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 Sentra since 2012, 702 (23.9%) describe CVT transmission problems, making it the most reported problem we track on the Sentra. The reports cluster on the 2013, 2014 and 2015 model years, and the 2013 drew the most, with 216. It tends to show up at higher mileage: half of the owners who gave a mileage were between 64,000 and 100,000 miles. 11 reports describe a crash or fire linked to it. One recall is related to it, and recall repairs are free at any dealer.
What owners report
Owners report the Sentra'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 2015 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 previously filed complaint, but was now told by the dealership that after the manifold was replaced, that the transmission also needed to be replaced. More waiting time, more unanswered phone calls, more poor service from the dealership."
2013 Nissan Sentra, 34,000 miles
"My CVT transmission went out at 81,361. I took it to 4 different repair shops, one of them being the Nissan dealer I got the car from. All agreed it was a faulty transmission."
2015 Nissan Sentra, 81,361 miles
"2017 I had an transmission replace at 50,000 miles. There is no way that a transmission should go out in a car so fast. Here I am again in 2020 my transmission went out again."
2014 Nissan Sentra, 163,000 miles
Excerpts from public owner complaints filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, lightly trimmed.
Related recalls
Nissan North America, Inc.
Recall repairs are free at any dealer. Check a specific car by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Service bulletins and warranty extensions
Nissan has sent dealers 78 bulletins that mention this problem on the Sentra. 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.
ENGINE SUPPORT TOOLS APPLIED VEHICLES: 2020-2024 Sentra (B18) SERVICE INFORMATION A new Engine Support Bracket is now available to allow the CVT to be removed from the APPLIED VEHICLES without having to remove the engine.
Before you buy a Sentra
- 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 Sentra years have CVT transmission problems?
Complaints are highest for the 2013, 2014, 2015 model years. The 2013 drew the most, with 216 reports.
At what mileage does it usually start?
Among owners who gave a mileage, the middle figure was about 81,000 miles, and half reported it between 64,000 and 100,000 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.