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.
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:
| Transmission | Street Smart Transmission |
|---|---|
| Nissan CVT | Call |
What are the DTC codes related to Nissan Altima transmission problems?
| Trouble Code | Description |
|---|---|
| U1000 | Cannot Communicate with TCM / Class 2 Communications Failure |
| U0402 | Invalid Data Received From Transmission Control Module |
| P0703 | Torque Converter/Brake Switch B Circuit |
| P0705 | Transmission Range Sensor Circuit Malfunction (PRNDL Input) |
| P0710 | Transmission Fluid Temperature Sensor Circuit |
| P0714 | Transmission Fluid Temperature Sensor Circuit Intermittent P0715 |
| P0715 | Input/Turbine Speed Sensor Circuit |
| P0720 | Output Speed Sensor Circuit |
| P0725 | Engine Speed Input Circuit |
| P0730 | Incorrect Gear Ratio |
| P0740 | Torque Converter Clutch Circuit Malfunction |
| P0744 | Torque Converter Clutch Circuit Intermittent |
| P0745 | Pressure Control Solenoid 'A' |
| P0746 | Pressure Control Solenoid 'A' Performance or Stuck Off |
| P0776 | Pressure Control Solenoid 'B' Performance or Stuck Off |
| P0778 | Pressure Control Solenoid 'B' Electrical |
| P0840 | Transmission Fluid Pressure Sensor/Switch A |
| P0841 | Transmission Fluid Pressure Sensor/Switch A Circuit Range/Performance |
| P0845 | Transmission Fluid Pressure Sensor/Switch B Circuit |
| P0868 | Transmission Fluid Pressure Low |
| P1705 | Nissan DTC: Throttle Position Sensor Circuit Malfunction |
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.
*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
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.
I have a po500 speed sensor and a po0890 transmission control power module relay says circuit
I have po826 code
Where is the located on2013 Nissan Altima S
I have a 2011 Nissan Altima hybrid the gear shift moves but it stays in park
06 altima 3.5 se 5 speed manual transaxle wont pop in reverse
I put it on gear and my Rome rev up but I don’t go no where
My name is Tony. I have a 2014 Nissan Altima. At 80000 miles my car started shaking while in drive but not moving. At 91000 it gave out. Nissan has extended warranty for Nissan cvt transmission years 2013 to 2017 from 60k to 90k miles. I was just over the limit. Cost me 4100 bucks to replace. If your having problems know your covered until 90k miles.
It’s 125,000 miles on the extension or ten years . Not 90,000
There arent many experts these days. I took excellent care of my nissan and transmission went out, 10 year warranty …..not long enough, its going to cost more money and its not worth it. Its like breaking your leg. It will never be the same. Just buy a 2 year old brand new car and get used to making payments all your life. Go ahead and trade in or sell your vehicles every 30,000 to 60,000 miles.
Thats what car dealers do. This whole industry is bs. Buy a car warranty? Waste of time. They wont fix it fast, its a scam. Especially for people who do not have free time.
Look i took care of my nissan like a child, and nissan will not fix. Trust me, the industry is bullshit. Fix your car and sell, or drive it off a cliff.
I would have to agree with you Peter. After 60 yrs of age and probably 25 cars to my name since the age of 16 I think that you are better off with a new car (buy or lease) and get rid of it before the problems start (unload at 60K or less). You can add a few bucks per month to your lease and they will extend the allowed mileage. Mechanics now want $100 per hour and the parts are expensive. Not to mention the frustration with getting something fixed correctly. With my hands in the air…..”I give up!!”
Hi…the information looks great. I had transmission problem and i decided to go for used one. My mechanic put the used one and went to dealer to program it. Dealer is saying the car is not taking the program…
Not sure what is required here. Dealear has reached out to nissan and we have not heard anything for them. you help is appritiated here
2012 nissan altima transmission loses power after it heats up
Same issue with 2007 Nissan Altima..just put $400 in new tires, then new brakes, runs great other than transmission. My question..found a transmission for $550.& 135,000 miles. Someone will put it in for 350. I cant afford a car payment but hate to waste a grand on getting mine fixed but if it could be fixed & last at least a yr…is it worth it? Help.
Nissan Altima 2013 get an error code P2813. Does this mean the transmission needs to be replaced or is there al alternative route to get the car moving again?
Have a 2010 altima and it seems that we all have the same complaint about the transmission
Same here 2013 altima just a few miles over 100k now..started in tranny problems..rpm rising at idle rough ect..i did a flush with nissan ns3 fluid..runs way way better now..gotta change the fluid in them cvt around 60k miles..mine was super dirty when changed it..made all the differance..
