CVT Noises - Just the facts and any updates

Nissan Rogue forum - Includes Nissan Qashqai and Nissan Dualis as well.
philipa_240sx
Posts: 4138
Joined: Thu Jun 21, 2007 7:30 am
Location: Canada

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Hello all Rogue owners,

We have managed to get some further information regarding the CVT issues. Most of this is what we already know, however I wanted to post it again for everyone. This information was gathered from some reputable sources within the Nissan community.

Note: The following information does not represent any official statement from Nissan, Jatco, or it's affiliates, dealers, etc.

Feel free to comment, however I wish to keep strictly to the facts to help inform fellow Rogue owners. ANY posts that are unrelated to this issue, rants against Nissan, etc. will be promptly deleted.

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The Symptoms:

A light metallic rattle that usually occurs for a few seconds on deceleration at low speeds (<5mph). We have had other reports of noises at higher speeds, especially on AWD models.

Models Affected:

A small number of 2008 and possibly 2009 Nissan Rogues, all trim levels and both FWD and AWD versions. Not every Rogue is affected and there are reports of many vehicles without any noises at all.

This does not mean that your Rogue is affected, nor does it indicate a defect. If you don't hear anything, you likely don't have a problem. If you 'think' you may have the noise issue, then I suggest having you vehicle checked by the dealer.

The Facts:

- So far there is no evidence to suggest a certain model year, VIN range, or trim level is more prone to the noise issue. AWD models were the first to have reports of the issue, but there are reports of FWD models with the noise as well.

- The CVT does make some very different noises during operation than a conventional transmission. Some of these noises may be very unusual (especially at low speeds), but Nissan considers them a normal part of CVT operation.

- Nissan Techs know very little on the inner workings of the CVT. It's a very complex unit and cannot be serviced at the dealer as it requires special tools. As a result the technician simply diagnoses any problems and if the CVT appears to be the issue, requests a replacement unit.

- There appears to be no further information provided by Nissan or Jatco as to the cause of any CVT noise issues.

- To date, there are no examples of CVT's exhibiting low speed noises causing any component failure. There have only been a few reports on this forum of driveability issues.

- We have not been able to confirm if Nissan has made any changes or revisions to the CVT in 2009 and any replacement CVT's. Part numbers can change through the course of normal production and it does not necessarily indicate a new model, or any enhancements. If any changes have been made, it's possible only the engineers at Nissan and Jatco are aware of them.

- This particular model CVT is used in other vehicles including non-Nissan's:

Model: Nissan model# RE0F10A / Jatco model# JF011E

'07-09 Altima - with 2.5L QR25DE motor'07-09 Sentra - with 2.5L QR25DE motor or 2.0L MR20DE motor

Domestic/imports:

- Dodge Caliber, Jeep Compass, Jeep Patriot. Note: Chrysler uses different programming/computer for their CVT than Nissan and behaves differently.- Mitsubishi Outlander (FWD and AWD)

The Rogue is the only Nissan vehicle sold in North America that has the AWD version of this transmission. Mitsubishi and Chrysler may have the AWD version as well depending on model. The AWD version has additional cooling, a different case, and a third 'output' to send power to the transfer case and finally to the rear wheels.


bryanrmt
Posts: 2
Joined: Thu May 07, 2009 9:54 am

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Hello? regarding that rattling sound of Rouge, can you already detect that during test drive or it takes time before you can already notice it? Im planning to buy a 2009 Rouge SL (FWD) but we wanted to make sure we wont be facing that problem. I hope you can still give us insights about it. thanks!

philipa_240sx
Posts: 4138
Joined: Thu Jun 21, 2007 7:30 am
Location: Canada

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The noise does not appear when new. It can take 10,0000mi or more for the noise to appear if it does occur.

philipa_240sx
Posts: 4138
Joined: Thu Jun 21, 2007 7:30 am
Location: Canada

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This thread will be used to provide any additional information from the dealer, Nissan, and Jatco.

I have moved the remaining posts to the CVT 'General discussion' thread here:

zerothread/335131

philipa_240sx
Posts: 4138
Joined: Thu Jun 21, 2007 7:30 am
Location: Canada

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Nissan has announced a 10 year/120,000 mile extended warranty for the CVT in most Nissan vehicles. Read more here:

http://www.nissanassist.com/

Owner letter explaining the warranty terms:
Dear Nissan Owner:

On behalf of everyone at Nissan, we would like to thank you for choosing to drive a Nissan. One of the many technologically-advanced features of your vehicle is the Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT), an innovative transmission that offers smooth, seamless shifting, while tailoring the vehicle's output to your driving style.

While Nissan is proud to offer this technology on many of our models, a small percentage of owners of early models equipped with CVTs have expressed concerns about the cost of repair of their transmissions after the warranty expires. We take these comments about the cost of vehicle ownership seriously. We strive to provide an exceptional ownership experience and are implementing a thorough Customer Satisfaction Program to address this topic.

First, to provide you with additional assurance regarding your overall cost of ownership we have doubled the warranty period for the Continuously Variable Transmission in your Nissan. The existing powertrain warranty coverage of 5 years/60,000 miles will be extended at no cost to you, for CVT repairs, replacements or related towing, to 10 years/120,000 miles, whichever comes first.

