Nissan Altima Transmission Problems & Cost | CVT | AW55-50SN

The Nissan Altima was equipped with the RE4F04A, the RE4F04B, the Aisin Warner AW55-50SN and most recently later models have the Nissan CVT transmission. But they aren’t without their problems though, so let’s look at some of the most common Nissan Altima transmission problems, look at cost estimates and figure out what you can do about them.

Need a replacement transmission? Get an estimate for replacement transmissions and local installation. Look up your transmission model by vehicle make and model.

What Transmission Do I Have?

Nissan Altima Transmission Models

Nissan Altima: RE4F04B Transmission
Nissan Altima: RE4F04A Transmission
Nissan Altima: Aisin Warner AW55-50SN
Nissan Altima: RE0F10A CVT Transmission

Nissan Altima Transmission Replacement Cost Estimate

Pricing varies by model. To be 100% sure on pricing, have your VIN# handy and use our Get An Estimate feature to look up your transmission by VIN#.

Use Get An Estimate for pricing on CVT and other models

Replacement Nissan Altima Transmission Prices:

What are the DTC codes related to Nissan Altima transmission problems?

Nissan Altima Transmission Recalls

None Found

Nissan Altima Technical Service Bulletins (TSB)

TSB NTB15-102b – Whining or grinding noise at highway speed
2013 – 2017 Nissan Altima CVT
Problem – A pronounced winding or grinding type noise coming from the CVT during acceleration and/or at highway speeds.
Solution – Nissan recommends installing a shim kit, new gear reduction opinions, transmission pump and valve body. Or if other conditions are met, an entirely new transmission will be needed. Click the above link to learn more about this TSB.

TSB NTB15-084c – Shudder, shake or vibration from CVT
2013 – 2016 Nissan Altima
Problem – Drivers may notice a pronounced shudder, shake or vibration coming from the CVT transmission. If this TSB applies, one of the following diagnostic trouble codes/DTC’s will be stored: P17F0 or P17F1
Solution – If the DTC P17F0 is found, then the entire Nissan CVT will need to be replaced. If the DTC P17F1 is found, then the CVT belt will need to be inspected for signs of damage. If no damage is found, then the entire CVT will need to be replaced. If damage is found, then only the valve body will need to be replaced. To learn more about this TSB, click the link above.

TSB NTB10-121 – Hesitation or surge at low speeds – RE0F10A CVT transmission
2007 – 2011 Nissan Altima sedan and coupe
Problem – A slight hesitation or surge feeling maybe felt and speeds between 10 and 45 mph, under light acceleration with engine RPMs between 1200 and 2000.
Solution – The TCM will need to be reprogrammed and a torque rod service hit installed. According to the TSB, reprogramming the TCM may reduce fuel economy by up to 1 mpg.

TSB NTB13-079d – Reduced performance due to CVT fluid temperature protection logic – RE0F10A CVT transmission

*Note: These RE0F10A transmission problems apply to several vehicles. The TSB relating to that vehicle will be listed next to its name.

2007 – 2012 Nissan Altima 4cyl – TSB NTB13-079d
2007 – 2012 Nissan Sentra – TSB NTB13-095c
2008 – 2013 Nissan Rogue – TSB NTB14-002d
2014 – 2015 Nissan Rogue Select – TSB NTB12-057c

Problem – The reduced performance is due to the CVT fail-safe mode, which will reduce the vehicle speed to protect the transmission from further damage. This will happen after high RPM (4000+) and/or high-speed driving (65 mph/104.6 km/h) for 1-1.5 hours or more.

Solution – If the technician determines that the transmission has not been overfilled/the correct transmission fluid is used, and the coolant concentration is not greater than 50%, they will use the vehicle’s onboard diagnostic system to determine if the conditions were present to damage the transmission. If the conditions were moderate, the RE0F10A valve body will need to be replaced, and an external CVT fluid cooler installed. If the conditions were more severe, then the transmission itself will need to be replaced.

TSB NTB10–143a – Wind noise coming from CVT at highway speeds

2007 – 2009 Nissan Altima
Problem – One of the more common JF011E transmission problem occurs when a pronounced whining or grinding noise is heard from the transmission during acceleration and/or at highway speeds.
Solution – The most common cure for this problem is to replace the gears, oil pump and valve body.

TSB NTB09-148A – 2007-2008 Altima
Problem – Cars equipped with the CVT transmission may have the following trouble codes stored in the TCM: P0840. P0845, P0744, P1777
Solution – The Control Valve Assembly will have to be replaced.

