CVT Rattle/Noise - Discussion Thread

[paulvanharte]

Thats a great idea, since Nissan seems to suggest without knowing whats causing this, the replacement will do the same.I actually asked my service manager whether they have checked the VIN's to see if there is a certain range of dates that have this problem. He could not tell me as Nissan Canada did not relay this info to him. You would think since not all do it, maybe there is a batch of bad CVT's or parts supplied by third party suppliers??? I still cant figure out whats taking sooo long

Paul

[BigPapi'sRogue]

Daytrip - Per your request, I have about 2700 miles on the new transmission and it is as quiet as can be.

BigTam - When I first brought mine in for the rattle, they diagnosed it improperly as a front axle. They replaced the right front aaxle, still heard the noise, then pulled out the left front axle, still heard the noise, then went to the CVT.

[draude8]

I own a '08 Rogue SL FWD and I have the same noise on the CVT when drive at slow speed and play gently with the gas. It appeared soon after 2000 miles and it getting worse. I have it checked by Nissan and they said lots of cars with the same problem and they work to find it. What personaly I noticed, the noise is coming only after few minutes driving when the oil is getting warmer.

[ssimon001]

Hey daytrippr,

About 3K miles since replacement and so far everything is fine. Seems as though I'm paranoid now as I have the constant fear of the "rattle".

Hope you guys find the right dealership. I really feel for Goblin and can't believe the crap he has gone through and still no fix.

Good luck and will update if any problems come up.

[joehughes]

I've got roughly 3000 miles on the new transmission.

I brought it back into Nissan, at their request, so they could hear if there was a sound again or not. The dealership and I have heard no sounds since the replacement. It seems that replacing my transmission has completely solved the problem.

A word for the people here that dealerships say they don't have a problem, Gerald Nissan in Naperville, IL has 5 reported cases of this noise leading to complete transmission failure now. They have this documented and also have this reported to Corporate Nissan.

Edagr, the service manager at Gerald, has said that he has been authorized to replace all transmissions in AWD rogues that come in with the noise problem, and his mechanice can hear it.

So if anybody is in the range of Naperville, IL you know where to go to get your transmission replaced.

I feel sorry for the rest of you that don't have a good dealership to go to that is on your side.

Thanks,Joe Hughes

[RiverRogue]

Well, I've bought some lemons in the past, and I've bought some cars that were built on a Friday, but I've been lucky w/ the Rogue.

Goblin, I use the Nissan dealer off 28 in Sterling by Dulles Airport. They claim they have the #1 service center in the country. Try them out, then treat yourself to a good lunch at Wegmans next door. Good luck.

I have a small clunk noise in the transmission when I first start out in the morning but goes away instantly with no problems. I can live with it since the cars under warrentee and I have the extended plan. If the transmission breaks, Nissan should take care of it.

Sometimes though, you get a car that was built on a Friday (or monday morning) and no matter what, you just need to rid yourself of the problem.

In that case, the car has been traded in before it has 10k miles and I eat the depreciation. Manytimes, the depreciation has been minimal.

[bshess]

Hey all...

I have only had the new transmission for about 2 weeks now, and have put maybe 700 miles on it, but so far so good. I will say I have been incredibly paranoid about the noise, but I haven't heard it yet...

Keeping above water in soggy Central Florida...

[daytrippr]

Thanks for your updates. Considering the fact that most of us have heard the rattle very early on, this is a good sign that a new transmission could be the cure.

Are you listening, NISSAN?

[Roli]

Hey I bought my Rogue, April 2008 and noticed two things pretty much right away, the transmission making a metalic rattling sound upon slowing down or de-accelarating, and deffinately more noticeable if you shift the vehicle in Nuetral as you slow down. The second thing I noticed was that I had very little range on my remotes, and I also had a remote start put in the vehicle that worked off the locks by pressing lock on the nissan FOB (intelikey) but the horn would only sound once, furthermore the remote distance from the rear of the vehicle was worse, and the rear hatch button worked intermitantly, usually didnt work if I had alot of packages in my hand.

So I waited until I had my first appointment with the dealer for an oil change and brought these issues to the service writter. at the end of the day they tell me that the transmission is fine and no trouble codes and the remotes are normal. That the max range is 30 feet. and they couldnt duplicate the intermitten rear hatch unlock button. But there I watched the mechanic have to press the intellikey button like 6 times to unlock the door. But that is nornal.

So a week later I brought to another dealer, I explained the whole thing, they have the car overnight and tell me the engine mounts need to be changed, and that would take care of the noise, which I told them I didnt agree but they are the EXPERTS. As for the remote problem, they refused to diagnose the problem because the remote start was attached to the system and until I removed it even though it was installed at another dealer they would have to charge me $95 to troubleshoot the remotes.

