Automakers have long touted continuously variable transmission (CVT) systems as a way to increase fuel efficiency in their vehicles while providing smoother acceleration and driving. However, the reality of these new transmissions has not always lived up to the hype. Nissan has seen many problems with the CVTs in its vehicles, including its popular Altima line.
If your Nissan Altima transmission has had persistent issues despite multiple repair attempts while under warranty, you may have the right to compensation from the manufacturer. Contact The Barry Law Firm today for your FAST & FREE consultation to learn more.
How Serious Are Nissan’s CVT Transmission Issues?
Many Nissan Altima owners have reported significant problems with their vehicles’ CVTs. The problem is so widespread that owners have filed multiple class action lawsuits seeking compensation for their Nissan Altima CVT issues.
Altima drivers frequently report that their vehicles hesitate or jerk while accelerating or that the engine appears to rev without accelerating. Not only do these issues make for an uncomfortable ride, but they also cause safety concerns, as unreliable acceleration increases the chances of drivers losing control and crashing.
So far, Nissan has not issued a recall for its Altimas or other vehicles with CVTs, and the company continues to deny widespread problems with its transmissions. However, the automaker announced in 2023 that it was extending the manufacturer warranty on many of its vehicles with CVTs, including 2017-2018 model-year Altimas.
The company’s announcement notes that it was extending the warranty, “In an effort to assure customer satisfaction, demonstrate our confidence in continuously variable transmissions (CVTs), and to address customer concerns including those expressed by customers in the class actions ….”
Signs Your Nissan Altima Is Having Transmission Issues
Some common warning signs of transmission failure in Nissan Altima CVTs include:
- Your car shudders or jerks when you accelerate from a stop.
- You feel delayed acceleration, even when you press the gas pedal normally.
- The engine revs high, but your Altima doesn’t accelerate as it should.
- You notice slipping gears, where the car seems to lose power while driving.
- You hear whining, grinding, or other unusual noises during acceleration.
- You smell something burning after short trips or normal driving.
- Your Altima struggles to climb hills or maintain speed on the freeway.
- You experience sudden surging, where the car speeds up without steady pedal pressure.
- Your dashboard shows a check engine light.
- You find leaking transmission fluid under your vehicle.
- The same problems keep recurring, even after multiple repair attempts.
Transmission Issues Also Affect Other Nissan Models
While legal action regarding Nissan’s CVTs has primarily focused on the Altima line, issues with the transmissions have also occurred in other vehicles. For example, the 2023 announcement that Nissan was extending its warranty for vehicles with CVTs mentions the following cars and their model years:
- 2018-2019 Sentra
- 2018-2019 Versa Sedan
- 2018-2019 Versa Note
In 2022, Nissan also announced that it was extending the warranty on some of its popular SUVs, including:
- 2015 Rogue Selects
- 2014-2018 Rogues
- 2015-2018 Pathfinders
Despite these well-documented problems and Nissan’s refusal to issue a recall, many Nissan owners continue to report that their CVTs aren’t working correctly. Numerous complaints are even coming from people who’ve bought Nissans in the last few years, long after the company should have addressed the root issue with its CVTs.
Do Transmission Issues Make Your Nissan a Lemon?
Transmission problems can qualify your Nissan as a lemon under California’s Lemon Law, but you still need to show a few key things:
- You must prove that your car has a substantial defect that affects its safety, use, or value.
- The transmission issue must fall under the manufacturer’s original warranty, and the problem must have started while that warranty still applied.
- You must give the manufacturer a reasonable number of repair attempts through an authorized dealership.
If the defect creates a serious safety risk, California law often treats two or more repair attempts as reasonable. For less severe problems, the manufacturer may get more chances to fix them. In some cases, your car may also qualify if it stays out of service for an inordinate amount of time.
If you’re not sure whether your Nissan qualifies as a lemon due to CVT problems, talk to a California Lemon Law attorney. They can review your vehicle’s history, service records, and other evidence to see if you qualify for a Lemon Law claim.
If you qualify, you can demand that Nissan buy the defective vehicle back. The buyback can cover the cost of purchasing your vehicle, any loan payments you’ve made, repair expenses, your legal fees, and other losses you’ve suffered because of the car’s repeated issues, such as towing and rental car costs.
What to Do Next
Here’s what to do next if you suspect your Nissan has transmission safety issues:
- Schedule a repair visit with an authorized dealership as soon as you notice the problem.
- Keep copies of every repair order, invoice, and service note you receive.
- Write down the dates, mileage, and symptoms each time you notice the transmission acting up.
- Take photos or videos of warning lights, dashboard messages, or error codes.
- Save receipts for towing, rental cars, and other out-of-pocket costs tied to the CVT failure.
- Avoid repairs from shops that are not authorized Nissan dealers, since those visits typically do not count toward your claim.
- Contact a Lemon Law attorney to discuss your case and legal options.
Why Having a Lawyer on Your Side Is Beneficial to Your Case
It takes time to develop a thorough Lemon Law claim, and you can expect Nissan to fight back at every stage. An experienced Lemon Law lawyer from The Barry Law Firm can:
- Confirm that you gave the manufacturer a reasonable number of repair attempts through an authorized dealership and meet the other requirements.
- Help you build a clear case by organizing your repair orders, tracking how long your car was in the shop, and linking the issue to the manufacturer’s original warranty.
- Handle the back-and-forth with the manufacturer and push for a Lemon Law buyback that provides maximum compensation.
The Barry Law Firm Is Always Ready to Help
You don’t need to endure the stress of an unreliable vehicle with costly repairs – not to mention the fear of complete transmission failure. At The Barry Law Firm, we understand the financial and emotional toll that a defective car can exact. Lemon Law cases have been our sole focus at The Barry Law Firm since 2010, and we know how to hold major automakers like Nissan accountable for selling defective vehicles.
We’re here to help, and we never charge you anything for our services – regardless of your case’s outcome. Call now or complete our contact form for a FAST & FREE consultation to get started.
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