Nissan Altima owners have reported 21 problems related to transmission shudder (under the power train category). The most recently reported issues are listed below. Also please check out the statistics and reliability analysis of Nissan Altima based on all problems reported for the Altima.

• 2012 Nissan Altima Transmission Replacement Cost
• 2012 Nissan Altima Transmission Flush

While driving my Nissan Altima at highway speeds, the transmission started to shudder and eventually stopping pulling in the middle of traffic. I was almost hit by an 18 wheeler that bare had enough time and space to swerve and go around me. This could've easily been a fatal accident because of a faulty cvt transmission that Nissan knows about but refuses to correct. I took the car to the dealer and as expected they suggested replacing the transmission which is a $5,000 or more repair. So I contacted Nissan consumer affairs in hope of getting some assistance from Nissan since the vehicle is a 2016 with only a little over 100k miles. And like I've read on so many other forums and complaints, Nissan refused to offer any assistance. They would rather risk someone being injured or killed when these cars just randomly stop pulling while traveling on the road in traffic. I've owned several other Nissans, and every one with the cvt had this problem, I should've known better than to purchase another piece of junk Nissan but I gave them the benefit of the doubt and took a chance to only be in the same situation with a bad cvt transmission. My think is Nissan knows this is a problem and has been a problem of they've had since they went to the cvt transmission but they won't offer any assistance or repair the issue. Even the lady that I spoke to at consumer affairs said she had the same issue. Nissan did have a class action suit filed against them for this where they extended the transmission warranty to 84k miles but they're problems usually start right after 84k miles. I know some will say 100k out a transmission is good but I disagree, if you look at some of the competitors like Honda and Toyota�s, they're drivetrains surpasses the Nissans by hundreds of thousands of miles. I own a 2013 Honda accord with the cvt, it's at 265k miles with absolutely no issues.
See all problems of the 2016 Nissan Altima .

Got a 2012 Nissan Altima 2.5 I'm about to put a transmission in but I have had a few before this I put a transmission in and it did not fix the problem is there something I need to do different on thi read more. 2012 Nissan Altima. Consumer writes in regards to cvt transmission failure. The consumer stated the transmission would to shudder and jerk. The consumer requested assistance with the vehicle repair. See all problems of the 2012 Nissan Altima.

The transmission in my vehicle shudders between 1000 and 2000 rpm. Also, it will do the same shudder at highway speed sudden acceleration. Worse the warmer the transmission gets.
See all problems of the 2013 Nissan Altima .

The car has a cvt transmission that is not functioning properly. The transmission shudders, acclerates on its own, or turns off completely when it warms, it is not safe to drive on the freeway or drive in warm weather due to the fact that the car shuts off when it heats up. It is unsafe to drive, it continues to be a problem with many of Nissans cvt transmissions that they are not fixing.

Tl the contact owns a 2016 Nissan Altima. While driving, the vehicle jerked, shuddered, and the speed decreased from 70 to 20 mph. The vehicle was able to be pulled over to the road shoulder. The contact shut the vehicle off and sat for ten minutes. The vehicle was able to be driven home. The vehicle was towed to don davis Nissan (1320 I-20 frontage rd, arlington, TX 76018, (877) 415-3218) where it was diagnosed that the transmission and active shudder assembly needed to be replaced. The manufacturer stated that the power train warranty expired and opened a case for the contact. The manufacturer offered to help pay 60% of the repair costs for the transmission only. The vehicle was not repaired and the contact was assigned a loaner vehicle at no charge. The contact still had to pay over $2,000 to cover the active shudder assembly and was still responsible for $1,500 towards the remaining transmission costs. The failure mileage was 112,000.

2012 Nissan Altima Transmission Replacement Cost

Transmission began making grinding, rumbling sound and some vibration while in motion at 36,000 miles. Nissan provided no help.

2012 Nissan Altima. Consumer writes in regards to cvt transmission failure. The consumer stated the transmission would to shudder and jerk. The consumer requested assistance with the vehicle repair.
See all problems of the 2012 Nissan Altima .