So while waiting on parts I brought the Rogue back to the first dealer and had the remote start removed from the lock sequence. and then the next day back to the dealer for the motor mount replacement and to troubleshoot the remote problem

By the end of that day the Service writter called to tell me that I was right the engine nmounts didnt take care of the noise and that Nissan is aware of the problem and that when they have a fix they will let me know. As for the remote they ordered a remote control module unit.

So now that it has been 5 months since the problem was first posted here Nissan still have not come up with a solution. How long does it take to take care of this.

I hate my Rogue but love my Murano

[dn1234]

Hi everyone,

Just an update on my Rogue. I sent a certified letter to Nissan giving them their final repair attempt under the lemon law and a week later got a letter back by FedEx telling me they would like to schedule an appt for me to meet with a Nissan rep at my dealership. Well, yesterday morning I met with this rep and we went for a ride. After I drove it and he heard the "rattle" (which has made my ride to/from work excruciating not to mention not wanting to drive it anywhere else) he drove it himself and knew exactly how to duplicate this noise. He knew it was the CVT transmission. He told me that "supposedly" there was a bad batch of transmissions and early on they were replacing bad with bad and the noise came back. He said Nissan has been diligently working on a fix. He said he had a phone conference with Nissan the other day and they feel confident that as of now, replacing the transmission is the solution. So, they are ordering me a transmission. God, I hope this is the solution because I can't take this anymore! The service manager told me that their hands were tied because Nissan was not giving them the authorization to replace my transmission before. I will update again as soon as I get my Rogue back. In the meantime, anyone that still has this rattle needs to call their dealer, send a letter to Nissan, whatever it takes to get them moving. This has been like a part time job for me. Good luck!!!!!!!!!!!!!

PS I would like to hear from BigTam for an update.

[Goblin]

Man that is really good news. I hope it all works out for you and the rest of us. I have all but given up because like you said, its like having a part time job. I haven't the time to keep hounding Nissan and taking my car to various dealers at my expense (rentals) to have them tell me the same thing over and over. Please post up the address you sent your certified letter to and give us an up date as to the progress of your Rogue. Thanks again, for what seems to be good news.

[dn1234]

Hi Goblin,

I did some research on the Massachusetts Lemon Law and found this address on the Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation web site: Linda C. Bengivenga, Nissan North America, Inc., 1501 Cottontail Lane, Somerset, NJ 08873.

Of course the letter I received and the person in arbitration that I have been dealing with is located in Tennessee. The rep I met with covers my area in Mass.

Good luck to you and I will update as soon as I hear anything else about my Rogue.

[Roli]

Well another trip to the dealer and they put in a remote control module and that still didnt fix the problem of the remote control intermittenly working. So they disconnected the Remote start and now the factory remotes work great. They charged me $95 even though the remote start was installed by a another dealer.

So here I go again back to the dealer who installed the remote to see if the problem can be duplicated once the remote start fuses are put back in.

Someone is paying the $103 bill.

As for my transmission problem, no word yet from Nissan about what they are doing, I guess its time to write a letter

ROLi

[Roli]

here is the outcome, The original dealer is removing the remote start, and paying for an outside company that I choice to install the remote and pay for it, but will not pay the 103 bill from the other dealer...

But as for the transmision noise, I contacted Nissan Customer service which I think is 1800-nissan1. The regional rep contacted me within 24 hours and will get back to me within two more days to tell me the outcome. I also talked about Lemon law vehicle. Since it has been to the dealer 3 times for the same major problem without a fix.

Stay tuned

ROLI

[Bibbers]

I'm in need of everyone's opinion.I have the rattle/vibration noise coming from my rogue when i'm going less then 10kms ( coasting in a parking lot).I've notified nissan, told them the problem and that several people are having the same problem. He asked me where i heard of this problem, i said nico forums on the web. He told me he would get back to me.I guess he called Nissa NA and their reply is that they can't take any comments seriously off of webpages unless it's an official Nissan webpage/Forum.Can you believe that BS??So, nissan is sending some "audio files" to the service bay to help diagnose the problem.So, looks like i'm **** out of luck.Hopefully my car completely implodes before my warrenty runs out.Any feed back would be Great!Thx

[daytrippr]

Update on out cvt rattle

Got our 10,000 mile oil change yesterday. Our service department (which is 40 miles away but much more co-operative and trustworthy than the one in Bellingham, WA!) did the whole oil change thing, oil, lube and checked fluids, brakes, etc for $35! We had them check the rattle again, which they did, heard it, looked at the transmission fluid (looked fine, they said) and called Nissan, who said more of the same (working on a fix, blah blah)

The tech said that he has SIX Rogues with the dreaded rattle.

