Rydell Nissan of Grand Forks

Jan 21, 2021
The below article is presented by Rydell Nissan of Grand Forks, North Dakota

Nissan has been leading the way in the development of the continuously variable transmission for decades. Over the years they have advanced this technology to reduce wear and tear, improve performance, and increase vehicle efficiency.

Overall, this type of transmission is extremely effective and some version of this technology is used in transmissions by almost every manufacturer today. However, a small percentage of some Nissan models were subjected to recalls because of issues with repairs. Nissan’s response was quick, decisive, and designed to relieve the burden of repairing this transmission through a warranty extension and other measures detailed here. Learn more below, and if you need Nissan repairs in North Dakota, schedule Nissan service today.

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What Is a Continuously Variable Transmission?

Side view of vehicle transmission
Image via Flickr by Camille King

The continuously variable transmission was introduced in the early 1990s and performed so well that the world’s largest professional racing circuit banned its use because it gave drivers an unfair advantage. Shifting is smooth and seamless with a continuously variable transmission. Performance is like having a variable gear for any driving situation. It delivers power efficiently and without traditional shift shock by using a chain and pulley system to travel up and down through the gear ratios. The result is smoother shifting, more powerful acceleration, and better fuel efficiency.

Technically speaking, a continuously variable transmission and the traditional automatic transmission are both automatics since neither requires a clutch to change gears manually. Traditional automatics have anywhere from five to 10 or more fixed gears, but continuously variable transmissions don’t have these so there is no shifting involved.

What Is a Vehicle Warranty?

Many are familiar with the term but have varying degrees of understanding. In simple terms, a warranty is a written declaration to the purchaser from the manufacturer that guarantees repair or replacement of the purchased item, usually within a specified time frame.

In the auto industry, your vehicle probably has several warranties, each guaranteeing a portion of the vehicle. There are warranties for the powertrain which cover the engine, transmission, and drivetrain. There are bumper-to-bumper warranties covering everything on the vehicle inside and out except for wear items. These would be things like brake pads, windshield wipers, and tires. Regular maintenance items like oil changes aren’t covered either. Bumper-to-bumper warranties typically run from five to 10 years or 50,000 miles up to 150,000 miles or more.

As hybrid and electric powertrain options continue to grow in market share, these systems also get their own warranties like a battery warranty or hybrid system components warranty. You’ll typically see a replacement parts and accessories warranty that covers all your repairs and guarantees they are done with original equipment manufacturer parts.

There are also anti-perforation warranties that cover against corrosion of exterior panels from the inside out. These don’t cover anything from the outside like hail, stones, or sand, or any type of collision. These can range from three to five years or 30,000 up to 50,000 miles or more.

Why Is There a Year or Mileage for Warranties?

Manufacturers are essentially guaranteeing their products with a warranty. Everyone has different driving habits, meaning that some will put more miles on their vehicle than others. This either/or approach helps the manufacturer find a balance for every type of driver.

2003-2010 Warranty Extensions

When Nissan realized there were problems that affected a small percentage of owners, they immediately took steps to relieve the financial burden of repairing the affected continuously variable transmissions. One big piece of their plan involved extending the warranty free of charge.

The extension applied to all Nissan vehicles manufactured between 2003 and 2010 equipped with a continuously variable transmission. This extension doubled the original powertrain warranty from five years or 60,000 miles up to 10 years or 120,000 miles. This extension is fully transferrable to new owners should the original owner sell the vehicle. Owners are not required to do anything. Should a problem with your continuously variable transmission arise simply bring your vehicle to a Nissan repair facility and they will handle everything.

Another step Nissan took was to reimburse owners who had already paid for any continuously variable transmission repairs that would be covered by this new warranty, even if they had sold their Nissan. Owners just need to download the reimbursement form and follow the instructions. Additionally, Nissan reduced the manufacturer’s suggested retail price of a new continuously variable transmission and any affected parts to further help those who might need repairs after this extended warranty period expires.

2012-2017 Warranty Extensions

Nissan is now using a third-generation XTRONIC continuously variable transmission with Logic Step Control. This technology made its debut in 2017 and has since received accolades for its smooth, efficient, and responsive performance. Yet, as the technology progressed some issues affected a small percentage of continuously variable transmissions in vehicles from 2012 through 2017 model years.

Again, Nissan’s response was swift and decisive as they looked to relieve the burden of repairing these continuously variable transmissions. They extended the original manufacturer’s warranty from five years or 60,000 miles up to seven years or 84,000 miles.

This Nissan continuously variable transmission warranty extension covers a variety of items. Torque converters, Transmission Control Module reprogramming, seals, gaskets, and more are all covered under this extension. Rental vehicles or loaner vehicles are also covered while your vehicle undergoes these covered repairs.

Which Vehicles Are Covered Under This New Extension?

Nissan believes a small percentage of vehicles were affected. You might qualify for this warranty extension if you drive a Nissan Versa sedan from the 2012-2017 model years. Certain Nissan Sentra and Juke models manufactured between 2013 and 2017 might also qualify. Select Nissan Altima models from 2013-2016 may qualify. Some Versa Note models built between 2014-2017 are included in this extension.

Have Other Questions? Contact Rydell Nissan of Grand Forks

You can contact Rydell Nissan of Grand Forks to learn more about these warranty extensions. Our service department is staffed with factory-trained technicians in all areas of expertise. A friendly, professional team member can answer any questions regarding warranty repairs and service.

We are confident in the quality of the Nissan continuously variable transmission and are here to help you get the most out of these warranties. Our service department in North Dakota has the latest diagnostic technology and repair equipment to get your Nissan running like the day it rolled off the assembly line.