CVT Rattle/Noise - Discussion Thread

[EddNog]

We have no rattle, no grinding, no vibrations (other than what basically amounts to minor lugging due to the transmission running such tall gearing all the time to conserve fuel). The only issues my car has are the center console squeak and the steering squeak. Dad's car doesn't even suffer either of those.

The only warning light I've gotten was the stability control lamp lighting and staying lit due to tire pressure being too uneven (once I equalized pressure across all four tires it was fixed for good). That's what I get for experimenting with different amounts of pressure at the different corners depending on weight distribution, so that was owner error, not defect or malfunction.

-Ed

[philipa_240sx]

Great to see some positive comments.

I still feel for all those owners here having issues. I will try and put the word out to our other moderators and forum members to see if we can get some more information on this. No guarantees I will come up with anything, but it's worth a try.

[EddNog]

Great to see some positive comments.

I still feel for all those owners here having issues. I will try and put the word out to our other moderators and forum members to see if we can get some more information on this. No guarantees I will come up with anything, but it's worth a try.

This I agree with. Let me know if there's anything I can do to help. It's a pretty serious issue and if dealerships are not taking sufficient action to fix it, we should try to do something to push the matter forward to someone who will do something.

-Ed

[dmw98path]

I think my stats were off above, I should have said maybe it affects like 2% of the people. Regardless, it seems to be a problem and I'll stay tuned to see if and when Nissan comes up with a solution.

If anyone happens to live in the Portland area with this problem I'm definitely interested in hearing how bad it is...I really dislike rattle and other strange car noises that shouldn't be there.

Thanks,-dan

[Goblin]

I think my stats were off above, I should have said maybe it affects like 2% of the people. Regardless, it seems to be a problem and I'll stay tuned to see if and when Nissan comes up with a solution.

If anyone happens to live in the Portland area with this problem I'm definitely interested in hearing how bad it is...I really dislike rattle and other strange car noises that shouldn't be there.

Thanks,-dan

Oh, but didn't you read an earilier post. Nissan claims this is a normal noise.

And, as far as how many of us have an issue. In my opinion one is too many! Additionally, we have all be treated the same regarding this issue and it was not complimentary of anyones intelligence. Nissan is deliberately ignoring our concerns as I read these post. It has not been dealer specific and you need to consider that as well in your purchase plan.

You can't base numbers on forums as most people don't bother or are just not aware. I seriously doubt we are the only ones out there with this problem. I'm sure most people just think it is a normal noise or is believing the service guys when they say there are moving parts under the hood that make noise. OMG Totally unacceptable!
Modified by Goblin at 11:07 AM 7/17/2008

[daytrippr]

Oh, but didn't you read an earilier post. Nissan claims this is a normal noise.

And, as far as how many of us have an issue. In my opinion one is too many! Additionally, we have all be treated the same regarding this issue and it was not complimentary of anyones intelligence. Nissan is deliberately ignoring our concerns as I read these post. It has not been dealer specific and you need to consider that as well in your purchase plan.

Modified by Goblin at 11:07 AM 7/17/2008

I just posted a complaint on the NHTSA.gov website. From what I can tell, if we have everyone here who is bothered by the rattling issue (whether Nissan replaced the transmission or not), to PLEASE post a complaint. If they discover it to be a trend, and a safety concern (which no doubt it should be), they can ask Nissan to do a recall. If Nissan doesn't respond to them, they can DEMAND a mandatory recall.

I would assume Canada has a similar type website, but I don't know. Goblin and Resq1 have stated they have already posted similar complaints at NHTSA. When you go to the website, click "recalls/defects/complaints" on the side bar. You can search reported complaints there of anything dealing with the Rogue.

Hope this helps the frustrated ones like me with Nissan's passive attempts to resolve the issue.

[philipa_240sx]

The Canadian equivalent of the NHTSA is Transport Canada. Like the NHTSA, they would be looking for a safety related defect that could cause an accident or exacerbate injuries during an accident. I doubt the NHTSA would receive any of the complaints filed with Transport Canada. But it's worth starting the process.

Here is the direct link to thier 'Vehicle Defects and Recalls' page:

http://www.tc.gc.ca/roadsafety/tp/tp2822/menu.htm

There is also a non-profit consumer advocacy group for automobiles in Canada. They are the APA (Automobile Protection Association). They have worked on behalf of the consumer for recalls and defect related issues.http://apa.ca

[joehughes]

Goblin,

I would have your service department call up GERALD NISSAN in Naperville, IL

They have been extremely helpful in getting my car to stop the rattle, replacing whatever it was that is making the noise. They dumped my entire drivetrain for a new drivetrain from Nissan and for over 900 miles now I have not heard the noise again.

Give them a call, if nothing else your dealership can be told that other dealerships are replacing the defective parts in other people's cars.

Let me know if I can be of any assistance.

