If you’re considering a Nissan Altima, you should know that CVT transmission issues are among the most serious problems with this model. Owners and lessees frequently report lurching, acceleration problems, overheating and premature failure—often tied to CVT malfunctions that lead to costly repairs and safety concerns.
Ongoing CVT transmission problems in Nissan Altima models have led to multiple class action lawsuits.
Issues with Nissan Altima cars of previous model years prompted Nissan to extend the 2007–2010 Nissan Altima’s powertrain warranty for up to 10 years or 120,000 miles.
Separate class action lawsuits for 2013–2016 Nissan Altima cars and 2017–2018 Nissan Altima cars have resulted in settlements. However, newer models from 2019 onward still face recurring safety issues with their CVT transmissions, with some consumers calling for a recall on these vehicles.
How Do Nissan CVT Transmissions Work?
Nissan’s continuously variable transmissions (CVTs) don’t rely on ordinary gears. Instead, they use a system of belts and pulleys that adjust to change the reduction ratio in the transmission. In theory, Altima CVT transmissions would have an “infinite” number of gears controlled by the transmission control module, eliminating the need for the driver to shift gears manually.
However, the design has not been without issues. Nissan allegedly knew about the CVT transmission defects since 2018 but failed to provide an effective solution for affected models. Multiple class action lawsuits have been filed against Nissan for CVT-related issues in Altima and other models.
What Causes Nissan Altima CVT Issues?
Transmission problems in Nissan Altima vehicles, particularly those equipped with CVT systems, are often caused by specific mechanical and design flaws. Below are the most common reasons for Nissan Altima transmission issues reported by owners:
- Overheating: Many transmission issues stem from excessive heat buildup, especially during prolonged driving in warmer climates. Overheating can reduce performance and, in some cases, lead to complete transmission failure.
- Fluid Issues: Insufficient or degraded transmission fluid can cause jerking, shuddering, and delayed acceleration. Regular maintenance can help prevent these problems, but some owners still report persistent issues despite proper upkeep.
- Software Malfunctions: The Nissan Altima CVT transmission relies heavily on electronic controls. Faulty software or outdated Transmission Control Module (TCM) programming can lead to erratic performance, unexpected revving, hesitation while accelerating or even rough shifting.
- Wear and Tear: Unlike traditional transmissions, CVTs use belts and pulleys instead of gears. Over time, these components can wear out prematurely, leading to significant Altima CVT transmission problems and symptoms that require costly repairs.
- Manufacturing Defects: Some Nissan Altima model years have been linked to CVT transmission design flaws, resulting in widespread Nissan Altima transmission problems. These defects have been cited in consumer complaints and legal actions.
These recurring issues have led to ongoing frustration among owners. Many drivers have reported experiencing acceleration problems, rough gear shifting, a burning smell inside the car, and wasted time on unsuccessful repair attempts—all while struggling with a Nissan dealer unable to provide a lasting fix.
What Are the Nissan Altima CVT Transmission Lawsuits About?
Six plaintiffs filed the Nissan Altima CVT lawsuit, alleging that the vehicles hesitate and slip when they attempt to accelerate, then suddenly jerk when the transmission finally engages. Nissan has issued several technical service bulletins (TSBs) regarding CVT issues but has allegedly failed to provide a permanent fix for affected Nissan Altima owners.
To provide a glimpse into the issues plaguing the Nissan Altima CVT transmission, we have compiled a sample of complaints submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Please note that the complaints about the Nissan Altima transmission have been edited for grammar and clarity.
2017–2018 Nissan Altima Cars (Now Settled)
2017 Nissan Altima: Shaking and Shuddering
Reports of 2017 Nissan Altima transmission problems frequently mention shaking and shuddering while driving, sometimes at low speeds.
“The transmission… began to shimmy and shake the entire car. It slowed down to less than 10 mph while jerking forcefully… Nissan picked up the car and said the transmission failed. This happened at less than 100,000 miles.”
2017 Nissan Altima SR: Power Issues
Owners of the 2017 Nissan Altima have reported power issues, particularly when accelerating from a stop.
“My 2017 Nissan Altima SR is again experiencing a delay when accelerating from a stop. It revs up to about 3,500-4,000 rpm’s for a couple of seconds, no matter how far down the pedal is. It only gets up to about 20 mph, though. Then, it will finally go.”
2017 Nissan Altima: Delayed Acceleration
Delayed acceleration is another common issue with the 2017 Nissan Altima transmission, particularly when attempting to accelerate rapidly.
“When attempting to accelerate rapidly, the vehicle has long delay. Even with the pedal pressed all the way down, there is an intermittent delay at a full stop. When taking off, the vehicle has a 5 second delay, there is a gurgling sound coming from transmission during idle. RPMs rev way higher than they should when accelerating, jerking from transmission when at a slow acceleration through parking lots and such. Delayed acceleration also caused me to almost have a wreck. I pulled out into traffic at a slow roll because vehicle wouldn’t go and then the vehicle took off at full speed.”
2017 Nissan Altima: CVT Transmission Jerking
Jerking and shuddering are frequently reported transmission issues in 2017 models, especially while shifting gears.
