CVT Rattle/Noise - Discussion Thread

[fairges]

I had my transmission replaced, and so far, no additional problems and no noise.

[dcnissan]

Thanks. It feels odd, but probably no biggie - I hope.

[BigPapi'sRogue]

Thank you.

My dealer called me yesterday afternoon to tell me the new CVT transmission and transfer case are in, so they will be replacing mine on Monday. If there's a chance of me not hearing this noise anymore, I am going to take it.

My dealer has told me for the second time that this would be a $7000 repair for them, so for Nissan to authorize this in the first place they have to have a very high level of confidence that this would solve the problem.

No on the question of why some AWD's are making the noise, and others aren't, he had no idea.

[november]

Houston....I think we have a problem!!My wife got her brand new Rogue...she was so happy.....and 6,000km after.....rattling noise under the vehicle.....she took it back to the dealer and they couldn't hear a thing...SURPRISE!!! Of course, wife and new car with rattle do not go well together. So I called the the dealer myself....told them what I think it might be and to inform them that the wife is bringing it back. Mechanic drove....my wife is hearing the noise but he still couldn't hear it. She switched places...she is driving and the mechanic is the passenger.....I think he realized my wife was going to drive to Florida until...he suddenly can hear a noise!!!We have an appointment to take the Rogue back next week and they will keep it for the whole day to "find" where the noise is coming from.With so many of us having this "rattling noise" problem, I would think that some type of alert has to be circulating throughout the dealer network, and for a dealership to be that ignorant of a potential problem, lead me to believe Nissan doesn't have a plan to fix the problem. They might replace a few transmission on real bad cases....patch job on others....and string the majority along with bull....!!

Keep the feedback coming......we'll all need it.

[BigPapi'sRogue]

The service rep. that I deal with at my dealership did tell me that their service manager did receive some type of "alert" from Nissan corporate to be on the lookout for this problem, and that the service manager commented to him that they'll be seeing quite a few Rogue's coming back for this. Basically he said the alert told them that if anyone comes back with a Rogue reporting a noise, they had to go through their usual checklist to rule in / rule out the usual items like brakes, axles, exhaust, etc., and then if they felt they had and isolated it to the drivetrain, to call the Nissan Engineering line.

[ResQ1]

I brought my AWD Rogue in for the 2nd timethis past Friday for the infamous noise. This time I insisted on driving. Lo and behold the "tech" heard the noise. Not a clue what it was but he heard it. So, two hours later they came out and told me they needed me to bring in back next week and leave it for a "few days" to diagnose the problem. They stated they don't know what it is but they are focusing on the transmission. I directed the Svc Mgr to these posts the first time I brought it in. I told him to check here again, that there are MANY others with the same issue. Anyway, I am bringing it in this coming week and they are giving me a rental. I told the Svc Mgr I expected no less than the car I am driving in this rental...meaning a 3 month old vechile that is spotless and never been smoked in!! I am not happy, but at least they are trying. Keep the posts up everyone...and keep directing the non believing techs ans Svc Mgrs here!! I'll let you all know what happens.

[ResQ1]

Got a call from the Service Mgr. They have to replace the transmission!! I questioned whether Nissan had identified the problem in the transmission and corrected it. I was told..yes, that is what the Nissan Engineers are telling the Service Dept at my dealer. So, the transmission is on order. They tell me it will take two days to get here and a day and a half to do the work. After all of this hassle, I sure hope this corrects the problem. All others out there that are having this issue...insist your dealer/service dept contact Nissan. My dealer/service dept has been great! They are doing..or at least it seems like they are doing everything possible to remedy this situation. I wish though that Nissan would issue a TSB so that everyone else doesn't have to go through the hassle of convinceing their dealer that this is a problem!

Good luck all!

[bshess]

Just got a call from my dealer re the transmission issue. They have replaced the transfer case (which they said had black oil, was low on oil, and had metal shavings all over it), but have discovered yet another problem (that he called "flutter on takeoff") that is going to keep the Rogue with them, and their head mechanic on the phone with Nissan Engineering. Looks like I have an Altima for the holiday weekend.

