Joanna Szabo  |  August 7, 2020

Category: Auto News

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Nissan CVT transmission problems

Several lawsuits have been filed against Nissan regarding alleged defects with their Nissan CVT transmissions. The plaintiffs claim that these faulty transmissions cause shuddering and acceleration delays that could lead to collisions.

Law360 reports that, as a result of the suits against them, Nissan has been ordered to pay millions in settlements and have extended the warranties on cars with affected Nissan CVT transmissions. If you own a car in the effected class and have experienced transmission issues, you may be able to join a class action suit against Nissan

Nissan CVT Problems Overview

According to a suit against Nissan filed by Christopher Gann, the Nissan CVT, or continuously variable transmission, was specifically used as a “major selling point” for Nissan vehicles and was particularly advertised for its “smoothness.”

However, according to the plaintiffs against Nissan, those who’ve driven cars with CVT transmissions might disagree with that statement. In fact, the plaintiffs site “sudden, unexpected shaking and violent jerking” as the main cause for concern with these allegedly faulty transmissions.

Owners of Nissan vehicles, model years between 2013 and 2020, have filed complaints with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) claiming that their vehicles have been affected by CVT transmission defects.

Drivers have cited their transmissions jerking, stalling, shuddering, hesitating, or even suffering from premature transmission failure. Some drivers say that these incidents are followed by an unexpected engine power surge. Many drivers have noted that these CVT issues kick in when they attempt to accelerate.

These kinds of vehicle defects can be dangerous, since unexpected problems like this could take a driver by surprise and cause them to lose control.

Issues that are believed to cause this effect include transmission slipping, hose leaks and failures, CVT transmission error messages, and a loss of power.

What Does Continuously Variable Transmission Mean?

CVT stands for continuously variable transmission. According to Car and Driver, these transmissions are meant to “seamlessly” change through a continuous range of gear ratios while the car is being driven. Other types of transmissions only provide a fixed number of gears and have “hard shifts” between them. Other terms for CVT transmissions include single speed, step-less, and shiftless transmissions.

Transmissions like the Nissan CVT are intended to offer drivers more flexibility regardless of the speed at which they’re driving. They tend to have better fuel economy, an easier time driving uphill, and are meant to provide a smoother driving experience.

Nissan CVT transmission problemsHowever, they also tend to be more expensive both initially and in the form of repairs. Unlike traditional transmissions, Nissan CVT transmissions use a pulley system to work through the gear ratios. The flexibility of the system allows for quick shifting and boosts fuel economy

Which Nissan Models Are Affected?

Nissan CVT transmission problems are common throughout a wide variety of Nissan vehicles. Broadly, anyone owning a Nissan vehicle with a defective CVT transmission may be able to seek compensation from Nissan.

Individual class actions stipulate the specific model years included in their Class, but any models manufactured between 2013 and 2018 may be affected as these are the outer ranges of the classes currently stipulated. However, Nissan’s warranty extension applies to all CVT vehicles from years 2003 through 2010.

The models which may include defective Nissan CVT transmissions include Nissan model lines Sentra, Pathfinder, Quest, Versa, Versa Note, Altima, Rogue, Juke, Maxima, and Murano.

What Are the Nissan CVT Transmission Warranty Rules?

According to CARCHEX, all Nissan vehicles come with a standard warranty offer. This warranty covers the first 36 months or 36,000 miles, whichever comes first, as well as an additional 5 years or 60,000 miles of powertrain coverage.

The first part of the warranty, the basic coverage, covers any defects in the parts original to the Nissan vehicle. The powertrain coverage covers the major systems of the vehicle including the engine, drive systems, and pumps. Most importantly, powertrain coverage includes the Nissan CVT transmission.

However, due to pushback from consumers, Nissan has extended the warranty on their CVT vehicles specifically. According to the manufacturer’s site, the Nissan CVT warranty covers all 2003 to 2010 models with CVTs. The Nissan warranty covers CVT vehicles for 10 years or 120,000 miles, whichever comes first. For complete information, Nissan recommends consulting your Warranty Information Booklet.

What Nissan CVT Transmission Lawsuits Have Been Filed?

At least three class action suits have been filed against Nissan regarding Nissan CVT transmission problems.

In June 2018, Salome Madrid and Terese Miranda filed a class action suit against Nissan regarding issues with their CVT transmissions including “catastrophic failure.” The Class established in this case includes 2013-2016 Nissan Altimas with defective CVT transmissions. Salome and Terese allege that Nissan knowingly sold them vehicles equipped with defective transmissions.