[Roli]

Does anyone know the production date of their Rogue. It amazes me some owners have the problem some dont.

My Rogue is an SL and , and has the premium package which includes the paddle shifters. and the transmission rattles/

I think my vehicle was produced min December 2007

ROLI

[kerrton]

That is an excellent thought - although this is a long thread I think this might be a new idea worth exploring. Is it possible that there might be a correlation between the people with transmission problems and the manufacture date? I hesitate to start another survey, but it would be interesting to see if all of the rattling transmission's were manufactured and/or purchased within the same timeframe? Or perhaps it is just random and some transmission's were defective for unknown reasons.....

[daytrippr]

That is an excellent thought - although this is a long thread I think this might be a new idea worth exploring. Is it possible that there might be a correlation between the people with transmission problems and the manufacture date? I hesitate to start another survey, but it would be interesting to see if all of the rattling transmission's were manufactured and/or purchased within the same timeframe? Or perhaps it is just random and some transmission's were defective for unknown reasons.....

My service tech said that he has a few that were practically brand new! I don't know when they were manufactured, but one would assume that a Rogue sold in July would be from a much different lot than one sold in March (like ours)

[dn1234]

Hi everyone,

Update on my Rogue. I picked it up on Tues (after being at the dealer for a week) and I have to say so far what a HUGH difference the new transmission makes! Although I will always live in fear of the "rattle". I posted my story earlier in this thread about having a major water leak, squeaks in the dashboard, etc. Between June and now, it has been in the shop 5 times for a total of 25 business days. Mine is a SL AWD, no premium package, no paddle shifters. I bought it in Feb, started hearing the rattle in April. My first complaint to the dealer was at my first oil change. (I still only have 6400 miles on it). Anyway, there should be no reason for Nissan not to authorize dealers to replace transmissions they know are bad based on what I was told by the rep I met with. Good luck to everyone and I will keep checking back for updates.

[kerrton]

Hey you guys know what else is interesting? I checked the Jeep Compass/Patriot forums (mainly Carspace) in detail because they also are new vehicles that have the Jatco CVT (possibly even the identical model as the Rogue), which has literally hundreds of threads, and there is not one of them that reports a transmission problem such as a rattle or defective transmission requiring replacement. There are TONS of posts about problems, it sounds like those vehicles are total pieces of crap, but not a single one regarding problems with the CVT. It seems very strange to me that some Rogue owners would be having CVT problems while the same or very similar transmission in the Jeeps seem to be working flawlessly.

Although, the annoying thing for me is defining exactly what "flawless" operations sounds like with this transmission. I get that annoying subtle rattle sound with my FWD when driving slowly in parking lots but it is very brief, only lasting about half a second and it hasn't ever gotten worse. I've been trying to determine if this indicates a problem or if it is in fact normal. I think this is different from the extreme, constant loud rattle problem that some AWD owners have expereinced, but it concerns me nonetheless. But I'm definately glad I didn't buy a cheap Jeep Compass/Patriot!!!

[Beagle_Hauler]

Oh man we almost got a Patriot last year! We got to sit in one during the annual automotive show and were impressed enough to go and test drive one when they finally came out. I so wanted to buy an American vehicle for a change but after our drive, I politely said thank you and left. It's really too bad they are having so many problems (and ironic their CVT isn't breaking down). I joined a Patriot forum just before the test drive and followed it for several months afterwards. Yes, they do have some issues. I was hoping our new Rogues didn't have the same 'first year model' type problems and so far, so good. The Pat was nice and roomy (rear seat foot area is really deep too!) but the ergonomics were awful. For example, the controls for the sunroof were up against the front winshield and the Pat has the typical domestic dash (very deep and long) so one has to lean forward, against the tension of the seatbelt and stretch their fingers to just barely reach the buttons. And the engine/transmission was no where near as responsive feeling as the Rogue. Mind you I said 'feeling'. I don't know which vehicle is faster or whatnot but in the Rogue you feel connected to the road, which I like, whereas the Pat you feel you are in a typical domestic vehicle: big cushy plush ride that disconnects you from the road.

[homergreg]

I think the Patriot not having the same problem reveals something about the problem itself. I almost bought a Patriot, and one of the problems with the Patriot was that the engine was always wanting to run at higher rpm's for the speed. The car always felt like it was running a gear too low. The Rogue is the opposite, although it has the same transmission, the Rogue feels like it's running in a pretty high gear for the speed you are going, with the RPM's way down. Each has their own control electronics.

