The 4 most common gearbox problems on Nissan Juke (2023)

The Nissan Juke is a compact crossover and the smallest offering in the Japanese automaker's segment. While quirky and stylish, the doe-eyed crossover doesn't come without it.themes by themselvesas Nissan Juke transmission problems are not uncommon on US and foreign models.

Throughout its life, the Juke was available with various automatic and manual transmissions, most of which worked well. However, the first generation Nissan Juke, which remained in production from 2010 to 2019, also featured the dreaded Nissan Xtronic CVT transmission with well-documented issues.

The usual symptoms are extreme vibration and complete loss of power. The result is acheck engine lightand failed transfers that require thousands of dollars to replace.

Below we have listed the four most common gearbox problems on your Nissan Juke.

Nissan Juke transmission types

Regardless of the generation of the Nissan Juke, the small crossover is available with a manual or automatic transmission.

First generation Nissan Juke (2010-2019)

• 5-speed manual transmission mated to a 1.6L I4 gasoline engine
• 6-speed manual transmission mated to a 1.2L I4 Petrol, 1.6L I4 Petrol or 1.5L I4 Diesel engine
• Xtronic CVT transmission paired with a 1.2L I4 or 1.6L I4 gasoline engine
• 6-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission mated to a 3.8-litre V6 twin-turbo petrol engine (Nissan Juke-R)

Second generation Nissan Juke (since 2019)

• 6-speed manual transmission mated to a 1.0-litre I3 turbo petrol engine
• 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission mated to a 1.0-litre I3 turbocharged petrol engine

How does a CVT transmission work?

Since the vast majority of Nissan Juke transmission problems revolve around the Xtronic CVT transmission, let's take a look at how this specific type of automatic transmission works.

CcontinuouslyvackerTThe transmission is a type of automatic transmission, also known as a gearless transmission due to the way it works. Unlike traditional transmissions that provide a limited number of gear ratios in fixed increments (5-speed, 6-speed, etc.), the CVT effectively provides an infinite number of gear ratios.

The CVT consists of two pulleys (one connected to the engine and one to the wheels) and a belt that connects them. Variable diameter pulleys consist of two cone-shaped halves that can move together or apart depending on how much power the vehicle needs.

This is exactly how a CVT adjusts the gear ratio, and since neither the pulleys nor the belt are fixed, the number of gear ratios is infinite and the transition between them is seamless.

Apart from pulley based CVTs, there are different types of CVTs such as;

Advantages of a CVT Transmission

• The ability to continuously change the gear ratio -Regardless of speed, the CVT will adapt to maintain maximum efficiency. As a result of this operation, a typical CVT is more fuel efficient.
• The ability to provide a smoother ride:Due to its design, the CVT never actually shifts. In other words, a CVT owner will not experience harsh downshifts or slow shifts.
• The ability to maintain an optimal torque ratio -Due to the lack of a conventional transmission, a vehicle with a CVT will have an easier time climbing hills or coming out of a standstill.
• A CVT is lighter -an additional fuel saving factor.

Disadvantages of a CVT Transmission

• CVT Brummen -Due to the transmission's design to force the engine to high revs under acceleration, there's a CVT-specific roar. While not a bug, the annoying noise does not go unnoticed by most drivers.
• High repair and maintenance costs:Due to its design, a CVT is typically more expensive to maintain and rebuild than its more conventional counterparts. Along with the Nissan Xtronic's susceptibility to crashes, this could be the biggest problem with the Nissan Juke.
• The drive belt is the weak link.A CVT relies on a belt for its operation, which presents a risk of total failure if the belt itself fails from excessive wear or overstretch.
• Less immersive ride -Without the ability to shift gears like manual transmissions, or at least feel the shift input of more conventional automatic transmissions, drivers tend to describe CVTs as uninspiring.

Common Nissan Juke Transmission Problems

Now that we've explained the fragility and pros and cons of a CVT transmission, let's look at some of the most common transmission problems in Nissan Jukes.

