So I'm looking at the 2020-2021 Corolla, but I'm curious about how well owners of 2014-2016 Corollas with CVT's have held up. I figured that some people in this forum would have atl east 100k on their Corollas with CVTs and can maybe share some insight into how reliable they are.

I'm going to go out on a limb and assume that Toyota has been improving their CVTs over the years (not necessarily that the 2014-2019 were bad) but that would just be the natural progression of things, especially from Japanese car companies -- continuous improvement.

Now I am planning to get the SE model with the 2.0L engine which I guess also has the Take-off gear option as I heard this may help prolong the live of the CVT as the bulk of the torque needed to accelerate is exerted on the gear and not on the bands when accelerating from a dead stop...?

Newer technology doesn’t mean more reliable. I’d stick with the LE or XLE which has the k313 that has been out since 2014. Change the fluid every 30k and you have a rock solid car


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So I take it the SE (with the take-off gear) is a new thing and potentially less reliable? I mean I know if they overhauled the transmission completely (ie. new CVT design), that could be a potential problem.

At least it's good to know the regular CVTs can hold up if taken care of. (I mean most things will, but some things, despite what you do in terms of maintenance, just won't).

 

So I take it the SE (with the take-off gear) is a new thing and potentially less reliable? I mean I know if they overhauled the transmission completely (ie. new CVT design), that could be a potential problem.

At least it's good to know the regular CVTs can hold up if taken care of. (I mean most things will, but some things, despite what you do in terms of maintenance, just won't).

I have a 16 scion iM CVT k313. 58k miles spotless. I did change my fluid 2x now though. Very easy as long as you can level it


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When Toyota first came out with the CVT in 2014, I was sure that it would be a fluke and was a mistake. That's mostly because I'd only heard of short-lived CVTs from Nissan at that time. I'm very hesitant to buy "new tech", but it's been nearly 7 years and I've heard VERY few failures of the CVT. I wouldn't hesitate to get a Corolla CVT today (I don't know what the exact differences are with the SE model, but I would avoid it), but make sure I get the fluid changed every 50-60K or so miles.

The design of a CVT is best suited for a light car with a low-torque engine, since this causes the least amount of stress on the CVT's belt from my understanding. The Corolla is the perfect car for that.

 

I’d check out this thread:

Official Mileage Thread

Post up your mileage. It's a great way to track how many miles we're driving and how it compares to others in the Toyota Nation! 2014 Corolla 10,890

www.toyotanation.com

Most of the higher mileage posts there are CVT’s.


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OK. I've heard the same thing (about changing the fluid periodically, like every 50-60k--some people said every 30k). I also primarily drive highway, so it's not like I'm doing a ton of stop-and go traffic (so maybe 3/4 is highway/freeway driving). Yeah I guess if I had to buy a CVT from someone, Toyota would be my first choice, just because they don't always try these wacky new designs or implementations like some of the others do, and yes, I agree, I haven't heard of too many failures -- mainly people who think there is a problem, but in fact they just aren't used to how a CVT feels).

I mean I drove a rented Corolla last year (so it was probably a 2019 or 2020) with the CVT and it was fine (had it for a few days, although my time with the rental was mostly highway driving).

I guess my questions about changing the fluid is is there a filters that needs to be changed, or is it just a drain and refill? I figure I would maybe pay the Toyota dealer to do the changes during the warranty and then I can do them myself (providing they don't require a filter change) after the warranty....

 

My understanding is that it's very difficult to do yourself since the fluid gets pumped in from the bottom and needs to be at a specific temperature? I have always changed my own ATF on my Camry, so not being able to do that is a major turn-off for me, but I don't think I would risk tackling the Corolla's CVT fluid on my own.

I've heard of dealers doing a drain and fill, and I've also heard of them flushing the entire transmission on the Corolla's CVT. I haven't heard anything about a filter so I don't think that's a regularly replaced item on this transmission.

 

OK. I mean for good measure,. on all of my new vehicles (in the past) I've always had the trans fluid changed at around 30k anyway for good measure, and my first oil change within the first 1500-2000 miles just to make sure everything is out of the engine (any tiny particles) before going on a 5,000 mile regime. (Some mfrs tell you to keep the original oil in during the so-called "break-in period" (which nowadays is just normal driving, but nothing extreme) which is usually the first 500-1000 miles anyway, before doing a drain/refill.

But anyways, if I do get one, I'll be sure to keep up on it though (the trans fluid changes/flushes).

I am a bit concerned still, though, about CVTs in general, but hopefully in the 2021 Toyota has worked out the flaws. I know some of the older ones (2019 for example) had some recalls where Toyota was replacing some of the transmissions due to premature wear. Hopefully it's been resolved though as I've bought American made vehicles for the past 10 years and am tired of having to buy/sell vehicles and am hoping that getting a Toyota will break that chain (and so I can actually keep a vehicle for more than 150k or 8 years before having to do major/semi-major repairs.

