If you own or are thinking about owning a Nissan, it’s helpful to learn about the available warranties for these vehicles. In particular, certain Nissan models experience problems with their continuously variable transmissions (CVTs) more commonly than others. For this reason, Nissan covers these specific models with an extended CVT warranty. Use this guide to help you understand what the Nissan CVT transmission warranty is, which Nissan models can benefit from the warranty, and what this warranty extension can do to protect your investment in your vehicle.
What Is the Nissan CVT Transmission Warranty?
The Nissan CVT transmission warranty is a warranty extension that applies to certain Nissan models that have known CVT problems. This warranty extension protects drivers by helping them cover the cost of replacing or repairing the CVT of their Nissan if it’s affected by a factory defect. Drivers with this warranty get an extension on their original warranty specifically to cover problems within their CVT. Under the original warranty, Nissans have coverage for 60 months or 60,000 miles, whichever comes first. With the extended warranty, drivers have CVT protection for 84 months or 84,000 miles.
Nissan chose to offer this extended warranty for owners of certain models of their vehicles to compensate for a recurring issue with the CVT system. With this extended warranty, Nissan owners gain peace of mind, knowing that the manufacturer will cover their expenses if their vehicle needs repairs or replacements for its CVT system.
What Is a CVT?
A continuously variable transmission is a type of transmission that allows for smooth, seamless shifting. It applies a chain and pulley system to provide power and performance without the jarring of a traditional shift transmission system. A CVT can improve the performance of vehicles with smaller engines, while eliminating gear shifts and improving the overall ride quality. The greatest advantage of a CVT is the overall fuel economy, which is why Nissan switched to CVTs and quickly became a leader CVT technology.
In general, this type of transmission system is highly effective for improving the performance of modern vehicles, but CVTs do present unique challenges compared to conventional transmissions.
What Are Some Common CVT Problems for Nissans?
If you own one of the Nissan models affected by a CVT defect, you may experience a variety of issues with your vehicle. Here are some common problems that drivers may experience with a faulty Nissan CVT:
- Loss of power
- Transmission jerking
- Transmission slipping
- CVT coolant hose leak or failure
- CVT error message on the dash display
Experiencing any of these problems can cause potential hazards for drivers and their passengers. If you notice a transmission problem with your vehicle, it’s important to contact a certified Nissan service professional right away to have your vehicle evaluated.
Which Nissan Models Qualify for the CVT Warranty Extension?
Five Nissan models manufactured between 2012 and 2017 qualify for the CVT warranty extension. These models include:
- 2012–2017 Nissan Versa Sedan
- 2013–2017 Nissan Juke
- 2013–2017 Nissan Sentra
- 2013–2016 Nissan Altima
- 2014–2017 Nissan Versa Note
Nissan implemented this warranty extension for certain models it manufactured between the years 2012 and 2017 due to a known CVT issue affecting a small percentage of these vehicles. The warranty protects the owners of these cars by covering the cost of repairing or replacing the CVT or its components for the duration of the warranty. Drivers who purchase an eligible certified pre-owned Nissan can get a limited warranty for their vehicle. The duration of the limited warranty is seven years or 100,000 miles.
In addition to these models, Nissan has a CVT extended warranty for all models equipped with a CVT manufactured between 2003 and 2010. A small percent of these vehicles also experienced CVT issues, so Nissan has an extended warranty policy in place for drivers who own one of these vehicles. This extension doubled the original powertrain warranty of these vehicles, increasing its coverage from five years or 60,000 miles to 10 years or 120,000 miles. The warranty is also transferrable, so you’re covered even if you purchase a pre-owned Nissan manufactured between these years.
What Does the Nissan CVT Warranty Extension Cover?
Drivers with the Nissan CVT warranty extension have coverage for most components of their transmission. This coverage includes:
- Gaskets
- CVT seals
- CVT control valve body
- Torque converter
- Transmission Control Module
- Suspension system
- Steering
- Climate control system
- Electrical system
Under this warranty, drivers can be sure that any repairs or replacements made to their vehicle use genuine Nissan parts.
In addition to parts coverage, the warranty comes with additional perks, like 24-hour roadside assistance and rental car reimbursement to help cover your expenses on a rental vehicle while your Nissan gets serviced. With roadside assistance, you have access to services like:
- Battery jumpstart
- Emergency fuel delivery
- Tire service
- Towing to the nearest Nissan service center or another qualified repair shop
- Lockout assistance
If you previously encountered a problem with your Nissan’s CVT and paid to have it fixed, you may also be eligible for reimbursement from the manufacturer. If you paid for repairs that are covered under the warranty extension, you can fill out a reimbursement form through your dealership or the manufacturer to get your reimbursement. Even if you sold the vehicle covered under the warranty, you may still qualify for the reimbursement.
What does the Nissan CVT warranty exclude?
It’s important to note that the CVT warranty only covers problems that result directly from a manufacturer defect in your Nissan’s CVT system. The warranty doesn’t include:
- Damages incurred because of an accident, theft, or vandalism
- Damages caused by a natural disaster or another environmental hazard
- Problems resulting from maintenance neglect, misuse, or unauthorized modifications
- Routine maintenance services
- General wear and tear
- Cosmetic concerns
Understanding the Nissan CVT warranty extension is important for helping you make the most of your investment in your vehicle. When you know what CVT problems are most common in Nissans, you can keep an eye on your vehicle to identify problems early. By learning about the Nissan CVT extended warranty, you can protect your vehicle and your wallet by accessing reimbursements and reducing or eliminating repair costs for parts covered under your warranty.
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