Do Honda CVT Transmissions Have Issues? What Owners Should Know in 2025

Yes—some Honda continuously variable transmissions (CVTs) have had issues, particularly in specific model years, but overall reliability is mid-to-above-average when maintained properly. The most common complaints involve low-speed shudder, hesitation, whining, and, in earlier cases, software-related faults that could lead to premature wear. Below is a clear look at what’s known, how to identify problems, and how to keep a Honda CVT running smoothly.

What Honda Means by “CVT,” and How Hybrids Differ

Honda’s mainstream gasoline models (Civic, Accord 1.5T, CR‑V, HR‑V, Fit) use a belt-and-pulley CVT often paired with a small torque converter to smooth launches. Honda hybrids (Accord Hybrid, CR‑V Hybrid, Civic/Insight Hybrid) use an eCVT within the i‑MMD system—an electrically driven power split without a metal belt. The hybrid eCVT behaves differently and has not shown the same wear patterns as the belt CVTs.

Documented Problems and Campaigns

Across the last decade, Honda issued recalls, product updates, and technical service bulletins (TSBs) to correct specific CVT behaviors. The items below highlight trends by model and generation so owners know what to look for.

• 2014–2015 Civic and 2015 Fit: Honda issued recall/program updates to the transmission control software to reduce hydraulic pressure spikes that could stress the CVT drive pulley shaft, addressing a risk of loss of drive.
• 2015–2016 CR‑V and 2016 HR‑V: Owner reports of low-speed shudder or vibration; dealers often applied software updates and performed CVT fluid exchanges with Honda HCF‑2 fluid to reduce judder.
• 2014–2017 Accord 4‑cylinder with CVT: Intermittent start-off judder addressed by TSBs calling for updated programming and fluid service; most cases improved with correct fluid and calibration.
• 2015–2020 Fit: Sensitive to fluid condition; some higher-mileage units developed whine or judder. Regular HCF‑2 fluid changes tend to mitigate symptoms.
• 2016–2018 Civic (2.0 and 1.5T with CVT): Sporadic complaints of hesitation or flare under light throttle; Honda released control module updates in various markets; no widespread hardware defect emerged.
• 2020–2024 Civic, 2023–2025 Accord (1.5T CVT), 2023–2025 CR‑V: No broad CVT defect trend has surfaced to date; complaints are within normal ranges and typically resolved with calibration and fluid service when needed.
• Hybrids (Accord/CR‑V/Civic/Insight): The eCVT design avoids a metal belt; reliability has been strong, with occasional software updates but few systemic transmission failures.

In short, earlier campaigns largely targeted calibration preventing internal stress, while later issues tend to be drivability refinements or maintenance-related. Hybrids are a separate, generally trouble-free case.

Typical Symptoms Owners Report

If a Honda CVT develops trouble, it often shows a consistent set of symptoms. Recognizing them early can prevent costlier repairs.

• Low-speed shudder or “judder” during gentle takeoff or around 15–40 mph.
• Hesitation, flare (rising revs without speed increase), or sluggish response.
• Whining, humming, or droning that changes with speed or load.
• Harsh engagement shifting from Park to Drive/Reverse, or delayed engagement.
• Overheating warnings, limp mode, or illuminated transmission/engine lights with CVT-related codes.

These symptoms don’t always indicate imminent failure; many are resolved with software updates and proper fluid service, especially if addressed early.

Maintenance That Makes a Difference

Honda CVTs are sensitive to calibration and fluid condition. Owners who follow a preventative routine see better longevity and smoother operation.

• Use only Honda HCF‑2 CVT fluid; avoid universal fluids. Mixing types can cause shudder.
• Service interval: many technicians recommend drain-and-fill every 30,000–40,000 miles (48,000–64,000 km) if you drive in city traffic, tow, or see high heat; otherwise 60,000 miles is common. Follow your owner’s manual and local TSBs.
• Apply dealer software updates for the TCM/PCM when available; these can reduce internal pressure spikes and refine shift logic.
• Warm up gently in cold weather and avoid full-throttle launches when the fluid is cold.
• Check for leaks and ensure the transmission isn’t overfilled or underfilled after service.

