The 2016 Altima uses a continuously variable transmission (CVT) for most trims — not a conventional automatic gearbox with fixed gears. CVTs use belts/pulleys and variable ratios rather than multiple fixed gears. That design offers smooth acceleration and fuel economy advantages, but also has unique maintenance needs. (CoPilot)
What kind of transmission does the 2016 Altima use?
What are the reported transmission problems?
Yes — several issues have been reported for the 2016 Altima’s transmission (especially the CVT). Here are the common problems and symptoms:
- Shuddering or shaking during acceleration / gear transition
Owners report violent shake, vibration, or “buck/jerk” when accelerating or transitioning between ratios. (Lemon Law 123)
For instance: > “CVT transmission failed at less than 100 K miles, and the car is barely 4 years old.” (CarComplaints.com) - Transmission slipping, engagement issues, or revving with no movement
Some drivers say the engine revs but the car doesn’t move as expected. Others report a delay in shifting into gear or a feeling of going into neutral. (Nissan Models) - Overheating, fluid issues, or internal component wear
CVTs are more sensitive to fluid condition and heat than some conventional automatics. Some sources point to overheating or fluid breakdown as root causes. (Flagship Drive) - Costly repairs / full replacements
When transmission failure occurs, the cost to repair or replace is high. One site says many 2016 Altimas needing new gearboxes cost up to about US$4,000-5,000. (CoPilot) - What the data says
According to some aggregated data, about 350 complaints to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) were for the 2016 Altima, and roughly half of those were about the transmission. (slotcar-today.com)
Is Nissan offering a recall or some warranty extension?
- No specific wide recall appears to have covered the transmission for the 2016 Altima explicitly. In many write-ups, it’s noted that while Nissan issued service bulletins (internal communications) for some transmission issues, it never issued a full recall. (Lemon Law 123)
- That means if you buy a used 2016 Altima, you should check the actual service history and any goodwill coverage from Nissan.
Why do these problems arise (and can they be prevented)?
Yes — there are reasons and preventative measures.
Reasons:
- CVTs require fluid changes at intervals, and the fluid has to maintain specific friction characteristics. If it degrades, the belt/pulley inside the CVT will wear faster (or overheat). (Kute Car)
- High temperatures, heavy loads, or repeated aggressive driving (like hard starts, towing, or stop-go heavy duty) increase stress on the CVT. (Lemon Law Associates)
- Nissan’s design may have less margin for error in the 2016 Altima’s transmission compared to older conventional units; some sources claim this generation of Altima has more frequent failure than many competitors. (Flagship Drive)
Prevention / mitigation:
- Follow Nissan’s recommended maintenance schedule: change CVT fluid at the intervals specified (often around 30,000–40,000 miles or sooner under heavy use). Some sources suggest doing fluid service early. (Nissan Models)
- Avoid repeatedly heavy loads, aggressive starts, or overheating conditions.
- If you buy a used one, get it inspected: look for signs of tremor/shudder during acceleration, any slipping, check service records, and ask about prior transmission work or fluid changes.
- Keep an eye on the transmission fluid: check colour, condition, level. Dark or burnt smelling fluid is a bad sign. (Lemon Law Associates)
What does this mean if you’re buying a used 2016 Altima or already own one?
Here is a brief summary of things to consider:
- If you already own one:
If you haven’t noticed any of the transmission symptoms yet (slipping, shuddering, rev-without-move, jerking), that’s good. But be proactive: schedule the CVT fluid service if it hasn’t been done. Keep an ear/eye out for changes. If symptoms appear, get it diagnosed early — transmission problems only get more expensive. - If you are buying one used:
- Ask for full service records (especially transmission/CVT fluid changes).
- During test-drive, accelerate from low speed, listen for shudder or jerking. Check if the car shifts smoothly and doesn’t hesitate.
- Ask how many miles the car has and whether any transmission work was done.
- Consider how long you plan to keep the car relative to any potential transmission risk – if you plan to drive for many years/many miles, you want reassurance the transmission is sound.
- Resale/Value Consideration:
Because these issues are well known, the resale value of a used 2016 Altima may be lower than a comparable model from a brand without such a history. It also means that when the transmission does fail, your cost/benefit calculation may lean toward replacement vs selling.
My verdict
So, does the 2016 Nissan Altima have transmission problems? Yes — the risk is non-trivial. The CVT in this generation has a history of shuddering, slipping and in some cases full failure. But “risk” is not the same as “certainty.” Proper maintenance, gentle use, and early resolution of symptoms can reduce the odds or delay failure. If you ensure the vehicle has been cared for, it can still serve reliably. But as with any used vehicle, especially one with a known weak point, you should enter with eyes open.