2025 Nissan CVT Lawsuit Explained: What You Need to Know Now
2025 Nissan CVT Lawsuit Explained: What You Need to Know Now a consolidated legal action—Travis Beaver, et al. v. Nissan North America, Inc.—challenges the performance and durability of continuously variable transmissions (CVTs) installed in select 2015–2018 Nissan Murano and 2016–2018 Nissan Maxima models. Plaintiffs allege that Nissan marketed these vehicles with defective CVT assemblies, resulting in premature failures, jerky shifts, and exorbitant repair costs. The ensuing Nissan CVT transmission lawsuit 2025 culminated in a proposed settlement designed to compensate affected owners and lessees, extend warranty coverage, and offer vouchers toward new vehicle purchases.
Defining the Class Vehicles
Eligibility hinges on vehicle model and production year. Covered “Class Vehicles” include:
- Nissan Murano (non‑hybrid): Model years 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018 (Muranomaxima CVT Settlement)
- Nissan Maxima (non‑hybrid): Model years 2016, 2017, 2018 (Muranomaxima CVT Settlement)
To qualify, one must have purchased or leased the vehicle before April 4, 2025. Hybrid variants and other model‑years remain excluded.
Core Allegations
Owners reported a spectrum of malfunctions at relatively low mileage, including:
- Shuddering and shaking during low‑speed acceleration.
- Sudden transmission slip, where RPMs climb without proportional vehicle movement.
- Overheating warnings and limp‑home modes under moderate loads.
- Valve body failures leading to harsh or erratic ratio transitions.
Internal documents purportedly showed Nissan engineers flagged these issues, yet consumers received little warning or adequate remedies under standard warranties.
Settlement Mechanics
The agreed resolution of the Nissan CVT transmission lawsuit 2025 furnishes a four‑pronged framework:
- Warranty Extension
- Duration: 84 months or 84,000 miles—whichever occurs first—from original in‑service date.
- Coverage: Transmission assembly (including valve body and torque converter) and Automatic Transmission Control Unit (ATCU). (Muranomaxima CVT Settlement)
- Reimbursement for Prior Repairs
- Dealership Work: Full indemnification for parts and labor.
- Independent Shops: Up to $5,000 per qualifying repair.
- Timing: Repairs performed after expiration of original powertrain warranty but before the earlier of 84,000 miles or 84 months. (Muranomaxima CVT Settlement)
- New‑Vehicle Voucher
- Value: $1,500
- Eligibility: Current or former owners/lessees with two or more qualifying repairs.
- Use: Toward purchase or lease of a new Nissan or Infiniti at authorized dealers, valid for nine months post‑settlement effective date. (Muranomaxima CVT Settlement)
- Expedited Dispute Resolution
- Mechanism: BBB National Programs administers a fast‑track process for future CVT claims occurring after April 4, 2025.
Automatic Inclusion and Claim Submission
All owners and lessees of Class Vehicles are automatically part of the Settlement Class. However, to receive monetary benefits or vouchers, one must submit a valid claim form with supporting documentation by the specified deadline (Claim Depot).
Claim Deadline
- Final Date: July 3, 2025, or within 30 days of a qualifying repair—whichever is later. (Claim Depot)
Key Dates
| Milestone | Date |
|---|---|
| Settlement Class Cut‑off | April 4, 2025 |
| Exclusion / Objection Deadline | June 3, 2025 |
| Claim Submission Deadline | July 3, 2025 |
| Final Approval Hearing | July 18, 2025 at 1:00 p.m. CT |
Failure to file by July 3, 2025 forfeits entitlement to reimbursement or vouchers. To challenge or opt out of the settlement, one must file a written notice by June 3, 2025.
How to File a Claim
- Obtain the Official Claim Form
- Download from the Settlement Administrator’s website (e.g., muranomaximacvtsettlement.com) or request by mail.
- Prepare Documentation
- VIN and proof of purchase/lease.
- Repair records: Invoices, work orders, or receipts showing date, mileage, parts, and labor costs.
- Complete and Submit
- Online Portal: Preferred method for speed.
- Mail: Certified mail to the Settlement Administrator at P.O. Box 301172, Los Angeles, CA 90030‑1172.
- Confirmation
- Expect an acknowledgment within weeks. Retain claim number for tracking.
Opt‑Outs and Objections
Class Members may exclude themselves or object to the settlement terms:
- Opt‑Out (“Exclude Yourself”)
- Deadline: Postmarked by June 3, 2025.
- Effect: Retains the right to pursue individual litigation, foregoing settlement benefits. (Muranomaxima CVT Settlement)
- Object to Settlement
- Deadline: June 3, 2025.
