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.
Key Points
- For most Altima model years, CVT failures occur between 50,000 and 100,000 miles frequently and have a repair cost of about $3,000.
- If properly maintained, a Nissan Altima can go 200,000 miles, which is typical for a midsize sedan.
- Buyers should steer clear of the Altima because 2013 was both its least reliable and most expensive year for ownership.
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.
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. When the transmission doesn’t cool properly, it might hasten transmission wear. 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.
Nissan Altimas’ lifespan
Response given by. Whether you drive a sedan or a coupe, the Nissan Altima is a fantastic car to own. You can anticipate your Nissan Altima to last 200,000 to 300,000 miles, or 13 to 20 years, because Nissan is committed to quality and performance.
Is 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.
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 durable is the Nissan Altima CVT?
New vehicles with CVTs should operate dependably for up to 100,000 miles on the market today. Overall dependability for the majority of cars will be lower than what is anticipated with a typical automatic or manual transmission.
However, exemplary owner maintenance can extend this prediction. In fact, some owners can obtain up to 200,000 trouble-free miles with a CVT provided they adhere to the factory-specified service intervals, apply the advised lubricant(s), and drive sensibly.
Is a Nissan Altima a reliable first vehicle?
As the summer months draw near, parents are once more considering purchasing their teenagers’ first automobiles for those who will be attending college or for those who will have summer jobs. Parents typically choose vehicles that are simple to drive and have decent fuel efficiency when selecting the finest first car for their kid.
One of the top consumer protection organizations, Consumer Reports, provides a list of the best options for teenagers. The reliability, driver friendliness, fuel efficiency, safety, and price of course are shared characteristics of the vehicles on the list. Parents are advised against purchasing high performance vehicles for their teenagers because they are frequently more difficult to operate and use more gasoline.
Given that the car will be used by teenagers, it is crucial for parents to think carefully about the car’s aesthetic value before making a purchase. The Ford Focus is one of the vehicles on Consumer Reports’ list. Except for the two-door variants, any Focus from the 2002 to the current model year is advised. The four-cylinder Honda Accord EX is also suggested by Consumer Reports. From the 1998 model year onward, the Accord is strongly advised. Consumer Reports also recommends the Mazda 3 and the Honda Civic EX. The Mazda Protege ES models from 1999 to 2003 are likewise suggested as a suitable purchase for your teen.
The Nissan Altima 2.5 S four-cylinder is another initial vehicle that is suggested. Consumer Reports advises those made starting with the 2003 model year for this particular model. The list also included the Subaru Forester 2.5X. Also suggested are the Toyota Camry XLE V6 and LE with the four-cylinder engine. Consumer Reports recommends the Toyota Corolla starting with the 1999 model year. The Toyota RAV4 from the 2001 model year to the present is ranked number ten on the list.
Consumer Reports stated that bigger cars are also advised for individuals who require the adaptability and substantial cargo room that larger vehicles can only provide. Teen drivers of pickup trucks are advised to use cars without back seats. The Toyota Tacoma is one of the excellent options. Another is the dependable Nissan Frontier. Both the Tacoma and the Frontier have a reputation for dependability and user friendliness. Additionally, they are generally more fuel-efficient than other cars in their class. Ford Rangers, Chevrolet S10s, GMC Sonomas, Chevrolet Silverados, Mazda B-Series, and GMC Canyons are some further suggested pickups. These trucks provide huge vehicles’ adaptability and safety in addition to a decent fuel efficiency.
How durable are Nissan engines?
Nissan engines boost the ante on durability with their heavy-duty track record and resistance to significant failure factors. Even though we wish they could, they do have a lifespan that indicates their deterioration. So how long do they last exactly? To learn the solution, we conducted study on the subject.
Nissan engines have a lifespan of up to ten years or 200,000 miles. However, you can increase their lifespan to 300,000 miles, or 15 years, with good maintenance.
The newest engine found in the most popular Nissan automobiles on the market today, the Nissan 3.5 VQ35DE, will be the exclusive subject of this article. To find out how to make the most of your Nissan engine, keep reading.
Let us first state that we hope you find the links provided here beneficial before you continue reading. We may receive a commission if you buy something after clicking on one of the links on this page, so thank you!
Is the Nissan Altima transmission under recall?
Reviewing the 343 complaints made to the NHTSA regarding the 2016 Nissan Altima reveals that almost half of them are related to transmission failure, with owners reporting hesitancy when accelerating or jerking and shuddering when driving. In severe circumstances, Altima drivers reported that the transmission problems caused the car’s engine to stall. Unfortunately, not all motorists claim to have noticed an indicator light illuminate to alert them to a potential issue.
The 2016 Altima experiences transmission problems as early as 20,000–30,000 miles after purchase. One owner claimed to have had two failures; the transmission was fixed at about 40,000 miles, and then problems started up again at about 120,0000 miles.
The transmission of the Nissan Altima has never been the subject of a recall, but the publication of technical service bulletins and the filing of a class action lawsuit against Nissan indicate that this is a widespread issue with this generation of Altimas.
The cost estimates for a new transmission range, which vary from $2,000 to $5,000, are not ideal. The 2016 Altima was furthermore covered by Nissan’s standard warranty for three years or up to 30,000 miles when it was brand-new, with a powertrain warranty of up to five years or 60,000 miles. As part of the settlement of the class-action lawsuit, Nissan has increased the powertrain warranty for the Altima to 84 months or up to 84,000 miles (whichever comes first), in an effort to provide some relief for owners who are experiencing these gearbox problems.