If you’re looking to buy a Nissan Altima, you should be aware that one of the major troubles this specific automobile model has is with its CVT transmission. Nissan Altima owners and lessees have complained about a number of persistent CVT transmission faults, including lurching, acceleration problems, vehicle overheating, and early transmission failure.
Numerous Nissan models and model years have been the subject of class action lawsuits due to persistent CVT transmission issues.
Nissan decided to extend the powertrain warranty on the 2007–2010 Nissan Altima for up to ten years or 120,000 miles as a result of problems with Nissan Altima vehicles from earlier model years.
Nissan Altima owners and lessees were the plaintiffs in a class action case, which was later settled. However, some customers are requesting for a recall on 2017–2021 Nissan Altima cars due to recurrent safety issues with their CVT gearboxes.
We have prepared a sample of complaints sent to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to provide you an insight into the problems with the Nissan Altima CVT transmission. Please take note that the Nissan Altima transmission complaints have been edited for clarity and language.
In This Article...
How durable is a 2018 Nissan Altima?
The quick answer regarding how long the Nissan Altima lasts is as follows: If you take care of a Nissan Altimas, they can last for up to 200,000 to 300,000 miles. This indicates that the vehicle can work dependably for 13 to 20 years.
Is the Nissan Altima a trustworthy vehicle?
Since its introduction in 1993, the Nissan Altima has shown to be a dependable and trustworthy vehicle. Owners of Nissan Altima vehicles rely on them for their dependability and safety. They are sturdy automobiles. In terms of dependability, the Nissan Altima performs admirably. It ranks 11th out of 24 midsize automobiles with a reliability rating of 4 out of 5, according to RepairPal.
The Nissan Altima has lower ownership costs than the industry standard due to its low average repair cost of less than $500. Furthermore, Altima substantial repairs are not common. A Nissan Altima’s average annual cost for repairs and maintenance is $483, which is lower than the $526 average for other vehicles in the same category.
Do 2018 Nissan Altimas handle snow well?
Winter is when the Nissan Altima shines. This is clear because most Nissan vehicles feature the Intelligent All-Wheel Drive System in addition to a few driver aids that improve traction and stability. Due to its 5 inch ground clearance, the Altima can only be driven in milder snowfall.
When did Nissan Altima transmission issues start?
Poor CVT performance and failure also occur frequently in the preceding Nissan Altima generation (2007 to 2012). Nissan extended the powertrain warranty on the Altima (only 2007–2010 models) to cover CVT difficulties for up to 10 years or 120,000 miles as a result of these concerns.
Has Nissan addressed the CVT issues?
According to The Car Guide, an expert contacted by the Automobile Protection Association (APA) asserted that technological adjustments made by Nissan in 2020 most likely resolved issues with the CVT.
We don’t yet know with certainty what those technological adjustments were. But critics have been praising the new 2022 Sentra, awarding it Best New Small Car Under $30,000 by Consumer Reports. This recognition would suggest that Nissan has solved its CVT issues.
This only applies to newer Sentra models made after 2020, though. Nissan may offer tailored extended transmission warranties for older cars on particular models and years with the CVT. Nissan provided a 10-year/120,000-mile guarantee, which is twice as long as the industry standard, for CVTs made between 2003 and 2010 (Automotive Addicts). Nissan’s Warranty page does not yet mention models manufactured between 2011 and 2017 as potentially being eligible for extended warranty coverage.
We advise contacting your neighborhood Nissan dealer for precise warranty information if you currently own a Nissan with a CVT manufactured between 2011 and 2019.
CVT Transmission Trouble 101
Let’s start by discussing the CVT overview. Continuously Variable Transmission is what it stands for. Once activated, it operates similarly to a conventional automatic transmission, requiring no further intervention from the driver. But the CVT has no gears. It operates with a dual pulley system. A smoother transition between lower and higher speeds as well as improved fuel efficiency are the goals of this more recent transmission. Although this makes sense in theory, there have been some issues with Nissan applications. The problems were typically reported between 2012/2013 and 2018. When Nissan first started utilizing this transmission in 2003 and during the generation of CVTs from 2007 to 2012, there were a few issues. The Murano, Sentra, Altima, Rogue, Versa, and Versa Note are specific models.
