Ask an expert

I have a Honda Civic VTX 2003 sedan that has done 138k and it comes with a CVT transmission.

Recently when starting off from stop, I can hear a low humming from the transmission, then just engine sound after 50km/h.

However at higher speeds, I can hear a airplane like noise which appears to be from the transmission.

I have taken the car back to the Honda dealer who caried out a flush and change of the transmission fluid but I still hear the same noises.

I wonder if they are normal or a cause for concern?

Lee Leng

From the "Ask Jack" archives - 14 December 2009

If the Honda dealer has inspected the vehicle and is satisfied the noises are normal, then there is little else you can do but accept their findings.

It would not hurt however, to keep mentioning the noise each time you take the vehicle in for a service (assuming you use the same Honda dealer).

That way you will have a record of reporting this concern if the transmission was to develop a major fault which could be traced back to the noise.

I do know the early CVT transmissions were noisy, particularly when reverse gear was selected.

The whole CVT concept has caused Honda headaches over the years and for this reason we suggest caution when looking at purchasing such models second hand.

During your ownership of this vehicle do not add to or replace the transmission fluid with non genuine oil.

Always use the genuine Honda fluid.

Failure to do this could cause even bigger problems.