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How much does a Honda HR-V transmission cost

Expect to pay roughly $3,200 to $9,800 to replace a Honda HR-V transmission in the U.S., depending on model year, whether you choose a used, remanufactured, or new OEM unit, and where you have the work done. The transmission unit itself typically runs about $900 to $7,800, with labor and fluids adding $900 to $2,400 or more. Below is a detailed breakdown of current market pricing, factors that affect the bill, and how to get a reliable quote.

Typical price ranges for the HR-V CVT transmission

The HR-V sold in the U.S. uses a continuously variable transmission (CVT). Prices vary widely by model year and by whether the unit is used, remanufactured, or brand new from Honda. Here’s what parts-only costs generally look like in 2024–2025.

  • Used/take-out CVT: $900–$2,200 for 2016–2022 units; $1,400–$2,800 for 2023–2025 units (newer parts cost more). Shipping may add $100–$300.
  • Remanufactured CVT: $2,700–$4,500 for 2016–2022; $3,300–$5,500 for 2023–2025, often including a multi‑year warranty from the rebuilder.
  • New OEM Honda CVT: $4,200–$6,600 for 2016–2022; $5,500–$7,800 for 2023–2025, purchased through a Honda dealer or authorized distributor.
  • Major component repair (valve body/mechatronics, pulley bearing sets): Parts typically $600–$2,000; not all shops offer internal CVT repairs, so availability varies.

Used units are cheapest but carry the most risk; remanufactured transmissions strike a balance of cost and warranty; new OEM is most expensive but offers factory-new components and dealer backing.

Installed (out-the-door) replacement costs

Once labor, fluids, and taxes are included, the total can climb. Here are typical installed price bands seen at dealerships and independent shops.

  • Dealer-installed with new OEM CVT: $5,800–$9,800 total (higher end more likely on 2023–2025 models).
  • Independent shop with reman CVT: $4,200–$7,200 total, depending on labor rates and warranty length.
  • Independent shop with used CVT: $3,200–$5,600 total; savings are offset by shorter or limited parts warranty.

Your final number depends on local labor rates, any extra parts required (mounts, cooler lines), software updates, and whether the shop supplies the unit or installs one you purchase.

What drives the price up or down

Several variables can swing the estimate by thousands. Knowing these helps you compare quotes apples-to-apples.

  • Model year and VIN: 2016–2022 and 2023–2025 use different CVTs; newer systems and limited availability often cost more.
  • Unit type: New OEM is priciest; reman offers midrange cost with warranty; used is least expensive but variable.
  • Labor rate and book time: 7–12 hours is typical; shop rates commonly range $120–$200+ per hour.
  • Warranty length: Longer coverage usually adds cost; reman builders may offer 2–3 years vs. shorter used-part warranties.
  • Regional parts availability: Urban markets can be pricier; shipping for used/reman units may add to the bill.
  • AWD vs. FWD: AWD packaging can add labor time and ancillary parts.
  • Extras and incidentals: Mounts, seals, cooler service, software updates, and taxes can add several hundred dollars.

Ask for line-item detail to see how each factor contributes to the total and to spot upsells vs. essentials.

Model-year notes

Costs and compatibility depend on which HR-V you own. Here are high-level distinctions that matter for pricing and sourcing.

  • 2016–2022 HR-V (1.8-liter, first U.S. generation): Widely available used and reman units, generally lower parts cost than newer models.
  • 2023–2025 HR-V (2.0-liter, latest generation): Updated CVT; parts are newer and scarcer on the used market, pushing prices higher. Expect higher dealer list prices.

Provide your VIN when requesting quotes to ensure the right transmission code and compatibility, especially across mid-cycle changes.

Labor, fluids and extras you should budget for

Beyond the transmission itself, several line items add to the final invoice. Most are predictable if you ask in advance.

