Honda HR-V CVT reliability?

[Elkins45]

There’s a 2018 HR-V with 60k miles available locally. I know it’s basically an AWD Fit but I don’t mind subcompact cars. The only thing holding me back is the CVT transmission. Any input on their reliability? I tried looking it up on @macarose site but they aren’t listed.

 

[macarose]

It's excellent. But I would do a drain and fill now and then another one a few thousand miles later.

The CVT in this unit has some history of transmission issues but it's mainly due to folks never changing the fluid.

 

[slacktide_bitog]

Honda makes an awesome CVT. It is smooth and seamless. The fluid is very easy to change, and Honda doesn't pretend it's lifetime fill. The minder will tell you when it's time.

An HR-V with only 60k is a great choice for a reliable car

If you still don't like the CVT, the HR-V was available with a manual transmission until 2019.

 

[dishdude]

We've had a number of members on here that have had early failures on Honda CVTs, they don't seem to be much better than any other CVT.

 

[twouvakind]

https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/tsbs/2021/MC-10198210-0001.pdf

I have a 2021 and cannot complain. I have done one drain and fill at 32k so far.

 

[miden851]

I would not touch another Honda with a 6' pole

their CVTs are hit or miss

no more a Honda for me

 

[Titan]

Accord CVT with 130,000 miles. Drain and fill fluid about every 50,000 miles. Flawless performance so far.

 

[meep]

Our CRV developed some gnarly CVT noise. It started small around 75k and at 85k when I realized what was going on we traded it quickly. I hate to say that, as it was an excellent driving CVT. It had 2 fluid changes, first one at 50k with the Honda CVT juice. I do not think this represents all CRVs, as ours had some suspicious circumstances. It was bought used at less than a year old and we had a string of nuisances with it. Even with the nuisances, it was an outstandingly practical and useful vehicle, my wife really really liked it.

 

[daves87rs]

As long as the fluid is good, you are good.

 

[CharBaby]

We're doing CVT fluid changes every 25K miles.

 

[Pablo]

Honda has made great CVTs for years, but yes use a good aftermarket CVT fluid. The Honda bottled stuff, is just bottled stuff.

https://www.amsoil.com/p/amsoil-100-synthetic-cvt-fluid-cvt/?zo=515729

 

[hrv]

Honda has made great CVTs for years, but yes use a good aftermarket CVT fluid. The Honda bottled stuff, is just bottled stuff.

https://www.amsoil.com/p/amsoil-100-synthetic-cvt-fluid-cvt/?zo=515729

stick to OEM Honda fluid....

 

[Pablo]

stick to OEM Honda fluid....

Why? 2018 warranty long done if that was even a concern.

 

[buster]

Drove one of the current gen Civics. CVT is really nice.

 

[Elkins45]

It’s a moot point. I did a Carfax and it’s a salvage title.

 

[Pablo]

It’s a moot point. I did a Carfax and it’s a salvage title.

Bummer but good you did find out

 

[supton]

It’s a moot point. I did a Carfax and it’s a salvage title.

Getting impossible to find anything worth buying. That isn't crazy expensive.

 

[Exhaustgases]

Honda did an extended warranty on the HR-V CVT, 7 years or 150K miles. So that likely just ended.
Main failure mode is the belt bands break and pulleys look just fine, so I doubt fluid changes help with that, its just a toss of dice when they will go.