About this problem
A continuously variable transmission, or CVT, uses a steel belt between two cone-shaped pulleys instead of fixed gears. It is smooth and fuel efficient, but the belt and pulleys depend on clean fluid and careful heat control. When they wear, owners report shuddering, whining, slipping, a car that will not accelerate, and "limp mode" where the car is held to low speed. Repairs often mean a full replacement transmission.
Across all owner complaints filed about the Nissan Altima since 2012, 809 (12.3%) describe CVT transmission problems, making it the most reported problem we track on the Altima. The reports cluster on the 2013, 2014 and 2016 model years, and the 2013 drew the most, with 292. It tends to show up in the middle years of ownership: half of the owners who gave a mileage were between 60,000 and 95,000 miles. 9 reports describe a crash or fire linked to it. No recall covers it, but Nissan has sent dealers service bulletins about it, listed below.
What owners report
Owners report the Altima's CVT (the automatic transmission with no fixed gears) shuddering, whining, hesitating when pulling away, or going into a low-power mode. In many complaints the transmission failed outright and had to be replaced, usually somewhere past 60,000 miles. The 2013, 2014 and 2016 model years drew the most reports.
How it gets fixed
Dealers often start with a software update or fluid change. When the CVT has failed, the fix is a replacement transmission. Nissan extended CVT warranty coverage on several models and years, so check with a dealer using the VIN.
Typical cost: A replacement CVT typically costs $3,500 to $5,000 installed. A fluid change is about $150 to $250.
Complaints by model year
In owners' words
"I experienced a grinding, shaking noise at 2.0 rpm. The vehicle was taken in for service and I was informed that the transmission had to be replaced. The transmission was replaced and that was when all of my troubles began."
2014 Nissan Altima, 18,246 miles
"My 2013 Nissan Altima, which was purchased new has had issues with the CVT transmission since it was purchased. In 9/2014 at 42k miles the transmission failed and was replaced."
2013 Nissan Altima, 105,000 miles
"Car was fine. Had it serviced 4 months ago and was told car was in good condition. Today got an check engine light. Had it towed now being told it's a transmission issues and will cost 4000 to replace. I just financed this car about a year and a half."
2016 Nissan Altima, 100,000 miles
Excerpts from public owner complaints filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, lightly trimmed.
Service bulletins and warranty extensions
Nissan has sent dealers 86 bulletins that mention this problem on the Altima. A bulletin tells technicians how to fix a known fault. It is not a recall, so the repair is usually free only while the car is under warranty or covered by an extension.
CVT Class Action Owner Notification In mid-December, current and former owners and lessees of the following vehicles will receive a postcard from a Settlement Administrator informing them of the terms of a proposed class action...
CVT Warranty Extension In an effort to assure customer satisfaction, demonstrate our confidence in continuously variable transmissions (CVTs), and to address customer concerns including those expressed by customers in the class...
CVT Warranty Extension REVISION 1 Please discard earlier versions of this bulletin.
CVT Class Action Owner Notification Attention: Dealer Principal, Sales, Service & Parts Managers In early November, current and former owners and lessees of the following vehicles will receive a postcard from a Settlement Admin...
Dear Nissan Sentra Owner: Thank you for being a Nissan owner.
CVT SHIFT SELECTOR LEVER KNOB REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION SERVICE INFORMATION If the CVT Shift Selector Lever Knob needs to be removed or installed for any reason, refer to the SERVICE PROCEDURE in this bulletin, beginning on page 2.
Before you buy a Altima
- Accelerate gently from a stop and again hard onto a highway; listen for whining and feel for shudder or a delay.
- Ask for proof of CVT fluid changes, which many owners skip.
- Check whether the CVT warranty extension (if any) still applies to that VIN.
Questions
Which Nissan Altima years have CVT transmission problems?
Complaints are highest for the 2013, 2014, 2016 model years. The 2013 drew the most, with 292 reports.
At what mileage does it usually start?
Among owners who gave a mileage, the middle figure was about 76,000 miles, and half reported it between 60,000 and 95,000 miles.
How much does it cost to fix?
A replacement CVT typically costs $3,500 to $5,000 installed. A fluid change is about $150 to $250.