CVT Rattle/Noise - Discussion Thread

[williammoses]

Sir: I was the first Nissan Rogue owner to bring to the attention of my dealer, Passport Nissan in Alexandria VA, the problem with the CVT. They blew me off a couple of times unil I submitted a claim through the arbitration process. Nissan Corporate wound up making an offer to rerplace my transmission, at which point the Dealer immediately took action to follow Nissan Corporate's guidance. I found my dealership's service department was really quite busy just servicing the cars that came in each morning. Maybe all dealership service departments are this way. Go to arbitration. Then the issue is between you and Nissan Corporate. The dealership will do what the Corporate office says it must do--and they will do it with dispatch.

[whatmorecanyousay]

Thank YOU! It worked and after my second replacement everything is cool.

Apparently the first replacement was a reconditioned unit and proved to be have a more serious flaw. The 2nd one according to the dealer had a big sticker that said NEW.

Your actions resulted in a smooth flow with no debate for the rest of crew.

[whatmorecanyousay]

Mr Jmbones, the solution might be a logged stone in the rotary break up front. Very loud and you can hear it with the window down.

It happend to me this week after the 2 transmission install. I drove it to the dealer at 730am and when I drove in everyone stood and said NO NOT again! But it was a stone and mentioned it is common. Oh the engine light went on while on my way to the dealer. That was a true signal from the tank vent that it was clogged. Fixed. No noise, no greef and a great dealerthat cares here in southeast Ohio

[roguester]

I'm getting a slight noise as well with 22000 kms on it when coasting to a stop.Has anyone had a complete failure with their cvt?Has anyone had a permanent fix and is completely satisfied without any recurrences.Why are some of you concerned with getting extended warranty? Rogue caries a 5 year powertrain warranty. Thanks in advance with your feedback

[kerrton]

No complete failures reported, I drove around with the rattle/grinding noise for thousands of kms before having it replaced. I'd say most who had the CVT replaced are competely satisfied, I believe one of the main reasons is the 08 CVT was redesigned for 2009, so your replacement will be a "new and improved" model. I couldn't be happier with my replacement, over 10,000 km of flawless operation whereas my original started making odd noises shortly after purchasing.

So I think the issue is a no brainer, you've got a defective part that is covered under warranty, what other option do have other than letting the manufacturer take care of at no charge to you?

I really recommend reading some of the many posts on this thread for complete answers to your questions, although everyone here wants to help, most of us have had this conversation MANY times and aren't eager to recap everything and it's already documented here once anyway (that's the beauty of a forum, all your conversations are documented for others to review in the future so you don't have to keep re-stating your points).

Anywya, good luck and hopefully the information here can help clarify the problem for you, but bascially I'd recommend not getting too exctied, you've got warranty and your dealer will worry about addressing the problem.

[roguester]

No complete failures reported, I drove around with the rattle/grinding noise for thousands of kms before having it replaced. I'd say most who had the CVT replaced are competely satisfied, I believe one of the main reasons is the 08 CVT was redesigned for 2009, so your replacement will be a "new and improved" model. I couldn't be happier with my replacement, over 10,000 km of flawless operation whereas my original started making odd noises shortly after purchasing.

So I think the issue is a no brainer, you've got a defective part that is covered under warranty, what other option do have other than letting the manufacturer take care of at no charge to you?

I really recommend reading some of the many posts on this thread for complete answers to your questions, although everyone here wants to help, most of us have had this conversation MANY times and aren't eager to recap everything and it's already documented here once anyway (that's the beauty of a forum, all your conversations are documented for others to review in the future so you don't have to keep re-stating your points).

Anywya, good luck and hopefully the information here can help clarify the problem for you, but bascially I'd recommend not getting too exctied, you've got warranty and your dealer will worry about addressing the problem.

I understand you point and I have been reading the threads but some owners claim that the noise is still there after having a replacement.Did the dealer try to convince you that the noise is normal and nothing needs to be done? it hapened to one of my co-workers Rogue and he's still waiting for over a month for an answer. I suggested he try a new Nissan dealer.

