Nissan CVT Settlement: What Vehicle Owners Need to Know

Nissan CVT issues have prompted a class action settlement between Nissan North America and affected vehicle owners. The lawsuit claims that certain Murano and Maxima models were equipped with defective continuously variable transmissions (CVTs), potentially causing performance problems or complete transmission failure. The settlement aims to compensate owners for these alleged defects.

The class action lawsuit, formally known as Beaver, et al. v. Nissan North America Inc., Case No. 3:22-cv-00785, alleges that Nissan was aware of the transmission problems but failed to disclose this information to consumers who purchased or leased these vehicles. While agreeing to settle the case for an undisclosed amount, Nissan has not admitted any wrongdoing regarding the allegations.

The settlement specifically covers owners and lessees of 2015-2018 model year Nissan Murano vehicles and 2016-2018 model year Nissan Maxima vehicles equipped with CVTs.

To qualify for benefits under this settlement, individuals must have purchased or leased their vehicle before April 4, 2025.

Key Settlement Benefits

The settlement provides several significant benefits for affected Nissan owners:

1. Warranty Extension: Perhaps the most substantial benefit is the extension of the new vehicle limited warranty for the transmission assembly and automatic transmission control unit. The coverage now extends to 84 months or 84,000 miles (whichever occurs first). This extended warranty covers critical components including the transmission assembly, valve body, and torque converter.
2. Reimbursement for Prior Repairs: Owners who paid out-of-pocket for qualifying transmission repairs after their original warranty expired but before the warranty extension took effect can receive reimbursement. The level of reimbursement depends on where the repairs were performed:
   • Repairs at Nissan dealerships qualify for full reimbursement
   • Repairs at non-Nissan facilities qualify for reimbursement up to $5,000
3. Vehicle Voucher: Class members who experienced two or more transmission replacements or repairs during their ownership period can receive a $1,500 voucher applicable toward the purchase or lease of a new Nissan or Infiniti vehicle.

The settlement stands to provide meaningful compensation to owners who experienced the frustration and expense of CVT-related problems in their vehicles.

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Understanding Nissan CVT Issues in Affected Vehicles

The continuously variable transmission has been a point of contention for some Nissan owners. Unlike traditional automatic transmissions with fixed gear ratios, CVTs use a pulley system to provide seamless acceleration without distinct shift points. While this technology can improve fuel efficiency, some owners of the affected vehicles have reported problems including:

• Hesitation during acceleration
• Shuddering or jerking sensations
• Unusual noises during operation
• Complete transmission failure requiring replacement

These issues can affect vehicle performance and safety, potentially leading to costly repairs once the original warranty expires. The settlement acknowledges these concerns and provides remedies for affected owners.

Important Deadlines

Vehicle owners interested in participating in this settlement should be aware of several critical deadlines:

• Claim Filing Deadline: July 3, 2025, or within 30 days of a qualifying repair
• Exclusion and Objection Deadline: June 3, 2025
• Final Approval Hearing: Scheduled for July 18, 2025

Missing these deadlines could result in forfeiting the right to receive benefits under the settlement terms, so affected owners should mark these dates on their calendars and prepare to act accordingly.

Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for benefits under this settlement, you must meet the following criteria:

• You currently own or lease, or previously owned or leased, a 2015-2018 model year Nissan Murano or a 2016-2018 model year Nissan Maxima equipped with a CVT
• You purchased or leased your vehicle before April 4, 2025

The settlement applies nationwide, so eligible vehicle owners throughout the United States can file claims for compensation.

Documentation Requirements

When filing a claim, you’ll need to provide documentation to support your request for benefits. This documentation typically includes:

• Proof of ownership or lease of an eligible vehicle
• Documentation of qualifying repairs, such as:
• Repair receipts
• Work orders
• Credit card statements showing payment for repairs
• Other relevant financial records

Maintaining thorough records of all transmission-related repairs performed on your vehicle will be essential to successfully claiming the benefits to which you’re entitled under this settlement.

How to File a Claim

To receive settlement benefits, you must submit a valid claim form by the July 3, 2025 deadline, or within 30 days of a qualifying repair, whichever is later. The claim form can be accessed through the official settlement website.

When completing your claim, you’ll need to provide specific information about your vehicle and any repairs that have been performed. The settlement administrator will review your claim and supporting documentation to determine your eligibility for compensation.

It’s important to note that filing a fraudulent claim is not only unethical but also illegal, as claims are submitted under penalty of perjury. If you’re uncertain about your eligibility, review the FAQ section on the settlement administrator’s website for clarification.

Settlement Administration Contact Information

If you have questions about the settlement or need assistance with the claim process, you can contact the settlement administrator directly:

• By Mail: Beaver v. Nissan North America Inc. Settlement Administrator, P.O. Box 301172, Los Angeles, CA 90030-1172
• By Email: admin@MuranoMaximaCVTsettlement.com
• By Phone: 888-726-1378

The settlement administration team can provide guidance on eligibility requirements, help you understand the benefits available, and assist with completing the necessary forms.

Legal Representation

The class action lawsuit is being handled by a team of experienced attorneys from several law firms including Pearson Warshaw LLP, Miller Shah LLP, Capstone Law APC, Berger Montague P.C., Maddox & Cisneros LLP, Greenstone Law APC, and Stranch, Jennings & Garvey PLLC.

Nissan North America is represented by E. Paul Cauley Jr. of Faegre Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP.

Implications for Nissan Owners

This settlement represents an important development for owners experiencing Nissan CVT issues. If you’ve experienced transmission problems with your Nissan Murano or Maxima, this settlement may provide financial relief for repairs you’ve already paid for and extended coverage for future issues.

For current owners who haven’t yet experienced Nissan cvt issues, the warranty extension offers valuable protection against potential future transmission failures. This extended coverage significantly reduces the financial risk associated with owning these vehicles.

The settlement also acknowledges the frustration many owners have experienced with CVT performance and reliability issues. By providing compensation and extended coverage, Nissan is taking steps to address customer concerns, even while not formally admitting fault.

Final Considerations

Before deciding whether to participate in this settlement, affected vehicle owners should carefully review the full settlement terms and consider consulting with a qualified attorney about their individual circumstances. For some owners with extensive repair histories, pursuing an individual claim outside the settlement might potentially yield better results.

However, for most owners, the settlement offers a straightforward path to compensation without the time, expense, and uncertainty of individual litigation. The extended warranty coverage, in particular, provides valuable protection against future transmission problems.

As with any class action settlement, it’s essential to file your claim before the deadline and ensure you have all required documentation to support your claim. Taking these steps will give you the best chance of receiving the compensation you’re entitled to under the terms of the settlement.