CVT Transmission Repair
SM Transmissions is a CVT specialist. We diagnose, repair and rebuild continuously variable transmissions for Nissan, Honda, Toyota, Subaru, Mitsubishi and more, in-house at our Irving, TX shop, with free diagnostics and free towing across the Metroplex.
CVT Transmission Repair Specialists Serving Dallas-Fort Worth
Most transmission shops will not touch a CVT. Dealerships usually quote a complete replacement. SM Transmissions does neither. For years we have taken the time to learn continuously variable transmissions inside and out, and today CVT work is a large part of what comes through our Irving shop every week. We diagnose the actual fault, repair what can be repaired, and rebuild the unit in-house when it needs it, at a price that is usually well below a dealer replacement.
Common CVT Problems We Repair
- Shudder or judder at low speed or under light acceleration, often the first symptom owners notice
- Whining, humming or droning that rises with vehicle speed
- Delayed engagement or hesitation when moving from a stop
- RPM flare or slipping where the engine revs without matching acceleration
- Overheating and limp mode, common in Texas heat and stop-and-go traffic
- Fluid leaks from seals, the pan or cooler lines
- Belt, chain or pulley wear that shows up as metal in the fluid
- Valve body, solenoid and transmission control module (TCM) faults, including software updates
What Is a CVT Transmission?
A CVT, or continuously variable transmission, has no fixed gears. Instead of a set of planetary gear sets, it uses a steel belt or chain running between two variable-width pulleys. As the pulleys change diameter, the effective gear ratio changes smoothly and continuously, which is why a CVT-equipped car has no shift points. The design delivers better fuel economy and smooth acceleration, and it has become standard on many Nissan, Honda, Toyota, Subaru and Mitsubishi models. It also has its own failure patterns, its own fluid, and its own repair procedures, which is why it needs a shop that specializes in it.
If your CVT is shuddering, whining, slipping or hesitating, call (214) 854-1901. The diagnostic is free.
CVT Vehicles We See Most Often
Nissan and Infiniti (Jatco CVT): Altima, Sentra, Rogue, Murano, Maxima, Versa, Pathfinder, Juke, Kicks. Honda and Acura: Civic, Accord, CR-V, HR-V, Fit, Insight. Toyota and Lexus: Corolla, Camry, RAV4, C-HR, Prius. Subaru (Lineartronic): Outback, Forester, Impreza, Crosstrek, Legacy, Ascent. Mitsubishi: Outlander, Outlander Sport, Lancer, Mirage. We also service the Jeep Compass and Patriot, Dodge Caliber and other CVT-equipped domestic models. If you do not see your vehicle here, call us; if it has a CVT, we work on it.
CVT Repair vs. CVT Rebuild vs. Replacement
A CVT repair addresses a single failed component such as a valve body, solenoid, seal, stepper motor or cooler when the belt and pulleys check out. A CVT rebuild is the answer when the belt or chain, pulleys or bearings are worn: we disassemble the unit, replace the worn parts, apply the manufacturer updates for that model, and reassemble it to spec in our own shop. Replacement with a new unit is what dealerships quote by default. It is rarely the only option and almost always the most expensive one. Bring us the dealer estimate and we will tell you whether a rebuild is the better path.
Can a CVT Transmission Be Rebuilt?
Yes. Despite what many drivers are told, a CVT can be rebuilt. We rebuild Nissan, Honda, Toyota, Subaru and Mitsubishi CVTs in-house, replacing the belt or chain, pulleys, bearings, valve body, seals and filter as required. Rebuilding reuses the sound hard parts already in your unit, which is why it costs less than a replacement. Rebuilds are covered by warranties up to an unlimited-mileage lifetime warranty on labor. See our transmission rebuild page for how the process works.
