2008 Nissan Versa: CVT failure

7 of the 381 complaints about the 2008 Nissan Versa describe CVT failure.

owner complaints: 7
of this car's complaints: 2%
typical mileage: 111,000
recalls: 0

Is there a fix? 7 service bulletins cover this area of the car. See below

CVT failure by model year

2024
2
2022
1
2021
4
2020
4
2019
3
2018
1
2017
1
2016
9
2015
12
2014
30
2013
20
2012
47
2010
3
2009
3
2008
7
2007
6

What owners say

Filed Jun 26, 2019 · TX

Vehicle is under 100,000 miles and the CVT transmission is out! I was at the grocery store and when I got back to my car it flat out did not start no issues or warning prior to it not starting. I was stranded at night with no transportation.

Filed Jul 19, 2018 · Transmission · 111,000 miles · KS

The continuously variable transmissions on nissans are unsafe. For a couple of weeks, our nissan versa would briefly lose power when we stepped on the gas pedal, but it only happened occasionally and temporarily. Then on july 15, it got much worse. We could barely drive the car because it would constantly lose power. The problem started when we started the car and continued as we were trying to drive the car a couple of blocks on the city streets. I am thankful that we were not on a highway when this happened because we would have caused a terrible accident. We learned later that it was the transmission and the car was trying to start in a high gear instead of a low gear. Our 2008 nissan versa is 6 weeks past the extended warranty on the continuously variable transmission. Despite the fact that we are below the mileage requirement of the warranty and despite the fact that the transmission has likely been giving us problems for years, nissan will not honor the warranty. I believe nissan should be ordering a recall on the CVT technology, especially for the older models. They know the technology is flawed and unsafe, that's why they created an extended warranty. But if you're just out of that warranty period, they won't help you out as a consumer. If they publicized the CVT problem and ordered a recall, they would prevent having unsafe cars on the road.

Filed May 26, 2016 · Transmission · 120,807 miles · AR

This car was brought into the shop with 120,807 miles and the complaint was it would not go. Many transmission codes found and transmission fluid very black in color. Had to replace the transmission do to the fact that no one will rebuild this CVT transmission. A good designed transmission should last longer than 121,000 miles with what they cost.

Filed Sep 18, 2013 · Transmission · 118,000 miles · WA

Cvt transmission is making a metal rubbing noise when in drive and idling. Nissan dealer confirmed the transmission must be replaced and eventually the car will no longer accelerate due to CVT failure.

Filed Feb 6, 2012 · Steering, Suspension · 25,000 miles · NJ

1st...after 25k miles the car began to shift on its own irregularly, finally at 45k it was noticed that the CVT was not working properly. It was replaced under warranty, even though it was covered it actually cost me 1,800 for an extended warranty. Second problem was a thumping noise as I went over a bump in the front end that was diagnosed as damaged struts and the sub frame links, this was not covered by warranty, and we are stuck with this ongoing faulty problem. It is greater than 4,000 to fix.

Filed Aug 28, 2009 · Transmission · 40,000 miles · TX

Cvt transmission problems (2nd time at 40,000).

Filed Jul 6, 2009 · Transmission · 5,000 miles · CA

Front axles "click" when making turns. Cvt transmission cuts out or stalls when making turns and/or accelerating from a stop. Occurrence is 3-5 x weekly. I have taken this vehicle in for service 9-10 times. They have replaced the front axles and transmission with no improvement.