 

I am a bit concerned still, though, about CVTs in general, but hopefully in the 2021 Toyota has worked out the flaws. I know some of the older ones (2019 for example) had some recalls where Toyota was replacing some of the transmissions due to premature wear.

L/LE/XLE still use the K313 Toyota-Aisin CVT (and 1.8 engine) that was in the previous generations. Had been out for years now (7 in North America, close to 10 elsewhere in the world) without any surge in complaint beside odd units like for any traditional automatic. There was a recall some years ago for a firmware update, since Toyota uses fancy logic to have the CVT artificially behave like a traditional automatic, adding a useless layer of complexity for marketing purpose, since some people wrongly assumed that all CVT were necessarily like some problematic Nissan-Jatco (mainly bad temperature control). In a few cases, replacement of the of the valve body control was required ("premature wear") and provided. SE/XSE use the new Direct-Shift (with launch gear) without much complaints too for the last couple of years. There was a recall on a limited number of units for a production glitch on a specific batch. Theoretically less stress on the belt-pulley assembly, but remember that Toyota-Aisin accordingly choose to make the latter smaller.

You'll still see on some forums the urban legend of Toyota saying it's "lifetime fluid" and bashing it but you won't see it in any Toyota documentation. Actually maintenance is the same as regular automatic without dipstick (now the norm) : separate drain plug and filler hole. Drain and fill (so not full replacement) rather than flush. Check every 30K (mainly for over-heating codes, as CVT are simple but quite "faddy" about operation parameters) change at 60K or whenever required. Of course use specific CVT fluid, not AT fluid. Like for engine oil, there is no harm, if not necessity, in changing it more frequently. On a side note the same apply to "break-in oil", which haven't been used by manufacturers for years (Honda was one of the last a few years ago).

 

OK. I've decided to go with the LE model (the 1.8) after reading some more on this. The 2.0L with the take-off gear is appealing, but it's also only been out for about 2 years. I normally like to buy things that have been out for a while (the 1.8+CVT combo has been out for about 6-7 years now so I would think they've worked most of the kinks out of it). Thanks for the input. And I've rented the 2019-2020 corolla with that transmission and thought they were fine, no issues (of course again, most of it was driving on the highway).

And no, i agree -- there is no "lifetime" fluid unless you want to limit the life of your transmission only 100-150k! No I will probably follow other people's recommendation and do it every 50-60k. On a normal automatic (non-CVT) I'd go about 90-100k.

 

OK. I've decided to go with the LE model (the 1.8) [...] I will probably follow other people's recommendation and do it every 50-60k. On a normal automatic (non-CVT) I'd go about 90-100k.

Good safe choice. Indeed, the 2.0l offer 30 more HP for whom may "need" it. 60K CVT fluid change is actually what you'll find in maintenance schedule / owner manual. One more note on fluid change (you're not there yet ) : it's drain and fill but it also require a level/temperature check either via techstream or a somewhat hidden embedded function in the car.

 

I wanted to point out, I read this somewhere but I believe the 1.8L engine used on the 2020+ Corolla models is actually the Valvematic engine used only on the previous generation Corolla Eco. It's not the same 1.8L engine used on the 2014-2019 L, LE, SE, etc.

In the beginning (when it was introduced in 2014), the engine had some complaints but I think the issues with the engine should definitely be sorted out by now.

Someone please correct me if I'm wrong about this.

The Corolla LE is a perfect choice if you're looking to get 150K+ trouble free miles from it. Just keep up with the maintenance.

 

I wanted to point out, I read this somewhere but I believe the 1.8L engine used on the 2020+ Corolla models is actually the Valvematic

Absolutely right. It's basically the same engine though (2ZR-FE vs 2ZR-FAE), just electric valve control. In NA it was used on LE Eco and hatchback but is used on a lot of variants/engines worldwide since 2007. There was one recall for a firmware update.

 

OK thanks for the info. I've actaully been looking at the user's manual as well, but didn't see this (I just skimmed the manual and looked at the parts that I had question about regarding the car). Yeah I'm going to stick with the 1.8 because I think that motor has been out longer. I think the 2.0 is a bit newer (or at least a newer combo with the trans they pair with it). Either way, the 1.8 is more than plenty for my needs. Doesn't have to be fast. Just be reasonable enough on the highway (be able to pass people) and be reliable. (I have to say I'm disappointed in Chevy because the older ones would have not had this issue until much later in life so it was a bit of a disappointment IMO.)

 

When I was looking to buy my corolla that same concern had me worried too. So what I did was look through the Autotrader for used high mileage 2019 hatches with the 2.0 with launch gear. All listings throughout the entire US. I researched the Carfax info for each car for clues on its reliability. There was one in particular a Corolla Hatchback with 166K miles that caught my eye. Carfax showed a replaced idler arm with no other issues listed. That gave me a good feeling on the 2.0 engine and tranny they seem to be holding up. I purchased a 2021 XSE two months ago and couldn't be happier with it.

