Are Honda CVT transmissions good?
Posted by Crystal356@reddit | askcarguys | View on Reddit | 51 comments
Hello everyone! Seeking some advice:
I (24F) don’t have anyone to ask in my life for advice, so I wanted to ask people here. I am trying to buy a new car sometime soon (by myself for the first time ever), hopefully before the summer. My budget is to stay under $17k, with mileage between 50-80k at most, the money is gonna sting, but I’m trying to suck it up cause I am tired of car issues. I have been looking and tbh I really want a RAV4, but it’s way out of my price range. I don’t want a sedan anymore, I’d feel more secure in an crossover/suv.
I currently own a 2014 Nissan Sentra SR, and it’s the worst car ever. When I got it used it was at 96k miles and it’s currently at like 117k ish miles. So I literally don’t drive it much cause I don’t trust it haha. When I first got it, after like a month or two they had to replace a failed CVT transmission, it literally died on the highway, and it was very scary for me. Thankfully I was still under the certified used warranty and they covered the costs for me. This car has given me so much issues and it’s genuinely annoying to drive. It literally drives like it’s going to die, God forbid you go up hills, it revs and acts like it doesn’t really want to move. I hate my car. I appreciate that I have one, but every year I keep spending money for one sensor getting broken and it always feeling like I’m driving a toy car and always fixing stuff that’s not maintenance.
Anyways I just want to know are Honda CVT’s just as bad? The HRV/CRV is the one I have my eye on at the moment, and I just want to know if this is a bad idea. Prior to buying the Nissan I was very naive and didn’t have any advice, my mom just helped me co-sign and it was just not the best decision to go without doing my research. So, I want to make a better decision this time.
I’d appreciate any advice and I’d love to know what y’all think.
CurrencyWarm7505@reddit
Hey all. I am completely serious about filing a class action lawsuit after Honda gave me a ridiculous offer of “goodwill assistance” for a lemon that they sold me. These CVT issues are a joke. Always took care of my Hondas and went to the dealerships for service. It is absolutely infuriating. I was a loyal Honda fan for life, bought multiple cars brand new off the lot, and they effed me over. F around and find out lol
I’m not playing games anymore. I am dead set on reaching out to a lawyer about this. If anyone is interested please reach out to me. Or if anyone has already begun this process, please let me know.
Kev50027@reddit
Honda and Toyota CVTs are far more reliable than Nissan. I've seen several at my job last 150k or more miles without any issues.
CurrencyAccording569@reddit
2019 Toyota Corolla transmission went bad at 106000. Fluid changed at 35000 and 75000
Kev50027@reddit
Sorry that happened to you! If we're talking anecdotal, my wife has a 2014 Honda Accord with 167k and no fluid changes and it's still going strong. They do go bad, but working at a dealer, I don't see as many Toyota and Hondas needing new transmissions as Nissans, Fords, Chevron, and GMC. Except Honda V6s, those eat transmissions for lunch.
Crystal356@reddit (OP)
Yeah the consensus is that they are better than Nissan by far haha
UnderstandingGlum457@reddit
My 2015 accord cvt have 177k mostly city driving. I change the fluid every 30-40k. No issues at all.
RidgelineCRX@reddit
Yes. Honda CVTs are far superior to nissans'
However ALL CVTs are sensitive to maintenance, one owner driving it for 75k miles and skipping the transmission service twice would be enough to make the transmission a "timebomb".
So if you are purchasing used from a reputable dealer, make sure to get a copy of the service records and look for transmission/CVT fluid change services at roughly 30k mile intervals. If they can't provide that, then walk and find one who can. There are literally thousands of them for sale, and it shouldn't be too hard to find one with solid service history.
Crystal356@reddit (OP)
Okay thank you so much. I figured Hondas were better but I needed to ask people who may know better. I have taken good care of my Nissan and even done the transmission fluid thing when recommended last year. So like the car just sucks.
1337hxr@reddit
Don’t wait until someone recommends it to you, as they often don’t know when it was last done and what the manufacturer recommends. Use your owners manual as a guide and keep track of all the maintenance yourself. Carfax is useful for tracking your maintenance as well, if you prefer to not use paper.
