Quick answer: Nissan’s continuously variable transmissions (CVTs) have a history of shuddering, overheating and early failure, especially in 2013–2017 Altima, Sentra, Versa and Rogue models, with complaints across roughly 2007–2019. A CVT replacement typically costs $3,500–$5,500, though Nissan extended the warranty on many models to 7 years / 84,000 miles.
Nissan models and years with the most CVT complaints
Based on NHTSA complaint patterns, class action settlements and owner reports. Not every car in these years will fail.
| Model | Years with the most CVT complaints | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Nissan Altima | 2013 – 2018 | Shudder, hesitation; covered by settlements for some years |
| Nissan Sentra | 2013 – 2019 | Judder, slipping, loss of power |
| Nissan Versa / Versa Note | 2012 – 2019 | Shudder and failures at moderate mileage |
| Nissan Rogue | 2008 – 2019 | Whining, overheating, failures; heavier SUV workload |
| Nissan Juke | 2011 – 2017 | CVT overheating and failures |
| Nissan Murano | 2009 – 2014 | Expensive CVT failures |
Newer Nissan CVTs (generally from about 2020 on) have improved, although owners should still follow the fluid change schedule.
Common Nissan CVT symptoms
- Shuddering or juddering when accelerating from low speed.
- Hesitation or a delay when pressing the gas.
- Whining or droning noise that rises with speed.
- Overheating and limp mode, especially on hills or in hot weather.
- Loss of power or the engine revving without the car accelerating.
CVT repair and replacement costs
Typical prices, October 2026.
| Repair | Typical cost |
|---|---|
| CVT fluid change (every 25,000–60,000 miles, depending on use; see Transmission Fluid Change Cost) | $150 – $300 |
| Software update / reprogramming | $0 – $200 |
| Valve body or sensor repair | $500 – $1,500 |
| Used CVT installed | $1,800 – $3,000 |
| Remanufactured CVT installed (independent shop) | $3,500 – $5,000 |
| New or reman CVT at a Nissan dealer | $4,000 – $5,500+ |
Warranty extensions and settlements
- Nissan extended CVT coverage on many affected models from 5 years / 60,000 miles to 7 years / 84,000 miles.
- Several U.S. class action settlements covered certain years of the Altima, Sentra and Versa, offering extended warranty coverage and reimbursement for past repairs under specific conditions and deadlines.
- Many of these programs have now expired by age. Still, check: give a Nissan dealer your VIN and ask whether any extended CVT coverage or open service campaign applies.
Should you buy a used Nissan with a CVT?
It can be a good deal if:
- the price reflects the risk,
- there are records of CVT fluid changes,
- the test drive shows no shudder, whine or hesitation,
- and a pre-purchase inspection finds no CVT codes or overheating history. See Pre-Purchase Inspection Cost.
If you want lower risk, see Most Reliable Used Cars Under $10,000.
Repair or sell?
On a car worth $4,000–$6,000, a $4,500 CVT is a hard decision. Read Is It Worth Replacing a Transmission at 150,000 Miles? and use the Repair or Replace Calculator.