Is your Nissan acting strange when you accelerate? You might be experiencing symptoms of a faulty CVT transmission – an issue that’s affected hundreds of thousands of Nissan vehicles. If you’ve noticed jerking, hesitation, or complete power loss while driving, you’re facing a problem that’s sparked multiple recalls and lawsuits. Let’s dive into what’s happening with Nissan’s CVT transmission troubles and what you can do about it.
Latest Nissan CVT Transmission Recall Update
2024 Sentra CVT Drive Shaft Recall
Nissan recently issued a critical recall for 2024 Sentra models under NHTSA campaign number 24V-304. This recall affects 9,645 vehicles where the front left-side driveshaft may not be properly seated in the CVT assembly or could have a loose or missing retaining clip.
What makes this recall particularly serious is the potential for transmission fluid leaks and sudden loss of driving power – especially dangerous when you’re merging onto highways or climbing hills. Nissan dealers will inspect the affected components and replace both the driveshaft and CVT assembly if necessary, at no cost to owners.
Extended Warranty Programs Now in Place
Following numerous class-action settlements, Nissan has implemented extended warranty coverage for many affected vehicles:
| Vehicle Model | Original Warranty | Extended Warranty |
|---|---|---|
| 2017-2018 Altima | 60 months/60,000 miles | 84 months/84,000 miles |
| 2018-2019 Sentra | 60 months/60,000 miles | 84 months/84,000 miles |
| 2018-2019 Versa Sedan/Note | 60 months/60,000 miles | 84 months/84,000 miles |
This extended coverage includes the entire CVT assembly, internal components, gaskets, seals, control valve body, torque converter, cooler kit, and transmission control module reprogramming.
Which Nissan Models Have CVT Transmission Problems?
The CVT transmission issues aren’t limited to a single model or year. Here’s a list of the most commonly affected vehicles:
- 2022-2025 Nissan Sentra
- 2019-2025 Nissan Altima
- 2017-2025 Nissan Maxima
- 2017-2024 Nissan Murano
- 2019-2021 Nissan Pathfinder
- 2019-2025 Nissan Rogue
- 2019-2025 Nissan Versa
If you own one of these models, it’s worth checking if your vehicle is included in a recall or extended warranty program by entering your VIN on the official Nissan recall website.
Common Symptoms of Nissan CVT Transmission Failure
How do you know if your Nissan’s CVT transmission is failing? Watch for these telltale signs:
1. Hesitation or Jerking During Acceleration
If your vehicle hesitates when you press the gas pedal or jerks forward unexpectedly, your CVT may be failing. Many owners report a delay when switching between drive and reverse, making simple maneuvers like parking potentially dangerous.
2. Sudden Loss of Power While Driving
One of the most dangerous symptoms is when your Nissan suddenly loses power while you’re driving. As one owner reported to NHTSA: “My car stalled while backing up… it wouldn’t accelerate above 25-30 mph. This was extremely dangerous.”
3. Transmission Slipping
When your RPMs surge but your speed doesn’t increase, or your vehicle struggles to maintain speed, your transmission is likely slipping. This happens when components like torque converters, clutch plates, or transmission bands wear out prematurely.
4. Unusual Noises
Pay attention to whining, grinding, or buzzing noises, especially during acceleration. These sounds often indicate internal CVT damage.
5. Burning Smell
A burning odor coming from your vehicle often means the transmission fluid is overheating – a common issue with Nissan CVTs due to their inadequate cooling systems.
Technical Problems Behind Nissan CVT Recalls
Design Flaws in the CVT System
Lawsuits allege that Nissan has known about fundamental design flaws in their CVT transmissions since 2013 but continued selling affected vehicles. The primary issues include:
- Inadequate Cooling System: Unlike traditional transmissions, Nissan CVTs use a smaller cooler that can’t adequately regulate transmission fluid temperature. Overheated fluid breaks down and damages internal components.
- Belt and Pulley Vulnerabilities: The core of a CVT is its steel belt and pulley system, which is particularly susceptible to wear and failure in Nissan’s design.
- Software Programming Issues: Many owners report that even after transmission control module reprogramming, problems persist.
