2012 Nissan Altima Transmission



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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.

Transmission Shudder problem of the 2016 Nissan Altima 1

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 .

Transmission Shudder problem of the 2013 Nissan Altima 2

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 .

Transmission Shudder problem of the 2016 Nissan Altima 3

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.

Transmission Shudder problem of the 2016 Nissan Altima 4

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.

Transmission Shudder problem of the 2013 Nissan Altima 5

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

Transmission Shudder problem of the 2012 Nissan Altima 6

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 .

Transmission Shudder problem of the 2014 Nissan Altima 7

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 .

Transmission Shudder problem of the 2013 Nissan Altima 8

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.

Transmission Shudder problem of the 2013 Nissan Altima 9

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 Shudder problem of the 2009 Nissan Altima 10

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

Transmission Shudder problem of the 2014 Nissan Altima 11

2012 Nissan Altima Automatic Transmission

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.

Transmission Shudder problem of the 2014 Nissan Altima 12

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 Shudder problem of the 2013 Nissan Altima 13

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).

Transmission Shudder problem of the 2015 Nissan Altima 14

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 .

Transmission Shudder problem of the 2013 Nissan Altima 15

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.

Transmission Shudder problem of the 2013 Nissan Altima 16
2012

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.

Transmission Shudder problem of the 2013 Nissan Altima 17

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.

Transmission Shudder problem of the 2013 Nissan Altima 18

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).

Transmission Shudder problem of the 2013 Nissan Altima 19

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.

Transmission Shudder problem of the 2013 Nissan Altima 20

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.

Transmission Shudder problem of the 2008 Nissan Altima 21

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 .


Other Common Power Train related problems of Nissan Altima

Problem CategoryNumber of Problems
Power Train problems
Transmission Failure problems
116
Vehicle Shudder problems
Automatic Transmission problems
66
Transmission Noise problems
Clutch Pedal/linkage problems
47
Transmission Gear Slipping problems
Transmission Not Go Into Gear problems
28
Automatic Transmission Torque Converter problems
Manual Transmission problems
23

The Nissan Altima has unfortunately been plagued by numerous transmission problems throughout the years. The Nissan Altima sedan and coupe have both had many problems – and none of these are good signs for potential buyers.

If you are considering buying a Nissan Altima, there are many things you should be aware of before pulling the trigger. You should schedule an inspection before purchasing with a trusted mechanic to ensure that the vehicle is in good condition before buying. A transmission mechanic will be able to identify the problems using diagnostic tools, test the car parts and system to ensure they’re working properly, perform basic care, repair and replace necessary parts, and perform quality repairs.

Unfortunately for Nissan lovers, there are many poor models of the Nissan Altima that have been produced. The Nissan Altima has other problem areas over the years, but the main issue we have found is the Nissan Altima transmission problems. The most common Altima transmission issues cost around $3,300 to fix, and typically occur at 53,000 miles. The worst model year of Nissan Altima is the 2013 model, with severe problems regarding the CVT transmission.

What Is The Job Of The Transmission?

The transmission is an important part of your car that ensures the right amount of power is given to your wheels, in order to drive at a specific speed. If you hear strange noises coming from the inner workings of your vehicle, your transmission is damaged. It is very important to understand that the transmission system is crucial for the proper running and functioning of your vehicle. Without the transmission running correctly, the vehicle will not be able to work safely or smoothly.

Your car needs the transmission to drive. Your car’s transmission runs on fluid. Therefore, it is important that you keep your transmission fluid at an optimal level so your car does not stop working.

History of the Nissan Altima Transmission Problems

The Nissan Altima is a mid-size car that has been produced and manufactured by the auto company, Nissan, since 1992. The Altima was designed to be larger and more powerful than the company’s Sentra, but not quite as powerful and big as the Nissan Maxima. The Nissan Altima was also designed to rival competitor cars like the Honda Accord, Toyota Camry, and Subaru Legacy.

2012 Nissan Altima Transmission For Sale

The issues with the Nissan Altima began in the third generation. By the end of the third generation in 2002, the Altimas had excessive oil consumption, which caused numerous crashes. In addition, there were issues with the catalytic converter failing, which is an exhaust emission control device and imperative for safe driving. The converter was forcing objects back into the exhaust manifold, which can cause a dangerous obstruction.

