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2012 nissan altima transmission problems

by Amie Kunde Published 3 years ago Updated 3 years ago

  • Transmission Failure. One of the most common problems related to the Nissan Altima is a failure of the function of the transmission.
  • Lack of Acceleration. One of the most common problems with the transmission in the Nissan Altima is a sense of lack of acceleration.
  • Jerking and Uneven Movements. Some reports of the Nissan Altima’s transmission not accelerating at a smooth level have also been noted.
  • Shifting at Stop or Idle Positions. Some consumers reported a problem with the Nissan Altima having trouble with the vehicle shifting out of gear when the driver comes to a ...

Full Answer

How do check transmission fluid on a Nissan Altima?

Transmission Fluid Level Check Nissan Altima (2013-2018)

  1. Getting Started - Prepare for the repair
  2. Open the Hood - How to pop the hood and prop it open
  3. Remove Dipstick - Access point for transmission fluid
  4. Add Fluid - Determine correct fluid type and add fluid
  5. Replace Dipstick - Put the dipstick / cap back in place
  6. More Info. - Additional information on checking trans. fluid levels

How do you remove a manual transmission in Nissan Altima?

  • Mass air flow sensor to the cleaner case
  • Air cleaner to electronic throttle control actuator tube
  • Tube clamp at the electronic throttle control actuator
  • Mass air flow sensor electrical connector

How often to change transmission fluid Nissan Altima?

When Toyota came out with trannies requiring the WS (World Standard) fluid - Toyota considered it a lifetime fluid. Since then Toyota has backed off and now recommend 50k miles. As for Nissan…Considering the problems Nissan has had with their CVT transmission - I’d change it at least every 50k miles.

Did Nissan fix the CVT problems?

Nissan introduced its first constantly variable transmission (CVT) in 2002 and it immediately began showing problems with difficulty accelerating, shaking / stuttering, running hot, and suddenly shutting down. Nissan addressed the root cause of those problems and upgraded the transmission.

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Does 2012 Altima have transmission problems?

The previous Nissan Altima generation (2007 to 2012) is also prone to poor CVT operation and failure. Because of these issues, Nissan extended the Altima's powertrain warranty (2007 to 2010 models only) to cover CVT problems for up to 10 years or 120,000 miles.

Does the Nissan Altima have transmission problems?

Owners and lessees of Nissan Altima vehicles have reported several recurring problems with the CVT transmissions, including lurching, acceleration issues, vehicle overheating and premature transmission failure.

What are signs of Nissan Altima transmission problems?

The most common reported issues include difficulty accelerating, shaking and stuttering, the engine running low and shutting down suddenly. Other issues that can be caused by the CVT transmission include loss of power, transmission jerking, transmission belt slippage, coolant hose leakage and a CVT error message.

How much does it cost to replace a 2012 Nissan Altima transmission?

The cost of a new 2012 Nissan Altima transmission could be over $3,500 depending on the vehicle, however, transmission services such as fluid changes and a transmission fluid flush are considerably less expensive, in some cases costing less than $150.

What years did Nissan have CVT transmission problems?

Generally, the issues have been reported between 2012/2013 and 2018. There were some problems in 2003 when Nissan first began using this transmission and in the 2007-2012 CVT generation. Specific models include the Murano, Sentra, Altima, Rogue, Versa, and Versa Note.

Is there a recall on 2012 Nissan Altima?

Summary: NISSAN IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2012 ALTIMA AND VERSA VEHICLES. THESE VEHICLES MAY BE EQUIPPED WITH SIDE CURTAIN AIR BAGS THAT CONTAIN AN INCORRECT PROPELLANT MIXTURE FOR THE INITIATOR COMPONENT USED, RESULTING IN INSUFFICIENT OUTPUT OF COMPRESSED GAS.

How do I know if my Nissan transmission is bad?

Recurring problems with Nissan's transmissions include:Lurching and Jerking.Shaking and Shuddering.Vehicle Hesitation or Stalling.Burning Smells.Transmission Overheating.Delayed Acceleration.Engine Revving.Strange Shifting Noises.More items...

Why do Nissan CVT transmissions fail?

Nissan CVTs are known to overheat, especially after traveling at highway speeds for a long time or driving up a steep grade. When the transmission overheats, the vehicle often goes into a fail-safe or “limp” mode, resulting in a loss of power.

