Nissan Xtronic CVT (continuously variable transmission): years, specs & known problems

By CarWhere Research · Updated

Nissan's Xtronic CVT uses a steel belt or chain running between two variable-diameter pulleys instead of fixed gears. It arrived in the US on the 2003 Murano and is now used in the Altima, Sentra, Kicks and Rogue. Class settlements extended CVT warranty coverage on many 2012–2018 Nissans to 84 months or 84,000 miles.

Nissan describes the Xtronic CVT as a stepless transmission: a steel belt or chain runs between two pulleys whose working diameters change continuously, so the engine can stay at its most efficient speed without shifting between fixed ratios. Nissan first used a CVT globally in 1992, and its first major US application was the 2003 Murano. A new generation announced in 2011 for 2.0- to 3.5-liter engines brought a 7.0 ratio spread and up to 40% less friction, and Nissan says the current generation in the Sentra, Kicks and Rogue is 4–8% more fuel efficient than the one before. Current Nissan CVTs use D-Step Logic Control, which reads vehicle speed and pedal inputs to choose the ratio and gives a stepped shift feel under hard acceleration, and require Nissan CVT Fluid NS-3.

EPA listings show the CVT in the 2026 Altima, Kicks, Sentra and Rogue, and in the Versa through 2025. The Pathfinder moved to a 9-speed automatic for 2022 and the Murano for 2025. The standard Nissan CVT warranty is 5 years or 60,000 miles. Nissan extended coverage on 2003–2010 CVTs to 10 years/120,000 miles, and class settlements extended it to 84 months/84,000 miles on several 2012–2018 models. Those extensions are detailed below with their exact model years.

Xtronic CVT (continuously variable transmission) at a glance

Nissan Xtronic continuously variable transmission (belt-and-pulley CVT), US models 2003–present: model years by version
VersionModel yearsDocumented problemsRecalls
2003–2012: first US Xtronic CVTs (Murano, Altima, Sentra, Rogue, Maxima, Quest)2003–201210
2012–2020: next-generation Xtronic (7.0 ratio spread)2012–202041
Current Xtronic (Sentra, Kicks, Altima, Rogue)2020–present12

CarWhere lists 6 documented problems and 3 NHTSA recalls for the Xtronic CVT (continuously variable transmission), each with a source.

2003–2012: first US Xtronic CVTs (Murano, Altima, Sentra, Rogue, Maxima, Quest)

The CVT arrived with the 2003 Murano and spread to the Altima for 2007 and the Sentra and Rogue soon after. Nissan covers 2003–2010 CVTs with a 10-year/120,000-mile limited warranty extension.

2003–2012: first US Xtronic CVTs (Murano, Altima, Sentra, Rogue, Maxima, Quest) specifications

2003–2012: first US Xtronic CVTs (Murano, Altima, Sentra, Rogue, Maxima, Quest): design facts (2003–2012)
SpecificationValue
First US application2003 Nissan Murano[1]
Nissan's first CVT globally1992[1]
Operating principleSteel belt or chain between two variable-diameter pulleys; no fixed gears[1]
EPA listing, 2003 Murano 2WDAutomatic (variable gear ratios), 3.5 L V6[2]
EPA listing, 2007 AltimaCVT with the 2.5 L and 3.5 L; 6-speed manual also listed[3]
EPA listing, 2008 Rogue FWDAutomatic (variable gear ratios), 2.5 L[4]
EPA listing, 2007 SentraCVT with the 2.0 L and 2.5 L; 6-speed manual also listed[5]
EPA listing, 2010 SentraCVT with the 2.0 L; AV-S6 with the 2.5 L; 6-speed manuals also listed[6]
Extended coverage10 years/120,000 miles for 2003–2010 CVT vehicles[7]

Which vehicles have the 2003–2012: first US Xtronic CVTs (Murano, Altima, Sentra, Rogue, Maxima, Quest)?