Adhering to these practices greatly reduces judder complaints and extends component life, particularly on earlier CVTs.

Costs: From Simple Fixes to Major Repairs

When problems persist, costs vary based on diagnosis and mileage. Here’s what owners typically encounter at independent shops and dealers.

• CVT drain-and-fill with HCF‑2: approximately $150–$300 (more if multiple cycles are recommended).
• Software update/reflash: often no charge during a campaign; otherwise $100–$200.
• CVT valve body/solenoid repairs: roughly $800–$1,800 depending on parts and labor.
• Internal CVT rebuild (belt/pulleys/bearings) where available: about $3,000–$6,000.
• Replacement/remanufactured unit: commonly $4,000–$8,000 installed, varying by model and region.

Early intervention—especially fluid service and updates—can keep most issues in the “hundreds” rather than “thousands” category.

Buying a Used Honda with a CVT: Practical Checklist

Shopping used? A few targeted checks can help you avoid problem cars and spot those maintained correctly.

• Service records: look for regular HCF‑2 changes and any CVT software updates or TSBs performed.
• Extended test drive: include stop-and-go, light throttle cruising at 20–40 mph, and highway grades to check for shudder or whine.
• Scan for codes and TCM updates: a pre-purchase inspection can reveal pending CVT-related faults even without a dashboard light.
• Cold-start behavior: watch for delayed engagement or harsh clunks into gear.
• Warranty coverage: certified pre-owned vehicles may include drivetrain coverage that reduces risk.

A well-documented maintenance history plus a smooth, shudder-free drive are stronger predictors of a reliable Honda CVT than mileage alone.

How Honda CVTs Stack Up

Compared with CVTs from some rivals, Honda’s units generally fare better in owner surveys and complaint rates when serviced correctly. Independent reliability trackers and consumer outlets report that 2019–2024 Civics and 2020–2025 CR‑V and Accord 1.5T models have not shown widespread CVT hardware defects. Earlier mid-2010s campaigns addressed calibration-induced stress. Hybrid eCVTs remain a relative bright spot for durability.

Bottom Line

Honda CVTs are not trouble-free, but most issues cluster around specific mid-2010s models and are often mitigated by software updates and proper HCF‑2 fluid service. Today’s units—especially from the late 2010s onward—generally perform reliably when maintained. If you’re proactive about updates and fluid changes, the odds of major CVT trouble are relatively low.

Summary

Yes, Honda CVTs have had issues, notably shudder and software-related stress in certain mid-2010s models, but overall reliability is solid with correct maintenance. Use only HCF‑2 fluid, keep software current, and address symptoms early. Hybrids use a different, generally robust eCVT. For buyers, prioritize maintenance records and a thorough test drive; for owners, preventative service is the best defense against costly repairs.

What year did Honda have CVT transmission problems?

2014 Honda Civic and 2015 Honda Fit: These models were recalled due to a software glitch that affected the drive shaft for the input pulley. The glitch could cause the drive shaft to break, potentially locking the front wheels and increasing the risk of a loss of control.

Can a Honda CVT be repaired?

There are some limited situations in which it might be possible to replace a particular part inside of a failing CVT transmission in order to prolong its service life. There are a few common premature failures on some components that can be addressed without fully removing or replacing the transmission.

Which lasts longer, CVT or automatic?

Both systems require care, but they wear in different ways. CVTs may need more frequent fluid changes and can be more costly to repair when they fail. Automatic transmissions tend to last longer and are often easier to service—though that depends on the make and model.

Which Honda models have transmission problems?

Car models such as Accord, Civic, and Odyssey are the worst example of Honda CVT transmission problems. Because of CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission), a car may stop working properly. If you find that the car jerks while accelerating, it is a sign of transmission issues.