CVT fluid degradation
Attaches to TOYOTA-CVT at gearbox level · Transmission · carried by 2 variants across 2 chassis
Overview
CVT fluid degradation is a occasional fault recorded against TOYOTA-CVT at gearbox level, typically from 100–200k km. It shows up as a gradual change in how the gearbox holds revs, occasional shunting at low speed, and in neglected cases juddering under load. Where it's documented, the repair runs €200–€350 (fluid change at a specialist, costs dated 2026-07), and it can be difficult to check before you buy. 2 variants across 2 chassis in this database inherit it.
What happens
Symptom. A gradual change in how the gearbox holds revs, occasional shunting at low speed, and in neglected cases juddering under load.
Cause. Toyota specifies the fluid as a lifetime fill. Specialists widely disagree, and a change at around 100,000 km is inexpensive insurance against a gearbox that's otherwise proved dependable.
How to check it
Paperwork
There's little to see at a viewing, so ask whether the fluid has ever been changed and budget for it if the answer is no.
On these cars the folder is most of the value.
Every variant that carries this
| Variant | Chassis | Body | Years | Risk | Good buy | Cost as % of good buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.0 Valvematic 3ZR-FAE | T27 | sedan | 2009–2018 | R1 | €4,400 | 6% |
| 2.0 Valvematic 3ZR-FAE | T27 Tourer | wagon | 2009–2018 | R1 | €4,650 | 6% |
The last column is the point. The same repair is an inconvenience on one variant and a reason to scrap the car on another. A failure costing a quarter of the vehicle's value changes the purchase decision regardless of how rare it is.