CVT Rattle/Noise - Discussion Thread

[kerrton]

kcfm,

I know it's a tough call if you should have the CVT replaced, but if this problem is really bothering you, like it was for me, then I'd recommend asking for the part to be replaced.

Lets not overcomplicate things, and look at the facts: a) The vast majority of Rogue owners do NOT have a CVT problem, many with close to 30k miles already. b) You and a SMALL number of owners have identified that your CVT has a problem c) Your dealer has aknowledged that your transmission has a problem d) the dealer has offered to replace your CVT

They wouldn't offer to change the CVT if it wasn't a serious defect. If you have it replaced, chances are that you'll end up like most Rogue owners, with happy, trouble-free driving. Nissan/Jatco is the world leader in CVT trannies, they make CVT's for all of the Nissan vehicles, as well as Dodge (patriot, compass), Ford Escape and others. I'm sure they don't have a factory where they continue to produce defective crap, that just wouldn't be a sustainable business model, they would've gone out of business long ago, and nobody would buy Nissan vehicles.

Even if the worst-case scenario occured, and they change your CVT and the noise returns, it's still under warranty for 5 years and they still have to fix it. Maybe by that there will be another fix but for the time being, get the new CVT, it is the same as they're putting on all '09 rogues by the thousands regardless if it's been redesigned or not. Who cares if it's redesigned, it the current model that all Rogue owners get from the factory, it is not defective. Go for it, it's a no brainer, but I invite everyone to post back if you can provide a good argument against having this done.

[catodog]

I have a 2008 Rogue with about 11500 mi. We experienced the same rattle (I described it almost as a coffee pot perculating sound) at first when turning into a parking spot; then while decelerating in lower gears. First, Buckeye Nissan in Columbus OH replaced the steering column to no avail. Just tonight they confirmed that Nissan has authorized a new transmission! It does appear there is a broader issue here. I must commend Buckeye Nissan in that there was no argument about this - in fact they made all the arrangements before calling me to say the car was ready for now - and they assured me it's safe to drive.

[Goblin]

OK, so I reluctantly took my Rogue back to the dealer. And, YES; the noise they hear is normal? OK, so why do we call it a noise? And, NO; its not normal. So I have contacted a Lemon Law - Law Firm here to help me out with Nissan. I've had it with the lies and deception at the dealer and customer relations level in getting the CVT fixed or replaced. I'll let you know how this turns out.

[Goblin]

Holly Sh*t!! OMG, I'm beside myself right now! I got the call!?! What call??? The CALL!!!!....After talking with the service Mgr. last night he agreed to allow the technician to drive my car home. In doing so the proof was in the drive about the concerns and problems I have had with the CVT. The service Mgr. called me this morning to let me know they are ordering me a transmission. OMG, 7 months into this problem and I'm finally going to get a resolution. He insisted the car is OK to drive but wants to keep it until the new CVT is in and installed. OMG I can't believe this is going to happen! I'll keep you posted.... I know a few of us have been to this point before and not received transmission. I'm just thrilled beyond words that I finally have Nissan agreeing there is a problem and the "NOISE" is not normal. This comes on the heels of me giving up and deciding to go with a Lemon Law attorney. Cross your fingers!

[indesign99]

Glad to hear you finally got satisfaction. Mine was changed about 3000 miles ago and no problems at all (knock on wood). Be sure your dealer has transmission fluid for the new transmission. My car sat on the rack for almost a week because when they got the transmission changed the $300.00/case transmission fluid had disappeared and they had to order it from Nissan. They couldn't even move the car off their rack.

Again, glad to hear you are getting what you deserve. Best of luck.

[williammoses]

Congratulations, Goblin. I am trying to understand the service manager's change of heart. Did you actually go so far as to contact a Lemon Law attorney, and did that attorney notify Nissan and/or the Nissan dealership that he or she was representing you? I also live in the Northern Virginia area, and I am curious what dealership will be replacing your transmission.

[daytrippr]

Good luck, Goblin. It's been one month since our dealer said they would order our new transmission. I called them today for an update. He said the transmission is still on 'backorder'.

[Goblin]

Good luck, Goblin. It's been one month since our dealer said they would order our new transmission. I called them today for an update. He said the transmission is still on 'backorder'.

Wow!

