CVT Rattle/Noise - Discussion Thread

[daytrippr]

OBVIOUSLY, the noise is not normal...just scan thru this thread that will soon be on it's 13th page!

I think that you will find that there have been two types of Rogue owners who have been sucessfull in getting new trannys1) The ones with co-operative, caring dealers (they all seem to be in Illinois!)and 2) Those where the owner has threatened with complaints to the BBB or Lemon-Law agencies.

For us, we researched the state of WA Lemon-Law to ensure that we met the minimum qualifications. Then, we documented our claims thru the dealer. Every time we had an oil change we asked them to check out the noise and make a repair. I called them regularly to see if they had any updates. After our third attempt to get it fixed (first with our closest dealer and then 2 more time with the one in the next town), I scheduled an oil change and asked them to repair it for the 4th time. When talking with the service writer I told him that we were going to file a Lemon Law complaint if we got no satisfaction this time.

Shazzam! When the oil change was done, he said that Nissan had approved a new transmission!

Therefore: be persistent and use the 'magic words'

Good luck!

[pammy]

Has anyone had their transmission replaced and had the noise come back after a few months? It took a good 3 or 4 months to get Nissan to replace my transmission. It was silent after that for several months. I just heard what sounds like the same rattle, a couple times over the past two weeks. It's only happened 2 or 3 times, and I'm hoping it's not the same problem occurring on the new transmission. I am putting a lot of miles on my Rogue, so if it is the same thing starting up on the new transmission, maybe will happen sooner for me than for others. Have 25k already on my 8 month old Rogue. had about 12k on my Rogue when the replaced the transmission.Thanks, Pam

[Goblin]

I recall one post that claimed the transmission rattle came back after being replaced. I can't remember if it was in this thread or another. I did not give it much weight as it was the only post referencing a recurring problem to date. So I wouldn't rule out the same problem but I wouldn't jump to conclusions either as you said the rattle is not consistent? It may be something entirely different with the mileage your putting on.

[williammoses]

Pammy: I think Goblin may be right. However, in light of the fact that you have about 25K on your Rogue and about 12K of that with your second transmission, I wonder if it is possible your transmission was not replaced with a transmission bearing the new part number?

If I am right Nissan's earliest response was to replace the defective transmission with a new one that was identical to it. The Nissan dealer paperwork should identify the part number of the transmssion they installed in your vehicle.

[JenR]

I am so glad I found this forum! I bought my used 2008 Rogue AWD (18,500 miles) last month and have been driving it happily until last week I noticed the grinding noise everyone has been describing. I took it in at first thinking it was the breaks, was told it wasn't the breaks and everything else in the car was fine.

I was in a large parking garage last night and noticed the noise again. Frustrated, I did some research and came across this thread.

So I called the dealer back and said I had done some research and found that a lot of other Rogue owners had this same issue. He replied that yes he has heard of the issue but "nissan doesn't have a fix for it yet and they don't want them replacing transmissions" I am taking it in on Tuesday so he can test it and confirm that is actually the problem.

So what are my next steps from here? When I take it in for the test drive, should I tell the service manager that I am going to go through the BBB to Nissan to get the transmission replaced? My Rogue is still under its manufacture's warranty so I am assuming that will cover the replacement transmission.

[williammoses]

I have several thoughts:1.) Oh, yes this is a fix. Nissan has issued a new transmission for the Nissan Rogue, and its part number is 310C0-1XT5E. This new transmission is designed to eliminate the grinding noise that you are hearing at low speeds. Those of us on this forum that have transmission replacements haved found that the new transmission is quiet and smooth in all driving modes. Tell your dealer that (s)he got it wrong this time.2.) I personally went the BBB Auto Line route and was glad that I did. Why? When you go the BBB Auto Line route, then it brings in Nissan Corporate from the start. When Nissan Corporate says to replace the transmission, the Nissan Dealer will bend over backward to do it quickly and carefully, and treat you with deference from start to finish. 3.) In my experience Nissan dealers, while good at day to day auto repair, are rather insulated from Nissan Corporate. It accounts for a lot of misinformation.Good Luck

[Superdave54]

Had a nice surprise today. Called the Service Department at the Nissan dealer and inquired about the transmission noise. They said they knew about it, and all I had to do was bring it in so they could make sure it had the noise, and get the info they needed to order me a new transmission. They pretty well guaranteed that the new transmission would not have the noise.

Done deal, no hassle. Maybe I just have a good dealer. Karmart Nissan in Burlington, Washington.

[Ryepow]

Very cool, maybe your dealership can call my dealership and tell them they are idiots for calling the noise normal. Congrats, I hope you get a new transmission.