I put the car in drive. The transmission grinded and the motor stalled. I was stopped at a red light with my foot on the brake and the motor continued to stall. The transmission clunks and sputters. It only has 58,000 miles. These cars should be recalled requiring Nissan to replace the transmissions.
See all problems of the 2014 Nissan Altima .

My wife's Altima transmission shudders when driving and the vehicle has went into limp mode several times while driving it at highway speeds due to the transmission problem. She was almost involved in an accident due to the vehicle suddenly without warning drop speed from engaging limp mode. Vehicle has just over 70k miles and the dealer states the vehicle is out of warranty and they did not extend the cvt warranty like they had on previous model years. Now we have a vehicle that needs a 4,000 transmission and hardly any mileage that would warrant a transmission replacement.

The transmission in my vehicle shudders between 1000 and 2000 rpm. It behaves worse at 1500rpm and when the weather is hot. I have to step on the gas and accelerate quickly to escape or avoid the shudder or have to completely let off the gas. It has shuddered so strongly that I have feared significant damage to the car while in motion. I also fear I will be in a situation where rapid acceleration or deceleration would be dangerous.

Transmission failed after 143k miles; violent shaking while transmission was engaged.
See all problems of the 2009 Nissan Altima .

In August of 2017 I was about to park my Altima when the transmission went out. I attempted to restart the car and the car would not shift into gear. Eventually, after many issues with a Nissan security plus warranty bait and switch issue I got the cvt transmission replaced. I have noticed even on this new transmission it still shudders around 25 mph frequently.

The contact owns a 2014 Nissan Altima. The contact stated that while driving at 40 mph, the transmission failed to shift gears. As a result, the vehicle began to jerk aggressively. The contact mentioned that she heard an abnormal noise coming from the engine. No warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the oil sparkled and the oil was changed but the failure recurred. The vehicle was then taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the inside of the transmission was grinding and would break and that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The contact stated that the manufacturer offered to buy back the vehicle in good faith however, the contact stated that she would need to pay two thousand dollars towards the buy back. The failure mileage was 92,000.

Transmission shudders during acceleration, generally between 1st and 2nd gear thus hesitation occurs when entering higher speed lanes. (I. E. A momentary hesitation in power during acceleration).

Cvt transmission vibrates excessively in interior (floorboards, steering wheel, gas pedal, and and me) noise level extremely high inside car. Dealer and Nissan America say they will not fix or buy back car. Purchased new in sept 2014. Had same car 2014 model that had no vibration or noise. Dealer had seven test drives and all agree with me, but no one would commit to saying the car needs to be fixed - they say it could be defective or could be a design problem. Either way I am stuck!!! would not recommend this car to anyone.
See all problems of the 2015 Nissan Altima .

I bought a new 2013 Nissan Altima 2. 5 s in August 2013 and the next month I noticed a shudder in the cvt transmission at approximately 20 mph. Since then it has occurred numerous times but at all speeds, ie 20 mph, 35 mph, 45 mph, it will happen at any speed. I've mentioned it to Nissan and they say its normal. Even the wife states that something is wrong with the transmission.

The cvt transmission is vibrating violently from 1200~1800 rpm which could potentially cause premature transmission failure during driving. Such vibration also compromises the mileages that Nissan has declared therefore more green house gas emission for same miles. Many 2013 Altima owners complained about the same thing in forums such as edmunds, cars. Com and etc. It is a mechanical design flaw the could severely jeopardise the car and hurt the people in it though Nissan never admit it or fix it in the past one year. I sincerely request nstha to look at this issue. Thanks.

Well I have noticed that I have a bad vibration and grinding noise between 1,200 and 1,800 rpm's worst at 1,500. This happens no matter what speed. I have brought it in to the dealership 2 different times for this and they tell me this is normal. I am sorry but when a transmission is vibrating or making bad noise's like this it has something wrong with it. I believe this is contributing to my very poor gas mileage. Also while from a stop and accelerating I have had my car surge and have no power while trying to accelerate. This has happened three times and 2 of the times I had a car come up on me fast becasue I was not able to accelerate. This can be a big safty issue.

