Thread: Honda Fit / Jazz CVT Automatic Transmission Problems

I can't believe it. I have suffered the much feared and dreaded CVT Auto transmission start clutch failure that I thought I had avoided with full Honda servicing...

2003 Honda Fit

A shade under 50,000km on the clock

Surely this has to be considered a premature failure rather than standard "wear and tear"?

I have been told that Honda NZ had an extended service arrangement for Jazz models in this era which would have covered the replacement of the start clutch (I've been quoted around $2000 for the repair).

However this is an import of course, and Honda NZ apparently won't stand behind their brand because it was imported.

Any idea who I might talk to at Honda NZ for some help here? This is a massive bill and a huge blow to our brand loyalty and belief in Honda. We love our Hondas to bits and this is a pretty hard pill to swallow.

Any experiences in dealing with this kind of issue (where a well documented problem has struck your imported vehicle) would be much appreciated. Via PM if you'd prefer is ok too.

Thanks in advance.

Thanks for the reply, and for checking that.

The oil has now been flushed/replaced with no improvement, hence the diagnosis that this is a major problem.

I've always had the car serviced at Honda and not turned down any "recommended" work. I'm not sure why but it seems that the oil may never have been flagged to be changed even though it probably should have been by now (50,000km)??

Does it affect the driving/performance?

Originally Posted by NINPO

Does it affect the driving/performance?

Annoying on the flat. Like an earthquake if taking off uphill.

Why would I put a replaced one in? Isn't that just asking for it??

Ok I may be misunderstanding - for $2000 from the dealer am I not getting a brand new part?? If so then why would I get a $800 part that has problems (albiet fewer issues) and then still pay 6-8 hours labour on top?

Wouldn't the cheaper $800 replacement just be destined to fail?? Or is the new one going to fail as well? Are the transmissions in the Jazz just that crap??

Originally Posted by LS/VTEC

you have to remember there not bullet proof. for $2000 its not brand new. it just rebuilt most scenarios. but in sayin that they may give u a warranty when there rebuilt it. im only here to give u options in help and advice . if your clever dont bite the helper.

Sorry I wasn't biting. As someone who doesn't know a thing about cars, it seemed totally illogical to replace this with something that had a known (but apparently less pronounced) problem. Surely it would just get worse over time?

Could someone tell me what the expected lifespan of the following are?

1. A typical automatic transmission

2. A Honda Fit/Jazz "new" $2000 auto transmission

3. An $800 replacement auto transmission

LS/VTEC are you saying that the $800 vs. $2000 won't necessarily give me any longer in terms of life/reliability?

I'm starting to wonder if these Jazzes are pieces of crap! I love mine to bits though. I'm torn

Thanks for the reply. I should have made it clear that the intention is to keep the vehicle for a very long time if that is possible. I can see how that comes into play in this decision.

You say that $2000 might get me the same as I got with this one. 50,000km?

That's rubbish if you are saying that the typical auto transmission goes for 200,000km +

What's up with these models??

Ok to answer your question and hopefully solve your problem at hand.

1/ Have Honda Done a CVT Fluid Flush and a Trans Relearn ??

2/ With you spending $2000 on a brand new gearbox thats is dirt cheap!!! They Normally cost ~$7-8000 each

3/ To prolong your gearbox life this is a personal recommendation replace CVT fluid every 20,000K's

4/ If $2000 is a steep option, I would take LS/VTEC $800 2nd hand warranty gearbox and hope for the best. I have replaced a handful, some of them before replacement just need decent workout and they do come right at times

Sorry to hijack your thread but my lady friend is considering getting a CVT 1.5L Jazz. After reading these, I'm unsure about it now >_<

Should we be going for NZ new Jazz ?

after lots of resurch and talking to ppl with cvt gearbox cuz my sis wants a jazz as well ive come to a conclusion that cvts are the worse gearbox, they sound good in theory and givess u great fuel economi but in real life because of the cone shape gearing and belt driven it is not reliable and die eairly. best is to go for 4 speed auto. cvts are still quite new so wait afew more years untill cvts are further developed then they might be better then.
i would recomand buying the $800 cvt trans and sell the car.

hahah yeh dats true nissan has da worse cvt, nissan cars was the 1st to have cvt in them .toyota n honda has the best but they still break down subaru once arnt too bad auctily.n yeh only wen u buy them nz new but most of da cars here are import.
if u still want to buy cvt go a head its just my opinion and what ive found ot