[ssimon001]

Just wanted to update all on our transmission rattle. Car is going in Tuesday for transmission replacement. Talked to the service manager and asked if he knew of a less invasive fix in the works. He stated that Nissan was aware of the problem but had decided to replace the transmission.

The dealership has been great, but it worries me somewhat that I get this feeling that Nissan hopes that this just goes away.

My cynical side wonders if this might be widespread and replacements are only provided for those who hear the noise now, what about the others who develop this outside of warranty.

Will post after repair.

[daytrippr]

Just wanted to update all on our transmission rattle. Car is going in Tuesday for transmission replacement. ...

My cynical side wonders if this might be widespread and replacements are only provided for those who hear the noise now, what about the others who develop this outside of warranty.

Will post after repair.

Good luck...they have decided to NOT change our transmission... We have been out of town (without the Rogue) for a week. We drove to town with our Rogue to get groceries...::rattle, rattle, rattle::

[Goblin]

Got a call from the Service Mgr. They have to replace the transmission!! I questioned whether Nissan had identified the problem in the transmission and corrected it. I was told..yes, that is what the Nissan Engineers are telling the Service Dept at my dealer. So, the transmission is on order. They tell me it will take two days to get here and a day and a half to do the work. After all of this hassle, I sure hope this corrects the problem. All others out there that are having this issue...insist your dealer/service dept contact Nissan. My dealer/service dept has been great! They are doing..or at least it seems like they are doing everything possible to remedy this situation. I wish though that Nissan would issue a TSB so that everyone else doesn't have to go through the hassle of convinceing their dealer that this is a problem!

Good luck all!

I want some follow up on this! If there is a fix what is it and are we going to be notified?

I just made a 2100 mile round trip with the rattling trany. I drove the vehicle hard and other than the annoying rattling, which I can now hear at higher speeds, there was a distinct smell like something was burning or hot. I can not speculate as to what that would have been or even if it was related to the trany. I'm going to call Nissan again today and see if I can't get some satisfaction.

[infiniti02]

Ok, I've read this entire thread twice. I've had my Rogue since May 10th, and it is AWD SL. I'm not sure that I'm hearing the rattle y'all are speaking of but I do notice the shuddering someone mentioned at slow speed occasionally.

The problem I'm concerned about is the noise I hear when first starting to drive. I back out of driveway, put in drive, start moving forward and within seconds hear what I can only describe as a grinding or almost like a spring the gets wound to tight and then springs. I know I'm not explaining that well ..... but from then on I don't hear again until the next time I start and leave from wherever I am.

I'm getting the impression what y'all are hearing you hear while driving? I have 2700 miles and have not talked to anyone about this yet but after reading all this I am concerned.

I have to admit I was leary of purchasing a first year vehicle but did it anyway. I was totally spoiled by my '02 Infiniti QX4 that I traded in, I never had any problems at all with that vehicle.

Hoped that since Nissan and Infiniti were sister companies I could expect the same quality.

Oh well

***** OK I just saw another thread that addresses my "spring" issue. I will have to pay more attention but other than the occasional shudder I feel I don't seem to hear the "rattle" being talked about and trust me I generally hear EVERYTHING (even things others don't )

Will definitely be following this and will update if I start hearing anything.
Modified by infiniti02 at 6:35 AM 7/7/2008

[ssimon001]

What you are describing as the spring sound and rubbing, is a better description of the sound that is causing our transmission to be replaced. We call it the "rattle".

I can always duplicate the sound by driving in a silent area very slowly at around 5-7 mph and letting up on the accelerator..... rattle,...rattle,....ping....rattle.

Thats what we first noticed.

Good luck.

Also wanted to say our Rogue is the SL AWD. Seems to be the ones so far.

[daytrippr]

...

I can always duplicate the sound by driving in a silent area very slowly at around 5-7 mph and letting up on the accelerator..... rattle,...rattle,....ping....rattle....