Abnormal transmission grinding / lugging noise of the transmission at low rpm (1200-1600). Nissan claims noise is as designed. How is grinding noise in the transmission with a car that has 3000 miles normal? again Nissan claims that this is normal. 1800-343-6913 ext. [xxx] case # [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

Altima 3. 5 transmission has a severe shudder when accelerating normally at about 15-25 mph. This is intermittent but serious as it results is severe shock to the drivetrain. This was not present when new and has been increasing in severity over the last 1000 miles. The dealer says that Nissan engineers claim that it is 'characteristic' of the 3. 5. This is not true as it was not present when new and is constantly getting worse. It will probably soon result in transmission damage or complete failure which could be a serious safety issue.

The problem began with the transmission locking up or shuddering going down hill, throwing the vehicle and me forward. Ever been on a golf cart going down a hill where the governor throws you forward? multiply that by about 5 and that's what you get. It has progressively gotten worse, to the point where it actually causes the wheels to stop and 'chirp' on the pavement. Now, it even happens on relatively flat areas and, going up some hills, the transmission just about gives out. It's a safety issue for several reasons: (1) locking up going down a hill is unsafe if someone is behind you, (2) the severity of it could cause you to lose control of the car, (3) losing power going up a hill could cause you to be rear-ended. Nissan has been slow to respond even though other people have had the same problem. My dealer says that they searched Nissan's 'tech talk' across dealers and found nothing. Do a google search on 'Nissan deceleration shudder or lockup' and you'll find lots of folks with the same problem. Very unfortunate for an otherwise great car. They need to identify the problem and recall some or all of the 2013s.

Purchased a 2008 Nissan Altima, drove the car for 3,000 miles. Cvt transmission started making strange noises. Turned out to be defective. They replaced it, but did not put it back together properly. Been having problems with it ever since. Nov 30, 2009 took vehicle in for scheduled maintenance, had them examine transmission again for a grinding noise. They did not 'see' anything wrong with it but acknowledged transmission could be defective. Car is going in for more 'tests'. Nissan extended the warranty to 10 years 120,000 miles for cvt's, however I don't feel safe driving the vehicle.
See all problems of the 2008 Nissan Altima .

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2012 Nissan Altima

CarComplaints.com Notes: The 2012 Altima has a defect trend of CVT transmission failure showing up around the 100,000 mile mark.

It's an expensive repair at nearly $2,000 average repair cost. For more information see Nissan Altima CVT defect info on NissanProblems.com.

Typical Repair Cost:

$2,780

Average Mileage:

111,800 miles

Total Complaints:

15 complaints

Most Common Solutions:

1. replace transmission (14 reports)
2. misdiagnosed noise (1 reports)

transmission problem

Helpful websites

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2012 Nissan Altima Owner Comments

Altima V6

• Automatic transmission
• 153,094 miles

Just got vehicle paid off and transmission went out got fixed a week later tore up so got rid of it but not before I paid out 3700 Hundred dollars

2012 Nissan Altima Transmission Flush

- Penny P., Chipley, US

Altima L 2.5L

• CVT transmission
• 90,679 miles

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. I had been warned about the trans possibly going around 80 thousand miles but never had a problem till now. This CVT trans is the same trans that have been failing everywhere on these Nissans. Can't understand why the 2012 Altima was not included in the extended warranty automatically like the 2013 and many more.

Update from Jul 16, 2020: My car was misdiagnosed by nissan. Nothing wrong with transmission at this point. The noise came from the 2 front wheel hubs which I repaired and the car drives great

Update from Jul 16, 2020: Nothing wrong with trans. Misdiagnosed by nissan. 2 front wheel hub bearing were bad. Repaired myself

- Dave K., Broomall, PA, US

Altima 2.5L

• CVT transmission
• 80,000 miles

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.

