Automotive
Drivers of certain Nissan Murano and Maxima models may finally be seeing some closure after years of complaints about defective continuously variable transmissions (CVTs), but the recent class-action lawsuit settlement may feel more like a consolation prize than a true win for many. The automaker has agreed to a $3.47 million payout and an extended warranty for affected vehicles, but the majority of the settlement money is headed straight to the lawyers — and the warranty extension offers limited real-world value to most owners.
The class-action lawsuit, originally filed in Tennessee in late 2022, accused Nissan of knowingly selling vehicles equipped with faulty CVTs. Specifically, it involved the 2015–2018 Nissan Murano and 2016–2018 Maxima, vehicles that owners claimed suffered from premature transmission failures. Plaintiffs sought sweeping remedies: transmission replacements, full disclosure from Nissan, and an immediate stop to sales of the problematic units. What they got was far less.
According to court documents, Nissan has not admitted any wrongdoing as part of the settlement. Instead, the company agreed to a lump sum payout of $3.47 million. Of that total, just $20,000 is earmarked for the four lead plaintiffs — about $5,000 each. The remaining $3.45 million goes to the legal team. It’s a familiar scenario in class-action settlements: large legal fees and relatively minor compensation for those directly impacted.
Beyond the cash, Nissan is offering an extended warranty of 84 months or 84,000 miles, whichever comes first. The catch? These vehicles are already at or beyond that seven-year mark, meaning many owners will likely not benefit from the additional coverage. In other words, the extension may read well on paper, but in practice, it does little for those who already endured costly transmission failures.
There are a few ways owners can still benefit. Nissan has agreed to reimburse customers for “qualifying” CVT repairs performed during the now-extended warranty window. Repairs done at a Nissan dealership may be covered in full, while work performed at independent shops could be reimbursed up to $5,000. Additionally, owners who had two or more transmission replacements or repairs may be eligible for a $1,500 discount on a new Nissan or Infiniti purchase or lease — but they must choose between that and the reimbursement. They can’t have both.
A final fairness hearing is scheduled for July 18, which will determine whether the settlement becomes official.
This lawsuit is just the latest chapter in a broader narrative of ongoing challenges for Nissan. As covered in our recent article about Nissan’s troubles with looming layoffs, the automaker is already bracing for significant restructuring, including potential workforce reductions. The timing of the CVT settlement only adds to the brand’s mounting headaches as it works to rebuild consumer trust and stabilize its global operations.
For consumers researching long-term reliability and the risks associated with CVT-equipped vehicles — especially from the 2015–2018 era — this case serves as another red flag. Nissan’s response to systemic transmission issues continues to raise eyebrows, particularly in light of similar complaints in other models and markets. For many, the settlement doesn’t do enough to address the core problem or prevent future issues.
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