes and models so I also have to use my software as a cheat sheet once a vehicle is in my shops
@@ShadetreeAutomotiveLayton if I'm not mistaken the new accord with the 2.0 engine has the option with a 10 speed transmission instead of the cvr transmission
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.
I strongly prefer the feel of driving a CVT. I started on one though. I remember I had the opposite story when I tried a traditional automatic I at first thought there was some kind of issue. I drove traditional automatics for a few years and just bought a Honda with CVT and couldn't be happier. Smooth ride, no jerkiness, the amount you press on the gas is the amount you accelerate, and far superior fuel economy. Slightly higher maintenance costs are worth it.
I have a 2020 Accord EX and I love how smooth it accelerates. I am 64 so my lead foot days are over, I just take it easy on the gas because I want the car to last awhile. I also have a 2023 Camry and I think the Accord rides smoother and quieter.
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
Did not know what a CVT transmission was before seeing this video. I makes me want to think long before buying a CVT auto. Thanks
Mine failed at 45,000 miles.
👍🏻 All information is good information thank you. Something doesn't make sense. The increased cost of servicing the CVT, aside from the cost of the fluid. The Honda Civic has a drain plug and a fill hole at the top. No filter to replace, no need to crack the pan. Should be a simple drain measure the amount of fluid and refill. I don't understand the inflated price. I am referring to the 11 gen if that makes a difference.
If they are anything like the Toyota 8 speed trans. it's really rather complicated involving the computer and exact temperature of fluid requirement.It's a whole complicated step by step procedure which must be adhered to.There's no dipstick on the new transmissions which makes it really tricky in not underfilling/overfilling.Maybe the CVT is similar and this accounts for the expense involved.The CVTs on the hybrid Toyotas anyway are a planetary system of gears so are not really a CVT as such.Extremely reliable in this case.
When you drain it using the drain plug, you only get about 50% of the fluid out. The torque convertor, valve body and other parts are still holding a good amount of fluid. Then you fill it back up and the first time you start it, it mixes the new fluid with the old fluid. It seems wasteful but if we find the fluid to be dark, we drain and fill it twice in order to get as much old fluid out and new fluid in. Obviously we are car guys so we are very particular. The key is to drain and fill it before the fluid breaks down. Then you are typically ok to just exchange what comes out the drain the first time.
there is a CVT filter to replace
I have a 2019 CR-V with the tried and true 2.4L and the CVT. First and foremost, don’t expect to win any races with this set up. These cars were not built for racing. That doesn’t necessarily mean that they’re dogs off the line, either. And mine doesn’t struggle in uphill driving. You just have to ease into a rolling start and not floor it, like you would a bicycle. Second, CVT fluid changes are a must to have any chance at longevity. Like he said in this video, I have mine changed every 30,000 miles direct at my local Honda dealer. Expect to pay around $200 for such service.
That all being said, my CR-V now has over 114,000 miles, and I have yet to have one problem with the car as a whole. Safe to say that it’s seen a lot of action in the 5 years since I bought it brand new. Yet, it’s still as solid and smooth. If anything, my CVT feels more stout after my first 3 fluid changes. (My next CVT fluid change is due around 120,000.) Should the CVT ever fail, don’t worry. I have a plan for replacement. I plan on keeping this car for a while.
Btw, I average around 28 mpg in real-world everyday driving, which is fine with me considering I’m running all-terrain tires, and all the gear I’m carrying inside. Best I’ve ever gotten was 37 mpg. Honestly, I don’t even think about gas mileage anymore because it’s not like I’m driving a big gas-guzzling money-pit pickup truck anymore.
Moral of the story is that if you take care of it and don’t abuse it, it can last a long time. Will my CR-V make it to 200,000 miles trouble-free? Stay tuned.
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.
I have a 2012 Kia Optima with 130,000 miles and Mazda 5 speed transmission. I get 39 miles to a gallon on the highway. My daughter just bought a new car with a cvt transmission. It gets 40 miles to a gallon. Hope it holds up over time.
I don't mind the CVT in my 2019 Civic, but it only has 50k on it so far. And I'm keeping my fingers crossed that it will last since I don't plan on buying another car for several years.
I bought my 2020 civic sport hatch brand new and its got 45k now. I change my fluid every 30k and seems to be doing perfectly fine! I think our cars can go to 150k no problem
His comments are in sync with the experiences of a few friends who have had cars with CVTs including CRV, Nissan Maxima, various Subarus. I would be interested in explanation on CVT vs eCVT as I see that popping up in Toyotas and maybe some other brands. My niece loved her old 2001 CRV which carried her thru college and 200K miles. When it got too old and nearly dead she got a new CRV. It is a 2021 and she has had more issues in 3 years on a new car than ever on an old Honda. CVT, oil and gas mixing in the engine. This is her first ever new car and her first adult purchase post college and starting her new job. She is still paying for it and it has these issues. Honda even tried to deny the oil and gas issues until the dealer finally acknowledged it. Very sad how the quality has slipped.
