Honda CVT reliability issue

[MeraBoy]

There have been some concern on the CVT reliability issue of some Honda models, such as the<b></b><b></b><b></b><b></b><b></b><b></b><b></b><b></b><b></b><b></b><b></b><b></b><b></b><b></b><b></b><b></b><b></b><b></b><b></b> City (local) and Civic Hybrid (oversea).

The Dept. of Energy (USA) has been conducting some long term tests (end-of-life testing) of all the various hybrid models (Honda Insight, Honda Civic, Toyota Prius Gen I). Some fascinating data are here:

2001 Honda Insight

2002 Toyota Prius Gen I

2003 Honda Civic Hybrid:
They are testing 4 Civic hybrids, all with CVT transmissions.

• Two of the four have CVT tranny failures.

• VIN 3864 has 161k miles, and had a transmission failure at 97k.

• VIN 1603 has 161k miles as well, and had a transmission failure at 99k miles, and again at 157k miles ($2,500 to replace).

VIN 3864 Fact Sheet

VIN 1603 Fact Sheet

2003 Honda Civic Hybrid: VIN 3864 Fact Sheet; VIN 1603 Fact Sheet.

p/s: Not sure whether the new Civic hybrid is using the same CVT as in 2003 model year. Please confirm yourself.

2001 Honda Insight:
They are testing 6 Insights, all with CVT transmissions

• Two of them have CVT tranny failures.

• VIN 2163 had a transmission failure at 77k miles.

• VIN 2688 had a transmission failure at 90k miles.

VIN 2163 Fact Sheet

VIN 2688 Fact Sheet

2001 Honda Insight: VIN 2163 Fact Sheet; VIN 2688 Fact Sheet.

2002 Toyota Prius Gen I:
They also tested several Toyota Prius's with similar mileage. While they had other problems, there were no transmission failures.

2001 Honda Insight, 2003 Honda Civic Hybrid, and 2002 Toyota Prius Gen I End-of-Life Testing Report.

Source:
Advanced Vehicle Testing Activity - Hybrid Electric Vehicles
Honda CVT transmissions not ready for prime time... - The Mainstreamers - Car and Driver Forums

 

[Edward Chew]

And Honda actually produced an ATF specially for the Honda City CVT in malaysia. So, if you don't use that ATF but something else, you are gonna spoilt the CVT. This can be seen in some honda servicing centre. This is what i heard from my mate who has been working there.

 

[bien335]

And Honda actually produced an ATF specially for the Honda City CVT in malaysia. So, if you don't use that ATF but something else, you are gonna spoilt the CVT. This can be seen in some honda servicing centre. This is what i heard from my mate who has been working there.

exactly

the CVTF is specially formulated for use in CVT applications.

the CVT belt itself is a generic design, manufactured by the same company that supplies CVT belts for Subaru, Ford, Mercedes.

Honda's design is mainly of a hydraulic design, applying hydraulic pressure to move the pulleys.

And to operate the hydraulic system, a suitable fluid is needed, hence CVTF was introduced as a countermeasure.

 

[Z_Edition]

why are you guys trying to say? that these guys did the test with the wrong ATF? duh!

 

[antaras]

maybe and maybe not... depends on how the owner drive/maintain their car. I know my proton auto tranny gave up long before 70k miles.

 

[bien335]

why are you guys trying to say? that these guys did the test with the wrong ATF? duh!

no, the test was in accordance to gudielines

Honda only recently introduced the CVTF circa 2004, as a counter measure.

the CVT is bulletproof. Audi has their Multitronic, Nissan has their Extronic even in the G35 Skyline. Even Merc employs CVT in the A and B-klasse.