CVT Transmission Failure
Senior Member
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 441
From: Dallas
Then your video is irrelevent if you used Ds mode for the video but are asking about how it operates in D.
Iregaurdless, I have had the problem with my CVT. The dealer replaced the valve body free of charge and CVT has been perfect for 6 months now. The symptom I had was ZERO power. I could floor it and barely back out of my driveway (which is uphill). The day I took it into the dealer to get it fixed I ended up having to do a 15 point turn around to drive straight out of the driveway because I couldn't get enough power in reverse.
When you have at least the same problem I had there is no mistaking the issue.
Last edited by GNCMaxima; Sep 22, 2013 at 12:05 PM.
Senior Member
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 441
From: Dallas
Bump, any thoughts? I tried going to several dealership and they all say well we need to run a diagnostic and even that they said they don't have time that I need to change my transmission fluid the fact is I've had this car since 10 miles and this has been happening since 20,000 miles why are they just trying to avoid the situation.
Out of the 3 other maximas ive had never have I had this issue or neglect in my services. This isn't right
Out of the 3 other maximas ive had never have I had this issue or neglect in my services. This isn't right
Member
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 102
GNCMaxima,
I've also had the same issue as you with the whining CVT under hard acceleration. It seems like this whining noise only occurs when I do multiple hard acceleration runs consecutively especially when accelerating in Ds mode. From what i read online, it seems like hard acceleration, especially in Ds mode causes air bubbles to form in the transmission fluid and combine that with the heat being generated and you get the whining noise. I believe this is just the nature of the CVT and it is normal as i've had the issue when the car was new with only 1500 miles.
I've also had the same issue as you with the whining CVT under hard acceleration. It seems like this whining noise only occurs when I do multiple hard acceleration runs consecutively especially when accelerating in Ds mode. From what i read online, it seems like hard acceleration, especially in Ds mode causes air bubbles to form in the transmission fluid and combine that with the heat being generated and you get the whining noise. I believe this is just the nature of the CVT and it is normal as i've had the issue when the car was new with only 1500 miles.
Senior Member
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 441
From: Dallas
GNCMaxima,
I've also had the same issue as you with the whining CVT under hard acceleration. It seems like this whining noise only occurs when I do multiple hard acceleration runs consecutively especially when accelerating in Ds mode. From what i read online, it seems like hard acceleration, especially in Ds mode causes air bubbles to form in the transmission fluid and combine that with the heat being generated and you get the whining noise. I believe this is just the nature of the CVT and it is normal as i've had the issue when the car was new with only 1500 miles.
I've also had the same issue as you with the whining CVT under hard acceleration. It seems like this whining noise only occurs when I do multiple hard acceleration runs consecutively especially when accelerating in Ds mode. From what i read online, it seems like hard acceleration, especially in Ds mode causes air bubbles to form in the transmission fluid and combine that with the heat being generated and you get the whining noise. I believe this is just the nature of the CVT and it is normal as i've had the issue when the car was new with only 1500 miles.
Even without hard acceleration after a 15 min drive I start to hear it :/ Do you think changing the fluid would even make a difference? Im at 29k Miles on my 2012
Member
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 102
It seems like your CVT whining may be caused by heat buildup because it starts occurring after 15min of driving. You also live in Dallas which gets pretty hot so maybe see if there is less whining during colder days or in the winter months.
I would check the transmission fluid via the dipstick first and make sure its not low and that its clear/pinkish and doesn't smell burnt or have any particles in it as shown in the video link below
http://www.carcarekiosk.com/video/20...ck_fluid_level
I would check the transmission fluid via the dipstick first and make sure its not low and that its clear/pinkish and doesn't smell burnt or have any particles in it as shown in the video link below
http://www.carcarekiosk.com/video/20...ck_fluid_level
Senior Member
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 441
From: Dallas
It seems like your CVT whining may be caused by heat buildup because it starts occurring after 15min of driving. You also live in Dallas which gets pretty hot so maybe see if there is less whining during colder days or in the winter months.