Had a higher power Nissan with a CVT. Miss that transmission. Fastest, most responsive, no issues.
Know several other people with 4 cyl and 6 cyl CVTs. The only one that failed was the not cared for (did not change fluid before 30-60K).
Nissan did have issues with the Gen 1 CVTs, but as EVERY single new technology, it needed perfected.
CHANGE your fluid. Do not drive it hard when cold and let it cool down when hot. That’s it.
Whatever any expert can say, CVTs are the fastest, most efficient and quickest (always in the power band) transmissions, for a given engine!
Regardless what they tell you, car makers are NOT in the business of paying for warranty repairs or recalls, but ALL new technologies did have their own issues at the very beginning!
Unfortunately in the case of Nissan, their cvts for many years,and across most models have been plagued with early failures, regardless of the fluid changes..with 3 different class lawsuits pertaining to their cvt premature failures…not so much failures since about 2020 and up thankfully 🤞
@@donovanfahrbach2493 Yeah my 2015 Nissan Rogue CVT went out at 65,000 miles! 👎
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
That is the reason I went with Toyota on my wife's car. I do not like CVT transmissions and Honda not offering an alternative costs them customers. I like Honda and would have purchased an Accord over the Camry had it had the option of a regular automatic. I do know if you service a CVT often like every 25k-30k miles and drive them carefully they can make it to 200k miles got a family member right now with an original CVT in his Nissan Maxima that just hit 200k miles. He has done fluid and filter changes every 25k miles on it. Did the work himself to save money, but its really easy.
Hello from Australia 🇦🇺. We are a Honda and Mazda family because they make excellent reliable cars. We just updated my wife's 2015 Honda CRV with a conventional auto with a 2021 CRV with a CVT. Although I like the new CRV, I must say the older one drove better. I also worry about the long-term reliability of the CVT.
servicing honda cvt fluid is easy. you just take out warmer filter replaced and refill. it takes less than 30 mins. ?
Why take the warmer off when you can use the drain plug?
@@JJ-iw7nh there is a warmer filter. You don’t really have to change. But idk why he is saying cvt regular service is expensive. It’s just as easy as engine oil change
@@Kaywonlee never seen a warmer filter in my life. I have seen transmission filters on some Honda's. Is there a part number for that?
@@JJ-iw7nh 25450-P4V-013
I just call it warmer filter. It’s located beneath the battery. You just unscrew 3 bolts and swap one of that orange filter. Lots of shops don’t do that they just drain and refill
@@Kaywonlee must have missed that. I'll look tomorrow when I am work at the Honda dealership
2018 CRV AWD with the old-school 2.4L engine and CVT. Full synthetic oil/filter every 5K, trans fluid (Honda only) every 30K, rear differential break-in at 15K and every 30K thereafter (Honda fluid only.) Fluids are not too expensive at the local Honda parts counter since they match most online Honda supplier prices. Maybe $55 for a trans fill, $20 for the differential. Way cheaper than fixing them. So far, zero issues in 100K plus miles.
How long can turbo last in Honda 1.5 ?
There’s a guy on UA-cam with 800k miles on his 2017 1.5T civic… same turbo.
@@areallytallguyDo you know the UA-camrs name?
That is a loaded question. I have a customer at 180k with no problems so far. Good clean fluids and decent driving habits should make it last a long time.
@@DavidDoboni lmleocalm. Just search 800k civic.
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.
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
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.
Preach Ken Preach!!!
A service Mgr at Kia said he doesn't see cvt failures on cars that get regular fluid changes, just with customers who have never changed the fluid... I don't know if that's related but I change the fluid in my wife's cvt annually with Amsoil and no problems yet at 100k kms... watch it blow up next week now lol
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.
Just look up CVTs on the Internet. It will open your eyes.🤔
If you can change the engine oil on a car, you can easily change the oil on Honda CVT's. It's no different. Drain plug, fill hole, level plug. It's that easy and the Fluid is not a crazy price $60-$70 total. So doing preventative maintenance is not harder than a conventional transmission.
Toyota has a physical launch gear, which will put less stress on the cvt.
I am pretty sure a lot of the Hondas do too
@@gaaarrryyy5 nope. i thought about in back in 2018 but they never actually added it.
And you don't have to have such a range of ratios on the belt part of the transmission
Is it necessary to drop the transmission pan when putting new tranny fluid in my maxima?
