Nissan has long been known for its large selection of affordable yet reliable vehicles. Whether you’re looking for a smaller sedan (like the Versa), a crossover SUV (like the popular Rogue), or a three-row SUV (like the Pathfinder), there’s likely to be a pre-owned option out there for you.
Have there been any major Nissan CVT transmission problems?
If you’re looking at a used Nissan equipped with a CVT you might be asking yourself this. In addition to some actual transmission recalls, common complaints about Nissan’s CVT include:
- Difficulty accelerating
- Coolant leaking onto the transmission
- Transmission failure
- Shaky or jerky acceleration
Explore the article below to learn more about Nissan’s CVTs and some of the most common problems reported. From there, we’ll also walk you through what steps to take if your used Nissan is running into CVT issues.
More about Nissan CVTs
Nissan began to equip some of its vehicles with continuously variable transmissions (CVTs) back in the early 2000s, with the 2003 Murano being among the first to receive this transmission.
Compared to a “traditional” transmission, a CVT sets itself apart in that it can cycle through an essentially endless range of gear ratios while driving. As a result, this type of transmission should offer smoother shifting and an overall better ride quality.
As with any new technology, however, Nissan’s CVT has had its share of issues. From problems with acceleration to premature transmission failure, there are a few major problems these CVTs are notorious for. You can find out more about these failures in this YouTube video.
Common Nissan CVT Problems
2003 Nissan Murano: Difficulty Accelerating
NHTSA Complaint IDs: 11039670, 10915991, 10891579
The last thing you need while you’re trying to accelerate is to have a vehicle that doesn’t want to cooperate. Unfortunately, acceleration issues have been commonly reported with 2003 Murano models equipped with the manufacturer’s CVT.
In one NHTSA complaint, the owner of a 2003 Murano reports that the accelerator was unresponsive for 5-10 seconds, after which point the vehicle unexpectedly lunged forward at a high rate of speed. Yet another NHTSA complaint reports the same issue recurring on multiple occasions.
Another 2003 Murano owner mentions in an NHTSA complaint that the vehicle was taken to a Nissan dealer service center, where they were unable to diagnose the problem or complete any repairs.
2005 Nissan Pathfinder: Coolant Leaking onto Transmission
NHTSA Complaint IDs: 11252586, 11189952, 11121669
There have also been multiple reports of total transmission failure on some 2005 Pathfinder models equipped with the CVT.
In these reports, the failure occurs due to a leak in the vehicle’s radiator that allows coolant to come into contact with the transmission. This, in turn, causes the transmission to fail.
In one NHTSA complaint filed in 2018, the owner of a 2005 Pathfinder reports that the transmission failed after a radiator crack seeped coolant onto the transmission. This owner claims that the repair cost was quoted at $5,000 and that the failure occurred with less than 82,000 miles on the odometer.
2007 Nissan Altima: Transmission Failure
NHTSA Complaint IDs: 11342421, 11323906, 11186454
The 2007 Nissan Altima is also notorious for having CVT issues ranging from gears constantly slipping to a delay in shifting gears.
Several NHTSA reports mention serious and costly transmission problems, including one report that the vehicle frequently slips gears and does not accelerate when the gas pedal is pushed.
Dozens of formal NHTSA complaints regarding the 2007 Altima’s CVT are backed up by Vehicle History reviews from real owners. Several reviewers claim that they have needed new transmissions on their vehicles, including Taylor H. and Princess M.
Another reviewer, Kaitlyn C., reports that her transmission needed to be replaced more than once in a period of about six months. Yet another reviewer, Alicia R., claims that hers was replaced at just 90,000 miles.
2008 Nissan Rogue: Shaky Acceleration
NHTSA Complaint IDs: 11306995, 11270611, 11183648
The 2008 Nissan Rogue’s CVT has also had its share of problems. With more than 140 formal NHTSA complaints filed regarding this vehicle’s powertrain, many of the complaints have to do with the transmission shaking and jerking during acceleration.
One owner reports in a 2019 NHTSA complaint that the vehicle refused to accelerate after being stopped at an intersection. However, after the driver let off the gas, the vehicle reportedly sped up without warning and could have caused an accident.
These reports seem to be in line with multiple Vehicle History reviews. One reviewer, Tracy P., states that her 2008 Rogue has trouble accelerating when the gas pedal is depressed, but that the dealership has never been able to diagnose the problem.
What to Do if You Have Nissan CVT Issues
If your Nissan is having issues with its CVT, check to see if the vehicle is still under a powertrain warranty. Even if it’s not, you may be eligible for extended warranty coverage on your Nissan CVT thanks to a class-action lawsuit filed in 2016.
Nissan has offered to extend powertrain warranty coverage on some model equipped with CVTs that have known problems. Check with your local Nissan dealer to find out if you’re eligible for this warranty coverage, as this can help cover or offset the cost of your repairs or transmission replacement.