I would check the transmission fluid via the dipstick first and make sure its not low and that its clear/pinkish and doesn't smell burnt or have any particles in it as shown in the video link below
http://www.carcarekiosk.com/video/20...ck_fluid_level
I would check the transmission fluid via the dipstick first and make sure its not low and that its clear/pinkish and doesn't smell burnt or have any particles in it as shown in the video link below
http://www.carcarekiosk.com/video/20...ck_fluid_level
Member
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 102
Try wiping it on a white paper towel and see what color it is. I'm actually not sure what color the fluid should be. The video link says its pink but i've read elsewhere that it is green or golden. The important thing is that its clear and doesn't smell burnt or have any particles in it, otherwise you probably need to flush the transmission fluid. Here is a how to guide on how to flush the CVT yourself if your up to the challenge. Doesn't look too hard.
http://forums.maxima.org/7th-generat...rain-fill.html
http://forums.maxima.org/7th-generat...rain-fill.html
Member
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 283
From: Pittsburgh, PA
.
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 8,143
From: a meadow south of Atlanta
What model year? Did you buy it new or used? Had you noticed anything unusual prior to the service engine light? I assume you are aware of the different warranties for the CVT, depending on model year. The SHORTEST warranty on any Maxima CVT is five years. Some (2019 and 2010 I think) have TEN year CVY warranties. Assuming your CVT is under warranty, then you should have no out-of-pocket cost.
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 423
From: Bristol, VA
Whining under acceleration happens after repeated, back-to-back hard acceleration runs. It will make a whining noise with any revving under load. Usually, you have to deliberately be pretty darn abusive on the transmission for it to get noisy or it has to be it super hot outside.
NORMAL circumstances - a slight high-pitched whine at redline when accelerating at WOT. If it is cold outside and the transmission isn't getting as warm, then mine stays silent, even at WOT.
I have a 2010 with 126,000 miles on it. Have replaced transmission fluid at 45K, 75K, 110K, so far. Just a drain/replace.
Come to think of it, the reason I replaced mine at 110K miles was because it did start to get a little bit more noisy with hard acceleration. The new fluid did quieten it down.
Late,
Trav
Newbie - Just Registered
Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 7
It is a 2010 with 60,000 miles and I bought it used. I'm just glad that Nissan will cover the costs for replacement. I don't have any after market upgrades. Prior to the service light coming on I didn't notice any changes to the car.
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 328
Glad to hear they are taking care of it for you. As they should. See there are some honest people left.
Newbie - Just Registered
Joined: Jun 2016
Posts: 5
CVT issue on my 2012
Mine has recently started acting up, mainly after getting warmer on a longer trip ( more than 100 miles). The CVT won't downshift in the manual mode and there is an audible whine from under the floor pan. I have seen that CVT issues are rare, but I think I have one brewing.. Thoughts???
Newbie - Just Registered
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 15
GNCMaxima,
I've also had the same issue as you with the whining CVT under hard acceleration. It seems like this whining noise only occurs when I do multiple hard acceleration runs consecutively especially when accelerating in Ds mode. From what i read online, it seems like hard acceleration, especially in Ds mode causes air bubbles to form in the transmission fluid and combine that with the heat being generated and you get the whining noise. I believe this is just the nature of the CVT and it is normal as i've had the issue when the car was new with only 1500 miles.
I've also had the same issue as you with the whining CVT under hard acceleration. It seems like this whining noise only occurs when I do multiple hard acceleration runs consecutively especially when accelerating in Ds mode. From what i read online, it seems like hard acceleration, especially in Ds mode causes air bubbles to form in the transmission fluid and combine that with the heat being generated and you get the whining noise. I believe this is just the nature of the CVT and it is normal as i've had the issue when the car was new with only 1500 miles.
I'm going to explore this option Monday, I've got the lame whine at higher RPM in lower "gears" and whats worse I already had a stealership do a CVT fluid drain and fill. Didn't change much that I could easily tell.
Junior Member
Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 58
was it a Nissan dealership? If not I've heard a lot of horror stories of them not using Nissan cvt fluid or even using cvt fluid at all and just putting AT fluid in it and then you get the whine.
So I went back to the stealership where I got the car to do the CVT drain and fill.
I had this whine before the CVT drain and fill. I was hoping the drain and fill would quiet it down. No such luck.
