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...
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.
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 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.
Nissan’s CVT issues—were they resolved?
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.
How many miles before Nissans start experiencing issues?
Any car’s substantial expenses beyond necessary repairs should typically start to show up between 150,000 and 200,000 miles in. But the story can be a little bit different for some Altima model years due to transmission difficulties.
Drivers have had issues with the CVT in several Altima model years, including 2010 through 2016, including a pronounced slowdown and loss of power.
The problems typically arise before 100,000 miles. Transmission issues can appear in some models, including the 2015 Altima, as early as 40,000 miles.
In most cases, owners would be forced to spend about $3,000 to replace the complete gearbox system.
What is the lifespan of an Altima transmission?
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.
Is the Nissan Altima an excellent family vehicle?
The 2023 Nissan Altima is a handsome family sedan with roomy interior and optional all-wheel drive that serves its purpose admirably. The Altima offers two separate four-cylinder engines for its power: a base engine with 182 horsepower and a turbocharged variable-compression engine with 248 horsepower. The Altima only goes that far in terms of pushing the envelope, though. It has a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) and gives a driving that is more courteous than perky regardless of the specifications. The Altima, however, is remarkably fuel-efficient for a non-hybrid vehicle with an EPA-estimated 39 mpg for highway driving. Even though it lacks the soulfulness of the Honda Accord or the refinement of the Toyota Camry, this sedan is simple to live with thanks to a big interior, comfy seating, an available 12.3-inch touchscreen screen, and a strong array of basic safety features.
A brand-new 2020 Nissan Altima costs how much?
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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.
Does the Nissan Altima ride smoothly?
Features of Nissan Altima’s Performance The Nissan Altima offers great gas mileage, a cozy cabin, and a nice ride overall. According to U.S. News & World Report, the four-cylinder FWD model from 2021 achieves 28 mpg in the city and 39 mpg on the interstate.
Which year Altima is the most trustworthy?
The staff at Olive go on to say that the Nissan Altima’s best years appear to be in its fourth generation. The search is now limited to the years 2007 to 2012.
The second half of a model generation is typically the best because the automakers have ironed out any bugs and recalls with the new model. Having said that, the Nissan Altima’s two greatest years, 2011 and 2012, were almost a tie.
These two years of the fourth generation are not only the most dependable but also the most reasonably priced. Nissan Altimas from this year’s range typically cost between $5,000 and $8,500. It goes without saying that the car’s condition and mileage have a big impact on its values.
Nissans or Hondas—which is superior?
Honda is ranked in the top five in Consumer Reports’ Brand Reliability rating. Nissan came in at number 13. The Honda HR-V also finished fifth in Consumer Reports’ list of individual models for 2021. No Nissan car entered the top ten.
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.