Honda’s CVT’s have been very reliable with minimal failure (though that have happened). Honestly, if you’re really worried about it you might as well get a different vehicle just for piece of mind.

 

I am worried, but if it's something that can be handled by taking care of it now, then I'm fine with that. Is there any reason to think that it's too late?

 

That’s a hard question to answer. Usually Honda’s MM will populate a transmission fluid change somewhere between 50-60k miles in my experience. So, if it has never been done and the transmission is operating normally you can always do 3 drain and fills (with a 100 or more miles in between changes) and still be good.

 

Just check out the rest of the car good. I guess this gen doesn't have the rust issue but still, I'd be checking.
I'd be using the lack of CVT maintenance as a bargaining tool to get the price reduced. Find out the cost of a replacement and let them know.

 

"Why 3?"
Because near 75% of the old fluid remains when drained. That is - only 25% or so drains out. I don't remember the exact amount- but that is close. It may be 66/33?
I purchases a 2013 that developed transmission 'shudder' soon after I got it. The 3x drain/refil fixed it. I suppose the previous owner never changed it. But it ran flawlessly afterwards.
I believe the idea here is one should do a single drain/refill more often.

 

I did mine in my garage without even getting under the car.

 

2016 Tranny fluid change is easier than oil change. Main question is is it okay after missing 1 fluid change. It is now due for the 2nd change. IMO it should be fine, but I would do a 3x drain and fill now.

 

i would say a CVT transmission that never has been serviced might be in better shape than half of the transmission out there that have been serviced by incompetent techs. Low fluid, high fluid, cheap aftermarket fluid, overtighen drain bolts etc.

I would change the fluid now and enjoy the car without worrying. Also, a used transmission for the CRV is so inexpensive. Imagine how much someone worries buying a used 2016 Tesla model S when a battery failure could be $20000.

 

What's the fluid I should be looking for? What do you recommend? And thanks for the advice! This might be my new favorite forum!

 

I would not use anything other than Honda CVT fluid.

 

honda HCF-II fluid. usually found cheaper at your local dealers than online - at least here in KC it is.

here are the sepcifics. didn't know if it was 2WD or AWD, so i covered both below:

 

As everyone mentions only Honda fluid. As an owner you wouldn’t want to buy aftermarket to save $12 every 3 years. A service shop does buy cheap fluid because is extra profit with each vehicle.