Are Hyundai Cvt Transmissions Reliable?

Hyundai / By
  • 2020 saw the debut of Hyundai’s SmartStream IVT CVT on models like the Elantra and Accent.
  • Instead of using conventional metallic belts, the SmartStream IVT CVT uses a chain belt technology, which improves power delivery while removing the risk of slippage.
  • Like with any new technology, some owners have encountered early problems with the CVT, such as unexpected power outages.
  • CVTs have a reputation for having dependability issues. Though it’s too early to tell, Hyundai’s CVT might be one of the few to defy the odds.

BryanTDI12

I don’t have any personal experience with the new IVT, but from what I’ve read about it from Hyundai, it’s a CVT that replicates a six-speed transmission and has a wider ratio than the standard CVT. Hyundai asserts that it has installed the “first in the world in the tiny car sector” CVT. According to what I’ve read online, chain CVTs are utilized with engines that produce more torque and are more durable. Nissan Pathfinders from 2017 onward use a chain CVT that increases towing capacity to 6000 pounds. Though it’s still too early to tell, it appears to be a more reliable transmission. Since 1999, Audi has used chain CVTs; nevertheless, friction plate problems led to the eventual discontinuation of CVTs in favor of DSG beginning in 2014.

Having said that, I have driven a few CVTs but have never owned one. Call me strange, but I prefer the CVT to operate without simulated shifts. When CVTs fake shift, it drives me insane. Give me the efficient and smooth power delivery as I am aware of what a CVT is.

Are CVTs Trustworthy?

Yes, overall CVT reliability is high. Some brands of CVTs have demonstrated their ability to survive the lifetime of the vehicle while also requiring less maintenance.

Are there any earlier models that have experienced issues? No doubt. Use a resource like Consumer Reports or Car Complaints to find out if a model has a history of being dependable. These websites aggregate owner-reported information to provide new and used automobile buyers with an assessment of a vehicle’s dependability. Both analyze problem areas in considerable depth.

For instance, the Toyota Prius, which is the only hybrid vehicle offered with a CVT, has a flawless 5/5 reliability rating from Consumer Reports from 2009 to 2020. The 2014 and 2016 Nissan Altima, which has a different CVT system, has the lowest rating of 1/5, and Consumer Reports specifically mentions the transmission as one of the factors contributing to the low grade.

Life Expectancy of CVT Transmission

New vehicles with CVTs should operate dependably for up to 100,000 miles on the market today. Overall dependability for the majority of cars will be lower than what is anticipated with a typical automatic or manual transmission.

However, exemplary owner maintenance can extend this prediction. In fact, some owners can obtain up to 200,000 trouble-free miles with a CVT provided they adhere to the factory-specified service intervals, apply the advised lubricant(s), and drive sensibly.

Does Hyundai produce quality CVTs?

The CVT has some drawbacks, such as a continuous hum from the belt while it transfers power and the possibility of slippage as the belt travels through the pulleys. Nissan’s CVTs have a bad reputation for being prone to overheating, which is also worrying.

Nissan’s issues cast a shadow over other manufacturers’ CVT units, even though those units aren’t on the same level (for better or worse) as Nissan’s. Nissan is the leader in the adoption of CVTs.

In comparison to conventional CVTs, Hyundai claims its chain-belt-driven SmartStream IVT is stronger and more durable. A few Hyundai vehicles, including the Accent and Elantra, as well as the 2022 Kona and Santa Cruz, include the CVT. So, information about the new CVT is still being gathered.

According to information that has been made public, the Hyundai CVT is still having some growing pains. A 2020 Elantra owner reported being trapped on the highway due to “an internal transmission malfunction” on the Reddit community r/Hyundai. They also reported experiencing extreme rpm swings.

In contrast, out of the 18 complaints about the 2020 Hyundai Elantra sent to Car Complaints, 17 of them are about a problem with the CVT, ranging from “sudden uncommanded acceleration” to sporadic power loss on the road.

Exist any trustworthy CVT transmissions?

The reliability of CVTs is comparable to that of conventional automatic transmissions in most cases. However, it’s possible that their use is more appropriate for smaller cars than for larger ones.

However, proactive preventative maintenance on some CVT models may necessitate regular transmission fluid changes, especially when compared to conventional sealed automatic transmissions, which can function for up to 100,000 kilometers or more before requiring maintenance. The CVT’s biggest enemy is heat. As a result, certain oils are needed for certain transmissions.

Do CVT transmissions generally fail?

Although some drivers like the CVT since there are no upshifts or downshifts, others prefer the feeling of the car moving through the shift points. The lack of fixed gears reduces the enjoyment of the ride if you want a sportier driving experience.

The loud droning noise that a CVT makes when accelerating is another issue that motorists frequently criticize. This occurs as a result of the CVT’s requirement that the engine run at a high rpm when it accelerates. The general public has had trouble accepting CVTs because they are perceived as being noisier than mechanical or step automatic transmissions, as Car Engineer explains.

Compared to a traditional automatic transmission, CVTs might be more expensive to maintain or replace.

Owners frequently experience issues with overheating, sliding, and abrupt loss of acceleration. Shuddering is another frequent issue.

Since CVTs rely on their belts to function, if they experience severe stretching or wear, the transmission may stop working altogether.

  • When they accelerate, they don’t perceive a link between the accelerator and the engine.
  • The size and power of engines that can be used with a CVT are restricted.
  • They are not as durable as a traditional transmission.
  • It’s tougher to work on CVTs. A skilled technician is frequently required to do even simple maintenance.

IVT from Hyundai – superior to CVT?

Compared to conventional automatic gearbox, the IVT offers improved fuel efficiency and a smoother, more responsive drive on the road. Similar to a continuously variable gearbox, an IVT executes continuous shifts while you are driving your car.