  • Labor: 7–12 hours is typical. At $120–$200 per hour, budget $900–$2,400 for labor alone.
  • CVT fluid (Honda-spec HCF‑2 or superseding spec): $100–$200 in fluid for a full replacement, depending on capacity and shop pricing.
  • Programming/initialization: Some models require TCM/PCM updates and CVT learn procedures; $0–$200 typical.
  • Mounts, seals, hardware: $50–$350 if required; shops often recommend replacing worn mounts during the swap.
  • Cooler/cooler lines service: Inspection or replacement if contaminated; $0–$250 depending on condition.
  • Taxes, shop supplies, disposal and shipping: $50–$250, sometimes more with freighted parts.

Ask your shop to specify each of these items in writing so you can compare quotes accurately and avoid surprises when the bill arrives.

How to get an accurate quote

A few steps will help you pin down a trustworthy, apples-to-apples estimate before authorizing work.

  1. Call at least three sources: a Honda dealer, a reputable independent transmission specialist, and a general repair shop with CVT experience.
  2. Provide your VIN, mileage, drivetrain (FWD/AWD), and symptoms or diagnostic codes.
  3. Request line-item pricing: parts (specify new OEM, reman, or used), labor hours and rate, fluids, programming, taxes, and any core charges.
  4. Compare warranty terms: length, mileage, parts-and-labor coverage, and transferability.
  5. Ask turnaround time and whether the shop handles sourcing, shipping, and any software updates.

With comparable quotes in hand, you can weigh cost against warranty length, shop reputation, and downtime.

Warranty expectations and core charges

Coverage and refundable deposits can affect upfront price and long-term value. Clarify the fine print before you commit.

  • New OEM (dealer-supplied): Typically 12 months/12,000 miles parts warranty; some dealers offer longer coverage if installed in-house.
  • Remanufactured: Commonly 24–36 months with varying mileage caps; some national rebuilders offer up to 3 years.
  • Used: Often 30–90 days parts-only; installation labor rarely covered on failure.
  • Core charges: $500–$1,500 on reman units is typical; refunded when your old transmission is returned in rebuildable condition.

Stronger warranties add peace of mind and can justify a higher initial outlay, particularly for owners planning to keep the vehicle several years.

When repair might beat replacement

Not every drivability problem requires a full transmission. Certain CVT issues can be addressed for less, depending on diagnosis.

  • Valve body/mechatronics faults (pressure control, solenoids): Parts $600–$1,100; installed totals often $1,000–$2,800.
  • Software updates and adaptation resets: $0–$200 at many shops; can resolve shift flare or judder after other repairs.
  • CVT fluid service with Honda-spec fluid: $120–$260; can improve mild shudder if fluid is old or contaminated.
  • Bearings/pulleys and internal wear: Many shops do not perform internal CVT rebuilds; when available, costs approach reman pricing.

A proper scan, road test, and fluid inspection should precede any major decision. If the transmission shows metal debris or severe belt/pulley wear, replacement is usually the economical route.

Bottom line

For a Honda HR-V, the transmission unit alone typically runs $900–$7,800 depending on used, reman, or new OEM, and a complete installed replacement generally totals $3,200–$9,800. The best value for most owners is a remanufactured unit installed by a reputable shop with a multi‑year warranty. Always get VIN-specific, line-item quotes and compare warranty terms before you proceed.

What is the most common problem with Honda HR-V?

Most Common Honda HRV Problems

  • Sudden jerking and hesitation during acceleration.
  • Complete transmission failure around 50,000-100,000 miles.
  • Repair costs ranging from $6,500 to $8,000.

How much does Honda charge to replace a transmission?

While transmission cost can vary from model to model, a replacement will generally range between $1,800 and $3,400 for the parts themselves. Then, you’ll need to factor in labor costs between $500 and $1,200 – along with taxes and fees!

What is the life expectancy of a Honda HR-V CVT?

between 200,000 and 250,000 miles
Average Lifespan of a Honda HR-V
On average, a well-maintained Honda HR-V can last between 200,000 and 250,000 miles. In terms of years, this usually equates to around 15-20 years if you drive an average of 12,000 to 15,000 miles per year.

How much is a transmission for a Honda HR-V?

If you’re pricing out your Honda transmission replacement, you might be overwhelmed by the different answers. Honda transmission costs can vary from $1,800 to $3,400 for brand-new parts, with around $500 and $1,200 in labor costs alone.

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