Models and model years offered with the 2003–2012: first US Xtronic CVTs (Murano, Altima, Sentra, Rogue, Maxima, Quest)
ModelModel yearsNotes
Nissan Murano2003–2024CVT in every Murano through 2024
Nissan Altima2007–present
Nissan Sentra2007–presentEPA also lists a 6-speed manual in 2007 and 2010
Nissan Rogue2008–present

2003–2012: first US Xtronic CVTs (Murano, Altima, Sentra, Rogue, Maxima, Quest) problems and what to check

2003–2010 CVT 10-year/120,000-mile limited warranty extension (2003–2010)

Moderate

Nissan's owner warranty page states that 2003–2010 vehicles with a continuously variable transmission carry a 10-year/120,000-mile CVT limited warranty extension. EPA's listings show CVTs in the 2003 Murano, the 2007 Altima and Sentra, and the 2008 Rogue. By now the 10-year term has run out on almost every one of these vehicles.[7][2][3][5][4]

Symptoms

  • Shudder, slipping or whining from the transmission

Check before buying

  • Confirm the vehicle has the CVT, not a manual gearbox
  • Ask a Nissan dealer whether the 10-year/120,000-mile CVT coverage still applies to this VIN; on most cars of this age the 10 years have run out

Program: Nissan 10-year/120,000-mile CVT limited warranty extension (2003–2010 model years)

2012–2020: next-generation Xtronic (7.0 ratio spread)

Nissan's 2011 next-generation CVT for 2.0–3.5L engines, introduced in North America from 2012, widened the ratio spread to 7.0 and cut friction by up to 40%. This era's Rogue, Pathfinder, Altima, Sentra, Versa, Murano and Maxima are the subject of the warranty-extension settlements.

2012–2020: next-generation Xtronic (7.0 ratio spread) specifications

2012–2020: next-generation Xtronic (7.0 ratio spread): design facts (2012–2020)
SpecificationValue
Ratio coverage7.0[8]
Friction reductionUp to 40% versus the previous CVT[8]
Fuel economy claimUp to 10% better than previous CVTs in comparable vehicles (Nissan)[8]
North American introductionFrom 2012[8]
Shift logicAdaptive Shift Control; D-Step logic added on models such as the 2016 Maxima[9]
EPA listing, 2016 AltimaAV-S7 with the 3.5 L V6; CVT with the 2.5 L[10]
EPA listing, 2017 QuestAutomatic (variable gear ratios), 3.5 L V6[11]
Pathfinder spec, 2013CVT with the 3.5 L VQ35DE[12]
Pathfinder spec, 2020Xtronic with D-Step Logic Control[13]

Which vehicles have the 2012–2020: next-generation Xtronic (7.0 ratio spread)?

Models and model years offered with the 2012–2020: next-generation Xtronic (7.0 ratio spread)
ModelModel yearsNotes
Nissan Pathfinder2013–20209-speed automatic from 2022
Nissan MaximaThrough 2023EPA lists AV-S7 for 2018 and 2023
Nissan QuestThrough 2017
Nissan Versa / Versa Note2012–2025 (Versa)Versa also offered with a 5-speed manual

2012–2020: next-generation Xtronic (7.0 ratio spread) problems and what to check

Warranty extended to 84 months/84,000 miles: 2015–2018 Murano, 2016–2018 Maxima (Beaver settlement) (2015–2018)

Moderate

Under the Beaver v. Nissan class settlement, which became effective on October 5, 2025, Nissan extended the warranty on the transmission assembly, including the valve body and torque converter, and the transmission control unit on 2015–2018 Muranos and 2016–2018 Maximas to 84 months or 84,000 miles, whichever occurs first, from the original start date. Hybrids are excluded. The settlement also reimburses qualifying past repairs and offers a $1,500 voucher to owners with two or more transmission repairs.[14][15]

Symptoms

  • Shudder, hesitation or whining from the transmission
  • Transmission warning light

Check before buying

  • Confirm the model year and the original in-service date and mileage; the extension is measured from the original start date
  • Ask a Nissan dealer to look up the VIN for any open warranty extension and for prior CVT repairs in Nissan's records

Program: Beaver v. Nissan North America class settlement warranty extension (84 months/84,000 miles)

Powertrain warranty extended to 84 months/84,000 miles: 2014–2018 Rogue, 2015–2018 Pathfinder (2014–2018)

