Toyota CVT reliability or Continuously Variable Transmission is of great interest to many drivers, especially those who own a brand new Toyota.
Are you wondering if the CVT gearbox is as reliable as the rumors say? Does it fit your needs and budget?
Below is everything you need to know about it. Let’s follow us to discover.
What Is Toyota CVT Reliability?
Toyota CVT transmission reliability is quite high because it helps prolong the life of vehicles if well maintained.
The main reasons come from advanced safety features that bring convenience to the driver. Therefore, 5/5 reliability was noted in user surveys.
Yet, there are still some small problems it cannot solve like other CVTs, but it doesn’t greatly affect its performance and quality.
Special Technologies
The first special feature of the CVT is the smooth and quiet transmission of the engine thanks to a special pulley system.
It is due to the ability to change the diameter of the 2 pulleys based on the absorbed electrical power.
For example, when it is necessary to start the car, the pulley connected to the engine and the wheel will need more power.
Its diameter will also increase by itself. Similarly, the pulley diameter will decrease when the engine speed has stabilized.
Besides, Direct-Shift CVT – is a special type of transmission that accelerates when the vehicle starts to move thanks to technological improvements related to gearless pulleys.
Also, this special pulley system is arranged in a pyramidal pattern and linked together by a chain.
Thus, the driver can adjust the gear ratios at will to help the car save more fuel. These improvements enable CVT to save gas or vehicle fuel to the greatest.
Finally, the absence of shifting makes driving smoother and more stable.
Instead of shifting, the Toyota Corolla CVT transmission allows acceleration at a steady rate throughout the trip, especially on long trips.
Average Miles CVT In a Toyota Vehicle
The average mileage of the Toyota CVT is 120,000 as long as it has no problems related to the transmission or the engine.
If the transmission is too old, has a thicker fluid, or is damaged at some point, and you take it in for repair, it will only work for a maximum of 40,000 miles.
However, the driver can control the gear ratios and bring the CVT’s mileage up to 160,000. Therefore, the mileage of a vehicle with a CVT transmission can be much larger.
In addition, depending on the driver’s driving skills, the gear ratio may change, leading to the adjustment of mileage.
If they have regular checks and maintenance and use the right fuel, the gearbox will have a longer life, directly proportional to the average mileage.
Benefits Of CVT
One of the most practical benefits of CVT is the ability to save fuel and reduce emissions to protect the environment.
It not only helps drivers save fuel costs but also limits air pollution – a dilemma in the society.
The next convenience is that the gearbox is fairly lightweight. It allows the car to move flexibly at the driver’s command. Braking and cornering are also faster than conventional transmission vehicles.
In addition, the cost of CVT is not as high as a conventional automatic gearbox. It will save some bucks for the buyer but still ensures quality due to proven safety improvements in technology.
Finally, the driver can concentrate on driving without the distraction of shifting gears. Stable speed is maintained throughout the journey, making traffic participants feel more secure.
Drawbacks Of CVT
CVT gears have the drawback of not being fully matched with high-performance driving. It is why you didn’t catch many CVT transmissions on sports cars or racing vehicles.
Another downside is that drivers may need a period of time to adjust to operating a CVT car.
It seems unusual since no gears are found in a CVT automobile. Included-gears drivers may need some time to get used to it.
What Are Toyota CVT Common Issues?
Overheating
Overheating is one of the common Toyota Corolla CVT transmission problems due to overloaded transmission lines.
It derives from the excessively high driving speeds or coolant leak problems in the belt unit designed to cool the CVT down.
Damage to the engine or nearby components also causes the transmission to overheat. Excessive heat can trigger the engine’s pulleys and other metal parts to warp or even crack.
The good thing is the engine computer will automatically turn on failsafe mode, which reduces revolutions per minute.
It is also a reminder to the driver that their CVT is malfunctioning and needs to be repaired as soon as possible. At that point, it’s best not to accelerate, or it will lead to worse consequences for your vehicle.
Control Module Error
Since the design technology is quite sophisticated, a small mistake in the control module induces the CVT to malfunction immediately.
Unlike overheating, module failure is not manifested by any symptoms. The problem only shows up when the transmission shifts unpredictably, not following your control.
In addition, after a long period of operation, pulleys and belts will be prone to rust and damage. It will limit the rotation of the gear and slow down the speed of the transmission.
Finally, installed third-party aids that do not follow Toyota’s instructions can lead to module failure, causing the CVT to fail and require replacement.
It is because the design of the CVT is very complex, and using an external component yourself would backfire and initiate mechanical problems in the vehicle.
Clunking Sounds
It is a common problem not only in CVTs but also in automatic transmissions. Frequent clicking sounds or wheezy noise can signify an actuator that is about to stop working.
One of the causes of this is that the CVT fluid is overfilled or your car has the wrong fluid.
Like exceeding steering fluid, too much transmission fluid does no good but causes difficult shifting and skidding. Besides, if the fluid is too old or insufficient to lubricate the gears, then CVT failure is possible.
Another factor that leads to clunking sounds is a cracked or damaged gearbox.
When going through bumpy roads at high speed and for a long time, the gearbox rack will not withstand the jolt and generate a rattling sound, signaling an imminent transmission problem.
