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Honda CR-V cvt failure problems

45 of the 16,122 owner complaints about the Honda CR-V describe cVT failure, most of them for the 2015 model year.

owner complaints
45
worst model year
2015
typical mileage
3,500
Is there a fix? There are 3 recalls for this area of the car. See below

By model year

  • 2024
    2
  • 2021
    1
  • 2018
    4
  • 2017
    2
  • 2016
    9
  • 2015
    22
  • 2014
    2
  • 2013
    1
  • 2012
    1
  • 1999
    1

Often reported together

Transmission failure 7Stalling 7Shudder 7Slipping 5Loss of power 4Hesitation 3Check engine light 3Jerking 2

Trouble codes mentioned

P1898 1P1890 1P0780 1P0746 1P0741 1

What owners say

Filed Jul 1, 2026 · Transmission · NJ

The transmission had a MAJOR failure after a routine trans fluid drain and fill done by Phillipsburg Easton Honda. They tried blaming me and dismissing it as an already compromised transmission. But breaking down on a very busy road and losing all control over a LOCKED up car was terrifying and dangerous. Im just glad nobody was injured. Honda has taken 0 accountability for it and claims they did nothing wrong. This car is only 8 years old. Honda brags about them lasting forever. The CVT transmissions are garbage and now im stuck paying 7k for a replacement. No goodwill offered- no warranty. These are known to be problematic.

Filed Dec 3, 2025 · Electrical · CA

Case #16014967 Topic: Recalls/Campaigns VIN: [XXX] Vehicle Mileage: 64,935 Description: Subject: Transmission Recall Concern – 2015 Honda CR-V CVT Dear American Honda Customer Service / the federal safety agency, I am reporting transmission problems with my 2015 Honda CR-V that appear directly related to the CVT transmission recall and service bulletin for 2015–2016 models. Timeline of Events: • Aug 25, 2025: Vehicle lost battery charge despite a new battery; AAA confirmed battery was good but required a jump. • Oct 29, 2025: Battery failed again; required another jump. • Nov 30, 2025: Battery dead once more; AAA again confirmed battery was good but not charging. After replacement, the car stalled mid-road, “D” light disappeared, and only restarting allowed me to move briefly. • Dec 1, 2025: Mechanic confirmed transmission fluid was fine. Shortly after, vehicle experienced jolts, “D” light disappeared, and car stalled completely near home. It would only move in reverse and had to be rolled back to the mechanic. Diagnostic Results: • P0741 – Torque Converter Clutch Circuit Performance/Stuck Off • P0780 – Shift Malfunction • P0746 – Pressure Control Solenoid A Performance/Stuck Off • P1898 – CVT Drive Pulley Pressure Control Valve Stuck ON/OFF These codes match known CVT transmission issues documented by Honda, including hydraulic pressure regulation failures and belt slippage. My vehicle has never received recall updates or PCM reprogramming, yet it is now showing the exact failures described in Honda’s bulletin. Although my VIN does not currently appear in Honda’s recall database, I request that Honda review my case and extend recall or goodwill coverage, as the defect is clearly present and poses a serious safety risk. I also ask the federal safety agency to record this complaint since my vehicle is excluded despite being the same year/model with identical failures. Please confirm recall eligibility and advise on next steps for repair. I INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6

Filed Oct 16, 2025 · Acceleration, Electrical · FL

I have had to go to Honda numerous times for the same thing. They are chalking it up to its a CVT engine. It seems to incur after going in reverse and other times it just starts sounding louder in its spin and the rpm is not at normal intervals because it’s almost like a gear shifting mode like it’s stuck in low gear. Also when it becomes sluggish it feels like an engine part is spinning on air versus using gas and oil. Like if the engine is going to shut off mode as I try accelerating and then cars are passing me by. The speedometer is showing one number but the movement of the car here is a lower number. at the same moment the rpm needle bounces around too. Each time this occurs I have to turn the car off at least two or three times before it goes back to normal operation.

Filed Jul 14, 2025 · Transmission · CA

While driving at normal speed, the vehicle suddenly began to shudder and produce unusual mechanical noise. Within seconds, the car lost all ability to accelerate despite pressing the gas pedal. The vehicle lost power in live traffic and had to be coasted to the side of the road. There were no warning lights, no error codes, and no fluid leaks. This was a sudden, dangerous failure. A family member who is a new driver was operating the vehicle at the time, with passengers on board. This created a serious safety risk to both my family and surrounding drivers. The situation could have resulted in a serious accident if it had occurred on a highway instead of a city street. The problem was diagnosed by a trusted independent repair shop as a complete internal failure of the CVT transmission. They confirmed the component failure occurred without any external damage or signs of neglect. The transmission had to be replaced at significant cost. The component has not been inspected by Honda. However, I have dashcam video showing the moment of failure, including the vehicle shuddering, power loss, and driver reaction. The video clearly shows the dangerous nature of the incident and is available for inspection upon request. To my knowledge, this is a known issue affecting this generation of Honda CR-Vs with CVT transmissions. Honda refused reimbursement assistance despite full documentation, citing the vehicle being out of warranty — even though this is the type of premature mechanical failure their Goodwill Assistance policy is supposed to address. No warning lamps, messages, or prior symptoms appeared before the failure.