Moderate

Under a CVT class action settlement, the powertrain warranty on 2014–2018 Rogues and 2015–2018 Pathfinders was extended from 60 months or 60,000 miles to 84 months or 84,000 miles, whichever occurs first, according to BBB National Programs, which arbitrates disputes under the settlement. The same program extends the 2015–2018 Infiniti QX60 from 72 months/70,000 miles to 96 months/96,000 miles. This is a warranty extension, not a safety recall.[16]

Symptoms

  • Shudder, hesitation or whining from the transmission
  • Transmission warning light

Check before buying

  • Confirm the model year and the original in-service date and mileage; the extension is measured from the original start date
  • Ask a Nissan dealer to look up the VIN for any open warranty extension and for prior CVT repairs in Nissan's records

Program: CVT class settlement warranty extension, arbitrated by BBB National Programs

Powertrain warranty extended to 84 months/84,000 miles: Altima, Sentra, Versa, Versa Note (2012–2017)

Moderate

BBB National Programs, which arbitrates claims under Nissan's CVT class settlements, lists the 2013–2017 Sentra, 2014–2017 Versa Note, 2012–2017 Versa and 2013–2016 Altima as covered vehicles and states that the powertrain warranty is extended from 60 months or 60,000 miles to 84 months or 84,000 miles, whichever occurs first, on certain CVT-equipped Nissans. The program also covers the Juke under a separate settlement. This is a warranty extension, not a safety recall.[17]

Symptoms

  • Shudder, hesitation or whining from the transmission
  • Transmission warning light

Check before buying

  • Confirm the model year and the original in-service date and mileage; the extension is measured from the original start date
  • Ask a Nissan dealer to look up the VIN for any open warranty extension and for prior CVT repairs in Nissan's records

Program: CVT class settlement warranty extensions, arbitrated by BBB National Programs

CVT oil cooler hose may detach and leak fluid (2013 Pathfinder, recall 14V142) (2013)

Moderate

On certain 2013 Pathfinders built April–October 2012 with a CVT, the internal oil cooler hose may come off its cooler because the clamp is too weak, leaking transmission fluid until the vehicle stops accelerating. Dealers install an oil hose repair kit free of charge.[18]

Symptoms

  • Transmission fluid leak
  • Loss of acceleration

Check before buying

  • Run the 17-digit VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
  • Ask a Nissan dealer for the repair order showing the CVT oil hose repair kit installation

Program: NHTSA safety recall 14V142

2012–2020: next-generation Xtronic (7.0 ratio spread) recalls

NHTSA safety recalls related to the 2012–2020: next-generation Xtronic (7.0 ratio spread) (campaign numbers link to NHTSA)
NHTSA campaignReportedVehiclesSummary
14V1422014-03-262013 Nissan Pathfinder (built Apr 18–Oct 3, 2012, with CVT)3,065 vehiclesThe internal oil cooler hose may detach from the cooler because of inadequate clamping force, leaking transmission fluid. Dealers install an oil hose repair kit free of charge.

Current Xtronic (Sentra, Kicks, Altima, Rogue)

Nissan says its latest CVTs have been durability-tested over more than 4 million miles of public roads and are 4–8% more fuel efficient than the previous generation. All current CVT Nissans use D-Step Logic Control.

Current Xtronic (Sentra, Kicks, Altima, Rogue) specifications

Current Xtronic (Sentra, Kicks, Altima, Rogue): design facts (2020–present)
SpecificationValue
Fuel efficiency claim4–8% better than the previous generation in Sentra, Kicks and Rogue (Nissan)[1]
Friction vs first CVTs58% lower on the third generation (Nissan)[1]
Durability testingMore than 4 million miles on public roads (Nissan)[1]
Development milestonesMajor overhaul in 2017; CVT-Xs series unveiled in 2023[1]
FluidNissan CVT Fluid NS-3 only; damage from other fluids is not covered by the New Vehicle Limited Warranty[1]
Standard coverage5 years/60,000 miles limited warranty for CVT repairs, replacements or related towing[1]
EPA listing, 2026 AltimaAutomatic (variable gear ratios), 2.5 L[19]
EPA listing, 2026 RogueAV-S8, 1.5 L turbo 3-cylinder[20]
EPA listing, 2026 KicksAutomatic (variable gear ratios), 2.0 L[21]
EPA listing, 2027 Sentra SRAutomatic (variable gear ratios), 2.0 L[22]
EPA listing, 2027 Kicks AWDAutomatic (variable gear ratios), 2.0 L[23]
EPA listing, 2025 VersaCVT or 5-speed manual, 1.6 L[24]
EPA listing, 2024 Murano AWDAV-S7, 3.5 L V6[25]
Murano switchEPA lists a 9-speed automatic with a 2.0 L turbo for 2025[26]
Pathfinder switchEPA lists a 9-speed automatic for 2022[27]