TSB NTB04-098 – 2005 Altima
Problem – The transmission shifter will not move out of the Park position with the ignition ON and the brake pedal depressed. NOTE: This incident, if it occurs, may be intermittent.
Solution – Replace the Shift Lock Control Unit with part # 28540-ZB000

TSB NTB13-064a – 2013 Altima V6
Problem – Some 2013 Altima V6 models may experience a shudder (multiple bumps) from the torque converter lock-up clutch engagement. This will be accompanied by all of the following: Vehicle speed is between 18 and 35 mph – Throttle position is about 10% open – When issue occurs, if more throttle is applied the shudder stops – No DTCs are stored. NOTE: If the shudder occurs at speeds below 18 mph or above 35 mph this does not apply.
Solution – Replace the torque converter with part # 31100–3WX0D

Common Nissan Altima Transmission Problems

Vehicle will not move forward when the shifter is placed in the Drive position – RE0F10A CVT transmission
Problem – After placing the vehicle in Drive, it may refuse to move as if the transmission is slipping or cannot engage forward gear.
Solution – The problem could be as simple as low CVT fluid or a failed speed sensor. However it can also be failed transmission pump or forward clutch.

Lack of Response
Leaking Fluid
Low Fluid
Burning Smell
Grinding or Shaking
Whining, Clunking or Humming
Refuses to Go Into Gear
Torque Converter Issues
Valve Body Issues
Transmission Noisy in Neutral
Gears Slipping
No 3rd or 4th Gear
No 1st or 2nd Gear
No Reverse
Dragging Clutch
Trouble Codes / Check Engine Light

Can I drive with a transmission problem?

If your Nissan Altima can still make it up and down the road, you might say “It’s fine, I’ll just drive it until I can get it fixed”. But that is not always a good idea, depending on the symptoms. You see, there are a lot of (very expensive) moving parts inside of a transmission, and if something isn’t right, continuing to drive with a transmission problem could damage something else.

How often does a Nissan Altima transmission need to be replaced?

The overall lifespan of a Nissan Altima transmission largely depends on how well it was maintained. Factory design flaws also factor into this equation, along with how/how hard you drive. But on average, we’ve seen the Nissan Altima transmission last for between 130,000-180,000 miles. A high quality replacement transmission however, can last considerably longer if all of the factory design flaws have been addressed and the vehicle has been maintained.

How are Nissan Altima transmission issues diagnosed?

It is fairly easy to guesstimate what the root cause of your Nissan Altima transmission problems might be, but you won’t truly know unless you have the right tools and experience. A good mechanic or transmission repair center will be able to connect your truck to a computer and find out which diagnostic trouble codes (DTC’s) have been stored. Once they know what to look for, they can perform a visual inspection to verify the problem.

How is a Nissan Altima transmission replaced?

In order to replace your Nissan Altima transmission, the truck has to be lifted from the ground in order to gain access to all of the parts that will need to be unbolted. Then the transmission can be lowered to the ground (typically with a transmission jack), so the new transmission can be installed. Once it is in place, for the 6L80, the vehicle PCM will have to be reprogrammed / reflashed to accept the new transmission using the latest GM subscription.

Recommendations for Nissan Altima transmission issues?

To save time and get back on the road faster, have your 17-digit truck VIN# handy and you can get an online quote for a reman Nissan Altima transmission here, then find a local shop using our Find a Shop guide to install it for you.

How to Solve Nissan Altima Transmission Problems

Solution A: Buy a Used Nissan Altima Transmission

The quickest way to fix your transmission problems is to simply buy a used transmission or used transmission. These can be found at most junk yards, and they often come with a 30-90 day warranty. However, there’s no way to determine the actual condition of the internal components, so you could be spending a bunch of money to have the exact same problems. Plus, that warranty only covers the transmission if it’s defective, not the labor costs that you’ll have to pay.

Solution B: Buy a Rebuilt Nissan Altima Transmission

Another option would be a rebuilt transmission or rebuilt transmission. A local repair shop will remove your transmission, then install a bunch of new parts during the rebuild. The problem here is, the skills and experience of each transmission rebuilder will vary widely from shop to shop, so you could have problems from something that wasn’t adjusted properly. And the 1-2 year warranty might only cover you at certain transmission repair shops, in a specific geographical area.

Solution C: Buy a Remanufactured Nissan Altima Transmission

Need a replacement transmission? Get an estimate for replacement transmissions and local installation. Look up your transmission model by vehicle make and model.

What Transmission Do I Have?

Many owners depend on their vehicle to commute and get things done. Their gasoline engines are designed to go 100’s of thousands of miles, so it makes sense to invest in a remanufactured transmission.