2010 Nissan Sentra: CVT transmission failure
Common wear/failure (not a recall)
Symptoms
Owners of the 2010 Sentra report: CVT transmission failure. CarComplaints.com lists 3 owner complaints, average mileage 79,600 miles.
NHTSA has 18 owner complaints for the 2010 Sentra in this area. Examples:
- NHTSA complaint ODI #11671211 (filed 07/04/2025): “Driving and all the sudden went from 20mph to not even 5mph was able to limp it to a mechanic who said the trans cvt was most likely the problem didnt know nissans has that issue of a fail safe.. thankfully wasn't on a busy road going 80. have also hurd knock…”
- NHTSA complaint ODI #11483320 (filed 09/07/2022): “The contact owns a 2010 nissan sentra. the contact stated while driving approximately 55 mph and slowing down due to traffic; after slowing down and attempting to accelerate the vehicle failed to exceed 20 mph. the contact stated no warning light was illuminat…”
Likely causes
Sources do not establish a single root cause; diagnosis is needed. Owner-reported fixes are listed below.
Fix, in plain English
Most common owner-reported solutions on CarComplaints.com: none clearly reported. Check for open recalls and extended warranty coverage with a dealer before paying out of pocket.
DIY difficulty: Pro
Diagnosis needs a scan tool; repair or replacement needs a lift, transmission jack and the manufacturer's fluid fill/relearn procedure. (Our assessment.)
Cost
CarComplaints.com owners report a typical repair cost of about $5,000 (owner-reported average, not a quote).
Typical parts (search links, no affiliate codes)
AutoZone · O'Reilly · Advance · RockAuto
Sources
Estimated repair cost: transmission replacement (automatic or CVT, remanufactured unit)
Average shop cost
$835
Range $400–$1,390 (labor)
4.0–10.0 h × $100–$139/h estimated shop labor rate
Parts not included.
Average mobile mechanic cost
$1,255
Range $600–$2,085 (labor)
Shop labor × 1.5 (mobile convenience premium)
Parts not included.
Estimates only, not a quote. Actual prices vary by vehicle, shop and location. See the estimate for your city → · About this repair and its cost
Same repair on other models: 2013 Chevrolet Cruze: Transmission went out · 2015 Dodge Durango: Transmission failure · 2015 Jeep Cherokee: Transmission failure check engine light on · 2015 Nissan Murano: Transmission failure · 2016 Subaru Forester: Transmission failure · 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe: Transmission failure
Page last updated .