2018 Nissan Altima: CVT failure

Filed Oct 4, 2026 · Engine, Transmission · DC

While operating my 2018 Nissan Altima on September 19, 2026, at approximately 9:20 a.m., during daytime highway traffic, the vehicle suffered a sudden and complete loss of propulsion, leaving me entirely immobilized on a highway ramp with no ability to accelerate or move out of danger. I was stranded in an extremely hazardous location with vehicles, including large commercial trucks, traveling nearby at highway speeds. I feared for my life because I had no way to move my vehicle to safety or protect myself from a potential collision. The situation was so dangerous that a State Trooper with Highway Patrol had to intervene and arrange assistance to have my disabled vehicle removed from the highway. Had Highway Patrol not arrived, I genuinely believe I could have lost my life. This was not a minor inconvenience or an ordinary vehicle breakdown. It was a potentially fatal safety incident caused by the vehicle's sudden and complete inability to move. Following the incident, an independent repair facility inspected the vehicle and determined that the transmission requires replacement. The diagnostic findings included P17F0 (CVT Judder), P0776 (Pressure Control Solenoid B performance/stuck off), and P2813 (Pressure Control Solenoid G control circuit range/performance). Before the complete failure, the vehicle had experienced hesitation, vibration, and difficulty accelerating. I am extremely concerned that this type of transmission failure can occur suddenly while a vehicle is operating in active highway traffic, potentially resulting in a serious or fatal collision. I am requesting that the federal safety agency investigate this incident as a significant vehicle safety concern and determine whether a safety-related defect exists in the CVT transmission system of the 2018 Nissan Altima. I have supporting diagnostic documentation and towing records, and the vehicle is available for inspection.

Filed Jul 7, 2026 · Transmission · DE

I am currently experiencing CVT failure as of I have filed a case with the nissan consumer affairs unit, case number 56846043. I was advised that even though there was a class action suit in 2022 for CVT issues, my CVT Warranty Extension expired on 12/09/2024Â for this class action suit. I purchased the car in May of 2025. The dealership failed to mention the class action suit or there were problems with the transmission. Since this is a well known issues, I am requesting help with the cost of repairs.

Filed May 28, 2026 · Transmission · NY

Transmission stopped working on me in the highway cvt code that comes up is P17f0 was in the highway going 45 mph then dropped 5 mph very dangerous. Almost crashed

Filed May 14, 2025 · Transmission · NE

It seems to be the transmission intermittently. I'd stop, push down on the accelerator and would go like a few MPH. Then it would lunge forward and I'd have to slam on the brakes to avoid hitting the vehicle in front of me. The other thing was it didn't seem to shift from first gear - I ended up redlining it at 7000rpm when only going 45mph. I've read that there is a problem with Nissan cars and the CVT. In answer to your questions: You can inspect it. At a stop/light, I'm always afraid the accelerator will start out slow and then lunge forward and eventually I'll hit another vehicle. The dealer couldn't reproduce the issue after having the vehicle 6 days. After 3, they "re-programmed" as the service manager said it was out-of-date and that doing so may fix the problem. They then tested for a further 3 days and couldn't reproduce it. Vehicle has only been inspected by the local Nissan dealer. There were no warning lights or messages before or after these incidents.

Filed Sep 8, 2024 · TX

Cvt transmission, yes its available for inspection. Loss complete horsepower on highway after it jerked. Kids in car at time. Took it to the autozone to get printout after check engine light came on, then took it next morning to dealership which did confirm that my transmission is in failure. Have printout confirming my concern. No lights were on I had just an oil change before getting on the highway.

Filed Sep 3, 2024 · Transmission · GA

I want formally lodge a complaint regarding a serious issue with a 2018 Nissan Altima that I purchased from a Nissan dealership on [XXX]. The vehicle, which had 107,000 miles at the time of purchase, has exhibited a critical failure. On [XXX], while I was accelerating to change lanes in rush hour traffic, the car began jerking and suddenly slowed down. This malfunction nearly resulted in a dangerous collision with an 18-wheeler and caused me to be run off the road. This incident could have been catastrophic, and it deeply concerns me, especially since this vehicle was intended for my daughter's commute to and from school. Following this, I had the car towed to the Nissan dealership and was informed that it requires a new transmission. I am shocked to learn that the cost to replace the transmission is $6,200. This is particularly distressing given that I purchased the car less than four months ago and was unaware of the known issues with the CVT transmission. It is unacceptable that vehicles with faulty transmissions are still being sold without adequate warning or extended warranties. Nissan should be required to provide clear disclaimers about potential transmission issues before a sale. The lack of transparency and the high cost of repairs are deeply troubling. Given the severity of this situation and the potential risks involved, I believe that Nissan should take immediate action to address these concerns. The warranty should be extended, and there should be clear warnings provided to potential buyers about the risks associated with the transmission. The current lack of empathy and action from Nissan is disappointing and unacceptable. I urge you to review this situation promptly and provide a satisfactory resolution. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed May 15, 2024 · Transmission · FL

