Nissan CVT
Nissan CVT Transmission Replacement in Kern County
If your Nissan is shuddering, whining, or losing power under acceleration, you are probably looking at a failing CVT, and you are far from alone. Nissan's Jatco-built CVT is one of the most problem-prone transmissions on the road, particularly in 2013-2018 models.
Which transmission is in your Nissan CVT?
Knowing which unit you have helps us pinpoint the problem fast.
Altima
- Problem years
- 2013-2018
- Notes
- Most common; fluid leaks & pressure loss past 100k
Sentra
- Problem years
- 2013-2018
- Notes
- Documented shudder and slipping
Rogue
- Problem years
- 2014-2019
- Notes
- Heavier crossover stresses the CVT; overheating
Pathfinder
- Problem years
- 2013-2021
- Notes
- Large, heavy vehicle on a CVT
Murano
- Problem years
- 2015-2019
- Notes
- Overheating and shudder
Later models (2019+) with the revised NS-3 fluid have shown better durability.
Diagnostic board
Common Nissan CVT transmission problems we see
The core issue is belt and pulley slippage. The belt slips and grabs repeatedly, which is the judder you feel, and the control module raises line pressure to compensate, which accelerates the wear. A used Nissan CVT usually carries the same built-in wear as the one that just failed, so a cheap junkyard swap tends to fail again. We fit a new unit instead, and we say why on this page. Many affected Nissans came with extended CVT warranties, some as long as 7 years, and several were covered by class-action settlements, so it is worth checking whether yours still has coverage before you pay out of pocket. We are happy to point you in the right direction.
Shuddering or juddering
During acceleration, most often between 25-45 mph, the single most common symptom.
High-pitched whine
A hum at highway speed.
Slipping or hesitation
Delayed or weak acceleration.
Overheating
Dark, burnt-smelling fluid.
Jerking Park to Drive
A jolt engaging gear.
Warning codes
P17F0 (CVT judder) or P17F1 (chain slip).
Whatever your vehicle is doing, our free diagnostic tells you whether it's a simple repair or something more.
Our position
Why we fit a new CVT instead of rebuilding yours
A CVT is not a conventional automatic. Instead of a set of fixed gears it drives through a steel belt running between two pulleys that change width, and the whole thing depends on surfaces that have to stay very close to perfect to work at all. When a CVT fails, that wear is spread across all of them. That is why we do not rebuild them. A rebuilt CVT comes back often enough that we are not willing to sell you one, and a transmission that fails twice costs you far more than the difference in price did. So we fit a new unit and we stand behind it. It also means the diagnostic matters more, not less. Plenty of what gets blamed on a CVT turns out to be cooler lines, a sensor, wiring or fluid, and those are ordinary repairs at ordinary prices. We check that first, every time, and we will tell you when the answer is that your transmission is fine.
By vehicle
Nissan CVT we service
Pick your model for the symptoms we see, the unit you are likely running, and what replacement involves.
Nissan Altima
2013-2018, the most common failure we see
Nissan Rogue
2014-2019, heavier and runs hotter
Nissan Sentra & Versa
The smaller CVT7, same judder
You're covered
We stand behind every repair.
When you trust us with your transmission, you're protected. We've stood behind our work for three generations, and every repair is backed by our warranty.
Frequently asked questions
Common questions about Nissan CVT replacement.
No, and that is a deliberate choice. A rebuilt CVT fails again far too often for us to put a customer through it, so we fit a new unit instead. It costs more once and it lasts, rather than costing less twice.
Tell us what you're driving. We'll take it from there.
Book your free diagnostic in under a minute. Only your name and phone are required, and the slot is yours as soon as you submit.
Free diagnostic, no obligation. Warranty honored at all 5 locations.