Lawsuit Investigation Looks into Nissan Rogue CVT Transmission Problems
February 11, 2021 Last Updated on April 8, 2021
Important Information
Attorneys working with ClassAction.org are no longer investigating this matter. The information here is for reference only. A list of open investigations and lawsuits can be viewed here.
Case Update
- April 8, 2021 – Investigation Closed
- Thank you to everyone who contributed to this investigation. At this point, attorneys have decided to close their investigation into this matter and are no longer reviewing claims on behalf of Nissan Rogue drivers. The information below was posted when the investigation began and remains for reference only.
If you have questions regarding your rights or are interested in pursuing legal action, contact an attorney in your area. Most offer free consultations.
Our open list of investigations can be found here.
At A Glance
- This Alert Affects:
- Anyone who purchased a Nissan Rogue within the last four years and experienced problems with the continuously variable transmission (CVT).
- What’s Going On?
- Attorneys working with ClassAction.org are investigating whether a defect is causing Rogue CVTs to fail earlier than expected and, if so, whether a class action lawsuit can be filed.
- What Problems Are Associated with a Malfunctioning CVT?
- Shuddering or juddering; difficulty accelerating; and a loud clunking or knocking noise.
- How Can a Class Action Help?
- A class action, if filed and successful, could help drivers get back the money they spent fixing or replacing their transmissions. It could also force Nissan to recall the vehicles and offer a fix for any defects.
Attorneys working with ClassAction.org are investigating whether a class action lawsuit can be filed on behalf of people who own or lease certain Nissan Rogue vehicles.
They’re looking into whether a defect is behind reports that the vehicles’ continuously variable transmissions (CVT) can fail earlier than expected, necessitating costly repairs and replacements. As part of their investigation, the attorneys need to hear from drivers who experienced juddering, jerking or other signs that may indicate a malfunctioning transmission in order to learn more about the problem and help determine its cause.
What Could Be the Problem with the CVTs?
Attorneys are looking into whether certain Nissan Rogue vehicles suffer from one or more design or manufacturing defects that may make them prone to transmission problems, including poor performance and failure.
In 2018, Nissan was hit with a class action lawsuit alleging the automaker knew the CVTs in certain model years of the Sentra, Versa and Note had a tendency to fail just outside the warranty period and would need to be replaced, resulting in costly mechanic bills for drivers. Nissan ended up reaching a settlement to put an end to the lawsuit; however, it seems a similar issue may be plaguing some Rogue vehicles that were not covered under this deal.
What Are the Signs of a Failing Transmission?
Signs that may indicate problems with a CVT include:
- Shaking or violent jerking, which some drivers refer to as “juddering” or “shuddering,” upon acceleration
- Lagging or delays upon acceleration, which may result in an unpredictable “surge” of the vehicle
- Complete failure to accelerate
- Hard deceleration or “clunking” when the driver slows down or accelerates at low speeds
- Unusually high RPMs or a loud whining noise once the vehicle comes up to speed
- A loud clunking or knocking noise when the transmission finally selects the appropriate gear ratio
Problems with a transmission can hinder a driver’s ability to control their vehicle and significantly increase the risk of a collision.
What Problems Have Nissan Rogue Drivers Reported?
The following is a sample of complaints posted online regarding the Nissan Rogue CVT [sic throughout, emphasis ours]:
While driving on the highway at speed my Rogue will decelerate and no longer respond to my pressing the gas. I have noticed that it seems to also not want to accelerate after driving for long periods of time. No check engine or warning lights come on.”
— Rob068, CarGurus.com
I purchased a 2015 Nissan Rogue that has a vibration when you reach between 30-40 mph, and the interior vibrates at idle. When I first felt it it was just a feeling on the steering wheel and gas pedal. But after being turned away and having to drive t vehicle the vibration got to the point that you could then hear the vibration…I brought it to the service manager attention and he told me that it was because it was CVT transmission and that it was normal.”
— Nimtz, CarComplaints.com
When driving at a moderate speed then slowing down in traffic that is slow and stop and go, once i come to a complete stop and get ready to go again the car hesitates to take off. The engine sounds like a truck and does not go above 25mph with the gas pedal to the floor. The lights that appear on the dash is the safety crash and warning lights. I then have to pull over to the side turn the car off and turn it back on again for it to go back to normal. This happens 1-2 times a week. I afraid this going to cause a terrible accident.”
— NHTSA ID 11316278, NHTSA.gov
The consumer owns a 2019 Nissan Rogue. The consumer stated that while driving approximately 30 mph, the vehicle suddenly stopped moving in the middle of the road without warning…The consumer had to forcefully depress the accelerator pedal in order to move the vehicle and continue driving… The approximate failure mileage was 4,700.”
— NHTSA ID 11267327, NHTSA.gov
Wife drove vehicle to doctors appointment, upon return had a hard jolt and seen rpms raise…I drove the vehicle to store (7 miles one way). One hard jolt when going up a hill at 50 mph and seen rpms go from 2100 to 3500. Continued on with no problem. When returning home on same hill, hard jolt, rpm raised again. Kept accelerator in same position, rpms came down. It started pulling hill, once again hard jolt rpms raised and check engine light came on…Diagnosed as transmission failure, need rebuild.”
— bigredlg, CarComplaints.com
How Could a Class Action Help?
A class action lawsuit could help drivers get back the money they spent repairing or replacing their transmissions. It could also force Nissan to find a fix for any defects and offer it to drivers free of charge.
The prior settlement for the Sentra, Versa and Note models offered warranty extensions, reimbursement of out-of-pocket repair and replacement costs, and a voucher toward the purchase of a new vehicle.
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