Which transmission has a lower failure rate, DCT or CVT?

[AndrewDella]

CVT transmissions have a lower failure rate. Additional details are as follows: 1. Precautions: Since all control of the CVT is achieved through internal hydraulic pressure, it is essential to check the quality and quantity of the CVT fluid according to the intervals specified by the manufacturer and regularly replace it with the fluid that meets the manufacturer's requirements. If related components or circuits malfunction, a special reset procedure is required for the CVT to function properly. Therefore, repairs for CVT transmissions should be conducted at professional service centers. 2. Automatic mode of the transmission: It is not recommended for drivers to coast in neutral (N) gear. While driving, do not shift the gear lever to N. To maximize fuel efficiency, it is best to use the automatic mode of the CVT transmission. When going downhill, it is advisable to use S gear or the lower gears in manual mode to utilize engine braking, avoiding prolonged braking that could lead to thermal degradation of the brake pads and reduced braking performance.

[QuinnRose]

From my years of driving experience, CVT transmissions generally have a lower failure rate. For daily commuting in congested cities, CVTs offer smoother operation with their simpler design and fewer complex components, resulting in less wear and tear. I once drove a friend's car with a CVT, and after five years, it had no issues except for occasional noise in cold weather. In contrast, DCTs tend to overheat and fail in stop-and-go traffic—my old car had several instances of clutch slippage, costing a lot in repairs. Of course, brand matters—Toyota or Honda CVTs are exceptionally reliable, while some VW DCTs can be less stable. Overall, if you're not a speed enthusiast, a CVT is the more worry-free choice.

[SimonFitz]

As an experienced driver, I believe CVT transmissions have a lower failure rate due to their continuously variable mechanism providing smoother operation, making them more suitable for long-distance driving with fewer major issues. When I drive CVT models on highways for long trips, they offer high fuel efficiency without noticeable jerking. DCT transmissions, while offering better sports performance, suffer from faster clutch wear during frequent starts, leading to more common slipping failures – I once experienced this embarrassment with a rental car. Key factors include driving habits – aggressive driving can damage DCTs more easily, while CVT structures are more durable; maintenance is also less demanding, as CVTs generally have longer service intervals. I recommend checking forum reputations, like Mazda's CVT which is often praised for reliability.

[KiraFitz]

Based on my hands-on experience in car repairs, CVTs have a relatively low failure rate. Common issues mostly involve chain looseness or noise, but overall they are stable. On the other hand, DCT repair orders frequently show clutch burnouts, especially in city driving conditions with frequent gear shifts. In terms of design, CVTs are simpler with fewer wearing parts, while DCTs have multiple clutches that are prone to malfunctions.