VRSvictim@reddit
Do the benefits of CVTs really outweighs the increased reliance on regular maintenance? I guess the tech will mature but I have zero interest in a used CVT right now
RidgelineCRX@reddit
The Honda CVTs feel much better than the competition, but in terms of efficiency and benefits? I'll just drive a manual. I can get way more mileage out of a manual than a CVT.... Although it requires hypermiling techniques.
Regular maintenance period is the same, between auto+CVT, and reliability as seen so far with regular maintenance has been at least on par with regular automatic transmissions.
The only difference is how long it lasts when neglected. If it's not neglected, it's not a problem.
Can't speak to the benefit vs a traditional automatic. I've yet to see a true like for like comparison of a car using a regular auto vs CVT in terms of performance and efficiency. I have however seen plenty of graphs, test results, engineering documentation, etc. that all point to CVTs being superior.
So if you are the type of individual who does just the bare minimum to keep your car on the road, yeah, avoid CVTs. But if you are the type of individual who actually maintains their vehicle, CVTs are fine.
Crystal356@reddit (OP)
Really tired of driving my car nervous it will stop me on the road. I literally pay for AAA every year just for peace of mind. I’m tired of it. So please I’ll appreciate anyone who takes their time to give me advice!
Distribution-Radiant@reddit
It's good to keep AAA anyway - never know when you're gonna wind up with 2 flats (I hit some debris in the road and this happened to me.. like most, I only have 1 spare), or a dead battery in BFE.
But Nissan CVTs are the absolute worst out there. They're made by Jatco, who also supplies Mitsubishi with their CVTs. Difference is, Mitsubishi doesn't try to cram 300 hp through a transmission meant for 100 hp (looking at you, Maxima/V6 Altima) - everything Mitsubishi sells today is hilariously underpowered.
VRSvictim@reddit
Doesn’t pretty much all insurance have roadside assistance these days?
Distribution-Radiant@reddit
No, it's an option on every policy I've had. And it counts as a claim in some states.
It also only covers towing to a repair facility in the policies I've had, had a 5-10 mile radius they'd pay for... whereas AAA doesn't give two shits where you drop it off and will go anywhere from 4 to 200 miles (depending which tier you're on).
AAA also covered an off road recovery for me 100%; my insurance would have told me to pound sand. High centered an old Outback exploring the trails behind my apt complex... dude had a hell of a time getting his truck in there (thankfully I knew 3 different ways to get to that spot) and spent a good hour on the actual recovery. Thankfully it had a hitch receiver he was able to hook on to, so no suspension damage from trying to drag it out.
Crystal356@reddit (OP)
Yeah I will always keep AAA, but I am not a fan of driving scared my car will stop me. The AAA keeps my mind sane when I’m driving at like midnight.
Jafar_420@reddit
I just went from a 2018 Nissan Sentra to a 2024 Honda Civic Sport. I researched the hell out of the CVT in Hondas. They don't seem to have any issues like the Nissan ones. You definitely need to change the fluid through. Honda is super solid.
Crystal356@reddit (OP)
That’s good to hear. I don’t mind doing the required maintenance if the car is overall a good car. My car sucks and I’m painfully aware of how bad it drives. If you don’t mind me asking max why’d you change from the Sentra?
Jafar_420@reddit
2018 was one of the really bad CVT years. The car was running perfect and only had 51,000 miles but the transmission was a time bomb imo. The class action extended warranty expired next August also.
Also if you replace the transmission it's the same model one, they never improved it. I didn't want it to go out and be without a car and I also didn't wanna lose my trade in value. I also really have always like Honda's. I really love Toyota RAV4s but they were out of my budget for sure.
Crystal356@reddit (OP)
Ah I see, yeah they all suck tbh. I don’t know how they’re still in business. I assume most people don’t know or are just lucky when they have their cars. Glad you got out before any issues, it’s definitely not fun driving a car that you feel could die anytime. I can’t even take it on road trips. Yeah I’m looking at toyota chr, Mazda, and Honda. It’s just they’re not cheap, I may have to settle with a sedan. As long as it’s reliable, I will be fine.
