Three Kia cars received appalling predicted reliability scores due to poor ratings in key categories based on consumer feedback.
The manufacturer made significant mistakes when it installed a new continuously variable gearbox (CVT) to the most recent Forte and Soul. According to CR, the CVT performs a commendable impersonation of a conventional automatic transmission in both vehicles. Running errands around town is manageable, but it becomes noisy under stress.
Although the new transmission may boost performance and fuel efficiency, it did not enhance the ride comfort of either vehicle. The 2021 Kia Soul handles well and navigates turns enthusiastically, according to CR’s experts. They clarify that the ride seems less precise and controlled because there isn’t enough input.
With the CVT, the most recent Kia Forte is in a comparable situation. The CR team claims that the Forte’s ride quality is terrible, much like the Kia Soul’s. Due to their excessively stiff suspensions, both Kia models make it possible to feel every flaw on the road. When it comes to comfort, the Forte and Soul are near the bottom of their respective classes.
The 2021 Kia Niro EV is not without faults. In addition, it’s really noisy, you can’t have all-wheel drive, and not all states offer it. Despite having a respectable 239-mile range, it can take up to 10 hours to fully recharge using a 240-volt charger. The engine in the most recent model hasn’t been rated by CR yet, so the verdict is still out on it.
In This Article...
Do Kias have issues with the transmission?
Shifting issues are just a few of the transmission issues that many customers who buy or lease Kia vehicles from 2010 to 2019 have encountered. clutch issues. Jerking.
Who manufactures the CVT for Kia?
With Hyundai’s parent company’s first “intelligent” variable gearbox in production, Kia’s 2019 Forte compact sedan gains the sassy exterior styling cues of the Kia Stinger fastback sports sedan as well as enhanced fuel economy.
Before the 2019 Kia Forte made its global debut at the 2018 North American International Auto Show, Orth Hedrick, vice president of product planning for Kia Motors America, said in an interview with Automotive Engineering, “We’re a newcomer to the CVT (continuously variable transmission), but we’ve also had the benefit of learning from everyone who’s been before us.
“We tried as much as we could to make the IVT seem like a conventional step-transmission,” Hedrick said of the internally developed IVT, which is regarded as a next-generation CVT. To do that, Kia engineers created the IVT, an industry first in the small class, with adaptive style shift logic and a chain-link-type belt rather of a push belt.
Hedrick asserted that drivers used to a traditional automatic transmission will be drawn to a next-generation CVT with smooth, linear acceleration.
“The IVT makes the car feel like an automatic while you’re driving it because of how it feels like a step shift. It is more responsive and natural. Additionally, the IVT prevents “droning,” which can happen when you accelerate. And more crucially, according to Hedrick, it gives all the advantages of a CVT’s broad gear range. The IVT from Kia has a gearbox cover that absorbs noise.
The 2018 Forte’s rated horsepower (147 hp/110 kW) and torque (132 lbft/179 Nm) are anticipated to carry over to the third-generation Forte. Hedrick stated, “We’re expecting a rise of 3 mpg in the combined city/highway,” adding that the official U.S. EPA fuel economy figures will be released later in 2018 closer to the vehicle’s launch date.
The second-generation 2.0-L 4-cylinder engine from Kia, which is a member of the Hyundai ‘Nu’ family, will be paired with either a 6-speed manual transmission or the IVT. To increase efficiency even further, “We’ve added a lot of information to the Nu engine that we’ve acquired from working with our hybrid systems cooled EGR system, Atkinson cycle, and a lot of other features,” said Hedrick.
The structure of the 2019 Forte features additional hot-stamped parts and sophisticated high strength steel. Engineers also focused on boosting rigidity, resulting in a body-in-white that is allegedly 16 percent stiffer overall for a quieter cabin and better handling. Improved motor-driven power steering and new subframe designs have improved the steering feel and helped increase lateral response.
The wheelbase of the new Forte remains at 106.3 inches (2700 mm), while its overall length rises to 182.7 inches (4640-mm). The overall width increases by 1801 mm, from 70.1 in to 70.9 in. Also enhanced (from 14.9 cft3 to 15.1 ft3/427 L) was the payload capacity.
Other updates for the 2019 model include an 8-inch color touchscreen as standard equipment, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility, and exterior styling influences from the Stinger fastback sports sedan.
Which automaker offers the most dependable CVT?
There is no clear answer to the topic of what is the best CVT transmission, but we can always look at the past and make educated predictions based on user reviews and online research. And that’s just what we did in this place today. There is a good probability that when you Google terms like “Honda CVT difficulties” or “Honda CVT reliability,” you will only be presented with a slew of pointless articles that don’t actually address your query concerning the reliability of specific car brands’ CVTs. These articles frequently reiterate what a CVT transmission is, along with its advantages and disadvantages. Absolutely useless, to put it mildly. Check out our guide if you want to learn more about CVT transmissions.
By reviewing the CVT history of each automobile model and compiling a list of the most and least dependable CVT gearboxes that frequently experience CVT issues, we decided to approach our task a little differently. Let’s start now!