Now I'm going back to the stealer where I bought the car from and ask about the power train warranty to get it replaced or at least ask!
Do yourself a favor and do your research ahead of time. The Nissan powertrain info can be found on nissans website by just googling it. It's better to be well informed PRIOR to talking with the dealer in the event they try to give you the run around. If they do, you can simply provide them with the documented research you did earlier.
This method has helped quiet down service managers who are dishonest.
This method has helped quiet down service managers who are dishonest.
Nissan replaced the CVT on my 2010 at 57k miles. The CVT would lag when changing from d to reverse & vise versa. While in sports mode, the CVT would get stuck in a simulated gear. The new CVT they put in under warranty didn't exhibit these whining noises until much later. I took it in to the dealer several times & everything checked out. I changed the CVT fluid at 30k mile intervals. Like the original one, it would sometimes get stuck in a simulated gear. I will not be buying another higher power vehicle with a CVT....at least not until they figure it out.
Nissan replaced the CVT on my 2010 at 57k miles. The CVT would lag when changing from d to reverse & vise versa. While in sports mode, the CVT would get stuck in a simulated gear. The new CVT they put in under warranty didn't exhibit these whining noises until much later. I took it in to the dealer several times & everything checked out. I changed the CVT fluid at 30k mile intervals. Like the original one, it would sometimes get stuck in a simulated gear. I will not be buying another higher power vehicle with a CVT....at least not until they figure it out.
I too had my cvt replaced at 56k on my 2009. I only have about 25k on the new cvt but am concerned about the overall durability of the new cvt. I will be doing a fluid drain/refill soon but noticed it's just not as "crisp" as it was when it was first installed. How many miles do you have on your replacement?
Once I started looking for another car, anything with a CVT was out for me.
I hear you! The cvt just doesn't do it for me. My maxima isn't my daily driver but I am looking hard at the new Dodge Charger scat pack with 485hp. Whatever I get next it won't have a cvt that's for sure!
Newbie - Just Registered
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 15
I am truly sorry some folks are not getting good dealer service. But thankfully, tranny problems with Nissan products are very infrequent.
The latest issue of Consumer Reports (April 2011) is the annual auto issue, and if we check the Maxima 'Transmission Major Problem' and 'Transmission Minor Problem' categories there, we find all Maximas of the last five years have orange ***** (highest possible rating) in both categories for all five years.
I have owned nothing but Maximas since October of 1984 (including at least one in each generation), have put around a million miles on Maximas during that time, and have NEVER had the first whisper of a tranny problem.
The only three CVT tranny problems we have had posted on this board since the 7th gen Maxima came out in June of 2008 (almost THREE YEARS ago) all resulted in immediate free replacement trannies from Nissan with no questions asked.
When I think back to the unending tranny problems I had with American vehicles from 1949 until discovering Datsun/Nissan 1978, I am so thankful I found Datsun/Nissan.
If you REALLY want to know about lousy tranny reliability, talk to my son about his Acura TL problems, and Honda Corp's 'solutions.'
The CVT in the 2010 Maxima has a TEN YEAR, 120,000 MILE warranty. I'll take that and run any day.
The latest issue of Consumer Reports (April 2011) is the annual auto issue, and if we check the Maxima 'Transmission Major Problem' and 'Transmission Minor Problem' categories there, we find all Maximas of the last five years have orange ***** (highest possible rating) in both categories for all five years.
I have owned nothing but Maximas since October of 1984 (including at least one in each generation), have put around a million miles on Maximas during that time, and have NEVER had the first whisper of a tranny problem.
The only three CVT tranny problems we have had posted on this board since the 7th gen Maxima came out in June of 2008 (almost THREE YEARS ago) all resulted in immediate free replacement trannies from Nissan with no questions asked.
When I think back to the unending tranny problems I had with American vehicles from 1949 until discovering Datsun/Nissan 1978, I am so thankful I found Datsun/Nissan.
If you REALLY want to know about lousy tranny reliability, talk to my son about his Acura TL problems, and Honda Corp's 'solutions.'
The CVT in the 2010 Maxima has a TEN YEAR, 120,000 MILE warranty. I'll take that and run any day.