Joe HughesAurora,Il

[ResQ1]

dmw97path..sooo......how long have you worked for Nissan? LOL..just kidding. But listen to Goblin..save yourself the hassle or wait if you really want to purchase the Rogue. Maybe they will have fixed this issue in the 09's. Other than the rattle and associated vibration, which seem to both be getting worse, I do love the car and would have recommended it highly. I just don't want to see you here "venting" with the rest of us. Meanwhile, I will be filling out my NYS Lemon Law form and sending it in.

[flybooey]

I (my wife) have about 6800 miles on our AWD Sl. It is displaying the same symptoms for some time now. I can only equate is to the sound that the bottom end of my 1991 Jeep wrangler made when idling. Loose and bad. I will be heading to my dealer this week to get the look of "DUH".

Will updateDave
Modified by flybooey at 11:01 AM 7/23/2008

[Beltfed21]

I also have the noise in the transmission (sounds like a handfull of lose ball bearings). I stopped by the dealers last Thursday and took the lead Tech for a ride. He said I'm the third one with the problem from this dealership. The Srvice Manager that I've delt with in the past was on vacation.... Went back today and talked to her. As soon as I told her that I wanted to get it documented that I have the problem (in case Nissan would do something about it in the future), she said no problem, we'll get a transmission ordered! No argument, no push back! I checked back later and she said it was confrimed!! Can't beat that service. The dealer is EXTREME MOTORS in Bloomington, IL. Very happy with them so far!

[BigPapi'sRogue]

If you're in Massachusetts or New England and have this problem, I highly recommend Framingham Nissan (Framingham, MA). They did mine without the runaround.

1500 miles now since the transmission and transfer case replacement, and I am pleased to say this is now the quietest car I have ever owned.

[paulvanharte]

I am a bit puzzled about the inconsistencies between the different dealers. Some have replaced the transmission, some have not, some were told by Nissan USA its normal. How can a dealer replace the transmission if not OK'd by Nissan USA?? Or are they getting around this by saying transmission is defective and needs to be replaced. If Nissan has not figured out what the problem is, will the replacement not do the same after a while??I am still waiting for an answer from Nissan Canada.

Paul

[philipa_240sx]

I am a bit puzzled about the inconsistencies between the different dealers.

Some service managers are a bit more crafty in reporting warranty work to Nissan corporate. Let's just say I've had personal experience with this on my '03 Altima ;-) Your results may vary depending on your dealer.

[dn1234]

I've been reading this since June and finally had to put in my own 2 cents. I bought my Rogue in Feb 08, "rattle" started at less than 3000 miles, mentioned this to my dealer in May at my first oil change and they adjusted the heat shield (did no good). The rattle became more consistant and louder. June 25th I brought my Rogue in because I had a major water leak, entire interior floor soaked, ac hose clogged and poured into the car. They replaced my carpet. The service manager heard the rattle and told me it was the CVT and that this was normal. I had to bring the car back because now there is some dashboard squeak. I talked to the manager again about the rattle because it is now driving me insane. He told me today that the tech spent a long time on the phone with Nissan, they are aware of this "issue" but replacing the transmission will not fix the problem. I was told I had to hold tight until they come up with a fix. Sorry to be so long winded. Thank you BigPapi for info on your dealer. Oh by the way, mine is SL AWD as well!

[dn1234]

I just filed a complaint with NHTSA. My suggestion is that anyone with this "infamous rattle", whether your transmission has been replaced or not, should file a complaint. Thanks!

[flybooey]

First...i will be filing with the NHTSA.

Second...I just got back from my dealer here in Pittsburgh and they have ordered the entire transmission/transaxle assembly for my 08' AWD SL. The SR told me that he has not heard of any issue with the trans. I gave him the best description I could of the sound and off he went. The mech drove it twice and each time for a fair amount of time. No codes but they were able to hear the sounds at <10mph. The w/o stated "failed internally" and that was it. The put it up on the lift, ran it and then confirmed it was in the the trans assembly but opted not to open it up. They stated it was safe and the new part would be ordered based on their assessment. I inquired about the part numbers of the assembly and whether or not the replacement had a part number that superceeded the one presently on my car. They could not give me an answer, not sure why b/c it would take no more than comparing the number on the trans now to the one THEY ARE ORDERING.

I will update later for "yinz"

Dave
Modified by flybooey at 4:11 PM 7/23/2008

[Ryepow]

This thread worries me. I have a AWD SL with 2800 miles on it. I have been driving around with the stereo turned down listening for noises after reading all of these complaints. I have not noticed anything yet. I hope I won't anytime soon.

[Goblin]

RyePow... I don't think you have anything to worry about based on your mileage; as I understand it from others posting on here. Anyhow, I wouldn't obsess over it.

I finally made an apt to take mine back to another dealership next Monday 28th. Xross your fingers. I'm already sick to my stomach as I honestly don't expect Nissan to do anything about the noise.

[snoopd52000]

I have 2200 km on mine (SL AWD) and noticed the noise a couple days ago. It only happens at very low speeds. I'll be watching this forum to see what the resolution is.

