A CVT, or continuously variable transmission, uses a belt or chain between two cone-shaped pulleys instead of fixed gears. It saves fuel and feels smooth when it works. When it does not, owners describe shuddering, a whining noise, a delay when pulling away and, at worst, a car that will not move.
We searched about 470,000 owner complaints across 69 popular models for mentions of a CVT. About 2,800 complaints named it directly, and they were far from evenly spread.
Where CVT complaints cluster
| Model year | CVT complaints | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 Nissan Altima | 223 | Most CVT complaints of any car we track |
| 2013 Nissan Rogue | 150 | Shudder and failure near 90,000 to 100,000 miles |
| 2013 Nissan Sentra | 126 | Same transmission family |
| 2013 Nissan Pathfinder | 106 | First year of the CVT Pathfinder |
| 2014 Nissan Pathfinder | 92 | Judder at low speed |
| 2012 Nissan Rogue | 91 | |
| 2012 Nissan Altima | 90 | |
| 2016 Nissan Altima | 90 | |
| 2014 Nissan Altima | 88 | |
| 2014 Nissan Sentra | 84 | |
| 2014 Nissan Versa | 64 | Versa and Versa Note |
Nissan models from 2012 to 2016 account for most CVT complaints in our data. The Altima, Rogue, Sentra, Pathfinder, Versa and Murano together make up about three quarters of every CVT complaint we found. Nissan extended the transmission warranty on many of these cars, but most of those extensions have now expired on age.
Other brands use CVTs too, including Honda, Toyota, Subaru and Hyundai. Their complaint counts are much lower. Subaru Outback and Forester owners report some shudder from a stop, often fixed with a fluid service or software update.
What CVT trouble feels like
- Shudder or judder when pulling away gently, like driving over rumble strips.
- Whining or droning that rises with speed.
- Delay or slipping: you press the gas, the engine revs, and the car is slow to respond.
- Limp mode: the car limits power to protect the transmission, often with a warning light.
Shudder is often the first sign. In many cases it gets worse over months, then the transmission fails.
What it costs
A CVT fluid change costs about $150 to $300 and can help early symptoms. A replacement transmission costs about $3,500 to $5,000 at a dealer, less with a used or remanufactured unit at an independent shop. On an older car worth $6,000, that can be most of its value, which is why a car with a known CVT history should be priced accordingly.
Buying a used car with a CVT
- Ask for fluid service records. Many carmakers say the fluid is lifetime, but changing it every 30,000 to 60,000 miles is widely recommended.
- Ask if the CVT has been replaced. A 2013 Altima with a new CVT and receipts is a much safer buy than one with the original at 95,000 miles.
- Test drive from cold. Pull away gently several times, then accelerate up a hill. Feel for shudder and listen for whine.
- Check for warning lights and ask a shop to scan for stored transmission codes.
Our model pages for the Nissan Altima, Rogue and Sentra show CVT complaints year by year.
Questions
Are all CVTs unreliable? No. Toyota and Honda CVTs from recent years draw few complaints, and Nissan’s later CVTs are much improved over the 2012-2016 versions.
Can I drive with a shuddering CVT? Usually for a while, but it rarely fixes itself. Get the fluid checked and the codes read before it gets worse.
Does towing hurt a CVT? Many CVT cars have low towing limits. Towing near or over the limit adds heat and wear, so stay well under it.