- deandranita, Houston, US

Altima

• CVT transmission
• 129,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

My 2012 Nissan Altima transmission went out. I tried everything to get it fixed because my warranty had just ran out. I knew the transmission was defective..

- Geraldine M., Kingsland, GA, US

Altima Altima S 2.5L

• CVT transmission
• 86,021 miles

I just had it sitting in my garage for a month as my wife was out of the country. But when I decided to drive it to keep it in shape 3 lights lit up. Took it to a repair shop and they told me I needed a new transmission and that they had numerous previous problems with Nissan CVT transmissions.

- bosco6737rd, SNELLVILLE, US

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Altima SL 2.5L

• CVT transmission
• 103,529 miles

Bought my 2012 Altima used in November of 2017, with about 155,000 kms on it.

Drove for about 6 months with no issues, was a great car to drive until one day.. the transmission started with its high-pitched whine.

About 30 kms later, the RPMs were going off on their own and the car revved up to 7,000 RPM while idling in traffic. Straight to the dealer from there. They informed me that the car had experienced a total transmission failure!!!! WTF!!! this is a 6 year old car that has been well taken care of.

Not acceptable, Nissan! I am completely and utterly disappointed with this car and this brand. After driving Hondas and Toyotas for many years, I thought I was stepping up by getting a Nissan.. but no.

I'm fuming mad about this and am waiting on a call-back from some call center supervisor. They don't know whats coming for them.. it's bloody extortion!!

If Nissan responds positively to my requests, I'll update this post to reflect that.

Cheers.

- Casey O., Halifax, NS, Canada

Altima S 2.5L V4

• CVT transmission
• 90,567 miles

Thought the world of Nissan till I bought one. 2012 Altima purchased early 2017 with 62,000 miles. Transmission has completely failed at just over 90,500 miles on 06/08/2018 also after a lifetime of full service from previous owner and myself. I'm gonna be out around 3500. I will not be buying another Nissan after this. The fact that they recalled to 2010 when 2012s are failing at the same rate lets me know my loyalty should be elsewhere. Only wish I would've learned about these issues sooner because prior to my purchase I had only ever heard good things about Nissan.

- Billy P., Carriere, MS, US

Altima 2.5L

• CVT transmission
• 110,000 miles

CVT is bullshit!! Second time replacing in 2 years!!!!

- Letisha C., Mt.Gilead, NC, US

Altima 4S 2.5L

• CVT transmission
• 174,000 miles

The first car I ever had that couldn't make it to 200,000 miles. Do not buy a car with the CVT transmission. After researching it, it will never be a good one. Service man said he hasn't been able to save any of them following the Toyota service maintenance.

3m inspection reader with usb1.1 driver download. - Cindy W., Fort Branch, US

Altima SL 4

• CVT transmission
• 100,008 miles

I recently took a road trip and noticed that my car started to lose power uphill. I pushed my foot all the way down to the pedal and still had no power. I was terrified. Upon return , I took my car to the Nissan dealership and they told me that I needed a new transmission. I didn't replace it yet. I'm still debating on whatever I should trade it in or trash ir.

- K C., Atlanta, US

Altima SE 2.5L $ cyl

• CVT transmission
• 129,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

I own a 2012 Nissan Altima. Just hit 130000k miles on it and my CVT transmission went out and me left in the middle of a intersection. It didn't want to accelerate or respond at all. Thank God people stopped and helped me push the car out of the way.

I called my uncle who is a professional mechanic that builds motors for a living. When he asked me what car I drive, he already knew what it was. I even called a few other mechanic friends and neither of them have anything good to say about the CVT. My uncle said if I get it fixed to get rid of the car asap, because once it happens it will be a ongoing problem. It doesn't matter how many times you try to fix it Mind you that I'm paying on it still. If I would've known about this I would've never have purchased the vehicle. Nissan will never tell their customers that are coming in to purchase a Altima, a Rogue or Pathfinder that they have CVT transmission and that they're horrible.