It’s vital to note that not all automakers create and produce their own CVT transmissions before we list the most dependable CVT transmissions by automaker. This has a significant impact on reliability because transmissions that are outsourced are never subject to the same quality checks as those that are made “in-house.” As an example, Honda creates and manufactures its own CVT transmissions, making them dependable and simple to service.
Honda CVT transmission problems & review (WINNER)
In our opinion, based on online research, in-person conversations with technicians, and personal experience, Honda delivers some of the most dependable and issue-free CVT transmissions on the market right now. Honda makes and designs their CVT gearboxes with dependability and simplicity of maintenance in mind. You shouldn’t experience any issues with the Honda CVT transmissions if you follow the manufacturer’s maintenance schedule for changing the transmission fluid and filter.
Toyota CVT transmission problems & review (2nd place)
To no one’s surprise, Toyota came in second. Toyota’s CVT transmissions are just as dependable and durable as their entire brand is. The same information can be found by conducting a fast Google search for terms like “Toyota CVT difficulties.” Simply put, the Toyota CVT transmission systems don’t have any significant flaws.
Toyota owns the Japanese automatic transmission producer Aisin, which creates the CVT transmissions. The normal Toyota CVT and the e-CVT transmissions were both expertly made by Aisin, which is renowned for producing some of the greatest automatic transmissions in the world.
Depending on the type of drive train, Toyota offers a variety of CVTs. Consider the 2017 Toyota Corolla as an illustration. A standard CVT transmission is used in lesser petrol versions of the Corolla, which is appropriate for weaker petrol engines like the 1.8L found in the Corolla. Toyota actually installed a CVT transmission with a physical first gear for Corolla vehicles with stronger engines, such the 2.0L gasoline engines (like in a manual gearbox). The normal CVT system, which is only activated after the first gear, is put under less pressure when a physical first gear is used. Because the first gear is where the CVT receives the majority of the load, this design is genius. Toyota is aware of this, and by adding a physical first gear to stronger models of the Corolla, they considerably increased the CVT’s lifespan.
Toyota really employs an e-CVT system for their hybrid cars. In no way resembles a conventional CVT system. Single planetary gear sets are used in the hybrid powertrain’s electric component to simulate multiple gear ratios that effectively utilize all of the engine’s output. Many Toyota Hybrids, including the Prius, have logged more than 300,000 miles with no issues because to this integrated CVT system. Any CVT system made by Toyota should be serviceable for the duration of the vehicle.
Subaru CVT transmission problems & review (3rd Place)
Subaru, a further Japanese automaker renowned for dependability and toughness, comes in third. Their CVTs are internally developed and produced. If you have driven a Subaru, you are well aware of how great the Lineartronic CVT is. But there is a reason Subaru wasn’t there to begin with, and that reason is the years 2013 to 2017. During this time, Subaru CVT transmissions experienced transmission breakdown difficulties that led some drivers to lose power while driving, potentially endangering their health if they were involved in an accident as a result.
How long is the CVT?
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.
How dependable are Kia automatics?
These chic vehicles are renowned for their dependability and emphasis on contemporary technology. Despite their clever design, they are nonetheless susceptible to major problems, such as transmission damage and other issues.
Is Kia as trustworthy as Toyota?
Yes, Kia reliability is above average, to put it succinctly. Even though Kia had a bad reputation when it initially entered the US market about 20 years ago, a lot has changed since then. Currently, the brand is rated 4.0 out of 5.0 on RepairPal, placing third out of 32 brands of automobiles.
RepairPal uses driver-reported information on brand average yearly repair costs, the frequency of unexpected repairs, and the seriousness of needed repairs to calculate dependability scores. Kias and other vehicles with high RepairPal reliability ratings are less likely to experience frequent mechanical problems.
Kia offers one of the greatest new car warranties in the business as a guarantee for the dependability of its vehicles. Kia significantly outperforms the industry standard of three years for bumper-to-bumper coverage and five years for the powertrain. The Kia guarantee comprises a ten-year powertrain warranty as well as a five-year bumper-to-bumper warranty.
Your Kia should last for at least ten years if you follow up with routine maintenance. If not, the majority of significant problems are probably covered by warranty.
Kia Factory Warranty
One of the best manufacturer warranties in the industry is offered by Kia. A new Kia vehicle includes:
- 60,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty for five years.
- Powertrain warranty of 10 years and 100,000 miles
- Warranty against perforation for 5 years and 100,000 miles
- Roadside assistance coverage for 5 years and 60,000 miles
Kia J.D. Power Awards
Kia has received numerous J.D. Power honors for a variety of automobiles. The Kia Soul, Forte, Sorento, and Sedona, for instance, each received the Highest Quality award that year. A J.D. Power Dependability award was additionally given to the 2016 Kia Soul in 2019. This prize takes into account issues with used cars that are three years old.
Which vehicle suffers from the most transmission issues?
