How Often Does A CVT Transmission Need To Be Serviced?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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A rule of thumb is to have your CVT transmission inspected

every 30,000 miles

at your local Utah transmission center. After extended use, your CVT will need to be flushed, but it can last up to 100,000 miles or more depending on your vehicle.

What is the maintenance schedule for a CVT transmission?

CVTs use a system of hydraulics to manage the intense pressures placed on the pulleys and this fluid must be changed regularly. Nissan recommends fluid changes every 15,000 miles.

The maintenance schedule extends well beyond 100,000 miles

with no mention of additional needed maintenance or replacement.

Do CVT transmissions require more maintenance?

Fortunately,

the necessary maintenance item with CVTs is the same as traditional automatic transmissions: fluid changes

. However, unlike modern automatics, you shouldn't assume your transmission has a “lifetime” fluid.

How do you maintain a Nissan CVT transmission?

How do I keep my CVT transmission good?

The most important thing you can do to maintain the health of a CVT is to

take care of the transmission fluid

. We recommend following your vehicle manufacturer's recommendation on how often to do so. This information, along with the type of fluid most appropriate for your vehicle, will be in the owner's manual.

Do CVT belts wear out?


A CVT belt will require replacement from wear-and-tear from time to time

, and this is by design. The CVT belt will begin slipping before more expensive CVT parts, such as the drive pulleys, require replacing. This means you only have to replace your CVT belt from time to time rather than replacing a pricier part.

How much does it cost to service a CVT transmission?

How Much Does CVT Transmission Repair Cost? The average cost to repair a CVT transmission ranges

between $3500 and $8000

.

Is there a recall on Nissan CVT transmission?

Summary: This

Nissan Altima CVT recall and Nissan Rogue recall applies to vehicles equipped with the RE0F10A Nissan CVT transmission

. Nissan voluntarily recalled these vehicles to address a number of drivability complaints.

How long do Nissan CVT transmissions last?

CVT transmissions last just as long as a traditional automatic transmission and are designed to last the full life of the vehicle. The typical CVT has a life expectancy of

at least 100,000 miles

.

How do you clean a CVT transmission?

Does Nissan recommend transmission flush?

At Reliable Nissan,

we recommend you change your automatic transmission fluid every 20,000 to 25,000 miles

to maintain optimum performance.

Should you change the transmission fluid in a CVT transmission?

CVT fluid certainly wears out over time.

It should be changed much sooner than automatic or manual transmission oil

. CVT fluid has to be in acceptable condition to protect against metal-to-metal contact.

Does Nissan still have CVT problems?

The manufacturer has been aware of the defects with their CVT for quite some time now, but instead of acknowledging the issue and finding a solution,

Nissan has ignored the defect and consumer complaints

—all while continuing to implement the defective CVTs in their new vehicles.

Is Nissan CVT reliable?

In an FAQ at the bottom of its CVT primer,

Nissan stops short of calling the CVT reliable

, but it does say it has fewer moving parts, which reduce friction and heat. Thus, it “may” last longer than a traditional transmission.

Why do Nissan CVT transmissions fail?

Nissan has been accused of using an

inadequate cooling system

for their transmission. As the CVT heats up it can vibrate excessively. And when it overheats it sends the car into fail-safe mode which limits engine RPMs as it tries to prevent damage.

Who has the most reliable CVT transmission?


Toyota RAV4

The Japanese car brand is one of the biggest manufacturers of CVT transmissions, while it has a (thoroughly deserved) reputation for making extremely reliable cars.

How much does it cost to replace a CVT belt?

Replacement can cost from

$4,000 to $7,000

, however if the fluid is changed every 40,000 to 50,000 miles the life of the CVT can be greatly extended.

At what mileage should you change your transmission fluid?

If you drive manual, most manufacturers will recommend changing your transmission fluid every

30,000 to 60,000 miles

. If you have automatic, you can typically boost that range up to 60,000 to 100,000 miles. There's no harm in changing your fluid early.

Do you have to use Nissan CVT fluid?

When servicing a Nissan vehicle equipped with a CVT,

make sure to use the appropriate Nissan CVT fluid specified in the Electronic Service Manual (ESM), Owner's Manual or Service and Maintenance Guide

. NISSAN CVT Fluid NS-2 (“green fluid”) – applies to all Nissan vehicles equipped with a CVT built prior to 2013.

Is it worth rebuilding a CVT transmission?

In conclusion, as parts and special tools (where needed) become available and affordable,

rebuilding CVTs will become a more-enjoyable and profitable experience

. Until that time, caution is required as to how to proceed, as you are not in business to lose money.

David Martineau
Author
David Martineau
David is an interior designer and home improvement expert. With a degree in architecture, David has worked on various renovation projects and has written for several home and garden publications. David's expertise in decorating, renovation, and repair will help you create your dream home.