Distribution-Radiant@reddit
Their in-house financing will finance damn near anybody when it comes to the Altima. Their trucks are decent too, though dated.
Same reason Mitsubishi is still around - they finance anybody.
Crystal356@reddit (OP)
Ah thanks for your comment. The Chr is out of my budget so while I love the look of it, it’s not working out haha. You’re right I think it’s cause Nissan will take anybody. Although they have a lot of lawsuits against them and the dealership I purchased my Nissan (pretty big) closed this year because of poor business. So out goes my free oil changes and safety inspections lol. And yes I am heavily considering the Mazda, while people have said Toyotas and Hondas have pretty good CVT’s, I really just don’t want them. I may have to get a Honda sedan. We’ll see though. Thanks again!
Distribution-Radiant@reddit
I mean if you don't want a CVT, go Mazda. They don't use them at all - they rely on Skyactiv to hit their CAFE (corporate average fuel economy) numbers instead of CVTs. The 2024 Mazda 3 is rated up to 35 mpg highway, and they did away with the smaller 2.0 engine (you used to be able to choose between a 2.0 and 2.5; now you choose between a regular 2.5 and 2.5 turbo). Older ones were rated up to 36 mpg.
Azrael-777@reddit
I’m not a Honda mechanic (I work at a Chevy dealership) but Hondas are my favorite vehicle brand. My dad bought a brand new Crv in 2016 that has the cvt transmission in it. It’s approaching 100k miles and it’s never had a problem with the transmission. To be honest it hasn’t had a single issue other than normal maintenance. Take that as you may. I know CVT transmissions are fairly new in the automotive field and personally don’t care for them.
Distribution-Radiant@reddit
Except they're not. They've been used on scooters and small engined motorcycles forever, agricultural stuff has used them for a long time. Benz filed the first CVT patent in 1886; the first car sold in the US with one was the 1959 DAF 600. The first commonly available CVT in the US was in the 1987 Subaru Justy.
Nissan was the first automaker to really go balls deep on them (around 2004 or 2005?), but Audi was using them on the 2002 A4 (massive class action against VAG over them shitting out early).
I'm not counting Toyota's e-CVT; every Toyota hybrid ever made uses those. The Prius came out in the US in 2001. Honda also had a CVT Civic from 96-00 (the HX - 5 speed or CVT - it was otherwise a cross between a DX and LX as far as standard equipment - added a tach, 14" wheels instead of 13", PW/PL/PM/PS, more power than the DX and LX, but not as much as the EX).
Crystal356@reddit (OP)
That’s good to know, I figured they had to be better than the Nissans. So it’s nice to hear it from others here. Idk how Nissan is still in business haha
TheGT1030MasterRace@reddit
The hybrid eCVT is indestructible.
Crystal356@reddit (OP)
Oh I’m gonna have to check that out, didn’t know they had hybrids.
monsieuryuan@reddit
I haven't heard of any common issues with Honda CVTs, and they should be reliable. On the opposite end, Nissan's were known to have the worst CVTs.
If you're looking for common issues, checkout carcomplaints.com. A month of Consumer Reports is also totally worth it to research reliability for the model you're looking to buy.
If you're still iffy about CVTs, Mazda still offer traditional automatics for their small CUVs.
Crystal356@reddit (OP)
Thank you for the tip, I will definitely check. This purchase is huge for me, and I really want this car to not be a source of problems for me.
LividTeaching7237@reddit
Honda ! There is a reason why you see a lot of hondas on the streets.... probably the best value car available.
Crystal356@reddit (OP)
Yeah I am probably gonna end up with one or a Toyota/mazda.
Buci__1@reddit
Hondas CVT have no problems, however CVT requires more frequent maintenance than automatic, if you don't change fluid every 30-40k miles you will lose the transmission early. Automatic vs CVT
Crystal356@reddit (OP)
Thank you for the link!
jav2n202@reddit
You don’t have to buy one with a cvt. Honda still offers a traditional automatic transmission.