[kerrton]

My experience was as simple and pain free as possible, I live in Alberta, Canada, I took it in, reported the problem, service manger drove it for exactly 5 seconds (literally 5 seconds, from the drop-off bay around to the back of the building), walked back in and said "yep, you've got the CVT defect, we'll order you a new CVT right away". I said "ok", they called in 10 days reporting the part was in, I dropped it off in the morning, they called at 12:30 and said they were done including a 20 minute test drive and post-drive inspection, everything went perfectly. The vehicle has been absolutely flawless since then (Nov./08 it was replaced, 11,000 km driven since then).

The main reason so many people on here are really angry is not really because their car has a defective part, but becasue Nissan USA refuses or refused to aknowledge the problem, trying to say that it's a normal noise. This is really hard for me to believe because the noise sounds terrible, it's a metallic grinding noise.

Anyway, Nissan Canada seemed to great in all the reports I read on this forum, and yes curiously some who had their CVT replaced did require a second unit for some unknown reason, possibly another inherant problem in their vehicle that eats up transmission's, something out of spec/alignment, or improper installation by the service dept.. But, the majority of those who had the CVT replaced have had no further issues.

The lesson here is that this is not a normal noise, it needs a replacement CVT, and if you have a dealer telling you it's normal then you have to get tough with various approaches detailed on this forum such as contact Nissan Corporate directly, continue to bring the car in to have the noise serviced and then file Lemon Law or threaten to, this seems to change the Service guys attitude in a hurry.

Further more, my advice is to keep it simple, don't get too concerned with minute details here such as transmission manufacture dates etc.. because it'll drive you crazy. The fact is you have a defective part and it needs to be replaced under warranty, period. Good luck and of course ask as many questions as possible, I wasn't trying to disuade you from doing that, it's just that the first question was a BIG one that is detailed here already. And please let us know how things go, I'm curious if some dealers are still trying to avoid the problem!

[roguester]

thanks to kerrton,went to Nissan today and after a short test drive they determined I need a new transmission. It was ordered and will take up to 3 weeks to receive it. An updated cvt

[kerrton]

Roguester, that's great news, I'm glad to hear your transmission troubles will be taken care of soon. My question is, did your service manager specifically say that this is a new CVT design? The reason I ask is because although many dealers including mine insist the CVT was redesigned for the 09 model year (albeit very slight changes), some US dealers have still stated that Nissan has no fix for the problem. Any details about the new CVT are of high interest to us. Thanks.

[roguester]

Roguester, that's great news, I'm glad to hear your transmission troubles will be taken care of soon. My question is, did your service manager specifically say that this is a new CVT design? The reason I ask is because although many dealers including mine insist the CVT was redesigned for the 09 model year (albeit very slight changes), some US dealers have still stated that Nissan has no fix for the problem. Any details about the new CVT are of high interest to us. Thanks.

It will be the latest updated version 09They have been inundated with calls/requests for transmission replacements that's why it can take up to 3 weeks to get one.I am sure the dealer (Woodchester Nissan & Infinity) is happy as well they will be making money on this.Nissan Canada is aware of the problem and have not been disputing it according to the dealer.I will be glad when this is over and have peace of mind, only have 22,000 kms on it .

[CincyRoguer]

I took my '08 AWD in today for it's 15,000 mile checkup. My service engine light came on yesterday, so I had them check that out at the same time. The service light was some sensor that was out. I also asked him to check a noise I thought was coming from the left front wheel, maybe rubbing somewhere. We drove around the parking lot and he immediatly thought it was the transmission. I have been reading the forum and knew there was an issue, but I never thought it could be that. I've never had a transmission issue so I didn't really know what it would sound like. He called this afternoon and said it definitley needed to be replaced. They were ordering a new one and it should be replaced by Monday at the latest. They gave me an Altima rental and sent me on my way. I consider myself lucky, because I know the people last year were having trouble getting this accomplished. I've heard the noise on and offer for months, but never put two and two together. It seemed to be when turning, but I think it was just at slow accellearation. At least it was still under warrantly. Hopefully this will take care of it and I won't have any more issues.

[whatmorecanyousay]

Hey that's exactly what happened to me before joining this forum.

Heard a noise thinking it was the suspension and only after the light came on for a different reason (fuel tank filter #1) did I take the 4wd 08 Rogue to the dealer. It was the dealer that determined I had the transmission problem.

It was only after the installation with a new loud noise that's when I joined the fourm.