Quite accurate, SS

[Goblin]

I called a couple of dealerships today and inquired about a fix for the trans. So far none have heard of a fix and only one out of three claimed he knew nothing about a trans noise. All were very decent and wanted me to bring the Rogue in for a second opinion. Personally I think this would be a waste of time as I know the problem and Nissan has already refused to correct it or is unable, so I'll just keep waiting.

I thought this was somewhat humerus....

There is mention of this in the Owners Manual (Canadian version page 5-28):

The VDC system computer has a built-in diagnostic feature that tests the system each time you start the engine and move the vehicle at a low speed forward or backward. When the self-test occurs, you may hear a "clunk" noise and/or a pulsation in the brake pedal. This is normal and is not an indication of a malfunction.

I look for us all to get updated owners manuals saying the rattling sound within the transmission is normal and not part of a malfunction.

Modified by Goblin at 9:17 PM 7/7/2008

Modified by Goblin at 9:19 PM 7/7/2008
Modified by Goblin at 9:20 PM 7/7/2008

[ResQ1]

UGH!! OK..here is the latest! Now they have decided NOT to replace the transmission. Suddenly it has changed from.."Nissan has identifed the issue and the transmissons that they are putting in the cars have been fixed"..to.."we can't put a new transmission in the car because the new transmissions are starting to have the same issue"!!!! My dealer stated Nissan is aware of this and they are working to identify and fix. No TSB yet..because they don't know what in the transmission to fix!!! UGH!!! Still they are assuring me it is safe to drive because there haven't been any failures.....yet. Oh that just gives me a warm and fuzzy feeling. I am calling Nissan today and also calling the NYS Attorney Generals Office to see what if anything can be done. I know the Lemon Law state that there must be 4 attempts to fix the problem, but in our case there is NO fix..so..where does that leave us? I really do not feel safe driving this car at 65 miles an hour with an 18 wheeler behind me..the what if's are way too scary.

My advice to everyone...start calling your State's Office of the Attorney General. I will be doing that today.

Once again, keep the posts coming and good luck.

[BigPapi'sRogue]

I just had both my transmission & transfer case replaced last week, and so far no noise after a few hundred miles - and in my car it was loud before.

My dealer's "service director" told me that Nissan specifically requested of him to ship my bad transmission back to their Engineering center. At least in my case, he said that when they had my Rogue up on the lift, they were seeing the whole engine block and transmission case swaying from side to side when in "low gear", and this is when they would hear the noise. Not a comforting feeling, for something I was earlier told should not affect driveability or safety whatsoever.

Anyways, he said my Rogue was the first one they serviced for this, but now they have 2 more that they have since ordered trannys and transfer cases before.

[Goblin]

Looks like we all need to drive to MA to get our Rogue's fixed! Why can't all the dealers do this and treat us like valued customers?

[bshess]

Yesterday has marked a week that the dealer has had mine. Looks like replacing the transfer case has done nothing (as anticipated, by prior posts). Just got off the phone with my service advisor-- an inspector from Nissan is coming out to look at mine and "make the call" as to replacing the transmission, sometime in the next two days. Doesn't exactly inspire confidence, and honestly, will severely tick me off if I don't get a satisfactory result.

Looks like I have the Altima for the foreseeable future. I really miss my Rogue.

[ssimon001]

Just wanted to update you all on the replacement of the transmission on our Rogue. Went in today and was ready for pickup in the evening. Thought that was great.

Our invoice states"CVT transmission failed internally, replaced per techline advisement"

It lists a transaxle,transmission and a clip.

It also shows Nissan approval and a cost of $4521.65

Im still kind of bothered about all this. Theres really no way to really know the numbers that are out there with this problem. No explanation was forthcoming at the dealership in regards to the cause of the failure and I got the feeling that I should stop asking.

Don't take that to mean we are unhappy with them, just slightly disappointed but happy with the service.

I think an explanation as to the cause on this failure should be given. This isn't a $21.98 fan that we bought at Walmart, but rather a $27K vehicle we plan to have for a few years. If the replacement was a patch and no real repair, what confidence can I have that this won't repeat.

