Shop Parts keyboard_double_arrow_right
Need car parts? Select your vehicle
Reading Time: 4 minutes
Summary
  • Unlike a standard automatic transmission that uses planetary gearsets, Nissan’s CVT employs a steel belt and a pair of adjustable pulleys.
  • Nissan’s CVTs have been known to fail, even when they’re brand new. Hence, they’re the subject of many lawsuits.
  • Nissan’s CVTs can suffer from a variety of problems, such as overheating, making abnormal noises, and worrying vibrations.

Nissan has been using continuously variable transmissions (CVTs) in most of its vehicles since the early 2000s. In theory, CVTs are great because they provide a continuous, smooth transition of power for increased fuel economy.

But Nissan’s CVTs are also known for failing early on, which is why they’re the subject of many lawsuits. The transmissions are notorious for shuddering, making strange noises, overheating—and forcing the vehicle into a “limp” mode.

Some would argue that Nissan’s CVTs are the worst transmissions ever built.

continuous variable transmission diagram
Unlike a traditional automatic transmission, which relies on planetary gearsets to get the job done, Nissan’s CVT uses a steel belt and a set of adjustable pulleys.

What Makes the Nissan CVT transmission Different From a Traditional Automatic?

All internal combustion-powered cars need a transmission to manipulate rotational force from the engine and transfer that force to the drive wheels. Unlike a traditional automatic transmission, which relies on planetary gearsets to get the job done, Nissan’s CVT uses a steel belt and a set of adjustable pulleys.

See also  Nissan to Kill at Least 10% of Global Lineup Beginning 2022

Each of the pulleys changes its groove width to vary the transmission’s “gear” ratio. The secondary pulley turns a collection of final drive gears that connect to the axle shafts, which, in turn, connect to the drive wheels.

The video below demonstrates how the belt and pulley system works in a typical CVT:

Besides the belt and pulleys, Nissan’s CVT is similar to a traditional automatic transmission in many ways. For example, like a regular automatic, the unit has a torque converter that acts as a fluid coupling device between the engine and transmission. There’s also a planetary gearset that allows the driver to switch between forward and reverse.

Common Nissan CVT Transmission Problems

Nissan’s CVT transmissions can suffer from a variety of problems. The most common issues, however, are overheating, abnormal noises, and the infamous “judder”.

The “Judder”

As the belt and pulleys inside a CVT begin to wear—a problem that happens early on with Nissan transmissions—the belt may begin to slip, causing a “judder” sensation. In a technical service bulletin (TSB), Nissan describes the phenomenon as being a “shake, shudder, single or multiple bumps or vibration”.

To address the concern, Nissan issued a software update for the transmission control module (TCM). The update allows the module to recognize the judder and set a corresponding diagnostic trouble code (DTC) in its memory.

There are two judder codes that can be set: P17F0 and P17F1. Nissan has issued a TSB that tells dealership technicians how to approach each of the two codes when there’s a judder. According to the document:

  • P17F0: Technicians should replace the CVT assembly.
  • P17F1: Technicians should inspect the CVT belt for wear to determine whether the valve body or the entire transmission requires replacement.
See also  Nissan Gives 2020 Maxima More Standard Safety Features
nissan cvt transmission belt
As the belt and pulleys inside a CVT begin to wear, the belt may begin to slip, causing a “judder” sensation, which Nissan describes as being a “shake, shudder, single or multiple bumps or vibration.”

Abnormal Noises

Many drivers also complain of abnormal noises coming from their Nissan’s CVT. The most common is a whining or grinding sound that coincides with vehicle speed. In most cases, either worn bearings or issues with the transmission’s belt system are to blame.

Overheating Resulting in “Limp” Mode

Nissan CVTs are known to overheat, especially after traveling at highway speeds for a long time or driving up a steep grade. When the transmission overheats, the vehicle often goes into a fail-safe or “limp” mode, resulting in a loss of power. Obviously, this is a potentially dangerous scenario that can put occupants at risk.

The belt and pulley system inside the transmission creates more heat than Nissan engineers anticipated—and the cooling system cannot keep up.

To address the overheating concern, Nissan released a TSB recommending the installation of an external transmission cooler. Dealership technicians often diagnose the overheat condition by using a scan tool to look at the CVT fluid temperature “counts” registered by the TCM.

But adding an external cooler doesn’t always fix the overheating problem. In many cases, the entire CVT assembly must be replaced to address the concern.

See also  Nissan's New EV Boasts of Quick Acceleration, Long Range

Did Nissan Extend the Warranty on Its CVT Transmission?