Best of luck. We are doing fine after the second transmission replacement. It was marked NEW and the first one was a Reconditioned 08 according to the tech person. You should be good to go. My wifes car runs smooth and quiet.

whatmorecanyousay

[roguester]

Ware you aware that a reconditioned transmission was being installed prior, or you found out after the installation.I'd like to find out before they change mine if I will be getting an 08 or 09 transmission so I will be asking them. The 09 has been updated according to this forum.

[whatmorecanyousay]

Good question. No and I never asked until after the second transmission was installed. Only because of the information on the forum and the fact it was the second transmission. The Tech that did the install offered up the information as I was getting the question to the table. He informed me that this transmission was marked NEW and the other was NOT.

He was looking for the reason for the second failure (which was different and not as suttle noise like the original failure) This was a very experienced person and looking for the reasons himself for the replacement failure, since he changed another customer 08 Rogue 4wd the same week of the orginal failure, and that car was fine. If you look on my other posts he admitted that the other install did not make the whinning noise at all speeds. He asked me for the Nico Club address to research it himself.

We are very lucky to have worked with dealers who are responding in a positive way. This outcome is good for Nissan and the responsible dealers.Again this car is a solid build with quality features for the right price. Yes I would buy a Nissan product again. My son has an infinity and is ready to jump into a fresh one soon. This should be my last post (unless)

whatmorecanyousay

[harryg]

i know that the cvt issue is a rattle

but does anyone else get a type of whistling noise when slowing down...and im pretty sure its not the breaks since this things only 6 months old

09 rogue awd

[Grimy]

I have been lucky as to not have had this problem and have one of the earlier made Rogue's. I bought mine in november 2007. Didn't check when it was made but I'm sure it was right before that. My Rogue now has 15500 miles on it and it just started making a creak noise after a cold start and put into drive during acceleration at parking lot speeds. A "rattle rattle ping rattle" noise like a spring winding up and popping. Some say this is the ABS test but why would it just start right now?

Before noticing this problem I had sent my Rogue in because the steering column was creaking again and wanted it relubed for the second time. The dealership did 'tests' on my Rogue and claimed the noise was from my transmission and ordered me a new transmission. I haven't had it replaced yet but since then is when I noticed this spring noise. Is it possible this is the beginning of the CVT rattle and I should just get the transmission replaced? I have had no hassle on getting it ordered and its under warranty so I'm leaning towards letting them put it in and see if it fixes the spring problem bc I doubt its going to fix my steering column problem....

[roguester]

My transmission was replaced today with a new unit. All was done same day. Test drove it and all is smooth and quite and I hope it stays that way.I noticed a difference while using the paddle shifters while in drive\auto mode, it seems to hold the gear selected with the paddle shifter longer, before it reverts back to default drive\auto mode.It is costing Nissan a fortune for replacements, I noticed the warranty invoice was $ 4522.00The service advisor said there has been a bulletin issued by Nissan and the replacements are on an as required basis and they have replaced 5 at that dealership.

[CincyRoguer]

Wow, yours was done in one day? I took mine in for the transmission to be replaced on the 5th and still haven't gotten it back. I talked to them today and they said they were putting it back together and I should have it on Monday. It took them a week to get the transmission and now a week to replace it. They've been really nice, so I really can't complain. I've been driving an Altima, but I miss my Rogue. I'm hoping it will all be good when I hopefully get it back on Monday.

[roguester]

It did take a week for the transmission to come in. They called me to bring my Rogue in morning and it was done by 5 pm same day. I can't see why it's taking 5 days with your's, the transmission is a complete unit there is nothing to assemble only installation is required + topping it up with fluid and re-setting the ECM(computer) and a road test.Reading my invoice they disconnected the front drive shafts, dropped the exhaust pipe at front and disconnected the lines to the rad (oil cooler) removed the defective unit,installed the new unit and hooked everything up.

[whatmorecanyousay]

Hey I said I would not reply again but your message streses a point I made. Do not rush this process with the dealer. It is a 2 man job I was told. My first replacement was done by one man and it took 11 hrs and it was not his first. Since that replacement failed instantly the dealer made a decision to give a helper. Not becaue they felt it was a missalignment but a caution against such a mistake in a 2 opening AWD case.

Aparently is is difficult to miss-aline because of factory markings. It was judged that my first replacement was a rebuild 2008 and had an existing problem which was the very loud whine at all speeds under load.

