The faulty CVT is why they keep breaking down
A mechanic is sharing advice for Nissan owners worried about the longevity of their continuously variable transmissions (CVTs).
TikTok user Auto Parts City (@autopartscity), an auto parts reseller in Gurnee, Illinois, posted a July 5 video offering a crucial tip for CVT owners. In the clip, the team jokes about Nissan transmissions, saying, “They all blow up because of the poor CVT,” before handing the mic to Juan, who shares how to keep them alive.
According to Juan, Nissan CVTs have two filters: one in the transmission pan and a small external filter. He recommends:
- Replace the transmission fluid every 35,000–40,000 miles
- Change both filters—internal and external—each time
Following this routine, Juan says, can help a Nissan CVT last well over 200,000 miles.
Many owners, he notes, neglect the external filter, which often leads to premature failure.
Why CVTs Have a Bad Reputation
Unlike traditional automatics, CVTs use a pulley system instead of gears. They’re cheaper to make and improve fuel economy but have trade-offs: unusual engine sounds, a “rubber band” feel, and a history of failures.
Nissan’s CVTs have also faced legal trouble. The company recently settled a class-action lawsuit covering 2015–2018 Murano and 2016–2018 Maxima models, extending warranties and offering reimbursements.
Owners React
TikTok viewers quickly chimed in with their own advice and experiences:
- Install an external cooler to fight heat buildup, which shortens CVT life.
- Follow the fluid and filter change schedule to avoid costly repairs.
- Some blamed regulations, saying fuel-economy targets pushed automakers toward CVTs.
One viewer even admitted their 140,000-mile Sentra likely failed because previous owners never changed the CVT fluid.