According to Car Guide, the top ten models for transmission issues are shown below.
- Renault Rogue.
- Nissan QX60.
- Fiesta by Ford.
- Murano by Nissan.
- Hello Forte.
- Focus Ford.
- Pathfinder from Nissan. Undoubtedly, Nissan has a poor history with transmissions.
- Sentra, a Nissan. Nissan once more
How frequently must a CVT transmission be maintained?
An automatic transmission requires a different kind of maintenance than a continuously variable transmission. Study up on CVT transmission maintenance.
The CVT transmission was envisioned by Leonardo da Vinci more than 500 years ago. Of course, he was unaware at the time that his invention would eventually become a crucial component of modern vehicles.
The connection between the engine and the wheels is made by your transmission. It is what transforms the engine’s power into a mechanical action that moves the wheels.
So even if you had the most powerful car in the world with the most horsepower, without this crucial part, you wouldn’t move an inch. It is imperative that you do routine CVT transmission maintenance. This will keep your car in great operating condition.
Unsure of the meaning of that? For a detailed guide to maintaining your CVT transmission, continue reading.
While you’re driving, a continuously variable transmission will appear to change gear ratios. In actuality, they don’t change gears the way a conventional transmission does.
There are no gears in these transmissions. They substitute a belt and pulley system instead. Depending on the amount of power generated and sent to the wheels, the pulleys will get broader and thinner.
The ride is substantially smoother as a result of this system. Additionally, it implies that your engine will always run as efficiently as possible. You receive the optimum performance and fuel economy from your car when it is operating in the performance sweet spot.
The majority of contemporary automakers now include a CVT in their models. However, the most common manufacturers who employ this kind of transmission include Lexus, Chrysler, Honda, Nissan, Toyota, Subaru, Mini Cooper, and Mitsubishi.
Several issues are widespread, and poor maintenance procedures are primarily to blame for them. So scheduling routine CVT Transmission maintenance is the best course of action to avoid these issues.
You run the danger of needing to replace your transmission entirely if you disregard the advised maintenance and your transmission begins to have issues. You’ll have to pay hundreds of dollars for this.
Your transmission fluid cannot lubricate properly if it is unclean or low. Additionally, it indicates that you have consumed the drink earlier than was anticipated.
A service technician who is unfamiliar with CVT transmissions may easily inject the incorrect fluid into your system if you visit them. Your transmission will be damaged by this.
Your gearbox cannot be properly cooled if your fluid is too old. If your coolers are clogged, you may also have a problem. The fluid can’t then circulate as it should to cool your transmission.
Your fluid won’t be able to lubricate effectively if you don’t maintain it clean and fresh. Your transmission’s parts will start to wear out if they aren’t greased. Your transmission will experience issues as a result of that wear because the components were not intended to withstand such abuse.
For a CVT transmission to function, you need pulleys, belts, and bearings. Therefore, if any of these are destroyed, your transmission will not work.
The majority of the issues we just discussed are difficult to see when driving your car. So, without having to be a mechanic or climb under your car, here are a few warning signals to watch out for.
You arrive home by automobile after work, leave your car in the garage, and enter your home to spend the evening. The following morning, as you’re leaving for work, you back the car out of the garage, leaving a reddish-colored puddle on the floor.
Your transmission fluid is that crimson liquid. It will typically be in the centre or front of your car, depending on the model.
Your transmission oil shouldn’t burn out, unlike your engine oil. You therefore have an overheating problem if this is occurring.
The performance of CVT transmissions is intended to be at its peak at all times. Therefore, your belts may be slipping if you find that your car is failing to operate or has a delayed reaction time.
When the components deteriorate, this can happen. When these components begin to deterioratewhich they are not intended to domore room is added to the system. The pulleys and belt slip in this area due to improper tension.
By now, it should be clear that maintaining the fluids in your CVT transmission is the most crucial maintenance.
Your car will determine how long you may drive between fluid changes. Nissan, for instance, will advise changing the fluid every 25,000 miles.
The majority of manufacturers lie between 30,000 and 50,000 miles. Numerous auto owners discover that their manual doesn’t include a time. If this is the case, 50,000 miles is a decent starting point.
A mechanic must raise the car and crawl underneath it to check the entire system. However, you can check your own fluids quickly.
Find the transmission fluid dipstick under your hood. It will resemble your engine oil dipstick in appearance, but the pull loop will be a different color.
Many car owners choose performing the service themselves. We must however caution you that this is not a task to do at home. Compared to engine oil, changing your transmission fluid takes more finesse, expertise, and dexterity.
Furthermore, the mechanism is securely sealed by the automakers. The parameters must then be read by a service computer, which can also provide data insight.
If your car has a CVT transmission, you should keep up with routine maintenance so you can keep enjoying the smooth ride.
If you are unclear, ask your local transmission service or dealer when your CVT transmission should have routine maintenance. But you should constantly be on the lookout for any indications of a potential issue.
To make a convenient appointment for your vehicle maintenance, use our online form.