CVT failures? (It's been a while since we've heard of one)

[AtomicPunk]

First of all: "Hi, Dirk"

Is it just me, or has it been a while since we've gotten a report of a CVT failure? Not trying to jinx anyone, but I'd say it's encouraging. Maybe everyone is changing their fluid regularly?

[Go4th]

I bought my 2018 G4 new in August of 2019. Over the course of the year, I put over 30,000 HARD miles on that car. About 95% of those miles are doing delivery ALL over the Portland and Vancouver metro areas. I'm in city, country, suburbs, you name it. And I'm hard on my car, I redline all the time (lots of hills here and fast highways), use Ds daily and have had zero issues with not only the CVT, but with my car in general. I had my fluid checked at 20,000 miles (ish) and they said it was still good (shop has greats user reviews, so I feel confident with their assessment). While the inside and outside are well used also, and scuffed, dinged and dented-there is nary a squeak or rattle in my car. Yeah, it's not a quiet car, but no out of place annoying noise-save for an intermittent howl when I'm crossing the 205 bridge into WA and I'm going 75-80. I've come to really love the CVT/engine combo in the G4, as well as the effecient use of space in the car.

[Mark]

I bought my 2018 G4 new in August of 2019. Over the course of the year, I put over 30,000 HARD miles on that car. About 95% of those miles are doing delivery ALL over the Portland and Vancouver metro areas. I'm in city, country, suburbs, you name it. And I'm hard on my car, I redline all the time (lots of hills here and fast highways), use Ds daily and have had zero issues with not only the CVT, but with my car in general. I had my fluid checked at 20,000 miles (ish) and they said it was still good (shop has greats user reviews, so I feel confident with their assessment). While the inside and outside are well used also, and scuffed, dinged and dented-there is nary a squeak or rattle in my car. Yeah, it's not a quiet car, but no out of place annoying noise-save for an intermittent howl when I'm crossing the 205 bridge into WA and I'm going 75-80. I've come to really love the CVT/engine combo in the G4, as well as the effecient use of space in the car.

If I owned a CVT, I would change my CVT fluid at 30,000 miles regardless of my driving habits. In your case, I would especially have it done. Just my opinion even though I don't own a CVT vehicle.

[Eggman]

If I owned a CVT, I would change my CVT fluid at 30,000 miles regardless of my driving habits. In your case, I would especially have it done. Just my opinion even though I don't own a CVT vehicle.

And 'changing' the CVT fluid in the typical manner only replaces a small fraction of the total amount of fluid. It's not a flush and fill with completely new fluid throughout. It's not unlike changing only a quart of the engine oil and leaving the filter in place.

Has anyone here had a complete fluid replacement using one of those transmission fluid exchanger machines?

[Dirk Diggler]

And 'changing' the CVT fluid in the typical manner only replaces a small fraction of the total amount of fluid. It's not a flush and fill with completely new fluid throughout. It's not unlike changing only a quart of the engine oil and leaving the filter in place.

Has anyone here had a complete fluid replacement using one of those transmission fluid exchanger machines?

I have, the Mitsu dealership only does a flush, no drain and fill.

[newtomit]

I have, the Mitsu dealership only does a flush, no drain and fill.

How much did your dealership charge for flush? I went to an AAMCO which I believe only drained and it was $225. I called a Mitsu dealership for price and they said $275 but I didn't ask if it was flush or drain. If it's flush, I wouldn't mind paying the extra $$$.

[Go4th]

If I owned a CVT, I would change my CVT fluid at 30,000 miles regardless of my driving habits. In your case, I would especially have it done. Just my opinion even though I don't own a CVT vehicle.

It's on the "to do" list with next oil change/tire rotation (btw teh Vredstein Quadtrac's are freakin' amazing). In the past I've been horrible (and VERY lucky) with car maintenance. I figure this is the perfect time (and car) to keep on it

[Mark]

It's on the "to do" list with next oil change/tire rotation (btw teh Vredstein Quadtrac's are freakin' amazing). In the past I've been horrible (and VERY lucky) with car maintenance. I figure this is the perfect time (and car) to keep on it

Related to what Eggman mentioned. If I owned a CVT, I would have the fluid changed at 30,000 miles. I would also insist the necessary filters are done at the same time. I should clarify what I said. If fluid has filters to go with it, I would have those changed, too. I don't know much about CVT transmissions, but I would insist on seeing my old filters. Two reasons - determine changing them is necessary & proof it was done.

You may need to explore more on other threads. I would know more than the service manager when making the appointment. Sometimes, that's not hard to do. Some service managers are awesome, however!

If a dealer wants to charge you for a manual transmission filter, you are being taken!

I like to hear what others think about the Vredestein Quadtrac tires. They are bit more expensive (approximately $91/tire @ tirerack.com) this year.

[AtomicPunk]

I bought my 2018 G4 new in August of 2019. Over the course of the year, I put over 30,000 HARD miles on that car. About 95% of those miles are doing delivery ALL over the Portland and Vancouver metro areas. I'm in city, country, suburbs, you name it. And I'm hard on my car, I redline all the time (lots of hills here and fast highways), use Ds daily and have had zero issues with not only the CVT, but with my car in general. I had my fluid checked at 20,000 miles (ish) and they said it was still good (shop has greats user reviews, so I feel confident with their assessment). While the inside and outside are well used also, and scuffed, dinged and dented-there is nary a squeak or rattle in my car. Yeah, it's not a quiet car, but no out of place annoying noise-save for an intermittent howl when I'm crossing the 205 bridge into WA and I'm going 75-80. I've come to really love the CVT/engine combo in the G4, as well as the effecient use of space in the car.

I have the G4 as well. 2017, bought it a year ago with 27,500 miles. Now at 41k, and has done what its supposed to do. Starts every time, sips gas, gets me to work and back 5 days a week. I have the 5 speed, but Im still enjoying the cheap transportation and reliability.

[Dodge Aries K]

I need to sit down and write out the story of searching for a used Mirage that wasn't garbage. Had several bad cvt's thrown in there for variety. Maybe later tonight...