[rsm]

For those that are in California, I had taken my AWD in about six months ago, told they didn't know the source of the problem, and to bring it back if it continued. I took it back a few weeks ago, and they agreed to swap out the transmission. initial service request listed the transmission as 310CO-1XF4B. The final sheet had it as 310CO-1XT6A, which I assume is the newest transmission for CA emissions, AWD. Good luck to all still dealing with it... I hope the rattle doesn't return.

[daytrippr]

... Maybe I just have a good dealer. Karmart Nissan in Burlington, Washington.

Hey Dave,

That's why we drive 40 miles to Karmart. King Nissan sucks the big one!

[pammy]

Thanks William and Goblin. I'll look at my paperwork to see what the part number for the new transmission is. The new transmission I want to see is part 310C0 -1XT5E ?

Thanks, Pam

[pammy]

I looked at my paperwork, and the part number for the new transmission they put into my AWD SL Rogue in October is 310CO-1XF7A. Does this mean they put in a new original Rogue transmission that might have the same exact problem? Is the replacement transmission now 310CO-1XT5E ? Thanks, Pam

[williammoses]

Pammy:1. I have an online copy of the 2008 Nissan Rogue Service Manual, which is several thousand pages and comprised of hundreds of files. A long time ago I looked at the Transmission Section of the manual and found referenced four variations of the CVT transmission, each of which bears its own unique part number. This means there were actually four variations of the original transmission, but the variatons were probably subtle. I suspect there are four variations of the new transmission also. 2. Although I searched the Manual extensively this morning, I was unable to find a reference to any of the part numbers of the original transmission in the Service Manual. Therefore I cannot be sure that your transmission (310CO-1XF7A) is an original transmission or not; however, if my memory serves me 310CO-1XF7A was one of the part numbers of the original transmission. Bottom line is: In your case I think an original transmission was replaced with an orginal transmission.3. If you are having a recurrence of the grinding/lurching problem, I strongly suggest you to through BBB Autoline so that Nissan Corporate can sort this out with your Nissan Dealer.

[paulvanharte]

I had the CVT changed in December and since have put on another 3000 kms. This pm I was driving on the highway and had to slow down and gues what noise came back???It appears the rattle is back. I will keep you posted

Paul

[kerrton]

Paul I find that so hard to believe, I'm shocked. Are you absolutely sure the noise wasn't caused by something else, possibly? I guess it's an easy test, just drive real slow in a parking lot at about 5 to 10 km/h and ease on/off the throttle.

I've got almost 4000 km after my new transmission an no noise, not sure what to think but if you share your findings with us it'll be appreciated. Good luck.

[kbz1960]

This thread and the cold feet thread are the ones having me considering another choice for a purchase. I don't need these kind of problems with a new vehicle. My Fond on road dead hasn't had any problems except needing an alignment almost right away.

[kerrton]

Just to put things in perspective, the Rogue doesn't have "problems", in my opinion. Probably 99.9% of Rogues are trouble free, there are just a very few having problems which is true of ALL vehicle makes, no matter how expensive. Your Ford sounds great, but I guarantee there are people out there with the same car that had problems, it's just the way the world works and it's why we need warranties. If all new vehicles were guaranteed to never have problems warranties wouldn't exist.

[kbz1960]

I agree but this has been going on since the 08 and continuing in the 09 models. Why hasn't Nissan corrected this by now and not an issue that is continuing to be talked about? Not that Ford or any other is any better.

[paulvanharte]

Yep I was shocked too. I tried it a few times and it does sound like the same rattle, happens under the same conditions as before. My service manager asked the same question, but I know what I am hearing and I dont like it. Its funny before I heard it I was going around 100km running at around 2000rpm and said to myself, wow this is nice and quiet.Had the sunroof open with sun on my face, Loved it.Together with the rearshocks needing replacement I am not so sure about the Rogue right now

paul

[kbz1960]

And with my luck or nonluck I'd end up with one that has issues LOL.

[kcfm]

I had the CVT changed in December and since have put on another 3000 kms. This pm I was driving on the highway and had to slow down and gues what noise came back???It appears the rattle is back. I will keep you posted

Paul

Well you may be be able to add me to that list as well. I had my transmission changed back in January, about 2,000 miles ago. Well over the past week there have been a few occasions when I believe I have heard the rattle again as well. The transmission was very quiet up until that point. It doesn't do it all the time yet but neither did the original transmission in the beginning.

Kerrton, my replacement transmission was the same part number as your replacement....keep your ears open.

I guess a few more hundred/thousand miles will tell for sure.

[Goblin]

Please tell me this is a bad dream! UGH! No f**king way I'm going through that sh*t again. Two people have posted up here in as many weeks claiming the noise it back. UGH!

I couldn't be happier with my Rogue right now with almost 4K on the new transmission. Quiet and seamless power mixed with great gas mileage. I even went as far as updating the stereo and adding 12" subwoofers. UGH!