I have 109,000 on my 2018 civic sport turbo cvt. I change the fluid every 30,000. No cvt or engine problems at all. Really good power and mileage!!
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.
I live in the mountains and having a CVT is almost a necessity. My last vehicle with a traditional automatic trans. would hunt for gears and lug the engine going up mountain roads to the point that it would bang back and forth between gears. It would never find the right gear to be in. My Honda CR-V would climb my roads like a champ with a steady RPM and no banging or excessive shifting or engine lugging. I did all my own work on my vehicle and would change the CVT fluid every 3rd engine oil change. I change my engine oil @ 5000 mile intervals. Never a problem. Why do you say it's more complicated to change fluid on a CVT? I find it easier than doing an engine oil change. There's a drain plug and a check plug. Put back what came out and run up to operating temp, pull the check plug let any excess drain and you're done. 170k when I traded it in without any problems.
What you're indicating is that you previously had a poorly-designed traditional automatic, and/or, that you neglected to shift it manually into a lower gear for hill climbing. It's great if you like CVTs, have fun, but I wouldn't own one, and am thankful that you don't find them in more-upscale vehicles, in which manufacturers don't prioritize fuel economy and lower production cost above *all* else.
We need channel like this to educate the consumers. Manufacturer tries to lower their costs, If car buyers refuse to buy CVT or DCT, car makers would have no choice but switch back to traditional automatic.
Thank you. We will keep working to share all the knowledge we can! If you have other questions, let me know. We are always looking for more video topics 👍
CVTs and especially DCTs are great.
QUESTION FOR YOU.
So i have a 2014 accord sport. I have replaced the struts on it back in 2018. They put quick struts, so first set went out in 6 months. They replaced it. Then it starded making grinding noise while turning the wheel while being parked and clunking when going over regular small bumps on the road, uk like uneven sections etc. So they replaced the struts again, The noise dissapeared for a few months then came back.
Then they changed the mounts saying it was the mounts. Which also lasted another 6 months or so and came back. Then they said the compnay that made the mounts went out of business so youd have to pay out of pocket. So we got OEM mounts from the dealer. Which lasted anohter 6 months and the noise came back again. The strusts obsorb big bumps as it should. it doesnt feel like when it went bad and its unstable or what ever. It just sounds clunky and dried up going over small uneven sections on the road/ parking lots below 40 mph.
Last summer i replaced damn near the whole front of the car from tye rods, wheel bearings, sway bars, axels, lower ball joints , control arms, rotors calipers etc. Axels actually broke off so i had no choise to replace those. and one side of the other parts went bad so i had them do it in pairs. buttt the same noise coming from the struts never left. ITs still there. It went away during the winter. Soon as it warmed up, it came right back. Whats my problem here? Do i need new strusts and strut mounts or is it something else.? Someone mention could be engine mount or differential, but it doesnt feel it. Bc i had engine mount go bad on my old car and it doesnt feel like that at all. Lastly car also rolls when i make turns its not as tight as it should be . Tires are brad new. Any advice would be much appriciated.
Sounds like something is bent and putting undue stress on the upper strut bearing. Probably wouldn't be a bad idea to replace engine and transmission mounts to ensure everything is in proper location, but I doubt that will solve that issue. Was the car in an accident at any point?
@ yes back in 2018 i slipped on black ice on the high way and the front left corner hit the barriers . But the noise goes away when its winter time. Comes back during the summer. Few months ago they said they lubed it up and it went away for a week then came right back. Now its gone again bc its muggy outside.
@ottomanbeatsofficial sounds like your best course of action would be for a good collision shop to see what is out of alignment (likely a poor repair from damage) and go from there. That likely would not be cheap tho.
Like to hear reviews on Toyota and Lexus vehicles.
Yeah, Toyota Repair Nut channel hasn’t flagged the Toyota CVTs as an issue with reliability. Boring, fuel saving yes, but never mentioned a thing about $5k to $10k like for a Civic CVT
@@ItsAlive111 yeah i watch him too but fact is that the parts and labor are gonna be around those prices ie depending on how damaged, but due to labor i'ts always gonna be several k's to do ANYthing on it and usually way way more bcuz as this guy says, the fluid degrades and then kaput. 8K easily and way more on some. Subies are megabucks for them and almost all fail by upper 100k's
We plan to start a series on Toyota in the next few moths. stay tuned
I found changing both filters and o rings and refilling it with CVT fluid very easy on my 2020 Honda Fit
Honda made it so easy they even made it idiot proof for overfilling. I change my fluid every 30,000 MI and change my CvT filters every 60,000 cost under 200 bucks and can be done in 2 hours.
If you're just changing the fluid can be done as fast as a oil change.
160,000 miles on my cvt