Slipping Problems
The RPM indicator rises and falls, but the speed remains unchanged, which means your gearbox is sliding. The chain or rope is slipping and may break shortly.
Inadequate or incompatible transmission fluid can cause slipping problems, leading to the failure rate of ratios to disengage while driving.
Moreover, your CVT automatic transmissions have failed when the engine revs operate, but the car doesn’t move.
After a comprehensive inspection and testing, you need to meet a dealer or an auto repair and determine what you should fix.
Failure to reverse indicates a poor CVT gearbox, which usually exacerbates the problem, especially in winter. During cold shrinkage, pulleys and gears might become inefficient.
What Causes Toyota CVT Problems?
Rough Or Aggressive Driving Habit
It’s fine if you start the automobile by pressing the gas pedal. However, harsh or aggressive driving habits might shorten the life of the CVT gearbox elements.
Toyota CVT is designed akin to CVT in other automobiles and is primarily intended for vehicle-friendly users.
Besides, the basic features of CVTs are metal belts and pulleys. It means that not only could component deterioration arise due to aging, but it could also happen if people drive too aggressively.
Many drivers have reported breakage to their Toyota CVT transmissions due to driving too hard, quickly, and regularly for frantic motorsport.
Incorrectly Gear Ratio Operation
Improperly manipulating the gear ratio when facing a red light or short halting will force the vehicle’s CVT to be destroyed quickly. A defective Toyota CVT may jeopardize this driving style.
For instance, suppose you intend to go through a traffic signal. The driver should first shift into D gear, then let off the brake. We’ll need to get accustomed to this part.
The reason derives from the fact that these actions might significantly improve CVT performance before driving.
Sometimes getting used to traditional automatic transmissions can make it difficult for drivers to drive with a CVT.
However, the driver needs to master the basic principles of adjusting the gear ratio when braking, cornering, and even when the vehicle is operating stably.
Wrong Choice Of CVT Oil
Oil is used in the lubricating part of the CVT gearbox. Whenever you operate a CVT vehicle, make sure you change and check the oil regularly.
It would be best if you usually keep in mind that specific CVT oil is required for vehicles with CVT gearboxes.
Fuel cannot be used in ordinary automated components. Errors in the type of fuel applied might cause harm to the transmission.
You need to check various indications, such as a shock when driving and a vehicle that begins to waste gasoline.
Besides, the oil quality is not guaranteed due to contamination or mixing with other chemicals, which will cause the CVT to fail. If the above Toyota CVT issues occur, you need to take your car for repairs.
How To Maintain The Reliability Of Toyota CVT?
Provide Enough Fluid
Your car will be grateful to you for changing the CVT transmission fluid periodically to ensure the transmission and the CVT operate most efficiently.
Depending on your car type, there will be compatible fluids.
For normal automobiles, you should change the transmission fluid after about 100,000 miles.
It’s proven that after this mileage, CVT transmission will start to work less efficiently because the fluid is about to run out, and many oil stains and lumps also accumulate in the gears.
You can go to auto repair dealers or auto manufacturers to have a mechanic do it.
However, if you have carefully read the instructions for changing the fluid for the CVT transmission and do not want to spend money, you can replace it yourself.
The steps to change the CVT transmission fluid are similar to those steps to change other transmission fluids.
You just need to remove the drain plug from the oil pan, drain the remaining liquid, cover the plug, and pour new fluid into the oil inlet pipe.
Adopt Good Driving Habit
Are CVT reliable? Yes, as long as you take proper maintenance and have a good daily driving habit.
It helps protect your CVT from damage and ensures your safety. Specifically, when going uphill, you should not press the accelerator too hard.
Still, it would be best to combine pressing the brake to avoid reversing the car. Press the gas for a while, then release the gas and apply the brake. After releasing the brake, press the accelerator again.
Doing so will prevent the engine from working too hard. When traveling on bumpy roads, you should not go too fast to avoid damaging the CVT gearbox and other components in the engine in general.
Another rule is to go neutral (N) when stopping at a red light. This helps the car save more fuel instead of waiting in D or P.
Especially when stopping at a red light for a long time and your feet need to relax, N is the most reasonable choice.
FAQs
How Long Does CVT Last?
On average, CVT transmissions have a minimum lifespan of 100,000 miles. After reaching this mileage, drivers regularly take it for maintenance to maintain durability and prolong the life of the gearbox.
The service life of CVT transmission is longer than traditional and regular automatic transmission.
The CVT design is based on the latest technological innovation, making this system more durable than others.
Although some CVT lines have a longer life, their performance will deteriorate rapidly over time if not properly maintained.
Are Toyota CVT Transmissions Reliable?
Is Toyota Corolla CVT reliable? In general, CVT transmissions are considered trust-worthy. Its reliability is comparable to other automatic or manual transmissions.
Improvements in the design include the pulley system and the lightweight profile of the gearbox can support the driver to the greatest.
Some problems still exist, but it does not significantly affect the vehicle’s performance. These problems are also encountered in traditional gearboxes.
Conclusion
Overall, Toyota CVT reliability is quite high compared to most drivers. Its benefits bring drivers a great driving experience thanks to the engine’s improvements and durability.
Hope this article is useful to you. See you in the next article.