Bottom line....keep us in the loop brothers and sisters.

[kerrton]

Goblin, don't worry about it! I'm like you, almost 4000 km and no problems with the new transmission, love the vehicle, everything is good. You can't worry about this stuff all the time or that defeats the purpose of buying a new vehicle, to get your money's worth you have to relax and enjoy it!! I need to take my own advice, and to help with that I'm seriously thinking about not reading these posts anymore unless I have a problem, because it is freaking me out, but it shouldn't be because my Rogue is running great, and I paid thousands less than a Toyota, Honda or even most GM gas guzzlers!

Focus on all the many Rogue owners who do NOT have this problem, and the many who have had the CVT replaced and the problem has not returned. I still firmly believe this is a very RARE problem and not representative of a normal experience with this vehicle.
Modified by kerrton at 9:10 AM 3/13/2009

[philipa_240sx]

I had to chime in on this one...

I have 48,000km (about 29,000mi) on my SL FWD. Yes, I had a barely audible rattle last summer at low speeds (parking lots, pulling up to a stop sign, etc). I have put about 25,000km (15,000mi) on since then and it hasn't gotten any noisier (I still hear it from time to time), and the transmission is as smooth as ever. Dumb luck? Maybe it's the 30,000 miles I drive per year? I dunno, but I am leaving my transmission alone.

[Leo2005]

Mine is 22k miles. Almost 23k miles. Still no rattle.

[kbz1960]

I've been reading on the Ford forums that Escape and the Mercury Mariner have a whining noise at certain speeds etc. On Chevy forum the HHR drifts at highway speed etc. I realize that any make, model is going to have some that have problems but what makes me mad is the response from the dealer and the manufacturer, it's normal, they are all like that when it is not normal and no they are not all like that and if they are it is a defect.

If I buy a television for $1,000 and every 20 minutes the screen turns completely blue for 5 minutes and they tell me that they are all like that I'm going to ask for my money back and probably get it. If they tell me it's a defect I'm going to get it fixed for free and get one to watch until it's fixed or they are going to give me a new different that doesn't have the defect until I do get one that doesn't have a defect.

It's insane how the consumer is treated.

Just my 2 cents.

[kerrton]

I had to chime in on this one...

I have 48,000km (about 29,000mi) on my SL FWD. Yes, I had a barely audible rattle last summer at low speeds (parking lots, pulling up to a stop sign, etc). I have put about 25,000km (15,000mi) on since then and it hasn't gotten any noisier (I still hear it from time to time), and the transmission is as smooth as ever. Dumb luck? Maybe it's the 30,000 miles I drive per year? I dunno, but I am leaving my transmission alone.

That's interesting, and you know, my buddy who is also my parts guy says that he hasn't ordered any other new CVT transmission's, not for the Rogue, Versa, Altima etc..., none. He said two people reported the subtle noise that you describe, or perhaps it was even a bit worse, but after ten or twenty thousand kilometers the noise actually went away. They had no problem replacing my transmission, because my noise was definately not subtle or intermittent, it was loud and constant at slow speeds, but it seems it was VERY rare and I really am curious what would've happened had I left the transmission alone and drove it for another few years..... but I'm really happy I had it replaced and the new one runs perfectly and silently.

[kcfm]

I even went as far as updating the stereo and adding 12" subwoofers. UGH!

Bottom line....keep us in the loop brothers and sisters.

Well that is another thing that fustrates me. I have a new car that I would like to do some upgrades to..ie new rims/tires, stereo, etc. I haven't done it yet because I was waiting and fighting for so long to get the transmissionissue taken care of. Well I finally got my new transmission back in January and I have been shopping for new rims as of late. But now it looks like I have to put that on hold, again, because it looks like I may be back to square one again. I refuse to put any more money into this car until I know have some final resolution on this transmission issue. I have seriously thought about trading it off but the thought of the thousands of dollars I would lose keeps haunting me. I don't want to have to eat the first years depreciation on this vehicle and then turn around and eat it again on another new car. I have kept my last two vehicles for 10 years each and I had planned on keeping this one for the same amount of time as well.

[kbz1960]

I have seriously thought about trading it off but the thought of the thousands of dollars I would lose keeps haunting me. I don't want to have to eat the first years depreciation on this vehicle and then turn around and eat it again on another new car.

Wow did you hit the nail on the head there. That or you can't get rid of it because when someone test drives it they hear the noise, have read about the problem or not and don't want it anymore.

[paulvanharte]

I have the same dilemma. Just bought new rims last year only used a few months before I switched back to the original rims with winter tires. I also like to personalize my cars and the thought of trading it in is not something I was thinking about after only one year and having to start all over. In addition we are looking at some other vehicles( Outlander, Toyota Venza) which all have either18 inch wheels or 19, which means my fancy new rims will not fit.

Paul