Nissan Altima service and repair

Altimas are everywhere on I-95 and in every rideshare lot in Miami Gardens. They are comfortable and affordable, and the one thing everyone asks about is the CVT. We give you a straight answer on the transmission and keep the rest of the car sorted.

Book my Altima (786) 884-4889

What we see on this car

What we see on the Altima

CVT shudder, whine, or limp mode when hot

Altima CVTs from 2013 onward are known to shudder, whine, and go into limp mode when hot, especially in stop-and-go. Old fluid and heat are the enemies. Fluid service on schedule and a cooler check are the best prevention; we tell you honestly when one is past saving.

Transmission service

AC compressor noise and condenser leaks

Altimas are known to develop a noisy or failing AC compressor and condenser leaks. Weak air in Palmetto traffic is the usual complaint.

AC repair

Stalling or no-start from cam and crank sensors

2.5L Altimas are known to stall or crank without starting from a failing camshaft or crankshaft position sensor. It sets a code and is a direct repair.

Check engine light

Front rotor warp

Altima front rotors are known to warp in Miami heat. A steering wheel shake only when braking is the sign.

Brake repair

Clunk over small bumps

Strut mounts and sway bar links on 2013 and newer Altimas are known to clunk over small bumps well before 100,000 miles.

Suspension repair

Front wheel bearing hum

Front wheel bearings are known to hum past 80,000 miles. The sound changes when you swerve.

Wheel bearings

Maintenance by mileage

30,000

Oil and filter (0W-20 on 2013 and newer), Tire rotation, Engine and cabin air filters, Brake inspection, CVT fluid condition check, Battery test

60,000

Everything from 30,000, CVT fluid drain and fill with the Nissan-spec fluid, Brake fluid exchange, CVT cooler and lines inspection, Suspension check

90,000

Everything from 30,000, Serpentine belt, Coolant condition test, Spark plug inspection, Throttle body and idle check, Alignment

120,000

Spark plugs, Coolant drain and refill, CVT fluid drain and fill again, PCV valve, Valve cover gasket if seeping, Engine mount check

Questions people ask

Is my Altima CVT going to fail?

Not necessarily. The ones that fail usually ran hot on old fluid. If yours shifts smoothly and the fluid is changed every 30,000 to 60,000 miles, it has a fair chance. If it already shudders and whines, we scan it and tell you where it stands before you spend anything.

Should I fix the CVT or move on from the car?

We give you the reading and the honest call. A fluid service and a cooler fix on an early symptom is worth doing. A CVT with metal in the fluid on a high mileage car is a different conversation, and we have it with you straight.

My Altima stalls at lights.

On the 2.5L that is often the crank or cam sensor, or a dirty throttle body. It usually sets a code. We scan first.

Which oil?

0W-20 full synthetic on 2013 and newer, 5W-30 on older ones. And keep the CVT fluid on schedule; that matters more than any other fluid on this car.