Hyundai began utilizing the CVT transmission when?

The Hyundai Elantra is a small vehicle. In addition to the Hyundai Elantra regular model, it is also offered as the Hyundai Elantra GT and the Hyundai Elantra N.

In contrast to the arrival of the Hyundai Elantra N in 2022, the Hyundai Elantra GT was discontinued in 2020. These two models never had CVT options.

In various trims, the Hyundai Elantra began using CVT transmissions in 2020. Only the Hyundai Elantra ECO and Hyundai Elantra Sport were available without a CVT transmission out of its six trim levels.

A 2.0-liter inline-4 gasoline engine with the CVT transmission can provide 132 lb-ft of torque at 4,500 rpm and 147 horsepower at 6,200 rpm.

Does it make sense to swap out a CVT transmission?

Despite providing unmatched fuel efficiency, the CVT has a price that must be taken into account. A CVT transmission replacement typically costs between $3,000 and $5,000 or more. The CVTs won’t survive as long as the regular automatic transmissions, so it won’t be shocking if they break down after more than 100K miles or less.

Additionally, they almost always need to be replaced rather than repaired when they malfunction. The main issue is that replacement parts are highly expensive and very impossible to find, and if they break down and cause significant damage, there is no way to fix them.

Another drawback of CVTs is that they cannot handle the same amount of horsepower that manual or automatic transmissions can. Because of this, CVT systems are not the best choice for circumstances requiring performance.

How durable are Hyundai CVTs?

The lifespan of a CVT transmission is the same as that of a conventional automatic transmission, and they are built to last the entire life of the car. The lifespan of a normal CVT is at least 100,000 kilometers. Some vehicles, like the Toyota Prius, frequently have a lifespan of far over 300,000 kilometers. Some brands, like other automotive parts, last longer than others when maintained properly.

What symptoms do a failed CVT transmission show?

  • transmission malfunction
  • inadequate CVT response.
  • Acceleration loss shifting lock-up Not Moving. Errors in the fuel system. While driving, the engine fails. Vibrating. minimal idle
  • Burning odor
  • commotion when turning.
  • Stalling.
  • Signal Lights.
  • jumping up and down

Can a CVT handle a lengthy drive?

Over long distances, CVT gearboxes offer a more comfortable ride. With a continuously variable transmission, you won’t feel the jerking and reluctance that older technologies occasionally brought with them while driving.

Which vehicle has the most trustworthy transmission?

DEARBORN — Complex new transmissions aid automakers in meeting rising fuel economy rules, but they also necessitate more trips to the mechanic.

In Consumer Reports’ annual reliability assessment, Honda, Nissan, Jeep, and other companies were hampered by transmission issues. In the first year of car ownership, drivers complained of difficult shifting, clutch failure, and even transmissions that needed to be replaced twice.

The two brands that performed the highest in the poll were Lexus and Toyota, both of which use older transmissions in many of their models. Since 2011, either Lexus or Toyota has won the survey. Subaru, Mazda, and Audi completed the top five. Out of 28 brands, Infiniti, Cadillac, Ram, Jeep, and Fiat had the worst sales.

Based on a survey of its members, the report makes predictions on the dependability of 2016 vehicles and trucks. 740,000 vehicle owners provided responses for the poll this year. The auto industry pays great attention to Consumer Reports’ annual study because many prospective customers heed its advice. Consumer Reports is situated in Yonkers, New York.

Engines operate more effectively when mated to transmissions with more gears. According to the US EPA, a car with an eight-speed transmission has an approximately 8% greater fuel economy than one with a four-speed. Dual-clutch transmissions enable quicker shifting by using separate clutches for odd and even ratios. Additionally, continuously variable gearboxes completely do away with fixed gears, producing an endless number of engine to wheel-speed combinations via a set of pulleys.

But issues with new technology can arise. In its 2015 Acura TLX car, Honda Motor Co. took a chance by installing two new transmissions: an eight-speed dual-clutch and a nine-speed. The Acura brand dropped seven positions to 18th in this year’s survey, according to Consumer Reports, who claimed they had numerous issues. Due to gearbox issues as well as issues with its infotainment system, the Honda brand, which is still among the top ten, slid for the first time beneath Kia.

Due to issues with the new Cherokee SUV’s nine-speed transmission, which is produced by the same company that provides Acura, Jeep also remained at the bottom of the study. Additionally, Nissan’s and Infiniti’s luxury sibling, had issues with continuously variable gearboxes.

According to Jake Fisher, head of auto testing for Consumer Reports, since automakers frequently let consumers choose the engine and transmission combinations they want, consumers can prevent issues by selecting the more seasoned, older transmission. The transmissions of brands with consistently high dependability ratings will typically be superior. With the continuously variable gearbox it introduced in the 2014 Corolla, for instance, Toyota has had few issues.

It frequently comes down to the manufacturer, according to Fisher. They’ll be fine if Lexus starts selling eight-speed automatics.

This year, Ford saw the highest increase in the study. Fisher claimed that Ford fixed transmission and infotainment issues that cropped up some years ago when the firm unveiled a slew of new models. Hyundai and Volkswagen both made advancements as their vehicles got older.

General Motors Co.’s track record was unsteady. Despite having one of the most dependable brands in Buick, Cadillac dropped to 25th place as a result of issues with its dashboard entertainment system.

Tesla Motors, a manufacturer of electric vehicles, didn’t make the list because it exclusively produces the Model S sedan. Fisher, however, claimed that replies from 1,400 Tesla customers showed that reliability is below average. Sunroof leaks, troubles with the electric motor, and dashboard screen faults are just a few of the complaints made by owners.

Readers should be aware that if you use one of our affiliate links to make a purchase, we might receive a commission.