What happens when CVT transmission fails?

If the transmission or acceleration slips and you lose power during driving, is a symptom of a bad or faulty CVT transmission. 4. Jerking while shifting or uneven shifting during acceleration could occur when you are shifting or accelerating in your car.

Is it worth replacing a transmission?

Rebuilding a transmission can save you a lot of money over the short-term, while keeping car payments out of your monthly budget. For many, rebuilding their transmission is worth the initial cost. Rebuilding a transmission may cost you twenty-five hundred dollars or more, which is a significant chunk of change.

Can CVT transmissions be repaired?

Yes, CVT Transmissions can be repaired, but the most effective way to avoid having to repair them is to make sure that you replace the fluid at Nissan's (or your own manufacturers) recommended Intervals and avoid putting unapproved load or stress on your CVT vehicle (towing or trailering).

How long do CVT transmissions last?

CVT transmissions last just as long as a traditional automatic transmission and are designed to last the full life of the vehicle. The typical CVT has a life expectancy of at least 100,000 miles. Certain models like the Toyota Prius commonly last well over 300,000 miles.

1 Transmission Failure problem

Nissan Altima 2012 2.

2 Transmission Failure problem

Cvt transmission has failed. 6 years old. Less than 120,000 miles. Stopped at redlight, could not pull out or reverse, car would only go 3-5mph. Car engine runs fine.

3 Transmission Failure problem

Now I know. As in almost all Nissan Altima's that have the cvt transmission fails. No prewarning from the vehicle and especially Nissan corporation or dealership. My transmission has failed. It is apparently a horrible unjust serious problem the Nissan people are not addressing or trying any at all to help.

4 Transmission Failure problem

Driving vehicle at time of transmission failure. Have a 2012 Nissan 2. 5l Altima with recent extended warranty that just expired. (of course). I have been dealing with the car and its hesitation and chugging issues since October 2015. I brought car into the dealership and on three separate occasions concerned about the performance of the vehicle.

5 Transmission Failure problem

I was driving my 2012 Nissan Altima on a busy 4 lane road. I was in the turning lane when my car refused to accelerate. I had power and the engine revved when I pushed on the pedal, but the car would not move. I put the car in park, shut it off and restarted it. The car then jerked its way through the intersection.

6 Transmission Failure problem

Purchased car new Sep 2012. All manufacturer recommended services completed by Nissan dealership service centers. Cvt transmission failed Jun 10, 2015. Failure confirmed by two different Nissan service centers.

7 Transmission Failure problem

2012 Nissan Altima. Consumer writes in regards to cvt transmission failure. The consumer stated he started noticing little glitches, in otherwise smooth rides. Then he started experiencing a 2-3 second delay between depressing the accelerator and the vehicle actually moving.

Helpful websites

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Altima

Had issues with shuddering a few years ago, took it for repairs, and it worked well for another year. Started having problems again a few months ago with failure to accelerate, RPMs way high, even idling, jerking and slipping. The dealership quotes me $6k for a new transmission.

Altima

After my Altima transmission failed, I found out they have had failing CVT transmissions STEADILY for the LAST 15 OR 20 years. ON multiple occasions, and only after they were sued in Class Actions, they would offer extended warranties and pay to fix transmissions that were beyond the original warranty.

Altima S 2.5L

Need a transmission replacement! At a mere 80,000 miles!! Vehicle is worth less than this repair.

Altima SL 2.5L

I was driving home from work late at night on a busy road and my 2012 Nissan Altima suddenly jerked a few times and then completely would not move at all. My mechanic told me the transmission has failed and would need to be replaced. I looked into it and found out just how unreliable the CVT transmissions are.

Altima L 2.5L

Transmission failed. For some reason the 2012 Altimas are not covered under the class action lawsuit. We bought the car new and always changed oil and kept up car. My wife drives this car and she has always babied it. Have bought 3 Nissan since 2012. 1 2012 lease, one 2015 lease.

Altima 2.5L

I have a 2012 Nissan Altima the CVT transmission went out on it. This should not be a problem in this car so soon. I have read numerous complaints with the same problem. Why we they not address this and recall this. It really looks bad on the Nissan brand.

What is wrong with the transmission on a Nissan Altima?

