
How to Fix it
- Change your Nissan CVT transmission oil regularly. Change the oil with Nissan’s recommended oil and make sure it’s...
- If there is an oil leak, even if it’s a little, repair it immediately or take it to a repair shop.
- Do not make the mistake of using a Nissan CVT transmission too often. Errors in using the transmission can accelerate...
Full Answer
Is it possible to repair a Nissan CVT transmission?
You might even want to consider buying an extended warranty service from them, if they have one available. The best source we’ve found where you can roughly get an average cost for a Nissan CVT transmission repair or replacement, is through CarComplaints.com. We can browse through the entire line up of Nissan, across a varying number of model years for each of their cars.
Did Nissan fix the CVT problems?
Nissan introduced its first constantly variable transmission (CVT) in 2002 and it immediately began showing problems with difficulty accelerating, shaking / stuttering, running hot, and suddenly shutting down. Nissan addressed the root cause of those problems and upgraded the transmission.
Is the CVT transmission really that bad?
The CVT is a transmission that has, IMHO, been rushed into production because of the government mandates for increasing gas mileage. It is a poor transmission in anything other than light use …and even then it’s a crap shoot as to how long it lasts. The CVT is not a robust transmission.
What cars have CVT transmission problems?
Your Nissan vehicle may be a lemon if it shows any of the following symptoms:
- Acceleration Problems
- Shaking and Shuddering
- Transmission Slips or Jerks
- Vehicle Stalling
- Burning Smells and Overheating
- Revving or Strange Shifting Noises
- Coolant/Fluid Leaks

Can Nissan CVT be repaired?
Nissan CVT Transmission (Continuously Variable Transmission) Advance Transmissions Is One Of The Few Transmission Rebuild Shops In The Country That Is Certified To Rebuild The CVT Transmission!
Why do Nissan CVT fail?
Nissan CVTs are known to overheat, especially after traveling at highway speeds for a long time or driving up a steep grade. When the transmission overheats, the vehicle often goes into a fail-safe or “limp” mode, resulting in a loss of power.
Is it worth rebuilding a CVT transmission?
In conclusion, as parts and special tools (where needed) become available and affordable, rebuilding CVTs will become a more-enjoyable and profitable experience. Until that time, caution is required as to how to proceed, as you are not in business to lose money.
How much does it cost to rebuild a Nissan CVT transmission?
between $3500 and $8000How Much Does CVT Transmission Repair Cost? The average cost to repair a CVT transmission ranges between $3500 and $8000. The price varies by the make and model of the vehicle; Nissan and Honda CVTs tend to be on the lower-priced end while Subaru's CVTs are toward the higher end.
How do I know if my Nissan CVT is bad?
Common Nissan CVT SymptomsTransmission Failure.Poor CVT Response.Loss of Acceleration. Shifter Lock-UP. Not Shifting. Fuel System Defects. Engine Dies While Driving. Vibrating. Low idle.Burning Smell.Noise When Turning.Stalling.Warning Lights.Surging and Jerking.
How long will a Nissan CVT last?
CVT transmissions last just as long as a traditional automatic transmission and are designed to last the full life of the vehicle. The typical CVT has a life expectancy of at least 100,000 miles.
How long will a rebuilt CVT transmission last?
On average, a rebuilt transmission is expected to last between 30,000 – 50,000 miles. If the work is done extremely well and regular maintenance is performed, a transmission rebuild can last as long as the original transmission (120,000 – 200,000 miles on average).
Is there a recall on Nissan CVT transmission?
2022 Nissan CVT Class Action Settlement A recent class action settlement has been reached between Nissan North America and consumers with several Nissan models that are equipped with defective continuously variable transmissions (CVTs).
Is it cheaper to rebuild or replace a transmission?
A transmission replace is the most expensive option when fixing your transmission. In many cases you will hear this referred to as “re-manufactured.” Basically, the manufacturer will replace parts that have gone bad with modified parts. This is an option if the transmission is too damaged to even consider a rebuild.
How long does it take to rebuild a CVT transmission?
3 to 5 daysIn a rebuild situation, the transmission must be removed, disassembled, parts purchased, reassembled, and installed back in your vehicle. All of this can take 3 to 5 days.
How long does it take to replace a Nissan CVT transmission?
It usually only takes a day or two to replace a transmission in most rear wheel vehicles. However, some late-model, front-wheel drive vehicles can be quite labor-intensive and take three to four days.
Can I rebuild a transmission on my own?