 

With the injection, I'm wondering if they also made the system "smart" as in if an injector fails (which probably won't happen) that it can switch to either port or direct injection method to prevent the vehicle from stalling, because it looks like it switches back and forth depending on the need as well (ex.. acceleration vs cruising).

 

Yeah I've kind of narrowed this down to the 1.8. Simpler design (both the engine and transmission, as the SE with the 2.0L has the "sport" mode, which supposedly changes the shift points and supposedly has the take-off gear). But in a way, I feel more comfortable with an existing design that they've been using for at least a few years and the 1.8L with the CVT is it. The 2.0L IMO is good for people who like to drive fast or in a more spirited or sporty manner.

Plus going with the 1.8L means I just get the LE Model, which is all I really wanted (although I have to get an LE Convenience package to get the Blind Spot Monitoring function, as it is not offered on the base L model). This obviously would save me about $2000 as well between an LE and SE. Or I could use some of that and get the LE Premium package and have a more sporty version but still with the 1.8L.

 

Yeah I've kind of narrowed this down to the 1.8. Simpler design (both the engine and transmission, as the SE with the 2.0L has the "sport" mode, which supposedly changes the shift points and supposedly has the take-off gear). But in a way, I feel more comfortable with an existing design that they've been using for at least a few years and the 1.8L with the CVT is it. The 2.0L IMO is good for people who like to drive fast or in a more spirited or sporty manner.

Plus going with the 1.8L means I just get the LE Model, which is all I really wanted (although I have to get an LE Convenience package to get the Blind Spot Monitoring function, as it is not offered on the base L model). This obviously would save me about $2000 as well between an LE and SE. Or I could use some of that and get the LE Premium package and have a more sporty version but still with the 1.8L.

Yeah that’s a good choice. The K313 on the 2020 LE has been out for quite awhile. Meaning all TSBs has been worked out. I would get that


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I’d get one a little older that’s been fixed, they will last for a short time then start to go out and need big repairs

 

I have a brand new 24 Corolla LE. You can feel the "take-off" gear kick in when the light turns green. It feels a little weird, but I can get used to it.

 

I have the same thing in my 2024 it feels when you start driving from red light.

 

I once spent some time on a CVT rebuilding website based out of New Zealand. Their recommendation was to service the CVT every 40K, IMO thats not often enough. I feel it should be done once a year regardless of milage. The other thing worth noting is that a CVT is not designed for North American hwy driving. They cannot take the abuse we throw at it by driving 2hrs to work and grandmas house.

 

Had a 2018 Corolla with that rubber band trans with less than 15k on the odometer. It was almost tolerable around town..... until we went to western North Carolina through the mountains on vacation. We were at speed limit on the interstate and this trans got the engine up to 6000 rpm either going up the mountains or going down the mountains with the cruise on. Gas mileage went the way of a 426 Hemi sucking up feul just as fast. We've had 4 cyl Toyota s before without that nonsense. When we got home Toyota wouldn't address that nonsense so we dumped Toyota. We won't buy another Toyota vehicle with that trash installed as a transmission. Buyer beware of Toyota's trash. CVTs have failure written all throughout the design. Don't buy it!

 

....Buyer beware of Toyota's trash. CVTs have failure written all throughout the design. Don't buy it!

 

The K313 CVT is a very reliable transmission. The fluids must be changed every 20K-50K miles if you want them to last as long as the engine which is definitely well over 300,000 miles. You also cant run the cruise on hills, I never run cruise because it drops fuel mileage by 3 or more MPG.

 

I have a 2017 Corolla LE with the CVT, and I am just curious to know at what RPMs do you guys accelerate at from a dead stop (such as a red light)? I usually try to accelerate between 2-3 thousand. Is that too low or too high or is it a just a personal preference?

Thanks!

 

Yep, some old and crappy CVT transmissions have given the industry a bad rap. (I'm talking to you, Nissan Rogues and pre-2013 Mazdas!!) Some of them would have issues after a couple of years!

If folks are wanting to keep their vehicles long-term, just divide the Toyota recommended maintenance in half....if they say 10,000 mile oil changes, do them every 5,000 miles. (And many recommend 3,000 miles for the new Toyota Turbos.) For coolant at 100,000 miles, change it out at 50,000. Maintenance is cheap compared to replacing a head gasket or transmission.

 

Mazda doesn’t use cvt. They are one of the last manufacturers with automatic transmissions.

The worst one is Nissan.

 

I don't know if the information in the attached file will help but I'm leaving it here for your perusal. There are some Toyota phone numbers in it which may be useful for you to contact and discuss your situation.

Toyota Service Campaign J0D: CVT Software Update & Repair

Toyota service bulletin for CVT software update and repair on 2014-2017 Corolla, 2017 Corolla iM, and 2016 Scion iM models.

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