After the year 2002, the problems with the Nissan Altimas continued. The Nissan Altima transmission problems are apparent between the years of 2002-2013 especially.

2002 Nissan Altima Problems

The 2002 Nissan Altima had the most complaints about the engine system, the exhaust system, and the transmission. Although the transmission problems were prevalent during this year, the transmission issues were not as pressing as the engine concerns.

The engine has numerous issues like the engine burning oil too much, the catalytic converter goes bad, the head gasket can blow, or the entire engine will need replacing. The engine cooling problems have caused at least 3 crashes, seven fires, five injuries, and typically occur at around 76,000 miles. The severity rating for this issue is 10.0. Replacing an engine generally costs an average of $3,000-$4,000.

The transmission issues in the 2002 Nissan Altima involve the powertrain and automatic transmission. The Nissan Altima transmission problems in this model involve the vehicle hesitating and jerking while trying to accelerate, causing a potential dangerous situation for the driver and the passengers.

2003 Nissan Altima Problems

The 2003 Nissan Altima has numerous problems, involving similar issues to the 2002 model. The engine category issues involve the engine burning oil too much, the crankshaft sensor failing, the engine failing, and the check engine light coming on while driving – which is a sign that your transmission could be failing. The transmission issues involve the power train, with both automatic and manual transmission.

Although there are issues with this model, the 2003 Nissan Altima transmission problems are minimal compared to other years. There are user reports of the vehicle shaking violently while trying to accelerate, but the reports are not as many as other following and subsequent years. This problem, however, has caused two crashes, one injury, one death, and occurs at an average of 35,000 miles – which is very low for Nissan Altima transmission issues to occur.

2004 Nissan Altima Problems

This year of Nissan Altima has very few issues when compared to the previous and following years. The main category that has problems with this year’s model is the engine category, followed by various paint and electrical issues. The Nissan Altima transmission problems are minimal with this model, and follow suit with the previous two years.

2005 Nissan Altima Problems

2012 Nissan Altima Transmission Oil

Unfortunately for Nissan, the company experienced a spike in complaints and user issues with this year’s model. There are three main categories that contain issues with this year – the engine, the body/paint, and the transmission category.

The Nissan Altima transmission problems involve the transmission jerking, failing, shifting roughly, and slipping while using. There are certain signs to tell if your transmission is slipping while driving. One or more of the following things may be happening in your Nissan Altima – your check engine light is on, RPM is greater than 3,500, acceleration is delayed, burning smells, inability to reverse, issues with shifting gears, strange noises when shifting, and the reverse is not engaging. The burning smell is a sign that your transmission is failing.

Some of the causes of these transmission issues are due to leaking transmission fluid, low fluid, the shifter, internal transmission issues like the brakes dragging, or low transmission fluid. Any of these problems can cause Nissan Altima transmission problems.

In addition, the NHTSA has created numerous complaints with the power train system, dealing with manual transmission problems. This complaint deals with the clutch sticking to the floor, the acceleration losing more than half of the pressure, the clutch dropping too quickly to the floor, and trouble with trying to shift into neutral. Although manual transmission cars are most likely to have clutch issues, automatic transmission slipping can cause clutch problems as well. These problems generally happen at an average of 45,000 miles.

2006-2008 Nissan Altima Problems

The Nissa Altima transmission problems for this time span are less than the 2002 and 2005 years, but it is just a lull before what is to come. During these years, the three main categories of issues remain consistent – the engine, the body/paint, and the transmission.

In 2006, the Nissan Altima transmission problems involved the transmission slipping and jerking, problems with the automatic power train, and issues with the manual powertrain. The NHTSA cited 15 complaints about the manual transmission, and eight complaints about the automatic transmission. There are many reports of the clutch pedal sinking to the floor and not returning to the right position after being pressed.

The 2007 Nissan Altima transmission problems are the top category of issues for this year’s model. The 2007 Nissan Altima has a defective trend of CVT transmission failure, commonly appearing at around the 100,000-mile point. The price to repair the CVT transmission is quite costly, with an average of $4,000.

