The Nissan Altima has long been a go-to choice for drivers looking for a comfortable, mid-size sedan that offers good fuel efficiency, stylish design, and accessible pricing. However, behind the Altima's popularity lies a persistent concern: its transmission. Over the past decade, many drivers have reported nissan altima issues related specifically to the vehicle’s CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission).

If you're considering buying a new or used Altima in 2025, it's crucial to understand the Nissan Altima common faults—particularly those that relate to the transmission. In this blog, we’ll break down the most common problems, what causes them, and how to protect yourself as a buyer.

What Makes the Altima’s Transmission Different?

Nissan uses a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) in many of its vehicles, including the Altima. Unlike a traditional automatic transmission with set gear ratios, a CVT uses a belt and pulley system to allow for smooth, gearless acceleration. In theory, this provides better fuel economy and a smoother ride.

However, the execution hasn't always lived up to expectations. Many Altima owners have reported premature transmission failure, shuddering, slipping, and other performance problems—making CVT reliability one of the most notable Nissan Altima common problems.

Most Common Nissan Altima Transmission Issues

1. Shuddering and Jerking

One of the earliest signs of CVT trouble in the Altima is a noticeable shudder or jerk when accelerating, especially from a stop or at low speeds. This issue tends to appear in models between 2013 and 2018 but has been reported sporadically in newer models as well.

2. Delayed Acceleration

Another widely reported problem is sluggish or delayed acceleration. Drivers have noted that pressing the gas pedal doesn’t always result in an immediate response, which can be dangerous during merging or passing.

This is one of the nissan altima common faults that frustrates owners the most, especially when it happens at unpredictable times.

3. Overheating

The CVT in the Altima is prone to overheating under certain conditions—especially during long drives or in high-temperature environments. Once the transmission gets too hot, it may go into “limp mode,” reducing power and forcing the driver to stop and let the car cool down.

Nissan has attempted to address this with software updates and CVT cooling system improvements, but overheating remains a risk in older models.

4. Whining or Humming Noises

Unusual sounds coming from the transmission—such as whining, humming, or even a high-pitched squeal—are common signs of CVT wear or impending failure. These noises are often a red flag, especially if they grow louder over time.

Affected Model Years

While no model is entirely immune, Nissan Altima issues with the CVT transmission are most commonly reported in the following model years:

● 2013–2018: These years have the highest volume of complaints, especially related to premature transmission failure.
● 2019–2021: Fewer issues compared to earlier models, but some owners still report jerking and delayed acceleration.
● 2022–2024: Improvements have been made, but long-term data is still being collected.

What Causes These Problems?

Several factors contribute to these Nissan Altima common problems:

● Design Flaws: Some experts believe early CVT designs weren’t robust enough for real-world driving conditions.
● Inadequate Cooling Systems: CVTs in older models often lacked efficient cooling, leading to frequent overheating.
● Poor Maintenance Awareness: CVTs require specific fluid and maintenance schedules. Many drivers either neglect fluid changes or use the wrong type, accelerating wear.

What Has Nissan Done About It?

Nissan has taken steps to address these issues, including:

● Extending the CVT warranty on certain models from 5 years/60,000 miles to 10 years/120,000 miles (mostly on 2007–2010 models).
● Releasing software updates designed to optimize CVT performance.
● Redesigning later CVT units in newer Altimas for better reliability and cooling.

However, critics argue that these efforts haven’t gone far enough, especially since many newer model years continue to experience similar issues.

Other Nissan Altima Common Faults to Know

While the CVT is the most notorious concern, it’s not the only issue to watch for. Other Nissan Altima common faults include:

● Faulty door locks and latches
● Electrical system glitches (especially related to the push-button start and infotainment system)
● Suspension noise and premature strut wear
● Premature battery failure in cold climates

These problems aren’t as severe as transmission failure but can still add to the cost of ownership.

Should You Buy a Used Altima?

Despite its transmission troubles, the Nissan Altima remains a popular choice—especially because of its price point and features. If you’re considering a used Altima, here are a few tips:

● Prioritize later model years (2020 and up), which tend to have fewer transmission complaints.
● Ask for full service records, including CVT fluid changes and any warranty repairs.
● Get a pre-purchase inspection from a mechanic who’s familiar with CVTs.
● Consider a certified pre-owned (CPO) vehicle, which comes with extended warranty coverage.

Final Thoughts

The Nissan Altima offers a lot: sleek design, advanced tech features, and great fuel economy. But buyers—especially of used models—should be fully aware of the Nissan Altima issues that often come with the CVT transmission. Knowing what to look for can help you avoid costly surprises down the road.

If you’re set on buying an Altima, do your homework, check the vehicle’s history, and make sure any known nissan altima common problems have already been addressed. With the right precautions, you can still enjoy all the benefits the Altima has to offer—without getting stuck with a failing transmission.