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2013-2018 Nissan Altima: JATCO CVT failure pattern

KNOWN MAJOR RISK
known major failure pattern on this model

What goes wrong

This generation’s CVT has a widespread failure pattern, commonly 60K-120K miles: shudder, whine, limp mode, then done. Nissan extended some warranties because of it; most are now expired.

Federal record for the 2016 Nissan Altima, pulled from NHTSA when this page was built:
551 owner complaints on file , most-reported: POWER TRAIN (230) · AIR BAGS (62) · UNKNOWN OR OTHER (48).
4 safety recalls listed.
Complaint volume tracks how many were sold as well as how they held up , read it as a pattern, not a score. Counts change; confirm live at nhtsa.gov or by running the free check below.
Rough cost: $3,500-$4,700 replacement. Broad estimates , labor rates and parts vary widely by region and shop.

What to do about it

Before you hand over cash: Cold-start test drive 20+ min. Any shudder or RPM flare = walk. If it drives clean, price the car as if the transmission is a wear item.

Whatever you find, a $100-150 pre-purchase inspection by an independent mechanic is the cheapest money you’ll spend on any used car , including this one.

Run the full free check on this Altima →

Free · no signup · federal recall + complaint data included

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General reference information only , not a mechanical inspection, appraisal, or vehicle history report, and not specific to any individual car. Failure patterns describe documented tendencies across many vehicles; any single car may be better or worse. Cost figures are rough estimates , verify locally. The absence of a warning is not a statement that a car is safe or problem-free. Always verify recalls directly with NHTSA and get a pre-purchase inspection. Not affiliated with any manufacturer, dealer, or reporting service. No affiliate links, no commissions, no ads. © Used Car Informer, operated by MCC LLC · v6.6