Although anything might go wrong for any manufacturer, Nissan’s issue is most likely the result of overheating. Failure to adequately cool the transmission might hasten the deterioration of the transmission. Additionally, for these specific models, the automobile detects heat distress and lowers its RPMs to prevent damage, which naturally affects horsepower. Nissan’s extended warranty may be useful for a while if your vehicle is affected and/or recalled. Transmission coverage was extended for some vehicles from 5 years/60,000 miles to 10 years/120,000 miles. Nevertheless, the warranty will eventually expire, and you might discover that your car needs, which
Signs to Watch For
You don’t want to spend money on unneeded, expensive repairs if your automobile is in good condition. You also don’t want to disregard emerging problems because they can get worse quickly. How can you tell when it’s time to discuss your Nissan CVT with a qualified technician? A fluid leak can provide a hint. You might have to pay closer attention to see if this is happening. Contrary to the reddish hue of normal transmission fluid, CVT fluid is more translucent and has a slight golden or green tint. Other common symptoms include transmission slippage, a burning smell, power loss, or jerking. Bring your vehicle to Dave’s Ultimate Automotive if you observe them.
What does a Nissan Altima have high mileage?
The Nissan Altima has a lifespan of between 250,00 and 300,000 miles, which, when multiplied by the yearly mileage of the average driver, translates to 15 to 20 years. It’s not unusual for Nissan Altimas to endure beyond 300,000 miles, depending on things like maintenance and driving style.
How long does the CVT on a Nissan Altima last?
There are numerous elements that affect a CVT’s durability. Although CVTs have been around for a long, they have only recently become dependable and reasonably priced. With routine maintenance, a CVT in a modern car should easily surpass 100,000 miles, while older CVTs might not survive as long.
Some automakers have stopped producing traditional automatic transmissions in favor of CVT technology, which costs a lot of money. The quality of CVTs has substantially stabilized over the past few years, enabling the majority of manufacturers to confidently make them without experiencing significant reliability concerns.
If properly maintained, a good CVT will last a very long period. The owner’s handbook should be followed for routine maintenance.
Which Altima model year is best?
The 1993, 1996, and 2019 Nissan Altima model years are the greatest. The worst Nissan Altima model years, on the other hand, are 2002, 2005, 2009, and 2013. If you’re seeking to buy a used Nissan Altima, it’s vital to pay attention to these model years.
How common are electrical problems?
The 2018 Nissan Altima has some fairly typical problems with its infotainment system, notably with its backup camera. Owners say that the back-up camera has sporadic problems that eventually lead to permanent failure.
Some Altima models’ malfunctioning head units appear to be the cause of the problem. It’s tough to pinpoint exactly which vehicles are impacted, although the lower trims—which have a different infotainment system than upper trims—seem to suffer the problem more frequently.
Cost to fix: $300 to $1100
Depending on the specific problem and kind of head on the Altima, replacement costs vary. You can always change the head unit yourself to save some extra money, or you can choose an aftermarket configuration that can make use of your existing backup camera gear while simultaneously improving your in-car audio.
Depending on the Altima’s specific problem and kind of head, replacement costs can vary. You may always change the head unit yourself to save some extra money, or you can choose an aftermarket configuration that will update your in-car audio while utilizing the hardware from your existing backup camera.
What Nissan recalls are there for 2018?
Certain Nissan Altima automobiles from the model years 2013 to 2018 are being recalled by Nissan North America, Inc. The chance that the secondary hood latch will corrode over time is increased if the primary hood latch is unintentionally disengaged. Tip: Not all vehicles from the same year, make, and model are subject to recalls.
Which Nissans are subject to a recall?
Certain 2018-2019 Nissan Altima, Armada, Frontier, Kicks, Leaf, Maxima, Murano, NV, NV200, Pathfinder, Rogue, Rogue Sport, Sentra, Titan, Titan Diesel, Versa Note and Versa Sedan vehicles, as well as Infiniti Q50, Q60, QX30 and QX80 vehicles, are being recalled by Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan). The 2019 Nissan GT-R, Taxi, and Infiniti QX50, QX60, Q70, and Q70L vehicles are also included. You can change the settings for the back-up camera and display so that the rear view image is no longer visible, and the system will remember that setting the next time the car is put in reverse. As a result, these vehicles do not meet the standards of FMVSS 111, “Rear Visibility,” which is a federal motor vehicle safety standard.
The likelihood of a collision rises when the back-up camera display is blank.
Nissan will update the software for the back-up camera settings at no cost, and will gradually contact owners. All impacted VINs should be activated as of November 11, 2019, when the recall was announced. Owners can reach customer support at INFINITI at 1-800-662-6200 or Nissan at 1-800-867-7669.
Do I need to get my Nissan Altima repaired?
Some 2020–2021 Nissan Altima vehicles are being recalled by Nissan North America, Inc. The tie rod ball joint could separate from the steering knuckle if the tie rod ball joint fastener was not tightened properly. Tip: Not all vehicles from the same year, make, and model are subject to recalls.