“The CVT transmission is jerking, stalling, shuddering, and hesitating while driving… I do not feel comfortable driving in the car anymore because I feel that this malfunction can eventually cause an accident.”
2018 Nissan Altima: CVT Transmission Failure
Nissan Altima transmission problems in 2018 models include CVT failures, with some owners reporting the vehicle becoming undrivable.
“According to a Nissan dealership, my 2018 Nissan Altima CVT failed. They were able to determine the failed CVT with a diagnosis code of P17F0. I have 73,694 miles on my car and my warranty ended at 60,000 miles. In previous model years of the Nissan Altima, there were recalls on CVT transmissions for the Nissan Altima. Nissan stated that, being that my car is out of warranty, the only thing they can do is give me 50% goodwill because my VIN number is different from the other Nissan Altimas that had a failed CVT.”
2018 Nissan Altima: RPM Revving
RPM spikes and delayed gear engagement are common signs of 2018 Nissan Altima transmission problems.
“When the vehicle was started and shifted to drive, the vehicle hesitated and then lunged forward while the RPM’s revved up…. the failure recurred approximately 10 times.”
2018 Nissan Altima: Loss Of Power
Loss of power while driving at highway speeds has been frequently reported by 2018 Nissan Altima owners.
“While driving approximately 50 MPH, the vehicle suddenly lost motive power without warning… The vehicle was towed to the dealer who diagnosed that the transmission failed and needed to be repaired. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and opened a case.”
2018 Nissan Altima: Transmission Failure
Complete transmission failure in the 2018 Nissan Altima has left some owners stranded and forced to cover repair costs.
“The CVT transmission failed while in transport… The dealer acknowledged issues in this and other models and had transmission repaired at my cost.”
2019–2024 Nissan Altima Cars
2019 Nissan Altima: Malfunctioning CVT Transmission
Malfunctioning CVTs are a recurring issue in the 2019 Nissan Altima transmission. The problems reported by owners include stalling and loss of acceleration.
“The transmission failed/malfunctioned… the vehicle stalled at a traffic light or in the middle of traffic… the CVT message appeared on my dashboard.”
2019 Nissan Altima: Acceleration Lost
Sudden loss of acceleration has been reported as a common issue with the 2019 Nissan Altima transmission.
“The transmission failed/malfunctioned….the vehicle stalled at a traffic light or in the middle of traffic. Took the vehicle to AutoZone to be scanned and they confirmed it was the transmission.”
2020 Nissan Altima: Transmission Problems
Reports of 2020 Nissan Altima transmission problems include sudden transmission failure and difficulty reproducing the issue at the dealership.
“Consumer writes in regards to transmission failure. The consumer stated the vehicle would lunge forward. The dealer could not duplicate the failure.”
2020 Nissan Altima: Hesitation and Shudder
Hesitation and shuddering while accelerating from a stop have been reported in multiple 2020 Nissan Altima models.
“While driving from a complete stop, the vehicle would hesitate and shudder. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that no issues were found; however, the failure reoccurred… The dealer informed the contact that the vehicle would be repaired at her own expense. The vehicle was not repaired.”
2020 Nissan Altima: Month-Long Transmission Repair
Complete transmission failure at low mileage is a serious issue reported by some 2020 Nissan Altima owners.
“At 17,500 approximate miles the transmission failed… I immediately went to the dealership… I left it there for over a month (all with no loaner vehicle because they had none) and they said they needed to get me a new transmission. Needing a new transmission so soon is not normal. The dealership even said this, but also said it is unfortunately an issue they see with their CVT transmissions.”
2021 Nissan Altima: Lost Power At Highway Speeds
Loss of power while driving at highway speeds has been reported as a serious safety concern in 2021 Nissan Altimas. The transmission problems are often linked to hesitation and sudden loss of power.
“I am writing to formally lodge a complaint regarding a recurring transmission issue with my 2021 Nissan Altima… The car lost power while I was going at least 50 mph… I have come across numerous complaints from other owners of the same model experiencing similar transmission issues. This history of complaints indicates a widespread problem that poses a serious safety risk and warrants a recall.”
Get Lemon Law Help For Your Nissan Altima Today
If your Nissan Altima’s CVT transmission has recurring problems, it may be a lemon. We can help owners of 2019 and newer Nissan Altima cars recover cash compensation or a lemon law buyback for their troubles.
Nissan Altimas are not the only Nissan vehicle model experiencing these recurring problems. Read more about common Nissan CVT problems and your California lemon law rights. If you would like more information about filing a lemon law claim, complete the form below to request a free consultation.
Lemon Law Help by Knight Law Group is an automotive lemon law firm that exclusively practices in California, with offices in Los Angeles, San Francisco, Sacramento and Orange County. If you are a California resident who purchased or leased a defective vehicle from a licensed dealership in California, we may be able to help you get rid of your potential lemon and recover significant cash compensation. Model year restrictions apply: 2020–Present vehicle models only.
However, we cannot help those who reside outside of California or purchased their vehicle outside of California unless they are active duty members of the Armed Forces, nor will we be able to refer those to a lemon law firm in their states.
To learn more about the California Lemon Law and your legal rights, visit our guide on the California Lemon Law for more information.
