CVT transmission Reliability

[kerrton]

Hey guys, I just want to get an estimate of the expected reliability of the CVT once it gets into higher mileage range, as some critics claim these transmission's may only be good for around 90k miles, and require earlier replacement than conventional transmission's. Considering the cost of replacing one of these transmission's, I would hope this isn't the case.

How many total miles do you currently have on your CVT?? Thanks a lot.

(For the record I have a FWD Rogue 2.5 engine with the CVT, which I've been told and read is the identical transmission as the one in the Altima.)

[Scandinavian Flick]

ive got 20K, but have heard this transmission is good for about a max of 100K

[kerrton]

Really? Do you remember where you heard that? If I knew for a fact ahead of time that my transmission would only be good for a max of 100K, I would not have purchased this vehicle (which I love otherwise). The bare minimum to replace this transmission is around $7000.

[Scandinavian Flick]

im not sure where i heard that anymore somewhere through the grapevine i guess, i did read an article from nissan saying the CVT is just as reliable as a conventional automatic, but nissans also the ones trying to sell the cvt so there opinion is bias

[holynick55]

7k...I hope this is not possible....I mean it's one third of the damn car...

[kerrton]

"Holynick", I wouldn't stress about it, I didn't want to make you worry!! Judging by the fact that there is no topics on the Altima forum regarding any problems with the CVT, I would say it's a pretty reliable component.

I was just seeking to validate my belief that Nissan is providing us with components that will see long-term reliability. Obviously Nissan believes in this design, as it's now available in pretty much all of their vehicles. I might be a little worried if I had a CVT mated to an AWD system, because with the Rogue and past Murano's this seems to have caused some problems. But I'm sure FWD has nothing to worry about.

That is why I started this topic, hoping to hear some high mileage CVT owners who prove that this transmission will be around for the long haul. Let's see what feedback we get.

[adidas2go]

The only CVT's that had problems were 03-05 70k + Muranos. They almost all had the same failure. A pressure valve body, located in the upper interior portion of the CVT. It would cause jerky feelings from the transmission when you accelerated. Also when you came to a complete stop, the car wouldn't moved for 15-20 secs, when the accelerator was applied. Some sort of defense mode. Anyways, this failure almost always happened in high heat situations, and has yet to be a problem in the 06+ CVT

[pm_page6776]

The only CVTs I have replaced have been in Muranos and have had alxe seal leaks that were never repaired previously. Oh... and 1 or 2 that had Dexron fluid in them.. I haven't seen too many 07-08 Altimas with over 100k miles, but I have not yet had 1 single unit go bad thus far.