WOW must have drank to much tea tonight, getting long winded. Will update later

[Goblin]

I talked with Nissan Consumer Affairs for the last time today. The girl said she would no longer argue with me over this repair that Tech Support will not authorize the replacement of the transmission until it fails. I don't think it is too much to ask that I be given a satisfactory answer as to why my transmission does not warrant repair or replacement and others do. I called two dealerships whom mimic the same saying they would be glad to reevaluate the transmission but if tech line won't approve of the replacement then there is nothing they can do different. I contacted the Attorney Generals Office via email and they asked that I contact the VA Motor Vehicle Board. I also contacted 7 On Your Side and the FTC via email. I will contact the VA Motor Board with in the next few days. I am amazed that no one (agency) wants to challenge a known problem with the transmissions seemingly because none have failed and or nobody has been killed. I personally think this problem is wide spread and should throughly be investigated before someone does get hurt. I mean seriously do you want your transmission to fail as your ramping onto an interstate at 65 mph with your children in the car? Its just unacceptable to wait until failure as it has been requested by Nissan. I feel like I'm driving a mobile bomb.

[Ticmxman]

"I feel like I'm driving a mobile bomb."

I sure would like to hear a recording of this noise? Is it that bad?

[Bigtamw65]

Well I am glad I read this forum. My Rogue has just under 3000 miles on it and took it to the dealer for the same noise that everyone here seems to be describing. I thought it was coming from the front , but after reading the dsecriptions here, I am convinced it is the trans. My dealer told me it was a normal noise and this was determined because they drove a brand new Rogue on the lot and it made the same noise. That didn't ease my mind after reading all the posts here. Especially if it was ADW drive like mine. I pointed them to this website and hopefully they will find out something. I have two very long trips planned in the next two months (over 3200 miles in total) and I don't want a trans failure in the middle of no where to take place to prove that it is not a normal noise.

[ResQ1]

I agree, I said the same thing today. I feel like I don't have a car because I am afraid it is going to fail at any time. My noise seems to be getting louder and now there is a vibration that I am feeling under my feet. Why is it that nothing is ever done about these things until someone is killed? I spoke with the NYS Office of the Attorney General yesterday. She told me I was not the first caller regarding this car. Her suggestion to me was to fill out the online application to be considered under the Lemon Law Program. She said that they have to attempt or refuse to fix it 4 times. I told her there is no fix..and she said that would fall under refusing to fix. So I would recommend everyone to call. If you live in NYS here is the number 212 416-8314. Maybe if enough people call, someone will do something and get these recalled. I feel sorry for the people out there that Nissan is still selling these cars to. It's totally unfair for them to continue to sell them knowing there is a problem. I am going to call Nissan again tomorrow and see where it gets me.

I am going to start posting out on Edmunds and some of the other websites that review cars. Maybe we can save some unsuspecting folks the headache we are enduring, and at the same time cost Nissan the sale of a car or two.

Good luck all. Keep the posts coming. Maybe someone will take notice and actually be able to get something done.

[Goblin]

ResQ1 I also thought about the lemon law but my immediate concerns are that Nissan documented the noise on my vehicle as "normal" according to tech line. How can I fight "normal"? I'd have to first prove it is not normal which at this point it does not sound like Nissan is willing to acknowledge the problem as many dealerships are calling this problem normal. I also have the vibration issue; Nissan attempted to correct this by re-torquing the motor mounts. I could continue along with the vibration issue but don't know that it would hold up in the long run. Like yourself, I'm more concerned with the transmission.

Just to clarify this; I believe the vibration to be coming from the transmission as the two (noise and vibration) seem to run hand in hand. This occurs with speeds up to 25 mph. I don' t know that if my car was lifted and checked out throughly.
Modified by Goblin at 9:32 AM 7/10/2008

[BigPapi'sRogue]

I was one of the luckier ones in that my dealership gave me no hassles and replaced the transmission and transfer case.

My suggestion to any of you who is being told by their service centers that the noise is normal is to request for them to put your car up on the lift, and look at the engine block and transmission case when in low gear (hopefully when the noise is being made). In my Rogue, they saw the engine and transmission case swaying side-to-side. There is nothing normal about that.