This Nissan CVT lawsuit is Case No. 3:18-cv-00534 filed in the United States District Court of the Middle District of Tennessee.

Christopher Gann filed a similar class action against Nissan in September 2018. This suit establishes a class of vehicles including all 2013 and 2014 Altimas with defective CVT transmissions. Christopher alleges that a defect in the Nissan CVT transmission caused his vehicle to shudder, stall, hesitate, make “unusual noises” and ultimately lead to premature transmission failure.

This Nissan Defect lawsuit is Case No. 3:18-cv-00966 filed in the United States District Court of Tennessee.

A third class action suit was filed by Cheyne Norman and Sophia Wescott in June 2019. This Class includes owners of Nissan Jukes years 2013 through 2017. Cheyne and Sophia alleged that defects in their Nissan CVT transmission vehicles caused “sudden, unexpected shaking and violent jerking” which the plaintiffs claim could put the driver in considerable danger.

This Nissan CVT class action is Case No. 3:18-cv-00534 filed in the United States District Court of the Middle District of Tennessee.

In each of these suits, plaintiffs are seeking compensation for compensatory and statutory damages as well as attorney fees. The first and last suits listed seek further relief either in the form of a recall or repairs of affected vehicles by Nissan.

Should You Join a Nissan CVT Class Action Lawsuit?

A growing number of consumers are turning to litigation after allegedly experiencing issues with their Nissan CVT transmission.

According to the lawsuits filed against Nissan, if you own a vehicle with a defective Nissan CVT transmission, it’s likely that you will either need to pay to have that transmission repaired or buy a new car. Both of these options are expensive not including the original cost of the vehicle. Joining a class action lawsuit against Nissan may be an effective way to seek compensation for these expenses.

One such class action lawsuit reached a settlement agreement with Nissan in Nov. 2019, and was approved in March 2020. Nissan agreed to extend the warranty on cars affected by the alleged defect, and also agreed to reimburse any out-of-pocket costs associated with the problem, though the company continues to deny any wrongdoing.

If you have experienced a Nissan CVT transmission defect with your Nissan vehicle manufactured since 2013, you may be able to file or join a class action lawsuit and pursue compensation. Pursuing litigation can be a daunting prospect, so Top Class Actions has laid the groundwork for you by connecting you with an experienced attorney. Consulting an attorney can help you determine if you have a claim, navigate the complexity of litigation, and maximize your potential compensation.

Join this Free Nissan CVT Transmission Defect Class Action Lawsuit Investigation

If you own a Nissan vehicle that is newer than a 2013 model year and have been affected by CVT transmission problems, you may be eligible to join this FREE Nissan CVT transmission class action investigation.

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This article is not legal advice. It is presented
for informational purposes only.

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141 thoughts onWhat Are the Problems With Nissan CVT Transmissions?

  1. LaKetta Hall says:

    Car started whining, then acted as if it wanted stall. Drove a few more yards more whining, after about a mile I came to a stop light and the car jerked when I stopped. When the light changed, I attempted to accelerate to pull off but the car wouldn’t move. I called a wrecker once he got it to its destination he attempted to drive it and it drove at about 10mph. I attempted to drive it, got it to the gas station and was stuck because it would not pull off. I had to let it sit multiple times for about 20mins at a time to get it back to the house(mile or less). Days later towed it to Nissan and they attempted to buy the vehicle back for $8000. I said I would think about it, then days later they called and said I needed a new transmission for $5500. No warning it just went out.

  2. Sylvia Jones says:

    My son have a 2013 Nissan Rogue my son as experience jerking power lost the Nissan Rogue decelerate where my son pump the gas nothing he was in front of a tractor trailer nothing please help my son with his car

  3. Lyn says:

    I’ve got a 2018 Nissan Qashqai still under warranty it serges when I’m travelling at around 90km also when I’m pulling onto the highway I put my foot down to accelerate it takes a couple of seconds before it decides it just wants to take off, the dealership is telling me this is normal but I don’t think it is.

  4. Tony says:

    I purchased a 2008 Nissan Altma in November of 2020. Had it for almost 2 years with no problems and all of a sudden, the service engine light came on when I was taking my kids home. It was over due for a oil change, so when the light came on I assumed that what the problem was, so got the oil change and the light still on, but the car was running like a champ. So I took it to a couple of places and one mechanic said he heard some ticking on the left side which also needed a o2 sensor. So he told me take it to Nissan because they have latest equipment for those cars. When the lady call me back and said that you need a transmission, totally hurt my feelings, because I am disabled.

