eCVT reliability
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Driver School Candidate
Joined: Apr 2015
Posts: 17
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From: CA
eCVT reliability
How reliable is the Lexus eCVT ?
I read the Prius version very dependable and am wondering if the 450h is expected to be dependable as well?
A Toyota mechanic I spoke to made a general statement that CVTs are not easy to fix, that no one can or wants to fix them and replacing them is often prescribed.
I read the Prius version very dependable and am wondering if the 450h is expected to be dependable as well?
A Toyota mechanic I spoke to made a general statement that CVTs are not easy to fix, that no one can or wants to fix them and replacing them is often prescribed.
All Lexus Hybrids use an eCVT as part of their Lexus Hybrid Drive (and Toyota). It is a dual planetary gear set, which is really a power split device. It is robust and very refined in transitioning from gas/electric power. Lexus has been utilizing LHD for a decade now. Lexus hybrids 
Thread Starter
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Apr 2015
Posts: 17
Likes: 0
From: CA
All Lexus Hybrids use an eCVT as part of their Lexus Hybrid Drive (and Toyota). It is a dual planetary gear set, which is really a power split device. It is robust and very refined in transitioning from gas/electric power. Lexus has been utilizing LHD for a decade now. Lexus hybrids
Pole Position
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 267
Likes: 1
From: TX
I wanted to chime in. I don't know about long term reliability, but wanted to mention one thing about one of my hybrids.
I have 2 hybrids. A 2011 Toyota Camry Hybrid and a 2015 Lexus RX 450h. Both were bought new, and regularly maintained at the local Toyota dealer.
My 2011 Camry has developed a slight, but definitely noticeable shudder when the engine shuts off (at a stop light for example). It's my wife's daily driver, but I drive it on the weekends. I think i noticed the shudder about 6 months ago. We've had the car since May 2011 so it took about 4 years and around 35,000 miles for this to be noticeable. I guess it's fine, but it bothers me that the ICE shutoff would tremble that much.
I have 2 hybrids. A 2011 Toyota Camry Hybrid and a 2015 Lexus RX 450h. Both were bought new, and regularly maintained at the local Toyota dealer.
My 2011 Camry has developed a slight, but definitely noticeable shudder when the engine shuts off (at a stop light for example). It's my wife's daily driver, but I drive it on the weekends. I think i noticed the shudder about 6 months ago. We've had the car since May 2011 so it took about 4 years and around 35,000 miles for this to be noticeable. I guess it's fine, but it bothers me that the ICE shutoff would tremble that much.
Instructor
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 1,024
Likes: 42
From: Tennessee
I wanted to chime in. I don't know about long term reliability, but wanted to mention one thing about one of my hybrids.
I have 2 hybrids. A 2011 Toyota Camry Hybrid and a 2015 Lexus RX 450h. Both were bought new, and regularly maintained at the local Toyota dealer.
My 2011 Camry has developed a slight, but definitely noticeable shudder when the engine shuts off (at a stop light for example). It's my wife's daily driver, but I drive it on the weekends. I think i noticed the shudder about 6 months ago. We've had the car since May 2011 so it took about 4 years and around 35,000 miles for this to be noticeable. I guess it's fine, but it bothers me that the ICE shutoff would tremble that much.
I have 2 hybrids. A 2011 Toyota Camry Hybrid and a 2015 Lexus RX 450h. Both were bought new, and regularly maintained at the local Toyota dealer.
My 2011 Camry has developed a slight, but definitely noticeable shudder when the engine shuts off (at a stop light for example). It's my wife's daily driver, but I drive it on the weekends. I think i noticed the shudder about 6 months ago. We've had the car since May 2011 so it took about 4 years and around 35,000 miles for this to be noticeable. I guess it's fine, but it bothers me that the ICE shutoff would tremble that much.
Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 1,068
Likes: 11
From: California
we used to have a 2011 Toyota Prius hatchback, and had 135,200 miles on it when we sold it.
regular synthetic oil change ( every 10,000), tires were replaced, cabin filters that's it.
we used to drive 180-250 miles/day average.
We never encounter any problem at all, even on extreme cold temperature. ( we used to live in CT)
the car still run great. I was surprised we didn't replace the water pump, which gave up on our 2008 Camry at around 40,000 miles.
regular synthetic oil change ( every 10,000), tires were replaced, cabin filters that's it.
we used to drive 180-250 miles/day average.
We never encounter any problem at all, even on extreme cold temperature. ( we used to live in CT)
the car still run great. I was surprised we didn't replace the water pump, which gave up on our 2008 Camry at around 40,000 miles.
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Pole Position
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 267
Likes: 1
From: TX
I think your issue is more of an engine/engine mount issue considering that your at a stop light when engine shuts off. I doubt it would be a transmission problem. Also i have owned a 2009 Camry with the 3.5L V6 NON hybrid and engine would shudder as you described when parked and engine off and the service tech said it was the engine mounts had wore out. After replacing said engine mounts under warranty the shudder when turning off was redied.
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