Like many others, Honda relies heavily on CVT transmissions in their lineup. While there are advantages for Honda as a manufacturer in using CVTs, the benefits for you, the vehicle owner, may not be as clear-cut. Stick around to uncover the real story behind why car manufacturers like Honda are choosing cheap CVT transmissions and what it means for your vehicle’s dependability.
I believe in the power of positivity, so I have decided to discuss the benefits of a CVT for you, the Honda driver, before I discuss the negative trade-offs.
Honda CVT Benefits
Honda’s number one benefit of utilizing a CVT in lieu of a regular automatic transmission is increased fuel economy. We all likely agree that we want to pollute the planet less and keep as much gas money in our pockets as possible. Vehicle manufacturers are under a lot of pressure to comply with the increasing regulations of C.A.F.E. standards. CVT transmissions make constant adjustments so that your engine stays in a very steady RPM range, leading to less fuel usage.
The second-largest benefit of a CVT for Honda is a lower production cost. CVT has way fewer moving parts than a traditional automatic transmission. This makes the cost of building a CVT less than building a traditional automatic transmission. CVT, for the most part, is lighter than a traditional automatic transmission. This helps Honda with both benefits. Less weight aids in fuel economy, and less weight aids in shipping costs.
The next advantage for a Honda owner to have a CVT is a bit of a stretch for me. As a long-time mechanic and shop owner, I do not like the way a CVT feels when driving, but many drivers like how smooth a CVT feels. A CVT has a large internal band inside rather than separate gears. When you accelerate in a Honda with a CVT, it is just one continuous rev, and you do not feel the transmission shift, causing a sudden change in engine RPM. Some drivers prefer the lack of shifting and continuous RPM.
Honda CVT Disadvantages
Now for the disadvantages of owning a Honda with a CVT. The information I am sharing with you comes from my standpoint of being a long-time Honda fan, but more importantly, I have been a mechanic and a shop owner for the last 30 years. I currently own several Hondas that I loan out to my customers as I work on their Hondas. Many of them have a CVT.
The number one disadvantage of owning a Honda with a CVT is the high failure rate. Unfortunately, we are seeing a high failure rate of CVTs in our area. That being said, Honda CVTs are failing at a lower rate than some other manufacturers like Nissan and Subaru. What we are finding is that the fluid in Honda CVTs is getting too hot, breaking down, and then causing major internal transmission failures.
The number two disadvantage of a Honda CVT is the cost of repairs. Not many repairs can be made to a CVT. When they fail, they usually require a complete replacement. The average cost of replacing a CVT is typically between $5,000 and $10,000 here in Layton, Utah. We can all agree that we buy our Hondas for reliability and like to avoid a $5,000 to $10,000 surprise to our auto repair budget.
The next disadvantage of a Honda CVT is the cost of servicing. The fluid required to operate a CVT is generally about 40% more expensive than the average cost of general transmission fluid. Once again, the leading cause of CVT failure is the fluid getting hot and breaking down over time. This makes it very important to have your transmission serviced regularly.
The last disadvantage of a Honda CVT is the change in driver experience. Being a car guy, I like the experience of how the engine sounds and feels as it climbs the RPM range. It’s just a different experience. The first time I drove a vehicle with a CVT, I brought it back to the shop immediately because I thought the transmission was slipping. I am used to it now, but I simply do not enjoy driving a vehicle with a CVT.
Honda CVT Considerations
While CVT transmissions clearly benefit Honda drivers in terms of increased fuel economy and a smooth driving experience, it’s essential to acknowledge the potential drawbacks. The high failure rate, costly repairs, and specialized servicing required for CVTs can be significant concerns for owners.
As consumers, it’s crucial to weigh these factors carefully when considering a Honda vehicle equipped with a CVT transmission. Remember, staying informed and proactive about your vehicle’s maintenance reduces some of these risks.
Whether you’re a longtime Honda owner or in the market for a new set of wheels, staying educated and making informed decisions will help you experience a smoother journey. Take charge of your car’s maintenance schedule and stay vigilant to ensure your Honda continues to deliver the reliability and performance you expect.
And please keep Shadetree Automotive in mind for all future repairs and maintenance to your Honda.