  5. Nicole says:

    I have a 2016 Altima bought it 2 years ago with 49 thousand miles. The transmission failed out of nowhere 8 months ago. The vehicle now has 134,000 miles. I owe 2.5 years in payments and Can’t afford to replace the transmission so the car is just sitting in the back of my driveway and I’m paying on it but it’s completely useless to me

  6. Valeri grillo says:

    When. I am still driving the 18 Sentra I’m in and the cvt tran was just replaced in mine and it had only 45000 miles on it which they found codes on, and after I just asked them to check the cvt in mine while I just took it in for an oil change to be done in it, and the check engine light never even came on to be letting me know that the cvt tad even produced codes on it, their cvt transmissions in the Sentra I’m in is not just not made out of crap, it’s defective and a fraudulently designed one if u ask me!!! Even before it got 36000 miles on it the sensor in the front bumper already needed replacing it in in twice thtu it even! Nissans quality has turned into being complete shit!

    1. Mindy says:

      Same here, no warning lights what so ever! Transmission left me in the middle of road yesterday morning. I don’t know what to do. I have to get to and from work… it was my only way. Im Going to lose my job because my 2015 nissan altima 3.5 with 114,000 miles decided so!! I bought it less than a year ago and still owe $10,000 on it!
      No Warnings, No Alerts, No Nothing.

      1. Linda Dunlap says:

        I have a 2017 nissan altima that I bought about a year and half ago and it has 165,000 miles on it and without warning my car starts shuddering accelerating and deaccelerating and making this winning noise and the check engine light came on and now it also started stalling out on me it was running great but when I got my car the air bag light came on a week after getting it took it to the nissan place I bought it from they looked at it and told me it was my driver seat airbag module and that my power train and warranty didn’t cover it and it was going to be 1,500 to replace it I just bought the car I had used all the money I had getting the car and so I didn’t get it fixed and now this what can I do about this ??

        1. Linda Dunlap says:

          I have a 2017 nissan altima that I bought about a year and half ago and it has 165,000 miles on it and without warning my car starts shuddering accelerating and deaccelerating and making this winning noise and the check engine light came on and now it also started stalling out on me it was running great but when I got my car the air bag light came on a week after getting it took it to the nissan place I bought it from they looked at it and told me it was my driver seat airbag module and that my power train and warranty didn’t cover it and it was going to be 1,500 to replace it I just bought the car I had used all the money I had getting the car and so I didn’t get it fixed and now this what can I do about this ??

  7. Tammy Moffett says:

    I have a 2012 Nissan Sentra with the same exact problems. My car stalls upon acceleration from a stopped position as well as driving down the highway! This is very dangerous!!! Being a female it’s even worse as the car IS NOT DEPENDAPLE!!!!

  8. Will says:

    Im stuck with a 2007 murano. It’s on it’s 2nd CVT since i purchased it 3yrs ago. The first was a complete failure and this one is acting crazy off and on. I cant rely on it not to do something while in traffic on on a trip. I hate this vehicle, but just cant afford a new car note right now.

  9. Edilberto Reyes says:

    We have the 2014 Nissan Pathfinder SL loaded with all the bell and whistles, we bought it brand new from dealer. Was ok for a while but the transmission doing the same thing as described in this thread How do I get added to this class action

  10. Charlotte Davidson says:

    I have a 2012 Nissan Juke with 124,000 miles, I have spent over $4000 trying to get the jerking me into other lanes fixed. I’ve had new tires, new shocks and struts, new sway bar with links, new control arm and wheel bearings, alignments, I’m on disability and have spent about every penny I have into this crap car and 3 different mechanics can’t find anything else wrong. I am still paying on this car and trying to keep it fixed and on the road. I need help, this should not be happening at all!

    1. Mindy says:

      Same here, as mentioned above, and there no warning lights what so ever! Transmission left me in the middle of road yesterday morning. I don’t know what to do. I have to get to and from work… it was my only way. Im Going to lose my job because my 2015 nissan altima 3.5 with 114,000 miles decided so!! I bought it less than a year ago and still owe $10,000 on it!
      No Warnings, No Alerts, No Nothing.

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