Do CVT Transmissions Need Repairs More Often?

May 3, 2021 | By Mister Transmission

Do CVT Transmissions Need Repairs More Often?

CVTs are still relatively new so people often have a lot of questions about them. Most popular are questions about CVT repairs. Are CVT transmission repairs more common than other types of transmission repair?

What Are CVT Transmissions?

It will be handy to first describe CVT transmissions before we go into the specifics of their repairs. You’re probably familiar with automatic and manual transmissions, but here’s a brief overview: automatic transmissions automatically change the gear ratio as your automobile moves. This means that the driver does not have to shift gears manually. Manual transmissions require the driver to change gears by using a gear shift and clutch. Manual transmissions are more work for drivers, but some enjoy this because they have more control over their vehicle. Automatic transmissions are heavier and less fuel-efficient, but not to a major degree.

Automatic transmissions permit the engine to provide a range of speed and torque outputs while it itself retains a relatively high rotational speed. CVT transmissions do the same and are, technically, just another kind of automatic transmission. CVT stands for “continuously variable transmission”, so we should state that “CVT transmission” is actually redundant, but you’ll still see it referred to in this way, much like people say “ATM” machine”.

What’s The Difference Between A CVT And A Regular Automatic Transmission?

While most automatic transmissions provide a limited number of gear ratios in fixed steps, CVTs can shift faultlessly through an uninterrupted range of ratios. CVTs can operate at a constant RPM even while the vehicle moves at different speeds. Essentially, CVTs run more smoothly than previous automatic transmissions. Ultimately, these changes aren’t seismic, but you can think of CVTs as an improvement on the traditional automatic transmission and, as such, we’ll see more new vehicles made with CVT transmissions.

What Are Some Common CVT Transmission Repairs?

We don’t have decades of data on CVTs yet, but they appear to be more resistant to a lot of problems that manifest in other automatic transmissions. Given this, we can say with reasonable confidence that not only do CVTs not require more repairs than other transmissions, over the course of their life they’ll probably require fewer. Worn-out friction surfaces and overheating problems caused by a lack of transmission fluid are still probably the most common problems. Many drivers who are new to CVTs will bring them in thinking they need a transmission repair because it’s making different sounds compared to other automatic transmission vehicles they have owned.

Mister Transmission

To learn more about CVT transmission repair, please contact us.

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Hi I had my 1966 Chevelle Malibu SS in at Mister Transmission Sarnia to have the transmission worked on last year. Mike in the back shop worked on my car (pride and joy). He did the repairs that was needed done and a few extra things done without request. The car ran like a dream when I got it back. The cost was lower then they said it would be. I'm very fussy on who works on my car. The owner (manager) was awesome to deal with. Then this week 04 July 2025 I needed a shift cable repaired as I was headed out with my car . I went to the shop and they were over loaded with work. Mike made time to get my car fixed so I could use it on the weekend. They went the extra mile to get my car fixed and again I could not complain about the cost to repair the cable. I fully recommend them and the people that work there are outstanding. A special thanks to Mike who worked on my baby(my car) thanks so much guys. They are my go to shop with my Classic car and all my vehicles.
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I had a fantastic experience with the whole Mr. Transmission team. Jordan and Jason are fantastic at their jobs, and they are truly willing to be honest and completely transparent with you. I took my 2018 Sierra to them for some transmission work (shocker), and they were quick, and the transmission now works fantastically. There were some small hiccups, the transmission initially acted a little weird, but they were quick to correct that. I had my spark plugs and a few coils swapped over here. One of the coils they got from GM blew up and took a couple of fuses with it. They comped the tow and had it fixed quickly, and were incredibly apologetic about the whole thing. Overall, if you are looking for quality service from a tried and true team, this is the place you want to go.
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Hi I had my 1966...
Craig
Hi I had my 1966 Chevelle Malibu SS in at Mister Transmission Sarnia to have the transmission worked on last year. Mike in the back shop worked on my car (pride and joy). He did the repairs that was needed done and a few extra things done without request. The car ran like a dream when I got it back. The cost was lower then they said it would be. I'm very fussy on who works on my car. The owner (manager) was awesome to deal with. Then this week 04 July 2025 I needed a shift cable repaired as I was headed out with my car . I went to the shop and they were over loaded with work. Mike made time to get my car fixed so I could use it on the weekend. They went the extra mile to get my car fixed and again I could not complain about the cost to repair the cable. I fully recommend them and the people that work there are outstanding. A special thanks to Mike who worked on my baby(my car) thanks so much guys. They are my go to shop with my Classic car and all my vehicles.
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