Filed Jul 3, 2025 · Transmission · WI

This 2024 Honda CRV only had 24k miles and experienced total transmission failure. I was traveling and started experiencing problems. Two factory Honda dealers (Dahl Honda rhinelander and a Duluth Honda dealer) turned me away for repairs, even though they said it was the CVT. The cvt would make loud clunking and clanging noise. During driving it would hesitate and then surge creating a drivability safety hazard. Finally OMalleys in Wausau said cvt needed to be replaced. Dahl and Duluth Honda had me continue driving despite have factory original warranty and extended bumper to bumper 100k which covered car rental. Disappointed in Honda quality and potential safety issue,

Filed Jun 25, 2025 · Engine · IN

CVT complete transmission failure consistent with Service Bulletin 16-053 from Honda, dated September 9, 2016. I was not the owner of the car at this time, so a recall notice was never received by me. Currently, Transmission is being fully replaced at 94,000 miles at a cost of $5700. It is a safety issue, due to the car not being able to drive over 30mph, nearly stalling at traffic lights and stop signs. A rear end collision would be imminent.

Filed Oct 18, 2024 · Transmission · CA

I bought this car new since 2021 the manufacturer warranty only lasted 60,000 miles warranty this car is fairly new and well taken care of I tooked it to a shop to get it looked at and the cvt housing is leaking and causing me issues like transmission sluggish and also power loss I’m scared that the leak can be leaking so bad that it can blow up my transmission due to over heat and causing major damage

Filed Feb 28, 2024 · Transmission · OH

There is a known issue with 2014 Honda CRV torque converters. My car has always had a funky shift which Honda told me it was just the new CVT transmission. Then back in August my mother drive my car and said that was not correct. I took it to Honda and they said it was the torque converter. It is causing my vehicle to become undrivable with out feeling safe. It judders, shakes and doesn't shift properly. I contacted Honda and they acknowledge that it is a known issue with their CVT transmission. They currently have 1200 orders for torque converters on back order that shows you how much of an issue that this is.

Filed Feb 27, 2023 · Transmission · KY

CVT Transmission while driving 55 or over starts changing to neutral then drive then reverse which jerks the heck out of you a continues. It also vibrates in park. Driving under 45mph it doesn’t happen. We were on the interstate and had to pull over. This is scary since I’m a single woman on the road. I have read that thousands of other owners of certain years with the CVT transmission have had the same problems. This should be a recall!!!

Filed Feb 26, 2023 · Transmission · FL

What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? 2017 Honda CR-V transmission (CVT) has a leak. Brought to Honda dealership, they diagnosed with faulty torque converter seal. Yes, it is available for inspection. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? Transmission fluid is leaking, will lead to possible transmission failure in near future at any time. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Car was taken to dealership and they told me it is not worrisome that transmission is leaking and to check the level more frequently. Looked on Honda forums regarding issue and problem happens in all honda models with their CVT and wide mileage range on cars affected. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? No. Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? No. Problem was noticed when I went underneath car to change engine oil. Transmission fluid covered the bottom of transmission. Car's undercarriage was covered in fluid.

Related recalls

Power train: automatic transmissionReported April 15, 2013 · 204,169 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Honda is recalling certain model year 2012-2013 CR-V, Odyssey, and model year 2013 Acura RDX vehicles. During sub-freezing temperatures, the brake-shift interlock blocking mechanism may become slow and allow the gear selector to be moved from the Park position without pressing the brake pedal. As such, these vehicles fail to conform to the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 114, "Theft Protection and Rollaway Prevention."
Risk
If the gear selector is moved from the park position without pressing the brake pedal it can allow the vehicle to roll away, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Honda will notify owners and instruct them to take their vehicle to a Honda or Acura dealer. The dealer will install an updated brake shift interlock blocking mechanism free of charge. The recall began on May 13, 2013. Owners may contact Honda at 1‑800‑999‑1009. Honda's campaign recall numbers are S96, S97, and S98.

Recall number 13V143000 · Recall details

Power train: automatic transmission: control module (TCM/PCM/tecm)Reported August 4, 2011 · 1,512,107 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Honda is recalling certain model year 2005-2010 accord, 2007-2010 cr-v, and 2005-2008 element passenger cars manufactured from july 1, 2004, through september 3, 2010. The outer race of the secondary shaft bearing may be broken during certain driving styles. A broken outer race may cause abnormal noise, the malfunction indicator light to turn on, and allow contact between the transmission idle gear and an electronic sensor housing within the transmission.
Risk
This could result in a short circuit causing the engine to stall. Additionally, broken pieces of the outer race or ball bearing from the secondary shaft may become lodged in the parking pawl resulting in the vehicle rolling after the driver has placed the gear selector in the park position. Engine stall and unexpected vehicle movement increases the risk of a crash or personal injury to persons within the path of a rolling vehicle.
Remedy
Honda will notify owners and dealers will update the automatic transmission control module software free of charge. The safety recall began on august 27, 2011. Owners may contact honda automobile customer service at 1‑800‑999‑1009.

Recall number 11V395000 · Recall details

Power train: automatic transmissionReported July 29, 2003 · 247,019 vehicles affected
What is wrong
On certain sport utility vehicles equipped with automatic transmissions, excessive corrosion of the shift cable linkage could prevent the driver from shifting the automatic transmission into park.
Risk
If the vehicle operator fails to engage the parking brake, the vehicle could roll and a crash could occur. Dealers will inspect the shift cable linkage for corrosion. If corrosion causes binding, they will replace the shift cable.
Remedy
Dealers will also install a new corrosion-resistant control pin. Owner notification began on august 19, 2003. Owners should contact honda at 1‑800‑999‑1009.

Recall number 03V274000 · Recall details

Questions about the Honda CR-V cvt failure

Which Honda CR-V years have cVT failure problems?

The model years with the most reports are 2015 (22 complaints), 2016 (9 complaints) and 2018 (4 complaints).

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