Summary: do not push the dealer. Stress NEW not reworked. New I am told is a 2009 production unit.

Keep the faith. The car is cool, tight and fun to drive when my wife lets me.For old folks it is perfect for the garden runs for loading and unloading garden stuff. Oh it does work well in the winter ice and snow.

whatmorecanyousay

[kerrton]

Mine took 3.5 hours of shop time to replace, and 0.5 hours for test drive, a grand total of a half day. I didn't even get time to abuse the loaner vehicle like I had hoped!!

Mine is a FWD however, so the procedure would be simpler and quicker than with AWD, but it should never take more than a day.

[CincyRoguer]

I'm definitely not rushing them! When he has called to give me an update, that's the main thing I always say, "Take your time and do it right the first time!" He did say it was a new one. I haven't heard from him today, but I'm hoping I do get it back this afternoon. I'll keep you posted as to when I get it back and if any more issues occur.

[CincyRoguer]

I'm really not sure what is taking so long. I'm going to ask him when I pick it up if this is the first one they have had to do or if they have done others. He initially told me it would be a couple of days after they received the transmission. Like I said before, no big deal as I'm not paying for anything and the Altima is nice enough, although it doesn't have the toys that mine does which I miss! I've gotten spoiled in the last year. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that they are just being thorough and I'll get it back this afternoon.

[CincyRoguer]

Just thought I would give a quick update. Just talked to the service guy and they got it all put back together, but they took it on a couple of test drives, and there is transmission fluid leaking out of some line. Of course, they don't have that part in stock with no eta. He's thinking he'll have it by Friday. Said it would take a few hours once they got the part. Needless to say, I'm disappointed, but I'm just glad the leak happened then and not after I got the car back.

[CincyRoguer]

Well, I finally got my Rogue back this afternoon. Let's hope all goes well and I don't need service for a long time!

[mendjahn506]

FYI ROGUE OWNERSI have had my 2009 Rogue since Feb. this year...transmission has been replaced and now making the noise again..dealership checked...and they have told me as of today 11/2/09...it is a computer issue in the car.and not the transmission..but also I will be receiving a letter form Nissan (being mailed today) extending the warranty to 10 years or 120,000 miles.........that tells me they don't know what is going on! I plan on meeting with General Manager next week.

Why extend the warranty to 10 years........they don't know what is going on. I plan on having this resolved with their Consumers Affairs Dept. before the end of this year.

Just wanted to share VERY IMPORTANT ~~~~

[mendjahn506]

My suggestion would be not to purchase the Rogue and go with another SUV......

not with the history and all the unanswered questions...and them sending out a letter extending the warranty for the transmission to 10 years.(Per the Service Manager today @ our dealership)

[rouge-rogue]

mendjahn506, How did you get them to give you a 10 year extended warranty for free ? that seems like a great deal. I love my rogue and if they would give me the 10 year extended warranty I would even love it even more ! That would be so awesome ! dude you got to tell me how you did it.

[kerrton]

EVERYONE now has a 10 year CVT warranty, see my other thread at the top of this forum.

And you've got it completely backwards, the fact that Nissan is giving out 10 year warranty on the CVT means it's a great product and they are very confident in it. If the CVT had lots of problems they wouldn't be able to afford to give everyone a 10 year warranty, as this applies to Rogue, Sentra, Altima, Murano, and any vehicle with the CVT.

Your CVT problems are frustrating, but it is a defective problem with your specific vehicle, NOT a problem that all Rogue's have. All manufacturer's have issues with specific vehicles, but it doesn't mean you recommend not to purchase the vehicle, unless the problem is common to a high number of the vehicles, which is not the case with the Rogue.

[tikus]

I bought my Rogue AWD in January 2008, after half a year I heard my cvt making noise [ not that kind of loud noise ] when slowing down to parking lots or stopping at junctions. I did documented to service adviser when my car needs to change oil. Last month I went for service and mentioned about the noise getting more frequently. Mechanic did a test drive and confirmed about the noise. They told me to wait for two weeks for new cvt transmission. Last Monday morning my car went in and had it back the next day at late noon. So far so good, quiet cvt like my 2009 Versa HB SL. I noticed the old transmission housing is still the same [ I punched a mark as identification]. I think Nissan knows the remedy to fix the bad cvt. Since more years of warranty I am happy to own a cvt transmission.