OK, so I'm in utter disbelief over the phone call I just received from Rosenthal Nissan here in Vienna..... They got the new transmission this morning and have already installed it. They wanted permission for the technician to drive the vehicle home tonight to verify all is good and it has corrected the rattling noise problem. I hate to be a pessimist but life just can't be this simple after 7 months of pure hell trying to get them to acknowledge there was a problem. I called back and talked to the service mgr whom confirmed the new transmission is not only in but the car seems to be running great. So because of the holiday, I wont pick it up until Friday.Once I get the work order I'll post up a picture. It better say new CVT on it!LOL.

Daytripper double check that back order!?! Something is a miss here.

[Goblin]

Congratulations, Goblin. I am trying to understand the service manager's change of heart. Did you actually go so far as to contact a Lemon Law attorney, and did that attorney notify Nissan and/or the Nissan dealership that he or she was representing you? I also live in the Northern Virginia area, and I am curious what dealership will be replacing your transmission.

I did contact the law firm and received the initial email but never mentioned it to the dealership nor threatened them. Initially the service mgr. called and said all the noises they heard were considered normal. I told the guy at this point it was just laughable and I could no longer get upset over this anymore. Then I explained what I had been through. He suggested I ride with him and the technician which I did. Honestly it didn't seem to help my cause any. I recommended the tech drive the car home that evening, which he did and then I got the overwhelming response I was looking for. Oh, and the dealer is Rosenthal here in Vienna.

[Goblin]

Hell Yeah Its a Happy New Year!

OK, picked up the car today and the CVT has been replaced. The work order reads "internal failure". And list the new CVT part number as 310C0-1XT5E. Anyhow here's a pic and it can also be downloaded and viewed from my link at the bottom of this page if it helps any of you.

[Ticmxman]

Man thats great after all you went thru, now you can enjoy your Rogue with no bad vides, no pun intended!!!

[Goblin]

Funny you say that; because almost immediately I started liking the Rogue again. Also, you can tell a difference in the new transmission. The car has all kinds of pick up and is so much smoother. Thanks for the support guys. Happy New Year!

[dn1234]

I'm happy for you Goblin, it's about time!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I've put over 3000 miles on my new transmission and with all of this snow/ice in New England so far this winter, it reminds me of exactly why I bought the Rogue in the first place and happy again that I did. Good luck to you and Happy New Year!

[williammoses]

Does anyone know the technical difference between the original CVT transmission and the new CVT transmission (part no. 310C0-1XT5E) that Nissan has developed for the Rogue?

[Goblin]

Well its been a week since my transmission change and I can't be happier. My attitude towards the Rogue is 180 degrees out from before and I am loving my "B$tch Car" (as the neighbor's call it). Comes from my driving those manly 4X4's with V8's. LOL. Anyhow, for those of you in need, I recommend getting the new transmission. My mileage is up 2 miles per gallon and it drives like a completely different vehicle with power to boot.

[sckeith]

I got my transmission changed on Jan 7 and all is well. No more noise. Same part number as mentioned. I haven't noticed any difference in mileage or performance at this point. I'm glad I didn't have to pay for it.

[paulvanharte]

I thought it was my imagination, but my mileage seems a bit better as well. Its been bitterly cold here, so fuel consumption is not that good, but I noticed that it seems to hit the rated mileage closer now. The transmission seems smoother as well. So far so good!!!

Paul

[Goblin]

Paul... you said it better than I. I don't mean to infer I'm getting better than posted mileage. I have never hit the mark or come close to what some of the guys on here post. It looks like I am where I should be at about 20mpg city, now. I'm thrilled!

Just having that rattle gone makes me smile every time I pull up to a stop sign. LOL

[williammoses]

The Nissan Regional Technical Service Dirrector test drove my Rogue this morning, and he heard the grinding sound emanating from the transmission. Therefore my Nissan dealer servie manager called to tell me this morning that they were going to replace my transmission. Has anyone had any problems getting the new transmission installed and working properly?

[kerrton]

Has anyone had any problems getting the new transmission installed and working properly?

I had the same worries prior to having my replaced, I was worried it would never run the same again, but apparently it's quite a simple job because the transmission is a sealed, self contained unit so there is low potential for screw ups. The whole job only took about 4 hours including lunch, and the thing works absolutely flawlessly now, no leaks or anythign abnormal. Don't worry!

[Goblin]

wmmoses.... Did you go to Passport? I went there a while back and they were all about getting my transmission fixed. After 2 days I went back to get it to find they did not replace it and were very abrupt with me and gave no reason as to why, "other than what has been previously posted." Oh, and they refused to let me talk to the technician handling my vehicle. Which I thought was weird. Anyhow, my worries are behind me. I hope everything works out for you.

