Written by Brett Kues
Sales Director | 25+ Years in Automotive Retail
Pischke Nissan – La Crosse, WI
The Short Answer
Earlier Nissan CVT transmissions (primarily pre-2019 models) created reliability concerns.
Modern Nissan CVTs — especially 2020+ models — are significantly improved in design, cooling, software calibration, and durability.
The reputation lingers longer than the problem.
What Is a CVT?
A Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) doesn’t shift between fixed gears like a traditional automatic.
Instead, it:
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Uses a belt and pulley system
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Adjusts seamlessly for efficiency
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Improves fuel economy
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Keeps engine RPM optimized
Most major manufacturers now use CVTs in compact and midsize vehicles.
What Happened With Older Nissan CVTs?
Between roughly 2013–2018, some Nissan models experienced:
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Premature belt wear
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Overheating in certain conditions
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Shuddering under acceleration
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Early transmission failures in higher-mileage vehicles
This led to:
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Extended warranty coverage
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Negative online commentary
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Ongoing reputation concerns
The issue was real.
But it wasn’t permanent.
What Changed in Newer Nissan Models?
Beginning around 2019–2020, Nissan made meaningful updates.
1. Improved Internal Components
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Stronger steel belts
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Updated pulley surfaces
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Better lubrication pathways
2. Enhanced Cooling Systems
Heat is the enemy of CVTs.
Newer models include:
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Improved cooling design
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Better fluid management
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Revised thermal control logic
3. Software Calibration Updates
Transmission control modules were recalibrated to:
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Reduce stress under load
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Improve shift simulation feel
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Smooth acceleration
4. Expanded Warranty Support
Nissan responded to early issues with extended coverage in affected model years.
That matters. It shows accountability.
How Do Current Models Perform?
In modern vehicles like the Nissan Rogue and Nissan Altima:
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Failure rates are significantly lower
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Shudder complaints are reduced
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Customer satisfaction scores improved
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Long-term durability trends are stabilizing
From a dealership service perspective, we do not see the same volume of CVT-related failures in 2020+ vehicles that were present in earlier generations.
That’s an important distinction.
Are CVTs Less Reliable Than Traditional Automatics?
Not inherently.
But they require:
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Proper fluid maintenance
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Correct tire matching (especially on AWD models)
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Avoiding excessive towing beyond rating
Many CVT failures — across all brands — are tied to neglected maintenance.
What We See in Wisconsin
Common CVT issues in older vehicles often correlate with:
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High-mileage usage
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Missed fluid service
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Mismatched tires on AWD vehicles
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Heavy winter driving stress
In newer Nissan models, these concerns are far less common.
Winter driving does not inherently damage a CVT — lack of maintenance does.
Should CVT Reputation Still Stop You?
If you are buying:
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2013–2016 Nissan models → inspect carefully.
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2017–2019 models → verify service history.
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2020+ models → concern level is much lower.
Technology evolves.
Judging a 2024 Nissan by 2015 headlines isn’t accurate.
Why This Matters for Buyers
Online reputation sticks.
Engineering improvements happen quietly.
If you are evaluating a current-generation Nissan, focus on:
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Model year
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Service history
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Warranty coverage
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Inspection results
Not decade-old forum posts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Nissan CVTs still failing at high rates?
Modern models show significantly improved reliability compared to earlier generations.
Do CVTs cost more to replace?
Replacement costs are similar to modern automatic transmissions but can be expensive if maintenance is ignored.
Does cold weather damage a CVT?
No — as long as fluid levels and maintenance are proper.
Should I avoid Nissan because of CVTs?
Not for current-generation models. Evaluate by model year and condition.
Final Take
Yes, earlier Nissan CVTs had documented issues.
No, today’s CVTs are not the same transmissions.
Manufacturers evolve.
Products improve.
The data on newer models reflects that.
About the Author
Brett Kues is the Sales Director at Pischke Nissan in La Crosse, Wisconsin, with over 25 years in automotive retail leadership. He reviews service trends, warranty claims, and long-term ownership patterns across Nissan models with a focus on separating outdated reputation from current reality.
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