CVT Rattle/Noise - Discussion Thread

[bshess]

Update on mine...

Sent an official Lemon Law notice to Nissan last week. Friday, got the notice from Nissan of an official appointment for the Nissan tech to look at the car on August 7. Today, got a call from my dealer to arrange for a full transmission replacement on August 7. Apparently, Nissan has (behind the scenes) authorized the ordering of the transmission as the final repair under Florida law, and that things are looking really good for an actual replacement. I got the service manager to say that I am "getting a new transmission."

Still crossing fingers, but things are looking good. I will keep you in the know.

[mistergib]

Update on mine...

Sent an official Lemon Law notice to Nissan last week. Friday, got the notice from Nissan of an official appointment for the Nissan tech to look at the car on August 7. Today, got a call from my dealer to arrange for a full transmission replacement on August 7. Apparently, Nissan has (behind the scenes) authorized the ordering of the transmission as the final repair under Florida law, and that things are looking really good for an actual replacement. I got the service manager to say that I am "getting a new transmission."

Still crossing fingers, but things are looking good. I will keep you in the know.

I certainly hope that fixes the problem.....and that we won't be seeing another post from you later stating how the replacement transmission endedup doing the same thing....I have yet to read anywhere that Nissan hasfound/fixed the problem as yet. Good luck.....

[EddNog]

How is it that everyone is so sure it's the transmission, or blames the transmission, when this is only occurring on some AWD cars, and zero FWD cars? I would think it's not the transmission, but the AWD transfer case, center differential or rear differential where the problem lies. The way the Rogue's AWD system is designed, if it's anything like the first-generation Murano's, is that there is a permanently attached center differential that runs out of the transaxle up front; the center differential is always spinning, and it is at the back where the automated hydraulic clutches vary the amount of torque that the rear wheels get--either there's an issue where the center differential attaches to the transaxle up front, or there is an issue with the rear end torque distributor. Judging by the place people hear the sound, I'm leaning towards the point where the center differential attaches to the transaxle.

-Ed

[flybooey]

Mine is in today for the repair (what repair? mech just said "it sounds strange") Anyway, they are replacing the transmission/transaxle to a tune of about 5 grand or so. I asked if any fluids were drained to look for evidence of anything and the reply was no. I am very happy that something is being done but I don't want parts just thrown at it. I will report back what ever info I can squeeze out of them. Hopefully I can talk to the Mech who did the diagnosis and the repair. Maybe he's the one that left the huge *** oil stain on the armrest????

[bshess]

I would be the first one to admit that I don't want a replacement of a transmission without cause. I never mentioned a transmission replacement until the dealer mentioned it to me (of course, I knew of the possibility by way of the forum). They have already replaced the transfer case to no avail. These are their decisions; no direct influence from me...

I honestly don't care what they replace as long as it solves the problem. I believe at least two of those on this forum have already had the transmission replaced, with no noise returning.

[mistergib]

How is it that everyone is so sure it's the transmission, or blames the transmission, when this is only occurring on some AWD cars, and zero FWD cars? I would think it's not the transmission, but the AWD transfer case, center differential or rear differential where the problem lies. The way the Rogue's AWD system is designed, if it's anything like the first-generation Murano's, is that there is a permanently attached center differential that runs out of the transaxle up front; the center differential is always spinning, and it is at the back where the automated hydraulic clutches vary the amount of torque that the rear wheels get--either there's an issue where the center differential attaches to the transaxle up front, or there is an issue with the rear end torque distributor. Judging by the place people hear the sound, I'm leaning towards the point where the center differential attaches to the transaxle.

-Ed

I'm using "transmission problem" as an all inclusive term, and because somewho had the noise and had just the transmission replaced state that the noisewent away with the new transmission.....NOBODY, but NOBODY really knows where the problem is located....transmission...transfer case....?????? The question remains...why have the FWD's remained immune to the problem?Your guess is as good as the next guys....

[philipa_240sx]

The way the Rogue's AWD system is designed, if it's anything like the first-generation Murano's, is that there is a permanently attached center differential that runs out of the transaxle up front; the center differential is always spinning, and it is at the back where the automated hydraulic clutches vary the amount of torque that the rear wheels get--either there's an issue where the center differential attaches to the transaxle up front, or there is an issue with the rear end torque distributor. Judging by the place people hear the sound, I'm leaning towards the point where the center differential attaches to the transaxle.

-Ed

Ed, You are correct on the AWD layout. The transfer case and rear prop shaft are always turning. The AWD coupling/clutch is part of the rear diff.

The AWD and FWD transmission have one major diffrence:

An additional helical gear bolted to the differential carrier and corresponding ring gear and output shaft going to the transfer case.