Which vehicles have the Current Xtronic (Sentra, Kicks, Altima, Rogue)?

Models and model years offered with the Current Xtronic (Sentra, Kicks, Altima, Rogue)
ModelModel yearsNotes
Nissan Sentra2020–present
Nissan KicksCurrentEPA lists 2026 and 2027 Kicks with a CVT
Nissan AltimaCurrent
Nissan RogueCurrent1.5L VC-Turbo with AV-S8
Nissan VersaThrough 2025EPA lists no 2026 Versa

Current Xtronic (Sentra, Kicks, Altima, Rogue) problems and what to check

Left driveshaft may not be fully seated in the CVT (2024–2025 Sentra, recalls 24V304 and 26V410) (2024–2025)

Moderate

On certain 2024 and 2025 Sentras the left front driveshaft may not be fully seated in the CVT (or, on 2024 cars, may have a loose or missing retaining clip), which can leak transmission fluid and cut drive power. Dealers inspect the driveshaft and replace it and the CVT if needed, free of charge.[28][29]

Symptoms

  • Transmission fluid leak
  • Loss of drive power

Check before buying

  • Run the 17-digit VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
  • Ask a Nissan dealer for the repair order showing the driveshaft inspection

Program: NHTSA safety recalls 24V304 (2024 Sentra) and 26V410 (2025 Sentra)

Current Xtronic (Sentra, Kicks, Altima, Rogue) recalls

NHTSA safety recalls related to the Current Xtronic (Sentra, Kicks, Altima, Rogue) (campaign numbers link to NHTSA)
NHTSA campaignReportedVehiclesSummary
24V3042024-04-292024 Nissan Sentra9,645 vehiclesThe front left driveshaft may not be fully seated in the CVT or may have a loose or missing retaining clip, which can leak transmission fluid and cause a loss of drive power. Dealers inspect the driveshaft and replace it and the CVT if needed, free of charge.
26V4102026-06-262025 Nissan Sentra946 vehiclesThe front left driveshaft may not be fully seated in the CVT, which can leak transmission fluid and cause a loss of drive power. Dealers inspect the driveshaft and replace it and the CVT if needed, free of charge.

Xtronic CVT (continuously variable transmission) issues by model

The same transmission shows up on these known-issues pages, with model-specific details.

Related Nissan research

Confirm a car really has the Xtronic CVT (continuously variable transmission).

The transmission a Nissan left the factory with is part of its build record. The CarWhere Nissan build sheet reconstructs factory colors, options and packages from licensed VIN-level build data — availability is checked free, and it is $9.99 only when detailed build data is found for that VIN.

Nissan build sheet by VIN

Frequently asked questions

Which Nissans have a CVT?

EPA lists Nissan's CVT in the 2026 Altima, Sentra, Kicks and Rogue, and in the Versa through 2025. Earlier, every Murano from 2003 to 2024, the 2013–2020 Pathfinder, the Quest and the Maxima also used one. The Pathfinder switched to a 9-speed automatic for 2022 and the Murano for 2025.

Is there a Nissan CVT warranty extension?

Yes, for specific model years. Settlements extended coverage to 84 months/84,000 miles on the 2014–2018 Rogue, 2015–2018 Pathfinder, 2013–2016 Altima, 2013–2017 Sentra, 2012–2017 Versa, 2014–2017 Versa Note, 2015–2018 Murano and 2016–2018 Maxima. Nissan separately covers 2003–2010 CVTs for 10 years/120,000 miles.

What is the normal warranty on a Nissan CVT?