I am Ken with kens tire and auto we work on c v t transmissions and under stand the issues with them our prices on these are way less than you have been quoted but first need to look at it. A lot of times the programming may not take and needs done again correctly. This is a very tedious task and that’s why many do not flash program. We do and we have everything to check a c v t and make right. Give me a call and I’ll save you
Ken, may I ask where you are located?
Need number to call you Ken. Ty
If I had known the 2008 Altima had a belt transmission like the RABBIT Japanese Moped of the late 50s and early 60s, I wouldn’t have bought it.
You can’t even check or replace the fluid your self or at a lube place.
Joshua
Did reprogramming the ECU and TCM took care of the problem?
I have 2009 nissan altima 2.5 when i drive for more than 20 to 30 mins non stop, the transmission seems to lose power i press on the gas and it goes slow and it doesnt want to pass 30 mph. I could be on the hwy doing 80 and when i press to go faster it sounds like a airplane engine and doesnt speed up. Now, it fails to go up hills unless I cut the car off and it proceeds until I stop, hit the brakes . Other then a new transmission, any recommendations/
Randall and Charlie I too have a 2009 Nissan Altima and when I drive 20 to 30 min non stop it loses power and will not go above 30 mph …. ATENTTION I already replaced my transmission I have SAME ISSUE WITH NEW TRANMISSION issue has to be with ECM or TCM not the tranny it self…Now sure if you keep driving it like this your tranny will fail and brake and a new tranny will have to be put in only to find out that you will have the EXACT SAME ISSUE WITH NEW TRANNY..PLEASE SAVE $$ STOP DRIVING IT AND GO GET YOUR ECM AND TCM REPROGRAMED
How much is to b expected cost for reprogram
I had an issue with my car and since it was still under manufacture warranty, I hired an attorney and he was really good! He got me all my money back. I’m so happy he was able to help me. He practices in California. His name is Isaac Kohen. I wish you a lot of luck! It is so awful to go through that!! My car started having when it was 4 years old.
A gala Shad…can I get info from you! I have a 2013 Altima….not one problem until 300 over my extended 100,000 mile warranty when it wouldn’t go in DRIVE. Had the CVT recall/ Reprogramming done and drove it out of the Nissan Dealership. 3 weeks and 1000 more miles, it does the same exact thing and won’t go in DRIVE. Have it towed to the dealership again. They tell me nothing shows up in the diagnostic test and they can’t find anything wrong but then 30 min. later call me back and tell me I need a new transmission! No warning before the 1st incident and nothing after the reprogramming! That car is now worth $2000.00 kelly blue book! I am super aggravated since I need a car and I do not have 4000.00! No other transmission places I called, will touch this car because of the CVT type transmission! I need a lawyer and to get in on the class action lawsuit!
SO aggravating! The lemon law protects only vehicles still under manufacturer warranty or if the issues began when the warranty was still active. Extended warranty is not protected under the lemon law.
You right i have same problem. Need to get a class action suit.need a lawyer asab.
Having same problem with 2012. Won’t go over 20 mph. High mileage, 170,000. Bought used. Have a feeling fluids were probably not changed properly. Should I start there or plan on another transmission??
I have a 2001 Nissan altima (1 owner) with about 263k miles that hesitates to move when shifting from P (park) to D (drive). I had the transmission flushed (even though it was not recommended with that amount of miles) and the problem was resolved. A year later, the problem has returned. I also need to replace the timing chain tensioner (which I’m told you have to drop the engine to do). The car looks and drives well. Do I replace, rebuild the transmission (and engine) or should I purchase a new vehicle now ? (hate to get a car note)
Buy s new one. It’s over
I have 2009 nissan altima 2.5 when i drive for more than 20 to 30 mins non stop, the transmission seems to lose power i press on the gas and it goes slow and it doesnt want to pass 30 mph. I could be on the hwy doing 80 and when i press to go faster it sounds like a airplane engine and doesnt speed up, I think it could be the torque converter from what i googled. If anybody has any advise or suggestions its gladly appreciated.
A CVT transmission does not have a torque convertor. I am sure after 4 yrs. this Altima of yours is a distant memory….lol
I have a 2005 Nissan Altima. When driving it makes a humming noise and only gets up to 40mph then at times it drives fine. However, lately its been stalling more and the car acts like it is losing power. Yesterday I cranked it up and it will not go in reverse. I stuck my leg out and pushed it a little and it eventually backed up. I’m not sure if it is a transmission issue or something else. Any suggestions