In 2010—after several class action lawsuits and countless customer complaints—Nissan agreed to extend the warranty on its CVTs found in select models built between 2003 and 2010. The extended warranty covered the units for up to 10-years/120,000-miles. Of course, all of those transmissions are now out of warranty.

A few years later, Nissan extended the warranty on select vehicles built between 2012 and 2017. The extension bumped the warranty up from 60 months/60,000 miles to 84 months/84,000 miles.

Also, there are plenty of class-action lawsuits in the works regarding Nissan CVT transmissions that are no longer under warranty. Owners hope to get some form of compensation through these proceedings.

nissan logo
Nissan agreed to extend the warranty on its CVTs found in select models built between 2003 and 2010, and vehicles built between 2012 and 2017.

Nissan Isn’t the Only Automaker to Use These Troublesome CVTs

It’s worth noting that Nissan’s CVTs are made by the brand’s spinoff company, Jatco. Over the years, Jatco has supplied transmissions to a wide variety of different automakers. As a result, the troublesome CVTs found in Nissan vehicles also appear in some other applications, such as the Dodge Caliber and Jeep Compass.

About The Author
Written By Automotive Subject Matter Expert at CarParts.com

Mia Bevacqua has over 14 years of experience in the auto industry and holds a bachelor’s degree in Advanced Automotive Systems. Certifications include ASE Master Automobile Technician, Master Medium/Heavy Truck Technician, L1, L2, L3, and L4 Advanced Level Specialist. Mia loves fixer-upper oddballs, like her 1987 Cavalier Z-24 and 1998 Astro Van AWD.

Any information provided on this Website is for informational purposes only and is not intended to replace consultation with a professional mechanic. The accuracy and timeliness of the information may change from the time of publication.

File Under : Nissan , Automotive World Tagged With :
P4 Holiday 2024
Subscribe
Notify of
guest
38 Comments
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments
David Marshall

How do I go about the law suit I have a 2010 nissan murano with 179000 ks I was just driving along and the gearbox completely went

Lloyd Schneider

I have a 2014 Murano SL AWD , 123,000 miles.. Started vibrating 2 wks ago . Last night , Trans. totally died . Are there any lawsuits I could get in on ? Will Nissan do anything about this ( other than gladly sell me another transmission?) ?

Jean saintilus

I just brought a 2016 Nissan Altima with 132000 ks I driving only for 3 days transmission went out

Kenny

I have a 2013 Nissan rouge with 118000 miles and the transmission over went into limp mode while driving up a steep hill yesterday.

Alberto diaz

I’m a mechanic and shop owner for 15 years now and I’m sorry to tell you all that Nissan cars are junk when it comes down to there transmissions 90% of the time when you start having problems with them you have to replace the whole entire transmission. I have replaced transmissions with as low as 85k miles and they range from overheating problems to the steel belt breaking to the cylindrical clutch failing so a piece of advice guys just don’t buy Nissan products that contain the garbage cvt transmission and I hope that all of you who are seeking compensation do get it because this automakers of today are ridicules with the junk they build

Beth Hickey

You are correct 💯.

Frznrth

My daughter’s 2017 Mitsubishi Lancer with 86,000 KM on it just blew the CVT transmission. I believe it is the same as the problem Nissan one. Mitsubishi is going to replace it, thankfully, with a “new” one. Will this replacement be any better than what was in it? Did they “fix” the problem?
Thanks

mm

Hello,

Unless the replacement transmission features an updated design, it’s unlikely to be any better than the original. One way to potentially extend the service life of the replacement transmission is to change the fluid often, perhaps even more frequently than Mitsubishi recommends.

Lon Walp

I have a 2009 Nissan Rouge, worst car I ever had. I literally replaced every part on this car. Usually it was small stuff which added up. Blower motor, all wheel bearings, complete front end, front and rear axle shafts. After these things the transmission went out without any warnings. Now a passenger seat airbag light is on. I have contacted Nissan numerous times and there is nothing they can do. To repair the seat you either have to get one from a junkyard or 3800.00 for new. Anyone considering a Nissan should reconsider. Of course all good until after the warranty.

Beth Hickey

I believe it. M 2011 Nissan Murano S awd 6 cylinder has the same problem. Junk CVT transmission. Just stop moving in driver reverse. Lock down mode. Ugh

expand_more
CarParts.com Answers BE PART OF OUR COMMUNITY: Share your knowledge & help fellow drivers Join Now
The owner of this website has made a commitment to accessibility and inclusion, please report any problems that you encounter using the contact form on this website. This site uses the WP ADA Compliance Check plugin to enhance accessibility.