Got 125,000 miles on my 03 HCH CVT. My tranny fluid has been changed 5 times. At 30,000 miles the dealer changed it and left the dip stick out. I drove for about 20,000 miles before I noticed it. I bought a bunch of CVT fluid and flushed it 3 times. Very easy to do. It's actually easier than changing the oil.

She still runs like a champ and I can't be happier.

Howard

 

Also, ATF-Z1 used to be the recommended fluid. Usually conventional transmission fluids will compromise CVT durability. Honda learned their lesson and recently released a fluid that is formulated specifically for CVT units. The 06+ HCHII comes factory filled with this fluid.

Even if the CVT does fail, I can purchase a remanufactured unit for $2k shipped, as Honda CVTs (unlike the Jatco and Aisin units) are rebuildable and parts are widely available.

 

Check out the new april consumer reports. They show the chart of Civic Hybrid reliability on P90.

The 03 Hybrid has 'worse than average" for Transmission, Major and "much worse than average" for Transmission, Minor. Overall it is not rated as high as the standard Civic sedan.

The 04 Hybrid has "average" in both categories.

The 05 Hybrid has "better than average" in both categories.

The 06 and 07 Hybrids are "much better than average" in both transmission categories.

It seems like the transmission problem in '03 is more widespread than Honda would like to admit.