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 Versa since 2012, 162 (9%) describe CVT transmission problems, making it the most reported problem we track on the Versa. The reports cluster on the 2012, 2013 and 2014 model years, and the 2014 drew the most, with 50. It tends to show up in the middle years of ownership: half of the owners who gave a mileage were between 59,000 and 96,000 miles. No recall covers it, but Nissan has sent dealers service bulletins about it, listed below.
What owners report
Owners report the Versa'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 2014 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
"Nissan Versa 2012. This is my second CVT transmission replacement. I received the first transmission replacement in december 2013 and it has broken again in may 2014. The vehicle got stuck in gear and would not shift."
2012 Nissan Versa, 81,400 miles
"Car shakes when accelerating above 40mph. Engine sounds rough. Has stalled a couple of times when parking. I brought the car in to have 2 recalls fixed. A center console moulding trim and a CVT software upgrade."
2013 Nissan Versa, 77,000 miles
"My 2014 Nissan Versa has a CVT transmission that failed at 54,000 miles. It was replaced with a re-manufactured CVT transmission under warranty. At 122,500, the transmission has failed again."
2014 Nissan Versa, 122,100 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 61 bulletins that mention this problem on the Versa. 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.
Dtc p0741/4/6, p0776, p0841, p0875, p0965, p2857/8/9, p17f0/1/2/4 and/or p285a stored in the tcm, and may have hesitation and/or reduced power this bulletin has been superseded.
Before you buy a Versa
- 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 Versa years have CVT transmission problems?
Complaints are highest for the 2012, 2013, 2014 model years. The 2014 drew the most, with 50 reports.
At what mileage does it usually start?
Among owners who gave a mileage, the middle figure was about 78,000 miles, and half reported it between 59,000 and 96,000 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.