Do you own or lease a 2019 or 2020 Altima with a Nissan CVT transmission that’s experiencing stalling, jerking, lurching, juddering, or shaking? A class action lawsuit has been filed on behalf of owners who allege the CVT transmission is plagued with problems, and poses a serious safety hazard to drivers and passengers.
If you own a 2019 to 2020 Nissan Altima and are impacted by this defect, continue reading to learn what this class action lawsuit means for you.
Owners Allege the Nissan CVT Transmission is Defective
2019 and 2020 Nissan Altima owners are blowing the whistle over alleged defectives with the Nissan CVT transmission in their cars. Plaintiffs claim that the CVT transmission exhibits a handful of malfunctions, such as: stalling, jerking, lurching, juddering, and shaking while operating the vehicle.
This of course, is contrary to how a CVT should work – which is typically advertised to provide a smooth and seamless driving experience. Unlike traditional automatic transmissions, there should be no jolting during gear shifts as the vehicle accelerates.
CVT, which stands for continuously variable transmission, are very common in Nissan vehicles. In fact, many consumers often seek out vehicles with a CVT transmission for it’s improved fuel efficiency and smoother driving experience.
However, in the case of the 2019-2020 Nissan Altima, owners have reported anything but a smooth and effortless driving experience. Allegations such as a dangerous delay in accelerating – which is often accompanied by engine revving while the driver depresses the gas pedal. The result – little to no increase in speed. A serious safety concern for Altima owners, as well as other drivers on the road.
Owners Allege the 2019-2020 Altima CVT Transmission is a Safety Hazard
Making matters worst, the Altima CVT transmission provides no warning before the erratic behavior begins – resulting in drivers unable to maintain proper speed while merging onto a busy highway.
As a result, the transmission malfunction poses a great safety threat, as it leaves drivers open to being rear ended.
How Long Has Nissan Been Aware of The Defective Altima CVT Transmissions?
Owners have alleged that Nissan during the warranty period, regularly denied any knowledge of CVT defects. This was despite numerous consumer complaints, warranty data, and dealership repair orders.
In fact, it’s well documented that earlier model Nissan vehicles with the same or similar CVTs had experienced similar complaints from owners. Surely there is some correlation?
Adding insult to injury, it was only after the class vehicles five year warranty had expired when Nissan would finally confirm owners experiences with the defective CVT transmissions.
Owners are now suing Nissan in hopes for relief over what they believe is a defective CVT.
Status of the 2019-2020 Nissan Altima CVT Transmission Class Action Litigation
This is an active class action lawsuit. This suit has been brought on behalf of the Plaintiffs and a class of current and former 2019-2020 Nissan Altima vehicle owners.
Simpson, et al., vs. Nissan North America, Inc. case number 3:22-cv-00747, was filed in the United States District Court for the Middle District of Tennessee.
Plaintiffs are seeking relief to remedy the defective Nissan CVT transmissions. Vehicle owners argue that the transmission defect is a safety hazard to the driver, passengers, and other drivers on the road due to the fact the vehicles experience significant delay while attempting to accelerate.
Nissan CVT Transmission Malfunction FAQs
Will a Transmission Fluid Change Fix a Surging or Jolting CVT Transmission?
Surging and/or jolting can certainly be a sign of contaminated transmission fluid. When the fluid in a CVT transmission becomes polluted or filled with debris, the transmission may begin jolting, lurching, and jumping forward.
However, in the case of the Nissan CVT transmission defect, a fluid change will not remedy the problems being alleged by class members.
When Did Nissan Begin to Use CVT Transmissions in it’s Vehicles?
Nissan began using CVT transmissions as far back as 1992. However it wasn’t until 2003 when Nissan would introduce the U.S. market to their CVT transmissions.
Does a CVT Transmission Have Gears?
CVT transmissions do not have gears, but instead use a system of pulleys to convert engine power into motion.
Questions About This Lawsuit?
MyCarVoice.com is not counsel or the settlement administrator in this class action lawsuit. Our goal is to inform owners of these vehicles of the recent lawsuit. This post will be updated when/if new suit information is released.
Please considering subscribing to this post for critical updates.
Have you owned or leased a vehicle manufactured by Nissan containing a defective CVT transmission? If so, add your voice to this post in the comments below.
Send us your Car Problems
Managing Editor
Christopher is an automotive technical writer. When he’s not at the local autocross event, he can often be found working on one of his cars. Specializes in automotive class action law, industry trends, and automotive maintenance. Email me direct, or learn more about us
Juanita
July 27, 2023 at 3:12 pmI have a 2019 nissan altima. I will get the errors on my car. And check engine light. My car will slow down. Make a whinning noise. I’ve told services members at nissan and showed them pictures of errors. . But the error message turn off screen sometimes in 24 hours. And tell me it’s nothing..
Brandon Alberto
February 3, 2023 at 11:20 pmI own a 2020 Nissan Altima and it just left me broken down on the side of the road on the way to work. Haven’t owned the car but all 3 weeks now and the car started slipping gears made it too a stop sign and went to proceed lost all power CVT/AT MALFUNCTION POPPED UP ON THE SCREEN.