Again, as long as you have a place for every part and a way to clean them, the process can be completed by an amateur mechanic. While some heavier tools may be required to disassemble and reassemble, it is doable.
Are there problems with Nissan CVT transmissions?
Reported issues include loss of power, transmission jerking, transmission slipping, CVT coolant hose leaks and failures, and a CVT error message being displayed. These problems call the Nissan CVT transmission reliability into question and can result in serious harm to unsuspecting drivers.
Does Nissan still have CVT problems?
This praise would indicate that Nissan has cleared up its CVT problems. However, this only applies to newer Sentra cars built after 2020. Nissan may cover older models with specialized extended transmission warranties on specific models and years with the CVT.
What years did Nissan have CVT transmission problems?
Generally, the issues have been reported between 2012/2013 and 2018. There were some problems in 2003 when Nissan first began using this transmission and in the 2007-2012 CVT generation. Specific models include the Murano, Sentra, Altima, Rogue, Versa, and Versa Note.
Does Nissan have a recall on CVT transmission?
Nissan CVT recalls Summary: This Nissan Altima CVT recall and Nissan Rogue recall applies to vehicles equipped with the RE0F10A Nissan CVT transmission. Nissan voluntarily recalled these vehicles to address a number of drivability complaints.
What Nissan Cars Have CVT Transmission
Nissan was among the earliest automakers to have made a huge pivot towards adopting CVT gearboxes. As such, and being a firm believer in the techno...
What Is The Warranty On A Nissan CVT Transmission
Nissan's old powertrain warranty, which encompasses transmission-related problems, used to cover just 5 years or 60,000 miles (whichever comes firs...
Did Nissan Extended The Warranty On CVT Transmission
Due to heavy criticism over the unreliability of its CVT gearboxes, Nissan has extended their powertrain warranty. This also includes any repairs o...
When Did Nissan Start Using CVT Transmission
Nissan first started using CVT gearboxes in the March (aka Micra in other regions), back in 1992. It was one of the first mass-produced cars in the...
Is Nissan A Good Car
Despite the bout of CVT transmission-related issues over the years, Nissans are generally pretty solid cars. They've consistently ranked comparativ...
What is wrong with CVT transmission?
Shaking, vibrations, of stuttering while accelerating. One fault with Nissan’s CVT transmissions is their cooling solution. Experts have said that their cooling design is inadequate, thus potentially causing overheating.
When did CVTs start?
Early automotive pioneer, Milton Reeves, adopted a CVT transmission in an automobile, back in 1879. This was before Karl Benz created the famous Benz-Patent Motorwagen, which became the template for the modern car. Other early cars and motorcycles have used CVTs since the early 1900s and 1910s.
When did Nissan start using CVT?
The first Nissan introduced in the United States with a CVT transmission was the Murano SUV, in 2002. Since the Murano, Nissan has been continually improving and updating their ‘XTRONIC’ CVT. It has since been fitted to most of Nissan’s staple cars.
What is shift shock?
Normal transmissions have what is known as, ‘shift shock’. This is essentially the momentarily loss of power in between gear changes. Owing to a CVT’s design, it merely needs to move its coned pulley inwards or out. This maintains a smooth power delivery, and seamless gear changes.
Is a CVT more fuel efficient?
CVTs can also be more fuel efficient. Firstly, it is able to maintain the engine’s smooth power delivery more effectively, especially under acceleration or changes in speed. Secondly, the simple and relatively compact nature of a CVT means that its more lightweight.
What is the fail safe mode on a car?
Normally, when parts of the car, such as the engine or transmission, are overheating, it will trigger its fail safe mode. This is otherwise known as the ‘limp home’ mode, where the car will limit the speed and operations of those components. This is done to prevent it from further damage.
Is CVT good for Nissan?
A CVT has its benefits, and its downsides. Although in Nissan’s case, it has been more of the latter. We’ve seen carmakers either make the switch back to regular automatics, or have put more money into developing their CVTs. Even Nissan themselves may be scaling back on their XTRONIC CVT gearboxes in the future.
1. Which Vehicles Experience The Nissan CVT Transmission Problems?
The following vehicles are equipped with Nissan’s faulty CVT transmission:
3. How Has Nissan Responded To These CVT Transmission Problems?
According to one class action lawsuit, Nissan knew about these CVT transmission problems since at least 2009 and has allegedly hidden knowledge of the CVT problems to avoid paying for its mistakes.