- Procedure: File written objections with the Court and serve the Settlement Administrator. Specify factual/legal grounds. (Muranomaxima CVT Settlement)
The Final Approval Hearing
The U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Tennessee will hold a fairness hearing on July 18, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. CT. During this proceeding, the presiding judge evaluates:
- Adequacy of notice to Class Members.
- Fairness and reasonableness of settlement terms.
- Reasonableness of attorneys’ fees and administrative costs.
Class Members may attend and speak, but no new benefits are conferred at the hearing itself (Claim Depot).
Example Compensation Scenarios
- Single Dealer Repair
- Repair cost: $1,200 → Reimbursement: $1,200.
- Independent Shop Repair
- Repair cost: $4,800 → Reimbursement: $4,800 (capped at $5,000).
- Multiple Repairs (Dealer + Shop)
- Dealer repair: $1,500 + Shop repair: $3,700 → Total reimbursement: $5,200.
- Voucher Option: Eligible for $1,500 voucher instead of one or both reimbursements (elective).
Attorneys’ Fees and Administrative Costs
Under the proposed terms, class counsel will receive approximately $3.45 million for fees and expenses, representing about 25% of the overall fund. Settlement administration costs—printing, mailing, portal maintenance—are drawn from allocated funds but do not diminish claimants’ recoveries (CarComplaints.com).
Release of Claims
By accepting settlement benefits, Class Members release Nissan and related entities from “all claims, demands, losses or causes of action” related to CVT design, manufacture, performance, or repair for Class Vehicles up to April 4, 2025. Future warranty claims under the extended warranty remain unaffected by this release (Muranomaxima CVT Settlement).
Strategic Considerations
- Repair vs. Voucher
- Reimbursement: Best for lower‑frequency repairs with high per‑repair costs.
- Voucher: Attractive if planning to purchase a new Nissan/Infiniti within nine months and having two or more qualifying repairs.
- Timely Submission
- Delays risk forfeiture. File well before July 3, 2025.
- Documentation Rigor
- Ensure receipts clearly delineate parts and labor. Incomplete records may trigger requests for supplemental proof.
- Legal Counsel
- While not required, individual advice may benefit consumers with complex repair histories or potential claims beyond CVT issues.
Broader Implications
The Nissan CVT transmission lawsuit 2025 underscores:
- OEM Accountability: Manufacturers can be held liable for systemic engineering defects.
- Consumer Empowerment: Class actions enable collective redress where individual litigation may be impractical.
- Warranty Expectations: Extended warranty remedies may become more commonplace as advanced powertrain technologies proliferate.
Future CVT designs will likely undergo more rigorous durability testing and transparent disclosure practices in light of this precedent.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: I sold my Class Vehicle before April 4, 2025. Can I still file a claim?
A: Yes. Former owners or lessees may claim reimbursement by providing proof of prior ownership and repair records.
Q: I paid for a repair outside of a Nissan dealership. Am I eligible?
A: Yes, you can receive up to $5,000 per qualifying non‑dealer repair.
Q: Can multiple vouchers be stacked?
A: No. Each claimant may elect either reimbursement for repairs or a single $1,500 voucher if meeting the multiple‑repair criterion.
Q: What if Nissan recalls further CVT issues after April 4, 2025?
A: Claims for post‑April 4, 2025 transmission failures fall under the extended warranty, not this settlement, and may be resolved through the expedited BBB program.
Q: Where can I find the full Settlement Agreement?
A: The complete Agreement and FAQ are available at the Settlement Administrator’s website (Muranomaxima CVT Settlement).
Next Steps for Affected Owners
- Verify Eligibility: Check your VIN and purchase/lease date against Class Vehicle criteria.
- Gather Documents: Collect all relevant repair invoices, proof of purchase, and mileage records.
- Visit the Settlement Website: Download the claim form and review step‑by‑step instructions.
- Submit Claim Early: Avoid last‑minute portal congestion; file well in advance of July 3, 2025.
- Monitor Status: Use your claim number to track progress and promptly respond to deficiency notices.
The Nissan CVT transmission lawsuit 2025 settlement presents a rare opportunity for Murano and Maxima drivers to recoup out‑of‑pocket expenses, enjoy extended warranty protection, and potentially secure a $1,500 voucher toward a new vehicle. By understanding the class definition, settlement benefits, critical deadlines, and strategic considerations, affected consumers can make informed choices and optimize their recoveries. With the final approval hearing slated for July 18, 2025, time is of the essence. Gather your documentation, submit your claim, and safeguard both your finances and driving peace of mind.