I took my my car to Nissan to get it checked out and they were charging $5,000 to replace transmission. I don't understand how they can continue selling and putting people in these vehicles with this type of issue, Its not right at all they're putting peoples lives at risk. I've owned Hondas and Toyotas before I purchased this Altima. I've put 200,000 miles on my cars in the past and I NEVER EVER had a transmission issue at all.

This is my last time I will ever buy a Nissan. I will stick to Honda or Toyota for now on. So if you're thinking about purchasing a Altima you better think again and save your money and go buy a Honda or a Toyota to save yourself a headache and your life.

- Yadiel R., Tampa, US

Altima SL 2.5L

• CVT transmission
• 115,425 miles

Nissan Covers a lot of their 2003-2010 Nissans with 120k miles and it saved me with my 2008 Sentra at 110k. Now my 2012 Altima SL is dead 115k. I have another 2007 Altima and it's at 106k. I'm starting to see a trend with these transmissions and I think I'm going to have to start looking for another company with better coverage or better transmission history!

Update from Jan 17, 2018: The extended warranty covers 2009-2010 Altimas, then why isn`t my 2012 covered since Nissan put the same faulty transmission in?2009 Nissan Altima SedanPart No. 31020-1XE0APart No. 310C0-1XE1BPart No. 31020-1XF3DPart No. 31020-1XT6DPart No. 31020-1XF3EPart No. 31020-1XF4CPart No. 31020-1XT3C

2010 Nissan Altima SedanPart No. 31020-1XE1B Part No. 31020-1XF3DPart No. 31020-1XT6DPart No. 31020-1XT3CPart No. 3102M-1XT3CRE

2012 Nissan Altima SedanPart No. 31020-1XT3C oldPart No. 3102M-1XT3CRE

- James C., Ray City, US

Altima SL 2.5L

• CVT transmission
• 121,000 miles

I 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. First time in shop I was told that the scope showed no warning codes and recommendation was to complete the 100,000 mile maintenance of flushing transmission and spark plug replacement, which was done and car seems to ruin ok.. for a few days. Then same issues.

We took a trip to Colorado from MInnesota and the problem with hesitation and chugging with automatic gear shifting. I took the car back in and again in December with technician now driving the car was told nothing was showing up. Car continued to get worse with now no acceleration, so I took it in a week ago when the car was showing alot more signs of something wrong, and technician drove with me in the car and stated to service manager that he didn't experience anything that indicated an issue. The next day, of course on a Saturday, the car would not go over 5 miles an hour and created almost a massive accident on local city street. I immediately took it in to the dealership and was finally given the news (which I knew all the time) that codes where indicating a transmission failure and unfortunately was in need of a new transmission! Cost $3,900 and some change!!!

That's when I started researching and saw this problem dated back to 2008 with Nissan products. Nissan did settle on a class action suit by providing car owners an extended warranty, yet knowingly, they continued to manufacture cars with the same transmission! I am outraged that dealers continue to sell these cars and blatantly look purchasers in the face and lie about this product's performance. I feel that Nissan should be replacing these faulty transmissions in all models that are complained about due to them continuing placing these transmissions in their models.

Drivers kingjim. - Debra B., Eagle Lake, MN, US

Altima S 2.5L

• Automatic transmission
• 106,000 miles

Started without warning. Stranded. Only goes in reverse, its a 2016, had 2 years.

- cruzm, Buffalo, NY, US

Altima SL 4 cyl

• Automatic transmission
• 88,000 miles

Purchased my 2012 Altima from a dealer - certified pre-owned. Did all required maintenance/repairs. Transmission just failed. Nissan's response..oh..sorry. Now that I'm reading online, there are multiple reports of this problem for a variety of Nissan vehicles - problem isn't limited to the Altima - and the company knows about it. It's too late for me..save yourself. Do the homework before you buy a Nissan - they have high transmission failure rates shortly after warranty ends.

- Rebecca S., Collinsville, IL, US