Nissan CVTs

[Sierra048]

I have a family member who is interested in buying a 2017 Nissan Altima. I've been reading up on them. It seems that since Nissan's CVT was introduced in approximately 2003, they've had a spotty history for reliability. I know very little about CVTs and have watched some videos on their make up and operation. Most of the people working on them in the videos claimed they were a simple concept as transmissions go. If this is true, why are they (Nissan, don't know about other makes) having so much trouble with them? Especially after fourteen years of them being in service.

After researching them, I thought maybe some of the problems were owners who just weren't used to the newer technology and the diffrent feel of the shifting. But I read so many accounts of owners getting their CVTs replaced, some more than once. There a tons of videos on Youtube documenting these issues (loss of power, whining, in gear and no movement, etc..).

I know there are many, many thousands of Altimas (these problems were also present in Sentras, Rogues, Muranos) on the road today. How many have had these problems? IDK. Usually people go complain on social media when something goes wrong, not when things go right. Can anybody provide any input about any Nissan CVT issues? If you have a Nissan CVT, what are your thoughts and opinions of them? Have you had any trouble with them? Do you know of anyone who has had good, or bad, luck with them? Thanks.

 

[Vern_in_IL]

The worse years was around 2010, they actually extended the warranty. The CVT's are light duty commuter transmissions. My Versa warranty would be revoked if I installed a tow hitch, NO towing for me.(but other countries have a very light tow rating)

I wish they would remove those "fake" shift points.

 

[Syntheticuser]

I work with a lady with a 2015 Altima. I don't know if the Jatco used in the new ones, has the same programming. Her car had the cvt replaced at 1,200 miles and at 27,xxx miles. It seems to be a nice car otherwise. Can you get a manual? I'd get a stick and not worry.

 

[OneEyeJack]

Have you checked with Consumer Reports?

The Nissan brand may not be as reliable as other vehicles in the same categories for other reasons as well.

For many a CVT is a love it or hate it proposition when driving so make sure to go on a test drive, too.

Buying a new car is a big deal for most of us even if it's the cheapest one available. Most new cars are pretty good now but you're doing the right thing by searching around like this. And drive them all. It will be time well spent.

Based on statistics and a lot of research by a company I've done database programming work for, if you want the most reliable, relatively cheap small people mover, conservative technology wise car with good resale value with parts and service everywhere then you buy the Toyota Corolla. It does nothing spectacular and nothing bad. It does not handle like a Mazda or drive through the snow like a Subaru and you won't meed nice people like driving a Honda. It is never anywhere near the cutting edge of technology and if maintained can be considered close to bullet proof. If you live outside the rust belt and you wear this car out you will be 50 years older.

Let us know how your research project turns out.

 

[bbhero]

I have a Nissan Altima 3.5 coupe with a xtronic CVT that has 189k miles on it. It has been just fine so far. Runs well and gets up and goes very well still. The original CVT fluid is in the car at this time. I did a lot of looking up the CVT deterioration number and what results other people had when they had their vehicles scanned. Highest number was 56k in 60k miles. Another guy had a deterioration number of 47k in 100k miles. The deterioration number of 210k is when it should be replaced. There are other results I found out as well. Those were the two highest deterioration numbers I found. So, it goes without saying that the fluid can hold up fairly well. I would say that the 2013-15 CVTs had a fair amount of issues. The latest generation of CVTs made by JATCO were always looking for a higher gear ratio to find a bit more gas mileage. I don't think that was very helpful in keeping these CVTs in good working order. I don't know if that problem has been totally rectified. I have heard there was a flash done to those CVTs that was supposed to help them. How effective was it?? That's the real question here. If they are fixed with that then I would consider getting a car with a newer CVT. If not, then I would not. Another problem has been people putting the wrong CVT fluid in their cars. These CVTs need the OEM Nissan fluid. The fact Ashland states their CVT fluid meets both NS-2 and NS-3 is problematic at best. In the owners manual it clearly states that these fluids are specific to the generation of CVT. In others the fluid is not backwards compatible. Period. End of story. So, how can Ashland claim their CVT fluid meets both NS-2 and NS-3?? It can't. So, be very wary of anyone claiming anything about their fluid meeting anything related to a CVT. Has particular as these fickle transmissions are I would not use anything other than a OEM fluid. So I wouldn't let anyone at Jiffy lube or anyone, anywhere else talk your family member into a transmission fluid service. It would be unwise to do that.
If I were to consider buying a 2013-17 Nissan with a CVT I would do a whole lot of research to find out IF those transmissions have truly been straightened out.

 

[SatinSilver]

Here you go boss man:

http://www.carcomplaints.com/Nissan/Altima/

Seems like the last two years have been fine. But not much of a track record there. The 2017 Camrys should be a good deal since the new generation will be out in a few months.

 

[TexasVaquero]

Just get an 2017 Accord with the manual transmission. Never been a fan of the automatics and the CVTs

 

[KGMtech]

I am following the youTube videos of a 2010? Nissan Rogue with a failed cvt, the owner and mechanic is doing the re&re himself, with a new CVT purchased from Nissan. The car has 186,000 miles - all highway he said - but he never changed the fluid. He was monitoring the CVT deterioration number with his scanner and it was telling him he still had 1/3 life left in the oil.

When he drained that cvt, that oil was dark! he admitted that he should have done it at 60k miles, based on the research he did after this one died.

That Honda and Toyota are going CVT is pretty convincing of their acceptance of the technology, these 2 brands are not known for doing things without researching first. I really hope Jatco and Nissan have this sorted, my Maxima will never get to 186,000 miles before I tire of it, but it would be nice to know that I'm not driving a ticking time bomb.

 

[PimTac]

The Xtronic CVTs are more reliable than their predecessors. Nissan sells millions of these cars worldwide. We would hear a lot more stories if these latest versions are bad.