Car started acting strangely on the way to work one morning, rpms would jump all over, it started to jerk, judder, slow to accelerate. That evening it did the same a few minutes after driving it. Got it to a local trusted mechanic who test drive and ran an OBD2 diagnostic check, which returned a P17F0 code. He told me it's serious CVT issues and referred me to the local Nissan dealership. The next day they called with the same diagnosis, CVT failure. Car was around 99,500 miles. The horrible extended warranty company I chose wouldn't honor it, said the car was fine. Nissan dealer argued that it WAS CVT failure and could cause a hazard. Nevertheless, I picked it up on 05/02. The next evening on the way home from work, in heavy traffic at 50 mph, it started lurching, crazy rpms, shuddering, going into neutral then back to D. As I was turning into a packing lot to stop, the CVT completely failed. The car wouldn't accelerate and left me at an almost stand-still in the middle of the left turn, as incoming traffic nearly crashed into me. A motorist helped push it into the parking lot, where it was towed back to Nissan... where it still sits today with a shot CVT. Nissan refused to help or offer any goodwill assistance even though it nearly caused multiple collisions. The car has been maintained perfectly, with CVT service performed at 65k miles and another at 95k miles. the federal safety agency should mark this issue as a safety hazard as a car that suddenly loses power puts families in danger. A modern car that can't even reach 100k miles before a major failure is pathetic. And Nissan having known about this issue for 10+ years (as made evident by the multiple lawsuits) should be held accountable. One day this massive CVT issue is going to seriously injure someone, or worse.

Filed Jan 9, 2023 · Transmission · NC

The CVT transmission failed at the light in mid drive. The car started to roll backwards down a highway exit in traffic. I had to blow the horn and scream out the window to keep from hitting other cars. As the car ascended down the hill, it completely stopped midway and I was unable to remove it from the street. I had to place my hazardous lights on, and push the car off the ramp. I had a Nissan dealership review the vehicle and in return they stated that the actual belt in the CVT was worn down or completely gone and that the entire CVT transmission would have to be fixed. There was no warnings that happened to notify me that there was an actual issue with the vehicle. In addition, I do have a 2015 Nissan Altima who is now showing possible issues with the CVT transmission and it has less than 90,000 miles

Filed Jul 16, 2022 · Transmission · TN

My 2018 Nissan Altima just now reached 100,000 miles on it. I was heading home from work on the interstate when my RPMs started revving up and down and it felt I lost power when I was hitting the gas. My transmission started sputtering, vibrating, slipping. When I place it in drive or reverse now it takes time to go in gear. I took my car to get regular maintenance such as oil change and fluids to see if it was the transmission fluid. The dealership maintenance department did the maintenance and fluids and my car is still doing the same. I asked of the transmission fluid was low I was told it wasn't and I stated about the transmission acting up and was told by the worker yeah I could tell when I took it back and brought it up. The worker stated it was probably the CVT in my car and it costs $5500 to fix and stated this was an issue on models before mine that got extended warranties and the issues was taking place in the model of my vehicle but no extended warranty. This CVT is something that continues to mess up in Nissan and in the 2018 and current models. Either there needs to be a recall or extended warranties or both.

Filed Feb 1, 2022 · Transmission · TN

On several occasions my vehicle fails to accelerate putting passengers and myself in grave danger. Nissan mechanics say they cannot replicate my incidents however they are aware that the problem exists with CVT engines made by Nissan. Nissan of America refuses to acknowledge that there is a problem although thousands of people have posted exact issue on owners forums for years.

Filed Aug 29, 2021 · Transmission · MN

CVT transmission failure while in transport. It put my family at risk being stranded on busy highway. No warning lights or indication of issue except vehicle stopped performing effectively. The dealer acknowledged issues in this and other models and had transmission repaired at my cost. Vehicle was diagnosed by dealer which using OBD they found transmission failure codes..

Filed Jul 14, 2021 · Transmission · VA

According to Nissan dealership My 2018 Nissan Altima CVT failed. They were able to determined the failed cvt with a diagnosis code P17F0. I have 73,694 miles on my car and my warranty ended at 60,000 miles. In previous years model of the Nissan Altima there were recalls on CVT transmissions for the Nissan Altimas. Nissan stated being that my car is out of warranty the only thing they can do is give me 50% good will because my VIN number is different from the other Nissan Altima that had a failed CVT. I don’t feel that it was good will being that my car did not reach 100,000 miles and I’m already having an issue that has been a problem In the past. I keep up with the maintenance of my vehicle very well and this problem occurred out of the blue. I also spoke with Nissan about the current recall on my car being that I have to drive a car around and my hood could possibly fly off at any giving time. Me being a Nissan customer with such a dangerous vehicle that Nissan continues to have issues with is more good will than they’ve offered. I honestly would not recommend such an unsafe vehicle to anyone who is interested in purchasing a Nissan Altima. My car is fairly new and I’m having CVT issues. My car literally stopped in the middle of the road and would not accelerate because of a mechanically failing CVT. I highly recommend that Nissan Recall any vehicles that have CVT issues especially since it’s been a repeating cycle. I hope this doesn’t go unnoticed. Thank you