CVT - catastrophic failures/replacements ONLY

[worldbikr]

While not quite catastrophic when you can't make it up the incline in your driveway and the noises coming from the engine area sound like a metal piece in your dryer and your engine performance is noticably degraded we'll make the huge leap and call it a failure. 83K miles and in for a new CVT. Service manager is reluctant to admit how many they've replaced.
Fortunately covered by extended warranty nissan sent out.

[zakmartin]

Out of curiosity, what's the year and model of your Rogue? FWD or AWD?

[kerrton]

worldbikr,

Your report of failure is the first I've hear of - in 2008 I read quite a few reports of rattling CVT transmission's but since 2008 they have basically disappeared - whatever the issue really was with some 2008 models it seems Nissan successfully addressed it. I do know how you feel though, I had a rattling CVT on my FWD 2008 Rogue and the entire unit was replaced under warranty in Dec 2008 - the CVT functioned fine and never left me stranded, but it did make a lot of noise. Since then I've driven 35,000 trouble free km (mostly city driving), the new unit has been perfect.

To keep things in perspective, ALL manufacturers will have a certain number of transmission outright failures, the numbers will be very low and uncommon but it happens to the best of them, even Toyota and Honda will have conventional transmission failures. But, when these failures do occur, I don't think many would conclude that "conventional transmissions are garbage, and should be avoided". Of course not, even though you experience a failure, there are millions of trouble free units. With a complex component like a transmission, regardless if it's conventional or CVT, there is always a chance of mechanical problems albeit very unlikely.

I too would be curious of the details of your Rogue - year, FWD? etc...

[worldbikr]

2008 SL AWD.

[gpsmoucer]

For what it's worth, I have an '08 SL AWD, bought used at 28,000 miles. Got the firmware update the day after I got the car, yet I've experienced a very noticeable but not alarming sound since as long as I can remember. Definitely louder when the transmission is cold, and even louder when the weather is also cold.

I've had it into the dealer twice specifically about this issue. After having a mechanic drive my car and another for comparison they concluded this is a normal sound for the transmission. No fix or replacement needed. I have a different opinion on the matter - no matter if this is going to result in eventual damage or not, the sound is certainly loud enough that it will inevitably be an issue when I eventually sell the car. But for now I'm just going to wait until it gets worse or it's convenient for me to take it to another dealer. Performance wise I haven't noticed any negative effects.

[kerrton]

You're right, the noise is totally unacceptable and is not normal, I can't believe a certified service dept could look you in the eyes and tell you that a grinding rattling noise is "normal".

I've heard of a lot of dealers claiming this over the years, and it was confusing early on for me when I was trying to decide if I had a problem. Luckily for me my dealer is great and they told me the CVT was bad after driving it for 10 seconds. The CVT should not make any mysterious sounds, and any noises coming from it is definately not normal, regardless if you have drivability issues or not. Like you said, that noise is bound to lead to mechanical troubles eventually, and your point about trying to sell a car that makes a loud noise and explaining to the buyer that it's "normal" is bang-on. The noise devalues the vehicle and needs to be corrected.

My Rogue is a perfect example, original transmission made rattling and grinding noise at slow speeds and when decerlating, it was replaced and the new CVT has been dead silent for 2 years and 30,000 km of hard city driving. If the noise was normal, then why don't all CVT's make the noise and why is mine quiet, it is obvious that the dealer is either making a mistake or purposely trying to avoid doing the work.

I wouldn't worry about it failing, Philipa for example has heard a faint noise from his CVT for quite some time and he has over 100,000 km without any troubles. I would definately take it to a different dealer or be a little more firm with your current dealer and get them to address the noise in the near future. Good luck!

[philipa_240sx]

I wouldn't worry about it failing, Philipa for example has heard a faint noise from his CVT for quite some time and he has over 100,000 km without any troubles. I would definately take it to a different dealer or be a little more firm with your current dealer and get them to address the noise in the near future. Good luck!

Yup, the noise is still there but only faintly. I now have 115,000km (69,000mi) and still on my original CVT.

Not worried about it though... Nissan's 10yr. 120,000mi CVT warranty will cover any issues should they arise.

[morselicious]

I had the rattling during deacceleration only. Sounded like a loose bearing. At 80k I had the software upgrade and soon afterward the all wheel drive would stick up to 60 mph. Went in at 98k right before my warrenty was up and received a new CVT. Now at 111k seems the dealer did not get the front wheel hubs in correctly and I have a clicking, banging in reverse only when cold, and during hard turning in one direction.

[TonyN]

I had the whine noise on deceleration, CVT replaced at 31k, im at 36k now and no noise. 2009 FWD

[morselicious]

Well, today I drove 266 miles and when I started from a dead stop the awd felt like I had two front flats. (like I had super torque) As soon as the awd released at 41 mi hr the problem seemed to go away. After going out and driving another 50 mi that evening seems like the vibration got worse. I knew I had better get it to the dealer asap before the vibration got worse. Later that evening I heard a loud snap and the car violently shook from zero to 20. I searched under the front end looking for something that was broken that could cause the violent jerking and was unable to find anything broken. In park the engine ran fine. (so I thought the problem was not the engine) When in drive the jerking happened under load. I thought I had another trans failure BUT, I found the propeller shaft to the rear wheels right out of the transfer box (transmission) broken? Anyone ever expirence a simular problem?

[philipa_240sx]

I have not experienced this as I do not have an AWD version. But there was a tech bulletin for something similar:

NTB10029 - SB Murano/Rogue; Grinding/Knocking Noise From Rear When Turning

IF YOU CONFIRM There is a grinding or knocking noise or vibration from the rear of the vehicle: - when making wide turns - on dry roads - at low speeds (under 20 MPH). ACTION Remove the Rear Propeller Shaft and test drive the vehicle: If the noise/vibration DOES NOT stop: This bulletin DOES NOT APPLY. Refer to ASIST for further diagnostic assistance. If the noise/vibration DOES stop: Replace the Electrical Coupling Assy. (CPLG ASSY-ELEC) with the one from the Parts Information section of this bulletin. Refer to the appropriate section in the Electronic Service Manual for removal and installation. DO NOT replace the entire Rear Final Drive assembly for this incident, if it should occur.

[morselicious]

Phillip, just wanted to tell you. Had my car towed to the dealer and after examination they determined that the rear drive shaft had snapped right near the trans exit. Luckily covered under the 120k extended warrenty. But, could not find the parts needed in the States or surrounding countries. They would need to AIR FRIEGHT the replacement parts in. Could take up to or over a week. Lucky I was able to get a loaner car from the dealer. I sure do miss my Rogue. The replacement car is a Altima, handles alright for a car, but is really LOW to the ground. And no trailer hitch.

[philipa_240sx]

That's a very weird failure!

I have never heard of a drive shaft failure on a Rogue yet.