 

[PimTac]

Manual transmissions are usually available on base models which don't sell as consumers want more options on their vehicles.

 

[Sierra048]

For what it's worth, I haven't seen any videos of 2016 or 2017 Altimas, or any Nissans really, with CVT problems. Maybe not enough time has past or maybe they have corrected the problems. Again, IDK. It is a little disconcerting to see all the videos, and forums, of people documenting their CVTs acting up and getting no help from, in this instance, Nissan, even while still under warranty. Thanks for all of the replies.

 

[PimTac]

If they haven't driven a cvt before, they should approach it as something totally different and not compare it to an automatic. I've driven both lately and while I am still not used to a cvt, I am preferring it to the newer multispeed automatics that seem to shift constantly.

 

[demarpaint]

Originally Posted By: KGMtech

That Honda and Toyota are going CVT is pretty convincing of their acceptance of the technology, these 2 brands are not known for doing things without researching first. I really hope Jatco and Nissan have this sorted, my Maxima will never get to 186,000 miles before I tire of it, but it would be nice to know that I'm not driving a ticking time bomb.

Honda's less than stellar reputation for transmissions wouldn't make me feel warm and fuzzy about them accepting the technology.

I can't speak about Toyota. Hopefully things are all sorted out and Honda and Toyota have no regrets using them.Time will tell.

It took me time to warm up to the 8 speed ZF, I love it! The 9 speed OTOH, no thanks! CVT is going to take time to win me over. My father has it in a Subaru and neither one of us like it. YMMV.

 

[montero1]

164k on mine. Only two repairs ever, were a starter a couple weeks ago, and spot weld a leaking exhaust pipe at about 80k.

I changed the CVT fluid at 35k, 70k, 100k, 150k. First three times, used Eneos CVT fluid, the last time was Amsoil CVT fluid, both spec'd for Nissan NS-2.

Great car. It'll make a great first car for someone when I let it go.

 

[KingCake]

Originally Posted By: KGMtech
I am following the youTube videos of a 2010? Nissan Rogue with a failed cvt, the owner and mechanic is doing the re&re himself, with a new CVT purchased from Nissan. The car has 186,000 miles - all highway he said - but he never changed the fluid. He was monitoring the CVT deterioration number with his scanner and it was telling him he still had 1/3 life left in the oil.

When he drained that cvt, that oil was dark! he admitted that he should have done it at 60k miles, based on the research he did after this one died.

That Honda and Toyota are going CVT is pretty convincing of their acceptance of the technology, these 2 brands are not known for doing things without researching first. I really hope Jatco and Nissan have this sorted, my Maxima will never get to 186,000 miles before I tire of it, but it would be nice to know that I'm not driving a ticking time bomb.


I hope aisin makes the toyota cvt.

 

[charbaby]

AFAIK, there are no more manual transmissions in the Altima as of 2013, not even in the base trim level...ONLY CVTs!

I have a 2015 Altima SV and it's been fine thus far w/28K miles. Although the CVTs longevity is my only concern with the car (it's only a concern) as I only have the standard infotainment system(another Nissan weak point/issue)w/backup camera.

The Altima's achilles heal is the CVT however as with most problematic vehicles, not every single one is a problem, just way too many!

I like the way the CVT performs and it's lack of shifting. This make for smooth takeoffs without the wheel spin of the torquey(down low) engine. The only time the engine sits there and REVs is at WOT and ONLY WOT! Otherwise it's smooth, calm & quiet.

My 2004 Altima 2.5 S with the 4 speed auto used to spin tires each time I wanted to cross traffic(turning LEFT, even on dry roads). My wife complained often as well in this situation. My Pirelli's helped a great deal.

I also bought the 2015 Altima for a different reason than other vehicles. I bought it for it's highway cruising ability and around town relaxation. Not for spirited driving. For that, you'll need a different vehicle!

 

[JTK]

I hear everyone's concern about longevity with CVTs based on what we read online, but like said, based on the volumes of them out there now, their "failure" rate probably isn't any worse than anything else. In regards to Nissan's newer Xtronic series, I know I've said it in other threads, but you really should try one with the 3.5L V6. The late model Quest and Pathfinders are IMO wonderful both in performance and feel. No rubber-band effect at all IMO. Just smooth, responsive power. Much better feel to me than the 2016 Rogue in the family and better feel than my 2016 Subaru Forester CVT even.

Also- The awesome thing about the late model XTronics in the Quest, Pathfinder and Rogue (assuming ALL Nissan CVTs these days), the CVTs are EASILY serviceable in terms of draining and adding CVT juice. On the Quest and Pathfinder, it's easier than an engine oil change. You can't say this for the CVTs in Subaru and others.

 

[Kestas]

After reading the stories on these transmissions, I ignored the manufacturer's extended maintenance interval and made sure to change the transmission fluid early on our newly acquired 2010 Murano. I also don't do jackrabbit starts from the light, hoping this'll prolong the friction drive system.

Does anyone know what the typical root cause failure modes are for the Nissan CVTs?

 

[JTK]

Originally Posted By: Kestas
Does anyone know what the typical root cause failure modes are for the Nissan CVTs?

From the reading I've done, failures seem to be valve body related, where the unit's normal hydraulic flow is compromised, forcing it into limp mode. I've never seen one with a failed belt, sheave or even with loads of metal debris. I've seen (even myself) very dark drained CVT fluid, not that this means anything, but it makes me feel better when it looks more like it does straight out of the factory.

 

[bbhero]

I believe your analysis here is right.
As for the CVT fluid color my CVT fluid with 189k miles looks about the same as my motor oil with 1500 miles. If they both are wiped on a clean paper towel you couldn't tell the difference between the two.