Which Honda models have transmission problems?
In short, several Honda models have reported transmission problems, particularly those equipped with continuously variable transmissions (CVTs). The issue is not universal, but certain model years and configurations have shown problems such as slipping, shuddering, or hesitation. This article outlines which models have been cited, common symptoms to watch for, and steps to verify and address potential issues.
Transmission problems in Honda vehicles have appeared across multiple model lines and generations. While some owners report smooth performance for many years, others have encountered issues that prompted recalls, service notices, or goodwill repairs. The risk varies by year, trim, and region, so VIN-specific checks are essential.
Which Honda models have been affected
The following Honda models have been most frequently cited in consumer complaints and regulatory recall activity related to transmissions. Note that not every year or version of these models is affected, and many owners experience trouble-free operation.
- Honda Civic
- Honda CR-V
- Honda Fit (Jazz in some markets)
- Honda HR-V
- Honda Insight
Because transmission issues have varied by year and region, always check the specific VIN against official recall and service bulletin databases to determine applicability.
Common transmission problems and symptoms
Below are the kinds of problems and signs owners have reported. These cues can help you determine whether a transmission inspection is warranted.
If you notice one or more of these symptoms, schedule a diagnostic with a qualified technician promptly to prevent potential further damage and to determine whether a recall, service bulletin, or repair coverage may apply.
What to do if you own a Honda with transmission problems
Taking the right steps can help you determine coverage, protect the vehicle, and plan an appropriate repair path.
Staying informed and acting promptly can reduce the risk of more extensive damage and help you navigate potential coverage or repair costs more effectively.
Summary
Transmission problems have been reported across a subset of Honda models, especially CVT-equipped versions of the Civic, CR-V, Fit, HR-V, and Insight. Symptoms range from slipping and rough shifting to unusual noises and warning lights. If you own a Honda and notice transmission-related concerns, verify recalls and service bulletins for your specific VIN, consult with a qualified technician, and explore warranty or goodwill options with your dealer or regional Honda support. Regular maintenance and prompt inspections remain key to managing potential issues.
What car brand has the most transmission problems?
Nissan and the combination of Ford/GM are frequently cited for having the most transmission problems, due to their use of problematic Continuously Variable Transmissions (CVTs) in many Nissan models and the 10-speed automatic in Ford and GM trucks. Early to mid-2000s Nissan CVTs (especially in models like the Altima, Rogue, and Sentra) and Ford/GM's 10-speed automatics (found in F-150, Silverado, and Sierra trucks, among others) have a reputation for failure, shuddering, and harsh shifts.
Nissan
- CVT Issues: Nissan's long history with Jatco CVTs has earned it a reputation for poor transmission reliability.
- Affected Models: Models like the Altima, Rogue, Sentra, and Pathfinder from roughly 2006-2015 are particularly notorious.
- Symptoms: Common complaints include jerking, shuddering, overheating, delayed acceleration, and complete failure.
- Risk: These issues can occur before 75,000 miles and often result in expensive replacement costs, as the transmissions are not typically rebuilt.
Ford and GM
- 10-Speed Automatic Problems: Ford and GM's co-developed 10-speed automatic (the 10R80 for Ford and 10L80 for GM) has been the source of numerous complaints.
- Affected Models: This transmission is found in their full-size trucks and SUVs, including the Ford F-150 and the Chevy Silverado and GMC Sierra, primarily from 2017 onward.
- Symptoms: Owners report harsh shifting, clunking noises, loss of power, and catastrophic failure.
- Risk: These problems have led to multiple recalls and costly repairs, with some vehicles requiring transmission replacement.
What years did Honda have bad transmissions?
Honda automatic and CVT transmissions from the late 1990s and early 2000s are known for problems, with specific problematic years often cited including 1998–2004 for general issues and 1999–2003 for specific automatic transmission failures. Specific models like the Accord, Odyssey, and Acura TL are frequently mentioned as being affected.
This video explains the reasons why Honda transmissions fail: 59sspeedkar99YouTube · Jun 10, 2024
Problematic years by model
- Honda Accord: Years 1998–2002 and 1999–2003 had widespread automatic transmission issues, with some later models like 2008–2010 and 2013–2014 also having problems.
- Honda Odyssey: The 1999–2003 and 1999–2001 models are frequently cited for transmission problems.
- Acura TL/CL: The 2000–2003 and 2001–2003 models are known to have issues, with the Acura 3.2 TL having problems from 1999 onward.
- Honda Civic: Some earlier CVT models, like those from 1999–2004, are known to have issues.
- Honda Pilot: The early 2000s models had issues with overheating transmissions.
- Honda Jazz and Vezel Hybrid: Some 2014 models had issues with the seven-speed dual-clutch transmission software.
Common symptoms of transmission problems
- Slipping gears
- Rough shifting or delayed shifts
- Jerking during acceleration
- Unusual noises
- Transmission failing to engage
- Vibrations
This video discusses Honda CVT reliability: 46sShadetree AutomotiveYouTube · Feb 10, 2024
Why these years had problems
- Automatic transmissions: The V6 automatics from the late 1990s and early 2000s were particularly prone to failure.
- CVTs: Some early Honda CVTs, particularly those from 1999–2004, had a high rate of failure.
- Dual-clutch transmissions: Some 2014 models had software issues that could cause delays or failure in gear selection.
Which Honda has the best transmission?
The "best" Honda transmission depends on your priorities, with the Honda S2000 manual often cited as the best manual for its feel, while the 2015-2019 Honda Fit CVT is praised for its reliability and efficiency. For a modern, engaging manual, some praise the current Civic Si and Type R shifters, though the S2000's is legendary, and for an automatic, the ZF9 is efficient but has had issues, while earlier automatic models (like those in the 2013+ Accord) are considered very reliable.
This video discusses some of Honda's best and worst transmissions: 59sCar WizardYouTube · Jan 1, 2020
Manual transmissions
- Honda S2000 (AP1/AP2): Widely considered the benchmark for Honda manual transmissions, it offers a short, mechanical, and precise shifter that is highly praised for its feel.
- Civic Si and Type R: These models are frequently noted for having very good, smooth, and precise shifters that are engaging for the driver.
- Integra GSR: The 1999 Integra GSR is remembered for its mechanical, short, and notchy feel, though it may not be as smooth as some later transmissions.
Automatic/CVT transmissions
- Honda Fit (2015-2019): The CVT in these models is specifically highlighted for being reliable and efficient, which is not always the case for CVTs.
- Accord (2013+): The automatic transmissions in newer Accords have been noted as reliable after earlier model years had transmission issues.
- ZF9 (9-speed automatic): This transmission is efficient and compact but has received criticism for potentially "weird" shifts and a history of failure in some 2016-2018 models, though Honda has released software updates to improve performance.
- CVT (General): While some criticize CVTs for a "rubber band" effect or potential for failure, Honda's implementations, particularly in models like the Fit, have generally been praised for efficiency and reliability.
This video explains the pros and cons of Honda's 9-speed transmission: 55sShadetree AutomotiveYouTube · Feb 2, 2025
Which Honda has transmission problems?
Odyssey And Pilot Owners: Transmission Concerns In Family Vehicles. Family-focused vehicles like the Honda Odyssey and Pilot must handle more weight, longer trips, and frequent use—all of which place heavy demands on the transmission.