While at the dealer to have my cvt checked out, another customer called while I was at the counter. I overheard the service person telling them it's $3500 to replace a cvt. The customer was making an appointment to have their car looked at.
If you spend some time looking, you will see that extended warranties were issued for a few nissan's http://www.nissanassist.com/vehicles.php?menu=5
And here http://www.nissanassist.com/ProgramDetails.php?menu=2
Newbie - Just Registered
Joined: Jan 2019
Posts: 1
Cvt junk
during that 150k, was the cvt fluid & filter ever changed?
Junior Member
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 72
Should Buyer Beware?
Hey guys I know this is an old thread but I am looking at possibly purchasing a 7th Gen 2010 Maxima that has about 71k of mileage on it. Should I be hesitant about the Transmission and if something was to happen before the warranty on the transmission expired, would Nissan honor it being that I am not the original owner?
Thanks!
Thanks!
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2018
Posts: 448
These cars are trial and error, I have a 2010 with 116,000 miles on it and have had absolutely no problem with the CVT and i drive 60 miles a day round trip for work. My wife has a 2012 with 66,000 miles and travels round trip for work about 60 miles a day and has had no problems. But I have heard from people with much less mileage than my 2010 suddenly having CVT failure with no prior warning. I also have heard from some with 200,000 miles on the car still running strong with the original CVT so this is a game of trial and error. I believe the way these cars are driven may play a role with the CVT issues. These cars got some power and if someone has a heavy foot all the time it may contribute to the CVT's having issues. Nissan for what I'm hearing still hasn't perfected the CVT. I miss my 2005 Nissan Altima that thing had 199,000 miles on it and ran perfect those engines and transmissions were well built but Nissan had to become compliant with making cars more fuel efficient and had to design the CVT which is why we're here now. i believe it's not only Nissan but pretty much all auto manufacturers that are having some sort of problem with the CVT.
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 1,382
From: Maryland
Hey guys I know this is an old thread but I am looking at possibly purchasing a 7th Gen 2010 Maxima that has about 71k of mileage on it. Should I be hesitant about the Transmission and if something was to happen before the warranty on the transmission expired, would Nissan honor it being that I am not the original owner?
Thanks!
Thanks!
There is a very nice android app (CVTz50), it is designed for CVT-equipped Murano Z50 but works nicely on Maxima too. This app with a Bluetooth or Wifi OBDII adapter can pull the prior and hidden CVT codes if ever encountered during the car life. It can also show you the CVT fluid deterioration value (and can reset it too if needed after fluid change), along with many nifty features. Great app for $4.99 if you decide to test a 7th gen Maxima.
For the warranty, I can 't see why Nissan would deny you the 10 years/120,000 miles (for 2009 and 2010) CVT warranty if something bad happens. But they need malfunction codes to start looking for CVT troubles. You can call Nissan customer affairs and discuss that with them. From my experience with them they are very helpful and courteous with customers
Last edited by mahanddeem; Feb 7, 2019 at 06:21 AM.
Junior Member
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 29
Hey guys I know this is an old thread but I am looking at possibly purchasing a 7th Gen 2010 Maxima that has about 71k of mileage on it. Should I be hesitant about the Transmission and if something was to happen before the warranty on the transmission expired, would Nissan honor it being that I am not the original owner?
Thanks!
Thanks!
Newbie - Just Registered
Joined: Oct 2021
Posts: 3
2011 maxima cvt failure
My maxima has all the symptoms of cvt failure. Just happened gradually over the course of a few hours. Shuddering, loss of acceleration, then it failed to shift. Car sat far a period of time but was able to start and shift later to tenderly drive it home. I am hoping it is covered under a warranty but what I have been reading, the 2011 is not part of the extended warranty. I have 108k miles. Any other experience with 2011 maxima cvt issue?
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
BobMax
7th Generation Maxima (2009-2015)
5
Sep 21, 2019 12:10 PM
nate_man
7th Generation Maxima (2009-2015)
16
Jan 7, 2016 03:29 PM
maximase86
7th Generation Maxima (2009-2015)
18
Jul 2, 2014 04:07 PM
JayKoz85
6th Generation Maxima (2004-2008)
11
Oct 21, 2012 11:43 PM