Do all 2012 Nissan Altimas have CVT transmission?

In brief, the 2012 Altima lineup did not all use CVT transmissions. The four-cylinder models use Nissan's Xtronic CVT, while the 3.5L V6 models use a traditional 5-speed automatic.

Overview of the 2012 Altima lineup

The 2012 Altima offered two engine choices: a 2.5-liter four-cylinder and a 3.5-liter V6. Transmission pairing depended on the engine. The four-cylinder version emphasizes efficiency and uses a continuously variable transmission (CVT), while the V6 version emphasizes performance with a conventional automatic gearbox.

Transmission details by engine

Transmission options based on the engine available in the 2012 Altima lineup.

• Four-cylinder Altimas (2.5L): CVT (Xtronic)


• V6 Altimas (3.5L): conventional 5-speed automatic

In short, not all 2012 Altimas used CVTs; the transmission type depended on the engine configuration you chose.

Summary

The 2012 Nissan Altima did not uniformly use CVT transmissions. Four-cylinder models used CVT, while the V6 models used a traditional automatic. When shopping, verify the specific car's transmission type to be sure.

What year did Nissan start putting CVT transmissions in the Altima?

The Nissan Altima first got the CVT in 2007 during its fourth generation. Now in its sixth generation, the sedan still uses the CVT with its 2.5-liter engine. Of course, it hasn't always been smooth sailing with the CVT, and a few models experienced issues with the transmission.

What year do Nissans have bad CVT?

2008-2013 – These years are known for CVT transmission failures, often occurring before 100,000 miles. Repairing or replacing the CVT system is extremely expensive, making these model years a risky purchase. 2014-2016 – While Nissan improved the CVT performance, these models still had transmission issues.

Does a 2012 Altima have a CVT?

175 Horsepower. 23/32 City/Highway MPG. 5 Seats / 4 Doors. Xtronic CVT® with manual mode.

What year to stay away from Nissan Altima?

Nissan Model Years to Approach with Caution