How Durable is the CVT Transmission in the Teana?
3 Answers
Under normal circumstances, it is highly durable, as it is one of the top CVT transmissions in the industry. CVT Transmission Principle: The main structure of a CVT consists primarily of a driving pulley set, a driven pulley set, and a metal belt. In the driving and driven pulley sets, the pulley closer to the hydraulic cylinder can slide on the shaft, while the other side is fixed. The conical surfaces of the two pulleys face each other to form a V-shaped groove, which contacts the sides of the metal belt. Under the action of the hydraulic system, power transmission and ratio changes are achieved. Advantages of CVT Transmission: Continuously variable transmission offers unparalleled advantages over conventional transmissions. Due to the fundamental difference between CVT and stepped transmissions, the ratio changes continuously under computer control, avoiding the abrupt ratio shifts experienced with manual transmissions (MT). As a result, passengers experience only smooth acceleration without the sensation of gear shifts.
I've been using the CVT transmission in my Teana for several years, and as an owner, I find its durability quite acceptable, but it really depends on how you drive. My car has run 120,000 kilometers without major issues, with smooth gear shifts and good fuel efficiency. However, a friend's car suffered from belt wear due to frequent hard acceleration. CVT is designed for smoothness and fuel economy, but it's prone to overheating under high load. I recommend changing the dedicated fluid regularly, every 40,000 kilometers, and avoiding flooring the accelerator to generally achieve over 150,000 kilometers of usage. Don’t neglect routine maintenance—checking fluid conditions can prevent failures. If buying a used car, check the maintenance records to ensure there are no serious issues.
Having worked on many Nissan Teana CVTs, common issues include steel belt slippage or electronic control failure, especially in older models which are more prone to problems. The newer versions have improved significantly with added stability, such as the installation of cooling systems. With proper maintenance—changing the CVT fluid every 40,000 to 60,000 kilometers and adopting gentle driving habits—the transmission can last over 150,000 kilometers. In terms of durability, it's slightly weaker than traditional AT transmissions, but it handles normal city commuting without issues. Pay attention to unusual noises or vibrations and address them early to save costs. New owners are advised to consider extended warranties for added peace of mind.