Crystal356@reddit (OP)
What models? I want an suv or a crossover. The HRV and CRV seems to be a CVT. I want something in the 2016-2020 range. The passport and pilot are too big for me and also way out of my budget.
jav2n202@reddit
Well it seems I’m wrong about the newest models. I looked it up recently and they have been offering it as an option in recent years, but if you’re going for a brand new crv I guess a cvt is your only choice. Honda is gonna be your best bet, but cvts are just inherently problematic. As a mechanic/engineering type person I can’t understand why manufacturers are pushing them other than they want to keep their techs busy replacing and repairing transmissions. Im a Honda fan too. I’ve dealt with many of them between myself and close family members and they’re some of the most reliable cars out there. I’ve personally always owned manual transmission Hondas though and it’s annoying how rare they are now.
Crystal356@reddit (OP)
I think if I get the CRV I’ll get a 2014 that’s still automatic. According to my research the CVT was introduced in 2015 for the CRV.
blankdudebb@reddit
my dad's accord is at 181k km, and he hasn't done any transmission maint lol
still no issues and as strong as day one.
Its a 2015 accord lx afaik
clingbat@reddit
My wife's 2013 Accord Sport's CVT died at 7 years and 80k miles (mostly highway) right before it extended warranty was up. It was fully replaced and we sold it soon after.
Owned the car since it was new and did all the recommended maintenance, so I can't speak for all of them but we were very disappointed and haven't bought Honda since.
Crystal356@reddit (OP)
Oh wow! That’s crazy. I don’t think I’ve ever heard of anyone complain about their Honda. But as with anything good, there will always be an outlier, really sorry that was your experience with Honda. What car do you drive now or will you recommend for reliability?
clingbat@reddit
Wife drives a '20 SEL Premium R-line Tiguan and I drive a '19 S5 Sportback w/ Prestige + S Sport packages.
Have extended warranties on both, both have had zero issues so far. Coming from Honda (her) and two Lexus' on my end I wasn't sure about going German after shit talking them so much previously. But we don't keep our vehicles past 100k miles so many of the problems that creep up with them later won't be our problem.
Having owned multiple Lexus' through my late 20's into mid 30's, I came to the realization that them lasting 300k+ miles doesn't matter if I get bored to death of them after 50k miles with their outdated tech and powertrains and sell them anyway. So now I only care about reliability in the period that I expect to actually own the car myself, the resale isn't that much better in the end.
I much rather drive vehicles that have far better tech and much more lively powertrains these days. You only live once and I actually enjoy driving rather than treating a car like an appliance.
throwawayyourfun@reddit
Yes. Nissan CVTs are known to have issues even if you do the maintenance. My 15 CRV has gotten regular CVT fluid services and at 130k is still going strong.
Crystal356@reddit (OP)
Yeah Nissans suck so bad haha. I hate that car so much, but I try to not focus on it. It’s like being in a horrible relationship, but you’re dependent on it too haha. I’m trying to break free. How often do you change the transmission fluid? I assume it’s every 30k miles?
throwawayyourfun@reddit
Yeah, Honda maintenance indicators are to be followed strictly.
Crystal356@reddit (OP)
Thank you!
Loud-Relative4038@reddit
Buying a Honda anything will be a dream after the Nissan. HRV and CRVs are labeled as pretty reliable cars I don’t think you can go wrong. Honda CVTs are going to be way better but as other people have commented maintenance is key to longevity. Stick with the recommended maintenance and you should be happy for a long while. I wouldn’t be worried buying a Honda with 100k (wife has had a 2006 Civic since 108k now at 190k great little car) but try and get as low mileage as you can. Also try to buy one owners with a good maintenance history. Always keep it one Honda…;-)
Crystal356@reddit (OP)
Haha I agree with your first sentence. Thank you for your advice!
Totally-jag2598@reddit
As far as CVT transmissions go, yeah they're decent. At least they come with an option to mimic a geared transmission.
I personally don't care for CVTs. They tend to grind away at one RPM. It just sounds weird to me.
Crystal356@reddit (OP)
Yeah they’re horrible. I am always in awe by how annoying my car is to drive. It’s just always revving, especially when going uphill.
ArseBlarster420@reddit
Nissan uses JATCO CVT transmissions and they are the fucking worst. It should honestly be illegal for Nissan to be selling those things.
Most people are lucky to even get 100k miles out of them.