2017 Rogue S CVT feels like it's slipping, RPMs jumping, very concerning!

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Mike T. · rep 0 · May 25, 1:54 AM · 1 replies · solved · Question

Vehicle: 2017 Nissan Rogue S

Hey everyone, I've got a 2017 Nissan Rogue S with about 85,000 miles on it. Lately, the transmission has been acting really weird. When I'm accelerating, especially from a stop or at lower speeds, it feels like the car is slipping or hesitating, and the RPMs will jump up and down erratically.

It's not throwing any check engine lights yet, but it's definitely not driving right. I'm worried it's the dreaded CVT issue. Has anyone experienced this with their Rogue? What should I be looking for, or is it time for a shop visit?

I'm hoping it's something simple but my gut tells me otherwise. Any advice is appreciated!

✓ Accepted solution

ClearTheCode Admin

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ClearTheCode admin answer:

It sounds like you're experiencing classic symptoms of a continuously variable transmission (CVT) issue, which can be a common concern with some Nissan models. Even without a Check Engine Light (CEL), these symptoms warrant immediate attention.

Possible Causes:

  1. Low or Degraded CVT Fluid: Over time, CVT fluid breaks down and loses its lubricating properties, leading to slippage and overheating. Low fluid levels can also cause these issues.
  2. Valve Body Malfunction: The valve body controls fluid pressure and flow within the CVT. A faulty valve body can cause incorrect pressure, leading to erratic behavior.
  3. Torque Converter Issues: The torque converter can fail, causing slippage and inefficient power transfer.
  4. CVT Belt/Pulley Wear: Internal wear of the CVT belt or pulleys can lead to slipping and loss of power. This is often the most serious and costly repair.

When to See a Shop:

  • Immediately: Given the symptoms of slipping and RPM fluctuations, it's crucial to have your vehicle inspected by a qualified technician as soon as possible. Continuing to drive with these symptoms can cause further, more severe damage to the CVT, potentially leading to a complete transmission failure.

Diagnostics:

  1. Fluid Check: A technician will first check the CVT fluid level and condition. They will look for signs of burning or excessive metal particles.
  2. Diagnostic Scan: Even without a CEL, a professional scan tool can often pull pending or stored transmission-specific trouble codes (e.g., P0740 - Torque Converter Clutch Circuit Malfunction, P17F0 - CVT Judder). These codes can provide valuable insight into the internal workings of the transmission.
  3. Road Test and Inspection: A thorough road test and visual inspection for leaks or external damage will also be performed.

Addressing this promptly can sometimes prevent the need for a full CVT replacement, though that is a common outcome for advanced issues.