Nissan Altima Transmission Problems: Explained

Sandy B
Jan 26, 2021

Most drivers want to buy a safe and reliable vehicle. They trust manufacturers to provide that. The problem is, even trusted manufacturers like Nissan can have trouble. There are Nissan Altima transmission problems, for example, that some owners may face. You should know about them before you choose this vehicle.

Are there known Nissan Altima transmission problems?  

Yes, there are a few specific concerns for the transmissions in these vehicles, based on the model year.  

Some of the most concerning include: 

  • Transmission stopped working 
  • Failed torque converter 
  • Gear shift gets stuck in the park position  
  • Growling sounds from the transmission 
  • Transmission fluid leaks 
  • Hesitation when accelerating  
  • Vibration in the transmission  

Red 2021 Nissan Altima From Front-Passenger Side

There are quite a few concerns about the Nissan Altima’s transmission. Don’t worry. We will cover some of the most common causes of these problems here for you. You can also check out the Vehicle History of any vehicle before you make a buying decision.

Transmission Failure

One of the most common problems related to the Nissan Altima is a failure of the function of the transmission. Unfortunately, numerous vehicles from this manufacturer have had this problem. It relates to the CVT transmission that was a component of this vehicle.

This transmission was a part of 15 different models and trim packages, including the Altima. It was also used for numerous years — generally from 1995 through 2013. And this is where many of the above-listed problems are a common concern.

The Nissan CVT transmission is easily recognized as one of the worst. It was designed to help improve the performance of the engine. Yet, many drivers reported problems with it right from the start. Some of the problems relate to the concerns listed above.

This includes the lack of acceleration of the transmission. It also includes the vibration of the transmission. All of this leads to transmission failure.

Lack of Acceleration

One of the most common problems with the transmission in the Nissan Altima is a sense of lack of acceleration. The driver depresses the gas pedal. Nothing happens. It does not accelerate and increase in speed. Drivers also stated there was no increase in RPMs, either. This leads the driver to be unable to move the car at the proper speed.

Some drivers reported this problem occurring with their vehicle on the highway. They could not get the vehicle to get up to speed above 55 to 60 miles per hour. The result was an increased risk of damage.

There are various potential causes for this problem. One of those causes relates to the vehicle’s air filter or fuel filter being dirty or clogged. This can cause a lack of proper airflow to move into the car’s engine. Sensors may pick up on this.

They can then tell the vehicle not to accelerate beyond a certain point. There have been some updates to the software of the transmission to keep it from doing this.

Jerking and Uneven Movements

Some reports of the Nissan Altima’s transmission not accelerating at a smooth level have also been noted. In these vehicles, the driver depresses the gas pedal. The vehicle may lurch forward.

Others report a jerking movement, especially when changing gears. Some drivers note that the transmission is slipping.

In these situations, the problems can be related to many things. Drivers may have a simple fix, such as replacing an air filter. Other times, there is a sensor that can relay improper information to the transmission.

Yet, other times, the problem is more complex and relates specifically to the transmission wearing down early.

Early failure of the transmission has been a problem for this car for numerous years, including through the 2016 model year. Some technicians report the need to have a transmission flushed early on. Most often, manufacturers recommend this for vehicles at 50,000 or more miles.

However, Nissan issued a notice to technicians to have the transmission flushed at every 40,000 miles instead. This may help to prevent some of these problems.

Shifting at Stop or Idle Positions

Some consumers reported a problem with the Nissan Altima having trouble with the vehicle shifting out of gear when the driver comes to a stop. Some drivers reported that the vehicle would shut off as soon as they move it into drive or reverse.

The car simply stalls. Other times, drivers state the vehicle will die or seem to turn off when the vehicle is put into the park position.

The problems with this may be hard to pinpoint. Drivers noted that the problems did not happen all of the time, rather infrequently or sporadically. This makes it hard for the dealerships and repair technicians to replicate the problem themselves.

Nissan has issued various service bulletins over time for this problem. There are no recalls specifically for these problems. There are numerous customer complaints related to the transmission as a whole from this company.

Are the Nissan Altima Transmission Problems a Reason Not to Buy?

If you are thinking about buying a Nissan Altima, these transmission problems may make it a worrisome purchase.

The good news is that most of the transmission problems are on early model vehicles. That includes vehicles dating before 2017. Buying a newer car may help to reduce some of these problems.

You can also do some research to learn about the most common problems related to this vehicle. To do so, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration website. Enter the VIN for the vehicle. If you do not have it, enter the make, model, and year of the vehicle into the system.

This will produce a list of potential problems. It provides info about the vehicle’s customer complaints, recalls, and service bulletins that need attention.

Owner Reviews

accountCircle Michelle on August 10, 2023
2007 CVTTransmission
I had bought a used 2007 Nissan Altima and within 500 miles the transmission failed to accelerate on the interstate. I stopped to see what the issue,I had it towed, it needed a new transmission. 60000 later the same thing as in what this article states. I don't understandwhy they put in the same type of transmission. Steer clear of these types of transmission, I had similar problems with other Nissan Cars and transmission failure. I don't understand,I had Toyota great car same company.
accountCircle Jasmine Lynch on September 9, 2022
Transmissiom
I have a 2019 Altima that getting too hot and jerking and slipping when driving, didn't know what was going on until i had to take it to someone to look at and it is the transmission and in the process of getting it fix so what am I supposed to do now you can reach me at this email address. Serena.lynch32@yahoo.com. I have to pay 2500 to get the car fix.
accountCircle Denise on May 21, 2023
Car won't start
I have a 2019 nissan altima. My car startled a little, the lights on the dashboard came on and then it just cut off. I tried to start it again and the break pedal got stuck. I can't even push it down
accountCircle Trying to help on November 11, 2022
Nissan transmission issues/ class action law suit
Look up the Knight law group for information on the lawsuit for Nissan transmission issues. Hope this helps someone out.
accountCircle Don on May 30, 2022
Doc moose.
When it's cold out side won't take off ,have to put it in first then shift it manually. It's a 05 Altima.
avatar Sandy B
Sandy B. has written for The New York Times, Cleveland Magazine, and many online publications. She long-ago ditched the minivan life for the off-roading Ford Explorer (and hoping to restore a Shelby Mustang!)
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