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 Rogue since 2012, 670 (11.6%) describe CVT transmission problems, making it the most reported problem we track on the Rogue. The reports cluster on the 2012, 2013 and 2016 model years, and the 2013 drew the most, with 174. It tends to show up in the middle years of ownership: half of the owners who gave a mileage were between 63,000 and 103,000 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 Rogue'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 2012, 2013 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
"This vehicle has what has been called a CVT transmission issue. It has been well documented by hundreds of drivers across the country (all with the same problem)."
2013 Nissan Rogue, 78,995 miles
"Salt lake city, ut owner. 2012 Nissan Rogue s awd, with a CVT. 2015 oct, I purchased the vehicle use with 96k miles, still within the bumper to bumper warranty (different owner). 2 weeks after purchase during an attempt to vacation, we arrive in st."
2012 Nissan Rogue, 97,000 miles
"My 2016 Nissan Rogue experienced an abrupt and total failure of the CVT transmission. I was not able to accelerate and the vehicle would lurch and lose power."
2016 Nissan Rogue, 40,000 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 50 bulletins that mention this problem on the Rogue. 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.
Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) Class Action Owner Notification On March 23, 2022, the Court presiding over a class action lawsuit gave final approval to a proposed settlement under which the CVT warranty will be exten...
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 UPDATE August 30, 2022 Please discard earlier versions of this bulletin.
ESM DIAGNOSTIC PROCEDURE UPDATE FOR DTC U0300 STORED IN TCM SERVICE INFORMATION The Electronic Service Manual (ESM) Diagnostic Procedure will be updated with additional information for diagnosing DTC U0300, for "CAN COMM DATA",...
Engine Control Module (ECM) Transmission Control Module (TCU) Shift Control Module (SCU) Reprogram Voluntary Emission Service Campaign *****Dealer Announcement***** Nissan is conducting a Voluntary Emission Service Campaign to ...
Nissan; PROCEDURE TO CLEAN CVT TRANSMISSION FLUID COOLERS This bulletin has been amended.
Before you buy a Rogue
- 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 Rogue years have CVT transmission problems?
Complaints are highest for the 2012, 2013, 2016 model years. The 2013 drew the most, with 174 reports.
At what mileage does it usually start?
Among owners who gave a mileage, the middle figure was about 80,000 miles, and half reported it between 63,000 and 103,000 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.