Daytripper what's going on with you getting a transmission? Did you ever get that bull$hit resolved about a backorder of trannies? I'm sure they could get on shipped in from VA next day if they wanted.

[williammoses]

Goblin:1. I bought the vehicle at Brown's Nissan in Arlington, but I have had the vehicle services at Passport Nissan in Alexandria.2. Passport acknowledged the transmission noise last Summer after test driving the vehicle. Unfortunately, the service manager dismissed it at the time as "normal CVT noise"--a crushing blow for me.3. Believing I had been kicked to the curb by Passport Nissan, I appealed to the BBB Auto Line dispute resolution program in accordance with the procedure described in the Nissan Customer Care Program. The procedure is decsribed in the 2008 Warranty Information Booklet, page 3.4. Outcome of the dispute resolution process was Nissan's offer to replace my transmission, at which point Passport Nissan became very docile. The transmission is scheduled to be replaced January 8 and 9.

I would recommend that Nissan Rogue owners consider using the dispute resolution program if the need a little leverage.

[Goblin]

Thx wmmoses. I think you mean Feb?

Anyhow, the long and short of it is that it is ridiculous what we have to go through just to get an acknowledgment of the problem and then get it repaired. I have to say, as happy as I am to have the new CVT, I'm still pissed about the process and the 8 months it took to resolve it. It seems to me that ultimately the CVT's get replaced, like it has been said before to keep pressing them until they do it. I don't see the benefit for Nissan to hold out and the dealers; especially now, its a big win to do warranty work and make some money.

[williammoses]

Actually I meant this week, January 15 and 16. I was at Passport Nissan yesterday afternoon for a couple of hours, and nobody was selling or buying cars--nobody.

[kcfm]

Well I just got my Rogue back yesterday from having it's new transmission installed. I can't say I notice any difference in it compared to the original as some people have reported. But at least it doesn't have the rattle. Yeah!!!

Now if only the dealer hadn't scratched the hell out of my car when they washed it...it would be a glorious day.

I just can't believe these dealers are stupid enough to wash the cars with bristled brushes. What the hell is wrong with them.??!!

[kerrton]

Well those brushes are designed to wash modern clearcoat vehicles, they are used in every car wash in North America and guaranteed not to scratch if used properly. The dummies that washed yours either used the brush with lots of sand/rocks embedded in it, or else they used some really strange instrument that is not meant for vehicle paint jobs. Either way it sucks and I feel for you, but at least you got your new $5000 transmission installed!

[kcfm]

Either way it sucks and I feel for you, but at least you got your new $5000 transmission installed!

$4,312 and change, plus labor.

Yes, that is a relief to have that fight over with!

[cintroncar]

According to my information now that's what is still being installed, the same original transmission.

I finally got approval for a new transmission but was told that Nissan has still not released a countermeasure transmission as of yet. So I would be getting the same transmission as I have now, but with the hopes that this was does not have the rattle. I was also told that the 2009's are getting the same transmission as the rest of us have in our 2008's.

Today I talked to the service manager at my local dealer regarding the transmission rattle. He called Nissan and indicated to me that Nissan will change the transmission, but Nissan is still working on the problem and they have not come with a solution to fix the problem. He indicated also to me that Nissan has not released a countermeasure transmission yet. So, I will be getting the same transmission as I have now.

How if they have not come with a solution, the 2009 Rogues do not have the problem? Also, I have been reading in this forum that once the transmission has been replaced, the noise is gone.

The big dilema is if I should wait for a fix because Nissan indicated to the manager that changing the transmission doesn't guarantee the noise won't return, or get it replace now.

Any thought will be appreciated.

[Goblin]

Change IT!

It's like anything else that is mass produced. With all factors the same, each lot of production transmissions can be a bit different, dependent upon production materials, etc. but have the same specifications. In my crude and humble opinion something has changed and I don't know that Nissan has divulged this information to the dealer's. Also, with so many people reporting the replacement transmission not having the noise; what do you have to loose?
Modified by Goblin at 8:24 AM 1/23/2009

[williammoses]

Transmission on my 2008 Rogue AWD was replaced last week. Grinding sound is gone, and car runs much more smoothely at low speeds. It's as if I were driving a different vehicle. Part number of the transmission that was installed is 310C0-1XT5E.