Manufacturing Defects
Beyond design issues, multiple lawsuits have alleged manufacturing defects in CVT components, including:
- Metal debris contamination inside the transmission
- Improperly constructed valve bodies
- Defective torque converters
- Poor quality control during assembly
Financial Impact on Nissan Owners
Repair Costs That Break the Bank
If your CVT fails outside of warranty, you’re looking at a significant expense:
| Repair Type | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Complete CVT Replacement | $4,000-$5,500 |
| Valve Body Replacement | $1,000-$1,500 |
| Torque Converter Replacement | $600-$1,200 |
| CVT Fluid Change (preventative) | $150-$250 |
What’s particularly frustrating for many owners is that these failures often occur shortly after the original warranty expires, creating substantial financial hardship.
Class-Action Settlements and Reimbursements
Nissan has settled numerous class-action lawsuits related to CVT defects, paying over $277 million in total settlements. The most recent settlement in 2024 involved 2015-2018 Nissan Murano and 2016-2018 Nissan Maxima vehicles.
If you’ve paid for CVT repairs out of pocket, you might be eligible for reimbursement:
- Full reimbursement for repairs performed by Nissan dealers
- Up to $5,000 reimbursement for repairs at non-Nissan facilities
- $1,500 vouchers for owners who experienced multiple transmission replacements
Visit the Nissan settlement website to check your eligibility.
How to Check if Your Nissan is Under Recall
Using Your VIN to Verify Recall Status
The most reliable way to check if your vehicle is affected by a Nissan CVT transmission recall is to:
- Locate your 17-digit Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) on your dashboard or driver’s door jamb
- Visit the NHTSA recall lookup tool
- Enter your VIN to see all active recalls
Alternatively, you can check directly on Nissan’s recall page or call your local Nissan dealership with your VIN handy.
What to Do if Your Vehicle is Recalled
If your Nissan is subject to a CVT transmission recall:
- Contact your local Nissan dealership immediately to schedule a repair
- Keep all documentation of the repair process
- Follow up if you experience any issues after the repair
- Report any continued problems to both Nissan and NHTSA
Remember that recall repairs are performed free of charge to vehicle owners.
Legal Rights for Owners of Affected Vehicles
Lemon Law Protection
If your Nissan has had multiple repair attempts for the same CVT issue while under warranty, you might qualify for relief under your state’s lemon law. These laws typically require:
- The same substantial defect has been repaired multiple times
- The vehicle has been out of service for a certain number of days
- The problem began within the warranty period
Options Beyond Class-Action Settlements
While many owners are included in class-action settlements, you might have better options by:
- Opting out of class settlements: This preserves your right to pursue an individual case, which may result in better compensation if your situation is particularly severe.
- Filing a warranty claim: If your vehicle is still covered by Nissan’s extended CVT warranty, ensure all repairs are properly documented.
- Reporting to NHTSA: File a complaint with NHTSA to help build evidence for potential future investigations and recalls.
Nissan’s Response to Ongoing CVT Issues
Despite multiple recalls, warranty extensions, and settlements, Nissan continues to use CVT technology in new vehicles. The company maintains that “the vast majority of CVT owners will not experience any issue with their transmission,” but the pattern of recalls and lawsuits suggests otherwise.
Recent attempts to address the problems include:
- Reprogramming transmission control modules with updated software
- Installing improved valve bodies in newer models
- Updating cooling systems in some vehicles
- Providing technician training specific to CVT issues
However, many owners report that these fixes are often temporary, with problems recurring after repair.
Real Owner Experiences with Nissan CVT Problems
The severity of Nissan’s CVT issues is best illustrated through actual owner reports to NHTSA:
“My Sentra, at around 75 mph, starts shifting back and forth abnormally between gears… started around 30,000 miles and is getting worse.”
“The engine light came on, and the car stalled in traffic and would not move… The dealer said the cause of the problem was the transmission.”
“My car stalled while backing up… it wouldn’t accelerate above 25–30 mph. This was extremely dangerous.”
These testimonials highlight not just the inconvenience but the genuine safety concerns created by failing CVT transmissions.
Making an Informed Decision on Nissan Ownership
If you currently own a Nissan with a CVT transmission:
- Stay informed about recalls and warranty extensions
- Maintain your vehicle meticulously
- Consider trading or selling before warranty expiration if you’ve experienced issues
If you’re considering purchasing a Nissan with a CVT:
- Research the specific model year carefully
- Look for extended warranty options
- Consider certified pre-owned vehicles with remaining warranty
- Factor potential repair costs into your purchase decision
While Nissan makes many quality vehicles, the persistent nature of their CVT problems warrants careful consideration before purchase.
The Nissan CVT transmission recall situation represents one of the most significant and persistent automotive reliability issues in recent years. By staying informed and taking proactive measures, you can better protect yourself from the financial and safety implications of these widespread transmission problems.