[silverice24]

I just posted a complaint on the NHTSA.gov website. From what I can tell, if we have everyone here who is bothered by the rattling issue (whether Nissan replaced the transmission or not), to PLEASE post a complaint. If they discover it to be a trend, and a safety concern (which no doubt it should be), they can ask Nissan to do a recall. If Nissan doesn't respond to them, they can DEMAND a mandatory recall.

I would assume Canada has a similar type website, but I don't know. Goblin and Resq1 have stated they have already posted similar complaints at NHTSA. When you go to the website, click "recalls/defects/complaints" on the side bar. You can search reported complaints there of anything dealing with the Rogue.

Hope this helps the frustrated ones like me with Nissan's passive attempts to resolve the issue.

Although I may be slightly biased as I have had absolutely no trouble at all with my Rogue (let alone a "rattling noise"), I'm going to go ahead and guess that the NHTSA is going to get a kick out these complaints. Unless the rattling sound is going to cause your car to spontaneously combust, leading to countless amounts of flames and molten lava that have the potential to scold you and others around you, the NHTSA does not care about your annoyances. As their mission suggests, their sole responsibilities are to "save lives, prevent injuries, and reduce vehicle-related crashes". Sorry, but I don't think that a rattling noise will even be close to emerging on their radar.

[UK Charlie]

Hi everyone.

I live in the UK and have a Nissan Qashqai, the European version of the Rogue with a 2.0 litre engine and Xtronic CVT. It's 3 months and 2500 miles old.

Mine's a 2WD and I've had none of the problems your AWD posters seem to have had.

I have noticed the difference between the CVT and a conventional auto which is, I think, because the engine is programmed to be ready to take off again as when slowing down and so changes down.

If you want to avoid this feeling you can shift to the six speed semi-auto (I assume you have this) and change up a gear or two. You may be surprised to see how low a ratio the auto is in when you do that. I wouldn't shift from D to N while moving.

I really like the car and am interested in the reliability or otherwise of the CVT because it may determine how long I keep it. For a relatively large engine by UK standards it's relatively economical. If you think your gasoline is expensive now you should come here!

Best wishes.

Charlie

[philipa_240sx]

Unleaded fuel in the UK is about 115p/litreCurrency rate is about 1000 GBp to 2 USDThere are 3.78 l per US Gallon

That work out to about $8.79 USD per US gallon ... unless I got the math wrong.

For us Canadians, that would be about $2.30 CDN per litre which is nearly double the going rate in Canada.

[Beltfed21]

Silverice24,

Consider youself lucky that you don't have the problem. If you did and heard the noise that is comming from the drive line, you too may want to file a complaint. The noise is much more severe than most are letting on here. You really need to hear it for yourself. I've been involved with high performance and yes even some race cars over the years, and I'm here to tell you that if I heard this on a race car, it would have been torn down and rebuilt. It sounds just like a bearing that is getting ready to go. What do we do, wait until it does on someones vehicle at an inopertune time and that same someone get's killed? You don't work for Nissan do you?????

[as6004me]

I get that noise too, it isnt loud enough to hear with the windows rolled up and the Air on, but when I initially start to accelerate especially i get a tapping/pingy noise but that is the only time...(I wish there were a 6speed option. )

[neovision1981]

SL AWD picked up on April 17th 2008, currently have 15,200 km on it. Only noise/vibration I notice from the CVT occurs when the engine is below 1200 rpm and on acceleration, once it clears 2000 rpms all noise goes away. And the noise can best be described as a very low hum sound. An acquaintance of mine also owns an identical SL AWD Rogue which he has had since November 2007 and he hasn't noticed any problems other than the hum below 1200 rpm.

I've taken this car on paved highways (the 401, 403, QEW, 404), dirt roads, and mild off road (to get a few mountain bike trails) and all I can say is I love it and wouldn't have it any other way. It's great on gas averaging 8.2-8.4 L/100km (doing around 60% highway and 40% city). If I do pure highway driving I've hit as low as 7.8L/100km at 95 km/hour. With gas prices being $1.25-$1.30 CDN per liter, I'm definitely not missing my 98 Maxima which required Premium gas compared to the Regular gas I use on my Rogue (although the Rogue doesn't quite have as much "oomph" off the line)...

[silverice24]

I still don't understand how one can conclude that there is a direct correlation between the noise and safety. People have been complaining about this noise for months. Have any cars blown up yet?

[daytrippr]

As many of us of the 'rattle' group have said: the sound is totally unnatural, it sounds ominous, and Nissan is clueless as to what it is causing it. If you have it then you understand. If you don't, then you won't.

[silverice24]

I feel like this has been asked before, but would someone be able to post a sound clip of this noise?

[rsm]

I had it recorded on a camera when I brought it to a local dealership. They heard it on the test drive with the technician, but since they couldn't hear anything on the rack, they said everything seemed okay and to keep an ear out for it in the future, since it's still covered under warranty. I've kept quiet on this forum for awhile... but just wanted people to know that I notice it too and think it's annoying. it's only prevalent for me in neutral, not when the car is in drive. So I was told this is the CVT.... we'll see.... but the sound isn't profound on the camera, so I've since deleted the file... good luck everyone! btw, I have AWD SL.