The 2008 Nissan Altima continues the trend of the 2007 Nissan with the defective trend of CVT transmission failure at around 100,000 miles. Due to the costly repair, the transmission issues with these two models are intense, despite not being reported very often.

2009 Nissan Altima Problems

This year Nissan Altima contains many more problems than the previous three years. The top two categories of concern regarding the 2009 Nissan Altima are the steering issues, and the transmission problems, featuring 3 NHTSA complaints.

The transmission issues include a shuddering feeling while accelerating, a whining noise with increased speed, transmission failure, and the shifting hesitating while driving – which is a sign that you might have a transmission fluid leak. These problems generally happen at around 80,000 miles and cost $2,500 to repair. One of the most common solutions is to purchase a new transmission, which can sometimes run as high as $1,000.

2010-2012 Nissan Altima Problems

The Nissan Altimas during this timespan do not contain as many issues as the previous year, but are by no means Scott-free. The main category that has problems with the 2010 Nissan Altima is the interior accessories, followed by electrical and engine issues.

The 2011 Nissan Altima has transmission as the top category of problems. The main areas of concern involve transmission failure and a high pitch whining noise while accelerating. This model has a defective trend of CVT transmission issues that generally occurs at the 100,00-mile mark. This repair cost is an average of $4,00, making the 2011 Nissan Altima transmission problems a severe problem for drivers.

The 2012 Nissan Altima is similar to the previous year in that it has a defect trend of the CVT transmission that generally happens at 100,000 miles. This means that the 2012 Nissan Altima transmission problems are unfortunately severe, since the repair cost is so high.

The transmission issue generally deals with the driver not being able to increase the speed, the transmission failing, the car hesitating while stopping, and the car jerking severely when shifted into drive.

2013 Nissan Altima Problems

The 201 Nissan Altima is the worst-rated model year based on several factors, like the repair cost and average mileage when the problems occur. The top problem categories with this year and model are the transmission, interior accessories, heater, windows, and steering.

There are numerous reports of this year’s Altima shuddering or hesitating while driving, causing the car to run roughly. Numerous users have reported that going over or under a certain speed causes the car to shake. The most common solution for this model is to get a new transmission, replace the transmission, or perform a complete CVT replacement. The typical repair cost for the transmission problems is $3,100. In general, a new transmission cost will run between $1,000-$6,000. The problem generally occurs at an average of 53,000 miles and has a severity rating of 8.3.

Nissan extended a warranty for the CVT transmission issues. The existing powertrain warranty coverage of 60,000 miles or 5 years was extended to 10 years of 120,000 miles for CVT repairs, replacements, or towing.

The next issue with the transmission is that the Nissan Altima transmission stopped working. The main solution for the transmission stopping working is to replace the transmission. The average repair cost for this is $3,360 and occurs at around 78,000 miles. The 2013 Nissan Altima has multiple problem trends with the CVT transmission, enhancing the Nissan Altima transmission problems.

The third transmission problem is the gear shift getting stuck in the park. A common sign of a failing transmission is that you are having trouble putting your car in gear. Your transmission could be leaking, which could cause your entire transmission system to overheat. The most common solution for this would be to press the emergency release button or to replace the shifter assembly. A leaky transmission repair cost is generally between $150-$200 – however, the typical repair cost for this in this model is $440, and occurs at around 72,000 miles. The severity rating for this issue is 7.5.

The Nissan Altima transmission problems involve the owners complaining about vibration and transmission failure related to the CVT, a whining noise from the power steering pump, and windshield problems due to poor design. Sadly for Nissan, the 2014 and the 2015 versions share the same issues that have begun during this year.

What If I Don’t Feel Safe Driving My Nissan Altima?

2012 Altima Cvt Transmission Fix

If you have one of the worst years of the Nissan Altima, like the 2013 or 2009, then you might not feel comfortbale owning the vehicle due othte Nissan Altima transmission problems. One ubuntu for mac. In this case, your best bet would be to sell your car to a junk car buyer to earn some money.

2012 Nissan Altima Transmission Mount Replacement

Bring your vehicle to CashCarsBuyer to obtain a fair quote, excellent customer service, and earn some cash to put towards a new, safe, and reliable car.