California Lemon Law News + Info

Nissan Altima, Sentra Lawsuit Alleges Defective CVT Transmissions

A Nissan class action lawsuit alleges that 2017–2018 Nissan Altima and Sentra cars have faulty continuously variable transmissions (CVTs) that cause juddering, shuddering, clunking, jerking and acceleration problems.

transmissionThe class action lawsuit alleges that the CVT transmission defects are cause by cooler problems, making the transmissions prone to overheating. Instead of using a radiator, the CVT transmission uses a small cooler that allegedly fails to regulate the transmission fluid’s temperature. The fluid lubricates the valves, pulleys, belts and other transmission components. However, when the transmission fluid is not cooled properly, it overheats the transmission and causes problems with the transmission’s performance.

The primary plaintiff of the lawsuit purchased a new 2017 Nissan Altima in April 2017. The Nissan Altima owner alleges that her vehicle lost power and failed to accelerate when going uphill. When attempting to accelerate, the owner reported feeling that the brakes were engaging even when she was pressing the accelerator instead.

In September 2020, the plaintiff took her Nissan Altima to the dealership and reported these acceleration problems. The technician reprogrammed the transmission control module, but the lawsuit alleges that this failed to fix the transmission problems.

The delayed acceleration issue allegedly resurfaced in January 2021, when the Nissan Altima lurched into another vehicle.

The plaintiff took her Nissan Altima to a dealer, which assumed the vehicle had a brake issue and allegedly failed to fix the transmission problems, despite keeping the vehicle for 33 days.

The Nissan CVT transmission lawsuit alleges that Nissan has known about the CVT transmission problems since at least 2013. Consumers who seek transmission replacements allegedly receive a similarly defective CVT transmission.

Many owners of Nissan vehicles are experiencing recurring transmission problems that could increase the risk of getting rear-ended. In some vehicles, like those included in this class action lawsuit, the problems are caused by a continuously variable transmission. If you have a Nissan vehicle with a CVT transmission, you may be included in one or more class action lawsuits. If a lawsuit settles, you may get a meager final settlement. We can help you opt out and retain your individual right to sue the manufacturer for a much larger cash reward.

If your 2018 or newer Nissan Altima or Sentra experiences recurring transmission problems, learn more about Nissan’s CVT transmission problems or call us at 877-217-7676 to learn more about your California lemon law rights.

Source: CarComplaints.com


Lemon Law Help by Knight Law Group is an automotive lemon law firm that exclusively practices in California. If you are a California resident who purchased or leased a defective vehicle from a licensed dealership in California, we may be able to help you get rid of your potential lemon and recover significant cash compensation. Model year restrictions apply: 2017–Present vehicle models only.

However, we cannot help those who reside outside of California or purchased their vehicle outside of California unless they are active duty members of the Armed Forces, nor will we be able to refer those to a lemon law firm in their states.

To learn more about the California Lemon Law and your legal rights, visit our guides on the California Lemon Law and Used Car Lemon Law for more information.

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