Nissan says every Xtronic CVT comes with a 5-year/60,000-mile limited warranty, whichever comes first, covering CVT repairs, replacements and related towing. Using fluid other than Nissan CVT Fluid NS-3 can void coverage for resulting damage.

Has the Nissan CVT been recalled?

Yes, for specific faults. Recall 14V142 covered 3,065 2013 Pathfinders whose CVT oil cooler hose could detach. Recalls 24V304 (9,645 2024 Sentras) and 26V410 (946 2025 Sentras) cover a left driveshaft that may not be fully seated in the CVT. Check any VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What does the Beaver v. Nissan settlement cover?

The transmission assembly, including the valve body and torque converter, and the transmission control unit on 2015–2018 Muranos and 2016–2018 Maximas (not hybrids), extended to 84 months/84,000 miles from the original start date. The settlement became effective on October 5, 2025.

How does the Xtronic CVT work?

A steel belt or chain runs between two pulleys whose working diameters change continuously, so there are no fixed gear steps. Nissan's D-Step Logic Control uses vehicle speed and accelerator inputs to choose the ratio, with a crisp, stepped shift feel under hard acceleration.

Sources

Ratings are Nissan-published figures as cited; descriptions are CarWhere’s own summaries of the sources below. Repair costs appear only where a source states them and vary by shop and region.

  1. XTRONIC CVT Continuously Variable Transmission — Nissan USA (nissanusa.com)
  2. 2003 Nissan Murano 2WD: engine and transmission options — U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  3. 2007 Nissan Altima: engine and transmission options — U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  4. 2008 Nissan Rogue FWD: engine and transmission options — U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  5. 2007 Nissan Sentra: engine and transmission options — U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  6. 2010 Nissan Sentra: engine and transmission options — U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  7. Nissan vehicle warranty information (2003–2010 CVT limited warranty extension) — Nissan USA owner portal
  8. Nissan Unveils New Generation XTRONIC CVT and New Hybrid System for Front-Wheel Drive Vehicles (Oct 13, 2011) — Nissan USA Newsroom (usa.nissannews.com)
  9. Xtronic Transmission (technology overview) — Nissan USA Newsroom (usa.nissannews.com)
  10. 2016 Nissan Altima: engine and transmission options — U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  11. 2017 Nissan Quest: engine and transmission options — U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  12. 2013 Nissan Pathfinder Specifications — Nissan USA Newsroom (usa.nissannews.com)
  13. 2020 Nissan Pathfinder Specifications — Nissan USA Newsroom (usa.nissannews.com)
  14. Beaver v. Nissan North America settlement website (2015–2018 Murano, 2016–2018 Maxima CVT) — Settlement administrator (Verita), court-approved settlement website
  15. Beaver v. Nissan North America: important dates and deadlines — Settlement administrator (Verita), court-approved settlement website
  16. Nissan/Infiniti CVT class action arbitration program (Rogue, Pathfinder, QX60) — BBB National Programs (settlement arbitration administrator)
  17. Nissan CVT class action arbitration program (Altima, Sentra, Versa, Versa Note, Juke) — BBB National Programs (settlement arbitration administrator)
  18. Recall 14V142: CVT Oil Cooler Hose may Detach and Leak — NHTSA (via data.transportation.gov recall dataset)
  19. 2026 Nissan Altima: engine and transmission options — U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  20. 2026 Nissan Rogue FWD: engine and transmission options — U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  21. 2026 Nissan Kicks: engine and transmission options — U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  22. 2027 Nissan Sentra SR: engine and transmission options — U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  23. 2027 Nissan Kicks AWD: engine and transmission options — U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  24. 2025 Nissan Versa: engine and transmission options — U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  25. 2024 Nissan Murano AWD: engine and transmission options — U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  26. 2025 Nissan Murano AWD: engine and transmission options — U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  27. 2022 Nissan Pathfinder 2WD: engine and transmission options — U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  28. Recall 24V304: Incorrectly Installed Driveshaft — NHTSA (via data.transportation.gov recall dataset)
  29. Recall 26V410: Incorrectly Installed Driveshaft — NHTSA (via data.transportation.gov recall dataset)

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