Perhaps some images would help here:

CVT Cross Section:



CVT System Diagram:



AWD System Diagram:

[Goblin]

So I finally took my Rogue into another dealership. They called this afternoon and said they were keeping it another day to have another service guy look at it tomorrow. Two service guys took it out today and claim they have never heard the noise before and have no idea what it could be. LOL. OMG here we go. So now I'm in limbo for this third guy to evaluate the noise that Nissan has never heard before nor knows nothing about through TSB's. OMG, kill me now! We all know the out come of this...

[Beltfed21]

Hello all!

Mine goes in tomorrow for transmission replacement. They're giving me a rental car, but said it should only take them one day.... We'll see. I'll post here how it goes.

[Bigtamw65]

Hi all, it seems the mystery just continues. I have posted earlier in this thread about the some problem we have all described. I took my Rogue BACK to the dealership today to have the seat frame replaced from a previous visit and the infamous "transmission noise". Since my last post we have returned from a very long trip (1850 miles in 5 days). During that time, the service light came on (has since gone out), the noise has gotten almost continuous and now there are times where the RPM's will rev over 5000 while pulling a SMALL incline and we are going no where fast. I handed the service manager the printouts of the complaints posted on the NHSTA site regarding this same problem so hopefully he will at least acknowledger that the problem is real. They still have the car and I have no idea what the outcome of this visit will be, but I will not accept "this is normal" as an answer. I am only 10 miles from the new headquarters they opened in Franklin TN and I don't think Nissan would appreciate me parking in front of thier nice new shinny building with my Rogue decorated in Lemons. At this point if they could just acknowledge there is a real problem, distribute that information to thier service departments and quit blowing us off it would go a long way in customer service for those of us who are having this problem. I would be happy to start a petition and hand deliver it to Nissan HQ. I will post an update once I have the latest infro from the dealer.

Modified by Bigtamw65 at 11:37 PM 7/29/2008
Modified by Bigtamw65 at 11:38 PM 7/29/2008

[philipa_240sx]

At this point if they could just acknowledge there is a real problem, distribute that information to thier service departments and quit blowing us off it would go a long way in customer service for those of us who are having this problem. I would be happy to start a petition and hand deliver it to Nissan HQ. I will post an update once I have the latest infro from the dealer.Modified by Bigtamw65 at 11:38 PM 7/29/2008

I agree that Nissan and some dealers do not appear to be handling this issue in the best way. Keep the pressure on them and demand better service.

I still feel that Nissan has not found the cause and a permanant fix for the problem yet. There must be a unique set of circumstances ie. part defect, assembly issues, etc that has caused this. For one Rogue to have this issue and another to run without problems makes me believe this is the case.

[philipa_240sx]

I am sure that when i stoped at the traffic light (foot on the brake ), I can feel there is more vibration and rattle song come from the gearshift in my hand, but after i loose the brake everything seems normal again. (same when i change the gearshift to R)

If you are feeling the vibration while stopped, then it is defintely not the transmission or the rattle noise described in this post.

I would try this:

Make sure the A/C is completely off by setting the fan to the OFF position. Reason: The A/C runs when defrost or defrost/heat mode is selected even though the A/C indicator does not turn on. It is normal for some vibration to be felt on an automatic transmission equipped vehicle, esp when the A/C is running.

[snoopd52000]

Bigtamw65Can you post the link to the complaints on the NHSTA site?Thanks

[philipa_240sx]

Do a search on the complaints database via this link:

http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/c...h.cfm

[Bigtamw65]

Philipa posted it above.

[Goblin]

Nothing new today. The noise is still there but it can't be determined NOT to be normal. The service mgr. is going to drive my car home and back to the dealer and see if he can make the noise worse?!? Honestly this dealer has been very good about communicating and seems genuinely interested in finding the source of the noise. I serious doubt anything will be done to correct it though. I did give them this thread to review. I'll post the results tomorrow.

OK so 4 hrs later I get a call to come get the Rogue. Nissan is not going to do anything as they consider the noise to be normal. The called tech support and they said the Rogues are known for making noise. OMG - I will never buy another Nissan again. The long and short of this deal is that its all BAD and Nissan does NOT provide support after the sale. And, for the few of you that have received it thank your stars!

The service guy did say it took Nissan 1.5 years to acknowledge there was a problem with the front calibers on the 07 altima before having a recall. He figures they will do the same with the Rogues.

Oh, I almost forgot. He did suggest I trade it in for the FWD version to get rid of the noise

Modified by Goblin at 1:44 PM 7/30/2008
Modified by Goblin at 1:45 PM 7/30/2008

[Bigtamw65]

And the BS just keeps on. I just got the call to come pick my Rogue up from service. They did replace the seat frame (maybe that won't be noisey any more), but as far as the service light, increased transmission noise and the increased RPM's and decreased power this was the answer I got. "The transmission fluid looks fine, there are no codes being thrown so until Nissan says something different, it's fine".