Transmission slips under high acceleration

A gearbox slippage is generally an indication of a much bigger gearbox problem on your Nissan Juke lurking around the corner. With that in mind, it is imperative to get the car to a certified mechanic as soon as possible.

Signs of a slipping transmission are as follows:

• higher rpm–Since a slippery transmission can't efficiently transfer power from the engine to the wheels, it has to do more. This behavior can be recognized by higher speeds.
• Smell of overheating -A slipping gear causes friction and has to do more work to compensate. Both cause overheating and a characteristic odor.
• Lower fuel efficiency -A slipping CVT will also have a hard time maintaining expected fuel economy.
• The vehicle does not moveIf early warning signs are ignored long enough, the symptoms will worsen and your Juke will eventually give up.

Engine loses power and won't accelerate above 45 mph

Similar to skidding, a faulty CVT transmission can result in a loss of engine power, in which case the vehicle will have thisproblems accelerating. One specific problem with the Nissan Juke refusing to accelerate past 45 mph is actually a failsafe mode (also known as limp mode). The vehicle in lame mode refuses to accelerate to limit further damage.

In addition to being irritating, this specific gearbox problem on Nissan Juke can also be dangerous if it occurs suddenly on a highway. Other symptoms of limp home operation, in addition to loss of power and limited top speed, include:

• RPM alto -Despite the top speed of 70 km/h, your Juke runs at high revs.
• howling sound -It will also exhibit a characteristic howling noise, as the chain belt and pulleys have likely already worn beyond repair.

As a warning, the only option is to hobble the vehicle to a mechanic.

The vehicle shakes violently

Another symptom of CVT failure is an intermittent violent shudder when the vehicle is started. This only means that the time has come to change the gearbox of your Nissan Juke.

Additional symptoms commonly associated with motor tremor include:

• Power loss on grades –With a faulty transmission, a vehicle will have a harder time negotiating grades. Especially the steep ones.
• RPM alto -Of course these problems come with higher revs on the odometer and all that comes with it.
• howling sound -An unstable transmission will usually make a characteristic hissing sound.

Transmission Overheating

One of the main reasons for the Nissan Juke gearbox problems is the fact that the Xtronic CVT has an inadequate cooling system. The cooling system is simply too small to cool the Juke CVT effectively, especially on longer highway trips on hot days.

A poorly cooled transmission will vibrate more than a sufficiently cooled one, causing premature wear. Also, CVT fluid degrades faster, which can lead to even more problems. Finally, CVT overheating is one of the main triggers for the aforementioned fail-safe mode.

What can I do to extend the life of my Nissan Juke transmission?

There are a few steps you can take to make sure your stream is well taken care of.

• Change CVT Transmission Oil Regularly –CVT transmission fluid should be changed every 60,000 miles, but that doesn't mean it's risk-free until then. CVT fluid degrades faster at high temperatures. Of course, checking the transmission oil is a bit more complicated than checking the engine oil, but the principle is much the same. Since, by design, it lasts much longer than engine oil, you may want to leave that to a mechanic for one (or more) of the periodic maintenance checks you should perform between CVT fluid changes.
• Take the car to a certified mechanic as soon as you notice the first sign of trouble; Even if your transmission starts to respond, it may not be too late to repair it. Take it to a mechanic and you may not have to spend more than your car is worth on a transmission rebuild.

final thoughts

If you're thinking of buying a used Nissan Juke, look for models with an Xtronic CVT transmission. While they've been known to last a long time with proper maintenance, it's also not uncommon for the Juke to go through two or three different CVTs in 100,000 miles, or for the transmission to fail within the first 30,000 miles.

Nissan extended the warranty on the 2013-2017 Jukes from the standard 5 years/60,000 miles to 7 years/84,000 miles, but the deadline to submit the claim form was January 30, 2020.

It's also worth looking into past CVT transmission problems for a model that caught your eye.

On the other hand, if you are already an owner and problems with the gearbox of Nissan Juke start to arise, it is better to consult a mechanic as soon as possible.