Which transmission has a lower failure rate, DCT or CVT?
3 Answers
CVT transmissions have a lower failure rate. More relevant information is as follows: 1. CVT Transmission: The working principle of a CVT transmission is to transmit power through two conical pulleys and a steel belt. Therefore, it does not have fixed gears, although some models simulate gears. The overall driving experience with a CVT transmission is very smooth, with no jerking performance whether driving at low or high speeds. 2. DCT Transmission: A DCT transmission has two clutches, each responsible for different gears. While one clutch is engaged, the other is on standby, and rapid switching between them is controlled by a computer to achieve gear changes. As a result, dual-clutch transmissions have very fast shifting speeds, fully meeting the demands of high-speed engines.
My first car was a Honda Civic with a CVT transmission, and it has been trouble-free for five years, very smooth and worry-free. Later, I tried my friend's Hyundai Sonata with a DCT, and I felt some gear-shifting jerkiness. I heard that early DCT clutches were prone to overheating and burning out, like the common issue with Volkswagen's model. The CVT has a simpler structure, less wear, and a much lower failure rate. I recommend CVT as a more reliable choice for ordinary people, and you don’t have to worry about frequent repairs even with long-term driving.
I've worked in a repair shop for over a decade and frequently deal with transmission issues. CVTs like those in Nissan Qashqai require less maintenance, mostly just fluid changes. DCTs, such as those in Ford Focus, often have shifting problems or slippage, and replacing clutch plates is expensive. Overall, CVTs have lower failure rates because they lack gear sets and rely on chains or steel belts, reducing potential failure points. Brand matters when choosing a car—Toyota's CVTs are exceptionally durable.