I am begining so believe that some of my problem is not just the car, but the dealership. They have been downright rude and less than helpful since I started this whole "transmission noise" process. Sometimes they acknowledge there is a problem, sometimes they don't. I would be happier if they would say yes there is a problem there, Nissan is aware and they are working for a solution. Is that too much to ask??? If I continue to be a Nissan owner, this will be my last trip to that dealership.

Question for anyone brave enough to read this entire post.....Have each of you gotten a record of what the reported problem was and what was done to correct it (if anything?). I have had my Rogue to this dealership and not once piece of paper with any explantion to what was complained of or what was done. I have requested a printout to be ready when I pick up my car today. I have kept my own accurate records, but I found this to be very strange and have asked each time I go in about it and am told, oh don't worry about it, we will take care of it.

Here is what I have done. I called Nissan directly and spoke to a very nice, cooperative and understanding gentleman by the name of Armin. I now have an official complaint on file with Nissan and will be contacted by a Regional Specialist within 24 hours. He acutally advised me in not so many words that this was looking like it was falling under the Lemon Law. I realize he is not the official word, but he made sure to document that I had taken the vehicle in 3 times with no fix and to read the section in my owners manual regarding Lemon Laws for my specific state. He asked me how I would like Nissan to respond to which I replied, I would really like someone to acknowledge the problem and then fix it. He asked if that didn't happen or they could not fix it what would I want Nissan to do. My reply? I want my money back or another car that would run properly and not put in danger by dropping off power during acceleration. His reply? Good, that is what I wanted you to say. Not sure what to think about that, but he said that Nissan wants to make sure they stand behind thier product that the Regional Specialist is the mediator to make that happen. Again, I know he is not the official word and I don't think they will just hand over the keys to a new car, but I don't think this is the first time he had been around the block either.

If anyone has any other ideas about getting our voices heard regarding this problem that to me is begining to feel a lot like a saftey factor (decreased power), please pass it along, I am running out of hair to pull.

[daytrippr]

Question for anyone brave enough to read this entire post.....Have each of you gotten a record of what the reported problem was and what was done to correct it (if anything?). I have had my Rogue to this dealership and not once piece of paper with any explantion to what was complained of or what was done. I have requested a printout to be ready when I pick up my car today. I have kept my own accurate records, but I found this to be very strange and have asked each time I go in about it and am told, oh don't worry about it, we will take care of it.

I have gotten the same thing. We've taken it in twice (well technically 3 times, the first time they didn't hear it so they didn't keep it), and not once have we gotten paperwork on the issue. The first place we took it to, after about 4 months of nothing, calls us the other day and told us they still haven't heard anything from Nissan and will be signing off the work order and mailing it out to us. That was yesterday so I'm going to see if we actually get it. The second place we took it, we also had the oil change done and just as I was leaving with the car, remembered I had not paid for the oil change. When I went back, they said, they'll keep that on hold until Nissan tells them what to do with the transmission so they can bill it on one work order. So I left, but it did bother me not to get the work order.

By law (also stated with the Lemon Law), the dealership is REQUIRED to give you a copy of the work order every time they service your vehicle. I think if you demand it, and they give you b.s. about holding it until work is actually done on it, they are in violation of the law.

[Ticmxman]

On the poll I ran, so far we have results confirming the issue is with AWD only and of the 50 votes 46 that are AWD a little over 50% (20votes) have a issue with noise in the CVT and (16 votes) report no report no problem so far with their AWD Rogues.

THE BIGGER ISSUE SEEMS TO BE A LACK OF A CONSISTANT RESPONCE FROM NISSAN DEALERS. MOST OWNERS SEEM TO SAY THAT IF THE RESPONCE FROM NISSAN WAS JUST "WE ARE AWARE OF THE PROBLEM ON SOME AWD ROGUES AND IT IS BEING EVALUATED AS TO THE CAUSE AND PROPER REPAIR." THE OWNER WOULD BE A LITTLE MORE UNDERSTANDING AND PATIENT. COME ON NISSAN I HAVE NO PROBLEM WITH MY FWD BUT I AM MONITORING YOUR ACTION ON THIS ISSUE AND IT WILL EFFECT MY FUTURE BUYING OF YOUR VEHICLES.

Sorry for the caps but sometimes you have to shout.

