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.
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Are Nissan Altima vehicles dependable?
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 is the lifespan of a 2020 Nissan Altima?
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.
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.
What does a brand-new 2020 Altima cost?
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The 2020 Nissan Altima is currently on sale at Nissan dealers all over the country. Nissan has just released the U.S. pricing for the vehicle. The base MSRP1 for the 2020 Altima is $24,100 for the front-wheel drive Altima S and $25,450 for the intelligent all-wheel drive Altima S. A 2.5-liter engine is standard on both vehicles.
Additionally, Nissan offers its cutting-edge 2.0-liter VC-Turbo engine for the 2020 Altima (front-wheel drive only). The Altima VC-T SR has a $29,750 MSRP1 as its base price. Every 2020 Altima model comes with with the most recent Xtronic transmission.
Nissan Safety Shield 360 is now a standard feature for the Altima SR, which is one of the improvements for the 2017 model year. Additionally new for the 2020 Altima lineup is the Driver Assist Package for the Altima S, which makes Safety Shield 360 technology standard or accessible across the whole model range. Additionally, the Platinum grade now has a mirror memory feature, and the SV, SL, and Platinum grade levels now have Piano Black interior finishers.
What is the Nissan Altima’s biggest issue?
The Altima’s continuously variable gearbox is where the majority of its issues lie (CVT). Owners complain about a shuddering or jerking sensation when accelerating as well as a delayed throttle response. Transmission failures have even occurred in some models.
How long do the transmissions on Nissan Altimas last?
According to RepairPal, the Nissan Altima’s yearly maintenance expenditures come to $483 on average.
The Altima is far less expensive to maintain than the average vehicle ($651 annually), according to statistics.
According to data from RepairPal, the following are the Nissan Altima’s most frequent issues:
- Replacement of the Intake Manifold Gasket: $207–253
- Replacement of the Powertrain Control Module: $1,184
- $1,21
- Replacement of a water pump: $287–329
- Adjusting the parking brake system: $44–$55
- $44-$56 Drive Axle Assembly Leak Inspection
- Replacement of the Sunroof Motor: $1,002
- $1,046
- Replacement of a Suspension Shock or Strut: $809–867
How Long Do the Brakes Last?
Depending on how you drive, the Nissan Altima brake pads can last between 30,000 and 70,000 miles.
If you frequently travel in stop-and-go traffic, your brakes will probably deteriorate more quickly.
How Long Do the Tires Last?
A well-kept Altima tire should last you three to five years. A reasonably driven Altima tire can travel 50,000 miles, according to the mileage it has covered.
Regular tire rotation and wheel alignment are crucial for extending the life of your Nissan Altima. Maintain the Nissan Altima’s specified tire pressure as well.
How Long Do the Spark Plugs Last?
The Altima makes use of unique spark plugs that don’t need to be changed as frequently as some others.
Platinum-tipped spark plugs, which the Nissan Altima uses, have a 105,000-mile lifespan.
When did the transmission issues with Altimas start?
Failure of the transmission to function is one of the Nissan Altima’s most frequent faults. Unfortunately, this issue has occurred in a lot of the automobiles produced by this company. It has to do with the CVT transmission that was part of this car.
The Altima was one of 15 models and trim levels that used this transmission. Additionally, it was employed for several years, typically from 1995 to 2013. And this is where a lot of the issues mentioned above are a common worry.
One of the worst transmissions is without a doubt the Nissan CVT. It was made with the intention of enhancing the engine’s performance. However, some drivers complained about it having issues immediately away. Some of the issues are connected to the issues mentioned above.
This also applies to the transmission’s slow acceleration. It also includes the transmission’s vibration. The result of all of this is transmission failure.
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.
Is the Altima a good investment?
Is the Nissan Altima a Reliable Vehicle? The Altima is a good mid-sized vehicle with strong motors, great fuel efficiency, a smooth ride, and cozy seats. It has a 9.6 out of 10 safety rating and can handle winter roads.
Is Nissan a superior automaker to Toyota?
Dependability and Excellence Toyota is known for producing some of the most dependable vehicles on the market. The business was rated as the second most dependable brand overall by Consumer Reports for 2021. Nissan ranked in sixteenth place, substantially further down the list.
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.
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.