CVT Fluid Service: The Cheapest CVT Repair There Is
The single best thing you can do for a CVT is change the fluid on schedule with the correct manufacturer-specific CVT fluid. Conventional ATF in a CVT is one of the most common causes of shudder and belt wear we see. We stock the right fluid for each brand and perform CVT fluid service as part of our transmission maintenance program. If your CVT has never been serviced and is past 60,000 miles, start here.
CVT Transmission Repair Cost
CVT repair cost depends on what the diagnostic finds. A fluid service or a valve body repair is a small fraction of a rebuild. In-house CVT rebuilds start at $1,795 including parts, labor and installation, with the final price depending on the unit and the parts required. Diagnostics are free, you get a written estimate before any work starts, towing is free with repair, and we work with extended warranty and insurance companies. Learn about our full range of transmission repair services or call (214) 854-1901.
CVT rebuilds from $1,795
Belt or chain, pulleys, bearings, valve body and seals replaced as needed, with the manufacturer updates for your model applied. Parts, labor and installation included in the floor price.
- Nissan, Honda, Toyota, Subaru, Mitsubishi
- Free diagnostic and written estimate
- Free towing in DFW with repair
- Warranties up to unlimited-mileage lifetime on labor
How we handle a CVT
Diagnose the real fault
Scan, fluid check, pressure test and road test. Shudder, whine and hesitation each point somewhere different.
Repair what can be repaired
Valve body, solenoids, stepper motor, seals and coolers can be fixed without a rebuild.
Rebuild in-house when needed
Belt or chain, pulleys and bearings replaced; updates applied; reassembled to spec in our shop.
Correct fluid, relearn, road test
Manufacturer-specific CVT fluid, relearn procedure and a road test before pickup.
CVT Transmission FAQs
Reliability, lifespan, symptoms and cost, answered by a shop that rebuilds CVTs every week.
Are CVT transmissions reliable?
Modern CVTs are reliable when they are serviced on schedule with the correct fluid and kept from overheating. Most of the CVT failures we see trace back to skipped fluid service, the wrong fluid, or heat. Some early designs had known weaknesses, and manufacturers have released updates that we apply during a rebuild.
How long do CVT transmissions last?
With regular fluid service using the correct CVT fluid, a CVT can last as long as a conventional automatic. Neglected units often fail well short of that. Heat, towing beyond the vehicle rating and long service intervals shorten CVT life the most.
What are the symptoms of a failing CVT?
Shudder or judder at low speed, whining or droning noise, hesitation when pulling away, RPM flare without acceleration, overheating warnings or limp mode, and fluid leaks. Early diagnosis usually means a repair instead of a rebuild.
Can you drive with a shuddering CVT?
It is not recommended. Shudder means the belt is slipping on the pulleys, which generates heat and wears both quickly. Have it diagnosed as soon as possible. Towing is free with repair anywhere in the Metroplex.
Can a CVT be rebuilt instead of replaced?
Yes. SM Transmissions rebuilds CVTs in-house for Nissan, Honda, Toyota, Subaru and Mitsubishi. Rebuilding reuses the sound hard parts in your unit and typically costs far less than the dealer replacement quote.
Do you repair Nissan CVT transmissions?
Yes. Nissan and Infiniti Jatco CVTs in the Altima, Sentra, Rogue, Murano, Pathfinder and other models are among the most common units we repair and rebuild.
How much does CVT transmission repair cost?
It depends on the fault. Fluid service and single-component repairs cost far less than a rebuild. In-house CVT rebuilds start at $1,795 including parts, labor and installation. Diagnostics are free and you receive a written estimate first.
What warranty do you offer on CVT repairs?
Warranties vary by the job performed, up to an unlimited-mileage lifetime warranty on labor. The exact terms for your repair are written on the estimate.
More transmission services
- Transmission Rebuild: how our in-house rebuild works
- Transmission Maintenance: CVT fluid service with the right fluid
- Transmission Repair & Service: diagnostics and every repair we offer
- Automatic Transmission Repair: conventional automatics
- Manual Transmission & Clutch Repair: clutches, synchros, gearboxes