This extension is effective immediately and requires no action on your part. The remainder of your powertrain warranty coverage for components other than the transmission remains unchanged, at 5 years/60,000 miles, and your basic warranty coverage also remains unchanged. All other warranty terms, limitations and conditions otherwise apply. This extended transmission warranty is also fully transferable to future owners of your vehicle.

Second, Nissan will reimburse customers who have previously paid to repair or replace their CVT, if the repairs would have been covered within the new extended warranty period. Even if you no longer own your Nissan we will reimburse you for past CVT repairs that would have been covered under this extension of the warranty.

Further, in the unlikely event that your vehicle's transmission should need repair beyond the extended warranty period we are working to decrease the cost of repair and have already reduced the Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price of a replacement CVT. In addition, we continuously strive to enhance our products, and have made ongoing improvements to our CVTs over the years.

Nissan is taking these actions to demonstrate our confidence in the CVT technology and to show our commitment to stand behind our products.

WHAT YOU SHOULD DO

If you have previously paid for repairs to your CVT within the time and mileage limits of this new extended warranty, we ask that you download the Reimbursement Claim Form and follow the instructions on the site. If you have additional questions, please contact our Consumer Affairs office at 888-388-0318. Please be aware that the deadline for submitting the Reimbursement Claim Form is July 31, 2010.

The extended warranty coverage for CVT repair or replacement is effective immediately.

If you seek coverage for a repair under this extended warranty you will need to bring your vehicle to an authorized Nissan dealer. The factory-trained technical staff at the Nissan dealer will have the diagnostic tools and knowledge to provide you with the appropriate service and submit your warranty claim. If you have additional questions regarding this program, contact our Consumer Affairs office at 888-388-0318 for assistance.

At Nissan we and our dealers work daily to deliver an outstanding ownership experience that will earn your confidence and trust. We are committed to doing the right thing for our customers and look forward to a long relationship that you find satisfying and rewarding. Thank you for choosing Nissan.

Sincerely,

Kevin MartinVice President Total Customer Satisfaction

philipa_240sx
Posts: 4138
Joined: Thu Jun 21, 2007 7:30 am
Location: Canada

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Update - Dec 16,2009:

A technical bulletin has been released and Nissan apparently has a fix for the rattle issue:

NTB09126 - CP 2008 - 2009 Rogue; Transmission Rattle Noise - Voluntary Service Campaign

Some model year 2008 and 2009 Rogue vehicles may have a rattle noise from the transmission at low speeds. Nissan is conducting this Voluntary Service Campaign to remedy this potential condition. This campaign will entail reprogramming the Transmission and Engine Control Modules (TCM and ECM) and, for 2008 models, checking the transmission fluid level at no charge for parts or labor.

You can contact your dealer for more information regarding the service bulletin. Here is copy of the Owner's Letter that has been sent to affected owners:
OWNER’S LETTER

Dear Nissan Rogue Owner:

Nissan is committed to providing the highest levels of product safety, quality and customer satisfaction. We believe our success depends on providing you with an exceptional ownership experience. To this end, Nissan is conducting two actions that involve your Rogue.

The first is a Customer Satisfaction Program for the Continuously Variable Transmission(CVT) in your Nissan Rogue that is described in the attached letter. The Customer Satisfaction Program is effective immediately and no action is required on your part. In addition, Nissan is conducting a Voluntary Service Campaign on certain 2008 to 2009 Rogues. This campaign will allow you the opportunity to receive a software update that has recently been introduced on new Rogues.

REASON FOR SERVICE CAMPAIGN

Nissan is conducting a Voluntary Service Campaign on certain 2008 to 2009 Nissan Rogues to reduce a subtle rattling noise that may come from the transmission at low speeds. On a small number of vehicles, possibly including yours, the transmission may make this noise. This noise does not affect the performance or safety of your vehicle.

WHAT NISSAN WILL DO

To address this issue, your Nissan dealer will reprogram the Transmission Control Module and the Engine Control Module on your vehicle, free of charge for parts and labor.

WHAT YOU SHOULD DO

Please contact your Nissan dealer to perform this service at your earliest convenience. To ensure the least inconvenience for you, it is important to schedule an appointment before bringing your vehicle to the dealer for service. Please bring this notice with you to your appointment. Instructions have also been sent to your Nissan dealer.

If you have additional questions you may contact the National Consumer Affairs Department, Nissan North America, Inc., P.O. Box 685003, Franklin, TN 37068-5003. The toll free number is 1-800-NISSAN1 (1-800-647-7261). For additional information about this Voluntary Service Campaign or the Customer Satisfaction Program, please visit http://www.nissanassist.com.

Thank you for providing us an opportunity to ensure on-going satisfaction with your Nissan.

philipa_240sx
Posts: 4138
Joined: Thu Jun 21, 2007 7:30 am
Location: Canada

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Update:

Nissan has extended the CVT warranty in Canada to 10yr, 220,000km. This is similar to the warranty offered in the US.

philipa_240sx
Posts: 4138
Joined: Thu Jun 21, 2007 7:30 am
Location: Canada

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Updated owners letter regarding CVT noise issue on 2008 and 2009 models. See above.


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