Short answer: Many recent Nissan cars and crossovers use a CVT (continuously variable transmission), which delivers smooth, efficient driving. Several models have recently moved to conventional automatics, and Nissan's trucks never used a CVT at all. Recent Nissan CVTs are more refined than earlier ones, but a transmission is among the costliest components to repair out of warranty, so it is worth understanding what your Nissan has and how to protect it.
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What a CVT is, in plain terms
A continuously variable transmission uses a belt-and-pulley design instead of fixed gears, which lets the engine stay in its most efficient range. The result is smooth acceleration and strong fuel economy, which is why Nissan adopted the CVT across much of its lineup. Like any transmission, it is a complex assembly of hundreds of components, and it may be replaced as a unit if a covered failure occurs.
Which recent Nissans use a CVT
This reflects current and recent model years (the vehicles most likely to still be eligible for coverage). Always confirm by your specific year and trim.
- Use a CVT: Sentra, Altima, Versa (most trims), Rogue, Kicks, and the Murano through the 2024 model year.
- Moved to a conventional automatic: Murano (2025 and newer, nine-speed automatic) and Pathfinder (2022 and newer, nine-speed automatic).
- Never used a CVT: Frontier and Titan trucks and the Armada, which use conventional automatics paired with V6 or V8 engines.
If you are not sure what your Nissan has, your VIN will tell us, and you can check coverage at the same time.
Are recent Nissan CVTs reliable?
Recent Nissan CVTs are more refined than earlier units, and for most owners they provide smooth, efficient daily driving. As with any transmission from any brand, longevity depends on maintenance (including the right transmission fluid at the right intervals) and how the vehicle is driven. The reason owners protect the transmission is simple: it is expensive to repair once the factory warranty ends, regardless of how well built it is.
Worried about an active issue, a recall, or a factory warranty extension?
Active breakdowns, warranty claims, recalls, and any factory powertrain or CVT warranty extension are handled directly by Nissan USA and your local Nissan dealer, not online. Check your VIN with Nissan or your dealer to see what factory coverage applies. A Security+Plus plan purchased here protects against future repair costs and cannot be applied to a problem that is already happening.
What a CVT repair can cost, and how coverage helps
Out of warranty, a CVT repair or replacement commonly runs $5,000 to $8,000 or more, depending on the model and the work required. (Verify against official NESNA repair-estimate data before publishing.) Nissan Security+Plus covers the Transmission/Transfer Case system, one of the most extensively covered systems on every plan tier (for example, 445 covered components on Gold Preferred & Wrap, 377 on Silver Preferred, and 348 on Powertrain Preferred). Coverage is defined component by component and varies by tier, model, and year, so your plan documents spell out what is included. Because a single transmission repair can cost more than a full plan, protecting it is one of the clearest value cases in extended coverage.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Which Nissan models have a CVT?
Among recent models, the Sentra, Altima, Versa, Rogue, Kicks, and the Murano through 2024 use a CVT. The 2025 and newer Murano and the 2022 and newer Pathfinder use conventional automatics, and Nissan trucks (Frontier, Titan) and the Armada never used a CVT.
Are Nissan CVTs reliable now?
Recent Nissan CVTs are more refined than earlier units. As with any transmission, longevity depends on maintenance and use, and repairs are expensive once out of warranty, which is why many owners add coverage.
Does Security+Plus cover a CVT?
Security+Plus covers the Transmission/Transfer Case system on every tier. On a CVT-equipped Nissan, the CVT is generally repaired or replaced as a unit on a covered failure, and the exact covered components are listed in your plan documents.
How do I know what transmission my Nissan has?
Your VIN identifies your exact model, year, and powertrain. Enter it for an instant quote and we will show you what your vehicle qualifies for.
Protect your transmission before you need to
Coverage has to be in place before a breakdown, and rates are best on newer, lower-mileage vehicles. Enter your VIN for an instant, personalized quote.