One of the most common problems with the transmission in the Nissan Altima is a sense of lack of acceleration. The driver depresses the gas pedal. Nothing happens. It does not accelerate and increase in speed. Drivers also stated there was no increase in RPMs, either.

What is wrong with the Nissan Altima?

One of the most common problems related to the Nissan Altima is a failure of the function of the transmission. Unfortunately, numerous vehicles from this manufacturer have had this problem. It relates to the CVT transmission that was a component of this vehicle.

How often should I flush my Nissan transmission?

However, Nissan issued a notice to technicians to have the transmission flushed at every 40,000 miles instead. This may help to prevent some of these problems.

Why can't I get my car to go 60 miles per hour?

They could not get the vehicle to get up to speed above 55 to 60 miles per hour. The result was an increased risk of damage. There are various potential causes for this problem. One of those causes relates to the vehicle’s air filter or fuel filter being dirty or clogged.

Is the Nissan CVT transmission bad?

The Nissan CVT transmission is easily recognized as one of the worst. It was designed to help improve the performance of the engine. Yet, many drivers reported problems with it right from the start. Some of the problems relate to the concerns listed above. This includes the lack of acceleration of the transmission.

Does the Nissan Altima have a smooth transmission?

Some reports of the Nissan Altima’s transmission not accelerating at a smooth level have also been noted. In these vehicles, the driver depresses the gas pedal. The vehicle may lurch forward. Others report a jerking movement, especially when changing gears. Some drivers note that the transmission is slipping.

What is a transmission problem, and what does it mean for your Nissan Altima?

A transmission problem is the failure of your car's engine to transfer power from the drive train to the wheels. This happens in several ways, and it can be mild or severe. For example, a bad or slipping clutch will cause a Nissan Altima to stall when trying to take off.

The Top Five Transmission Problems with the Nissan Altima

While several reported complaints about Nissan Altima transmission problems, it is often difficult to tell if the common problems are actually with the transmission or somewhere else.

How to fix each one of these problems?

If you get to a point where you're dealing with one of the problems on the list, you have to check your transmission fluid. You can try checking it yourself or taking it to a shop where they will do it for you. If there's not enough in there and your car is in dire need of a change, bring it to the shop, and they will change it for you.

How to prevent Nissan Altima Transmission problems?

The best way to avoid transmission problems with your Nissan Altima is to have regular check-ups done at a shop you trust. This will allow professionals to find and fix any potential issues before they happen.

Are there any transmission-related recalls for Nissan Altima?

There have been a few transmission-related recalls for the Nissan Altima. In late 2016, some reports of the CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) failed in models built between 2013 and 2016. If your car is affected, you'll likely hear a loud noise when the transmission fails.

Transmission Problems with the Nissan Altima FAQs

answer the most frequently asked questions about Nissan Altima transmission problems.

Conclusion

The Nissan Altima is a popular car, but it can experience transmission problems like all vehicles. In this article, we've listed the five most common issues with the Altima's transmission and how to prevent them. We also list any recalls that have been issued for Altima's transmission system.

Nissan Altima: History

Nissan Altima is a car that has been manufactured and sold by Nissan Motors since 1992. The car model was first released as a compact car designed to replace the Nissan Stanza. It was built on Nissan's A platform under its “Nissan N engine.” The car quickly became the top-selling model after introducing it in Japan and North America.

What transmission options does Nissan Altima have?

Except for the base model, all Nissan Altima models have an automatic transmission. They either come with a CVT or four-speed automatic transmission. A continuously variable transmission offers you better acceleration when compared to a four-speed automatic.

Transmission Problems in Nissan Altima

Although Nissan Altima has gained immense popularity among customers, it has faced severe issues with transmission problems.

What are the worst Nissan Altima model years to avoid?

The worst Nissan Altima model years to avoid are those with some transmission problems with some noticeable problems like harsh shifting between gears and slipping of gears.

Are there any Nissan Altima recalls?

There are no Nissan Altima recalls for its transmissions as it is not prone to any major issues.

How to avoid buying a Nissan Altima with transmission problems?

If you know some specific model years and models that had some problems related to transmission, then it is better to avoid buying such cars.

How to Prevent Transmissions Problems in Nissan Altima?

To avoid transmission problems in Nissan Altima, you have to check fluid level and condition regularly.

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