[flybooey]

What only was to take one long work day turned into 3 days in the shop. They gave me a loaner b/c of the extended shop time. I obviously inquired as to the extra days and their reply was that this was the first time they had done this repair to the Rogue and they were in uncharted waters. They told me the the new part spun much more freely by hand when compared to the old. I asked about the fluid condition and they told me they were instructed by Nissan not to open it and return it as is. I spoke to them while waiting for my rental about the forum here and the number of individuals that are experiencing noise and those who have had theirs replaced as well as the inconsistent conversations from various dealers.

tick tock, blah blah blah

I will be getting mine back tomorrow

Modified by flybooey at 5:22 AM 8/1/2008

Modified by flybooey at 5:23 AM 8/1/2008
Modified by flybooey at 5:24 AM 8/1/2008

[Bigtamw65]

[By law (also stated with the Lemon Law), the dealership is REQUIRED to give you a copy of the work order every time they service your vehicle. I think if you demand it, and they give you b.s. about holding it until work is actually done on it, they are in violation of the law. [/QUOTE]

Thanks for the info. I requested all of the printouts today, but according to the secretary, they started a new system and she did not know how to print them out. She is supposed to do it tomorrow am. We shall see. Nissan HQ only has record of one visit, but they said that does not necessarily mean that they have not done the paperwork.

[Goblin]

Good luck BigTam. The regional specialist does nothing and can not do anything except tell you the same thing you've been told previously! It's a total joke. Also I think once your in the system as a trouble maker your screwed. I am very disappointed that twice now I have my car back saying the noise is normal.

My question is can I still file Lemon Law if the dealer claims the problem I'm having is normal? Does anyone have experience with this?

[philipa_240sx]

Member 158814997,

This seems to be a seperate issue than the tranmission rattle being reported in this thread. To avoid alot of confusion, I am going to start another thread and move your posts there.

[dn1234]

Hi everyone,

I also called Nissan on Tues (7/29), spoke to a nice man named Agha, got a file # and was told I would be called back the next day. Mary Ann called me yesterday & told me that the dealer is working on a repair and would call me in the near future (what near future????). She assured me my Rogue was safe to drive & I asked her how she knew that. This is what she has been told to say. Also, I seem to be missing paperwork. When I picked up my Rogue on the 23rd (after my latest round of problems), paperwork said "Normal CVT Transmission Noise" the day after the service manager told me Nissan is aware that there is a transmission issue and are working on a solution. This is really bad, I think we are all screwed. Has anyone tried to look up a book value? There is no information.

[Bigtamw65]

So at this point does ANYONE have a sugesstion? Do we just continue to drive them and pray that if something is going to fail it doesn't put us in danger? And that it fails while still under warranty.

I did finally get an invoice yesterday which indicated there was a problem with the SEAT, but with regard to the noise, engine light and increased RPM's and decreased power GUESS WHAT....they couldn't duplicate the problem. What BS, the noise is consistent even a caveman could hear it (sorry I couldn't resist). And next to the trans noise complaint they have put "normal operation".

What do we do??????

[mistergib]

Though I agree, one transmission problem is enough....but, I'm really tryingto understand how prevalent this problem is....

With 47k+ Rogues on the road now, how many different Rogue ownersare there in this forum?? I realize from the survey taken that about50 people responded and approx half had the problem.....which is apretty high percentage.

But, are there just 50 Rogue members on this forum?? How can we geta feel of how bad the problem is? On the other Rogue forum of over400 members, no one has issue with the transmission as yet? So, I justdon't know what to think? Its strange....

What say anybody??

[bshess]

Goblin, under FL law I had to take it back to the dealer at least 3 times before I could file for Lemon Law. Nissan told me it was normal. I filed the Lemon law anyway after the 3rd time. I got a response from Nissan, and we will see what happens on August 7 (supposedly a new transmission).

What is the worst that can happen if you try it?

[BigPapi'sRogue]

I would assume the polled percentage is high, because the reason a lot of owners go to car forums in the first place - like me - is because they have a problem.

As I have posted before, my transmission noise was bad - and I was lucky to have my dealer replace it along with the transfer case, and I haven't heard a peep from it since, and I've put 2k miles on the new transmission.

My best guess is this is a production issue, because:

(1) Doesn't happen with FWD's(2) Only happens with some, but not all, AWD's(3) Replacing the transmission seems to cure it

[paulvanharte]

Yep I read the other forum and somebody suggested "trolls" on this forum.Well I for one can assure you I am not a troll and the fact that my dealer is aware of it as well as Nissan Canada, tells me this is a real issue. Whether or not something will be done is another story. I for one will not buy another Nissan if after all this is said and done they say its normal.(this plus the door sill scratching issue)

Paul

[mistergib]

Maybe I'm an oddball then, but I did not and do not join specificforums because I already have a problem with the product...I justtry to stay aware of all things, good and bad. Point of fact, I still doNOT have the transmission noise problem, I did have the paint-scratchingproblem, but thats it!

I'm following this thread because it does seem like an inordinate amount of AWD Rogue owners are having this problem....I keep wondering if I'm next?....and if and when Nissan officially recognizesit and takes the proper action.

But again, its difficult by the current stats to come to a conclusion asto how prevalent this problem is. I still do think it is strange how itsbasically absent from the other forum....I'm befuddled on that one???