Good luck.

[Bigtamw65]

After picking up my Rogue yesterday at the dealer, I am even more aggrevated than ever! Not only did he insult me but he absolutely pi$$ed me off and I quote"there are a lot of moving parts under the hood, so there is going to be some noise" Are you kidding me? The service manager was talking out of both sides of his mouth. I absolutely can't stand it when just because I am a woman car mechanics think I am mechanically challanged. Basically after a lot of fast talking he said well if there is a problem and I am not saying there is (the new on one on the lot made the same noise, so it must be normal), it should be fine since there have been no failures reported. But he only got that information because I gave it to from his forum. He also says that there is a lot of bad information on the internet. When I asked how Nissan would be made aware of a problem ie, did he report my complaint to Nissan, he said no they don't do that, but they do read these forums so if there is a problem that we are all talking about, they will read it here. According to this dealer there is no information that he found that Nissan is aware of any problems. I don't get it. I will be making three long trips in the next two months, over 3200 miles and I dont want to be the first one to have a failed transmission. Any one have any additional suggestions or should we all just drive until the transmissions drop from under the cars? How many of you have called Nissan directly and do you think that will help?
Modified by Bigtamw65 at 9:17 AM 7/10/2008

[bshess]

Good news, bad news update on my Rogue (mainly good news)...

Talked to my service advisor today, and it looks like I am getting a new transmission Bad news is that it is looking like mid next week (another week!!!! ) until I get the Rogue back. But, at least I am happy to see another dealer do the right thing, and replace the whole thing. Of course, this whole situation has been an annoyance, and it still worries me long term about whether this will truly fix it, whether this will lead to a depressed value of the car on trade in, etc. But in the meantime, I am content, but missing my car.

Goblin, you should've stopped by my dealer on your trip to Disney. You might have gotten a new transmission out of your trip. Of course, you would still be here, waiting on the car... Your situation totally sucks.

Bigtamw65, have you tried another dealer? I know, you shouldn't have to, but sometimes, it may help to have another dealer get "on your side".

[Goblin]

Bigtam I feel your pain but don't think for a minute you are the only one being talked to like an idiot! That's what set me off at my dealership and with Nissan Consumer Relations. I also am not a mechanic but I can tell when someone is being an ***! I also have gotten the feeling that the dealerships are not taking this problem seriously. There is no way of knowing if they are actually reporting our concerns and I too, have been told not to trust what I read on the internet that it is inaccurate. For all the inaccuracy's there seems to be a lot of correlation going on here. Certainly makes the information creditable in my book.

[daytrippr]

Good news, bad news update on my Rogue (mainly good news)...

Talked to my service advisor today, and it looks like I am getting a new transmission Bad news is that it is looking like mid next week (another week!!!! ) until I get the Rogue back. But, at least I am happy to see another dealer do the right thing, and replace the whole thing. Of course, this whole situation has been an annoyance, and it still worries me long term about whether this will truly fix it, whether this will lead to a depressed value of the car on trade in, etc. But in the meantime, I am content, but missing my car.

Goblin, you should've stopped by my dealer on your trip to Disney. You might have gotten a new transmission out of your trip. Of course, you would still be here, waiting on the car... Your situation totally sucks.

Bigtamw65, have you tried another dealer? I know, you shouldn't have to, but sometimes, it may help to have another dealer get "on your side".

I honestly hope you do get that new transmission. We were told we had a transmission on order and it was going to be replaced. Two weeks later, no new transmission and nothing really done on the car except our oil change and a new transfer case (which didn't really seem to do anything).

It still rattles, I dont' know of any vibrations yet, but if the engine and transmission "sways side-to-side" when it's hoisted up, that has me very concerned. Someone said that nissan called that a "failure and needed to be replaced". If that is a failure, why doesn't Nissan acknowledge it as such and say "we've had some of these fail, and get replaced, but not while in operation on the road, thankfully".

It boggles the mind. We still love our Rogue, but the lack of concern from Nissan regarding the transmission worries we have, is driving me mad.