4. How Do I Know If My Nissan Vehicle Is Defective?
Your Nissan vehicle may be a lemon if it shows any of the following symptoms:
5. How Does A Continuously Variable Transmission Work?
A continuously variable transmission (CVT) does not rely on a stick shift commonly associated with manual transmissions. It also does not function wholly like an automatic transmission.
6. How Do I Know If I Have A CVT Transmission?
If you are unsure of which transmission your vehicle has, there are multiple ways to check.
7. How Do I Opt Out Of A Class Action Lawsuit?
If you are included in a class action lawsuit, you may receive a notice in the mail. This notice should describe the allegations that consumers have made against Nissan. These notices usually contain instructions for opting out of a class action lawsuit.
8. How Can A California Lemon Law Attorney Help Me?
If your Nissan is experiencing recurring problems with its CVT transmission, your vehicle may be a lemon. Our California lemon law firm can help you obtain the reward you deserve for your faulty Nissan vehicle.
What is a CVT transmission?
A continuously variable transmission (CVT). Also known as a shiftless transmission, single-speed transmission, stepless transmission, or a pulley transmission. Is an automatic transmission that can change seamlessly through a continuous range of effective gear ratios.
Why is CVT ratio changed?
When power is more important than economy, the ratio of the CVT can be changed to allow the engine to turn at the RPM at which it produces greatest power. This is typically higher than the RPM that achieves peak efficiency.
How efficient is a belt driven transmission?
By use of a steel belt and pulley system that is controlled by your vehicles computer. A belt-driven design offers approximately 88% efficiency , therefore, while lower than that of a manual transmission, can be offset by lower production cost. And by enabling the engine to run at its most efficient speed for a range of output speeds.
How much does it cost to repair a CVT transmission?
Looking at the average Nissan transmission repair cost for your CVT transmission, the average price is extremely expensive, ranging between $3,500 and $8,000. High expenses is one of the main downsides of the CVT transmission – it is extremely expensive compared to the automatic and manual transmission vehicles.
Why does my Nissan have CVT?
Another symptom of CVT concern in your Nissan is engine surging. Engine surging is a common issue in vehicles. It can be due to contaminated transmission fluid that has caused the car to jerk forward , accelerate unevenly, and surge at unwanted times. Performing a transmission flush can help you solve the engine surging concerns and reduce ...
How to tell if CVT transmission is bad?
First, the most obvious sign something is wrong with your Nissan CVT transmission is loud noises coming from under the hood. If you notice audible and strange sounds from the transmission, they will be loud enough to hear passengers and the driver easily.
How much does it cost to fix a Nissan transmission leak?
The average cost to fix just a transmission leak is only $200 for your vehicle, but fixing the root cause of the issue can add hundreds or thousands of dollars to the Nissan transmission repair cost.
What does it mean when you have a set number of gears?
A set number of gears means that you have a limited performance range and speed and can frequently experience hard shifting between gears. The hard shifting is a clear sign that something is wrong with your Nissan CVT transmission. If you notice that you are experiencing strange performance issues with your car after shifting, ...
What are the signs of Nissan issues?
Movement delays. An additional sign of Nissan issues is that there are delays in the movement of your vehicle. If you find that your car stalls when you are shifting gears, or during high-performance situations, this is a cause for concern that can increase the overall Nissan transmission repair cost. If you experience delays in car movement and ...
Why does my transmission smell like rot?
If you smell something like rot, then this means your car is at risk for a potential fire hazard.
At A Glance
Drivers of certain Nissan and Infiniti vehicles who experienced problems with their continuously variable transmissions (CVTs), such as jerking, trouble accelerating and total transmission failure.
What Is Wrong with Nissan CVT Transmissions?
It is suspected that a problem with the vehicles’ cooling system is making the transmissions unreasonably sensitive to heat.
Do All Nissans Have Transmission Problems?
While it cannot be said that all Nissans have transmission problems, the automaker has come under fire in the past for problems with its CVTs. In fact, the automaker agreed to two separate settlements over the past several years to resolve litigation that alleged the CVTs in some of its vehicles were defective.
Does Nissan Have a Recall on CVT Transmissions?
It appears that a handful of recalls have been issued over CVT problems in certain model years of the Altima, Rogue and NV200 vehicles; however, none of these recalls pertains to the cooling system problem described above.
How Could a Class Action Lawsuit Help?
Potentially, a class action lawsuit could reimburse drivers for the money they spent repairing or replacing their transmissions. Nissan could also be ordered to recall the affected vehicles and offer a fix for the problem.