I think in some Rogues with some unknown issue with their transmission, that the combination of low rpm's and the issue causes the rattle. But I'm just guessing, trying to figure out why a Patriot wouldn't rattle, while a Rogue might. I guess one way to tell would be listening with the transmission in D, and hearing the rattle, then putting the transmission in 5 or 6 and going the same speed. With the higher rpm does the rattle go away?

[denrama]

Noise is coming in my Rogue whenever I start and cruise at low speeds. It also have low pickup. I REALLY have to give a lot of gas to get it going, in par with other cars. I am not liking this car anymore.

[Roli]

Noise is coming in my Rogue whenever I start and cruise at low speeds. It also have low pickup. I REALLY have to give a lot of gas to get it going, in par with other cars. I am not liking this car anymore.

The noise I have is during de-acceleration and low speeds, and my engine seems to bog down right before 40 MPH, at less then 2000 rpms. and worse if I have three other adults in the vehicle

As previously posted after the dealer said that Nissan is aware of the problem and a fix is in the works. I decided to call NISSAN1 and file a concern with them.

The rep took my information and said a Regional Rep will contact me in 24 hours in which she (Tammy) did. With speaking to Tammy she said to give a her few days and she will investigate the problem with the rattle and get back to me on Thursday. Well thursday came and went and no phone call, So I called on Friday to Nissan 1 and asked why the Rep didnt call me as promised, the rep said the notes on the file says she called on Thursday at 3 pm and got my voicemail. I check no phone call recieved.

I did get a return phone call on Monday from the Tammy (regional rep) who said I have an interesting file and that she had spoke to the Dealership Service manager and he felt that my transmission Rattle was caused by my remote start. Yep she said that. Well I blew my gasket, and told her she is out of her F'n mind. that the remote start problem was a whole different problem. Well conviently we got disconnected (cell phone, on golf course). thought she would call back but didnt

I called back on Wednesday and finally received the Region Reps extension and left her a messge to call me back again to finish the conversation.

I received a phone call on Thursay afternoon from another rep (Omar) "helping" tammy out. I explained to him the whole situtuation and my displeasure with being stroked by Tammy, and she not knowing what she is talking about and down right lying saying she contacted the dealer and the dealer said it was the remote start. And yes she is not a technition but to say that the remote start is causeing the rattle she is totally lost. When if she would think about it, Nissan is aware of the problem and is working on a fix.

the New rep Omar was good, he said he would call me back by friday after he discusses this matter with the Head technition.Well to my suprise he called me back in 30 minutes and said I will be contacted by the Dealership in regards to CHANGING the Transmission.

YEA,,, and Nissan will provide a rental or loaner car...... YEA...

We have progress.....

the squeek wheel gets the most grease

[dn1234]

Good for you, Roli! I hope this works out for you! Keep us informed.

[Goblin]

Roli, your post sounds all too familiar right down to the Reps name (Tammy) whom kept hanging up on me as she claims I was cursing her. The long and short of your story is that it has played out with other members on this thread and they have come home with out transmission's. Make sure you get it in writing that they are going to do what they say before leaving your Rogue with the dealer. I wish you luck and keep us posted. My rattling sound is at the point of ridiculous and I'm just waiting to drag the transmission down the road. I'm debating taking it to yet a third dealer in hopes of getting it fixed. UGH!

[Roli]

Since I am dealing with a different Nissan Consumer representative he called again on Friday to see if the dealer called to arrange the transmission replacement. Which they did not, so he called Smithtown Nissan and was informed that the transmission was on back order. With no time frame of when it might be in.

O yea and I stopped by the dealership (Atlantic nissan) where I bought the vehicle from to drop off the now removed remote start, and while I was there I informed the service manager that what a shame that their service writers are such A$$'s because Smithtown Nissan was able to diagnose and is now got the ok to change the transmission and get paid for it. He was not happy with that. O well

So here I wait patiently for the part to come in.

the only bad part is that I once again have to start dealing with Tammy the useless Nissan Rep.

More updates to come.

[mfsn]

Hello,

I hear a clunk noise coming from under my Rogue not right after I start the engine, but a few seconds after I shift into D and start accelerating. I sounds like gears scratching when you don't step all the way down on the clutch pedal of manual transmission cars. It is a one time noise, then it stops.

It is definitely louder and more noticeable after the car has been parked overnight or longer, but if it's a short stop at the grocery store I can't hear it. I've had my 09 SL AWD for about a month (600mi) and was wondering if anyone else has experienced similar problem?

[Pescakl1]

That sounds like the ABS self test done at every start.Should happen at about 18 km/h (10-12mph).

Nothing to worry about, normal noise.

The rattling noise from the transmission seems to appear first when you decelerate, at low speed, and then aggravate to higher speed and also when accelerating.