How do I know if my car has a CVT transmission?

If you're unsure whether your car has a continuously variable transmission (CVT), there are a few key signs to look for. A CVT is a type of automatic transmission that uses a belt or chain to provide seamless acceleration, rather than the distinct gear changes of a traditional automatic. Identifying a CVT can help you understand your vehicle's capabilities and maintenance needs.

What is a CVT Transmission?

A CVT, or continuously variable transmission, is an automatic transmission that uses a belt or chain system to provide an infinite number of gear ratios. Unlike a traditional automatic transmission with fixed gear ratios, a CVT can continuously adjust its gear ratio to optimize power and efficiency. This results in smoother, more responsive acceleration compared to a standard automatic.

Signs Your Car Has a CVT

• Lack of Distinct Gear Changes: When accelerating, you may notice the engine revs rise and fall smoothly, without the distinct "shifting" feel of a traditional automatic transmission.


• Unusual Engine Sound: The engine in a CVT-equipped car may sound different than a traditional automatic, with a higher-pitched, whining noise during acceleration.


• Manufacturer Badging: Many automakers will include "CVT" or "Xtronic" badging on the exterior of CVT-equipped vehicles to indicate the transmission type.


• Owner's Manual: Checking your vehicle's owner's manual is the most definitive way to confirm whether it has a CVT. The manual will specify the transmission type.

Knowing whether your car has a CVT can help you understand its maintenance needs and driving characteristics. CVTs require specialized fluid changes and may have different performance characteristics compared to a traditional automatic transmission.

Which years of Nissan CVT to avoid?

Years of Nissan models with Continuously Variable Transmissions (CVTs) to avoid include roughly 2008-2018, as they were prone to widespread issues like transmission failure, overheating, and other problems that led to class-action lawsuits and recalls. Specific model years to be particularly cautious of across different Nissan lines are often cited as 2008-2013 for early models and 2014-2018 for later ones, although problems have been reported in various models even after 2018.
 
Years to avoid

• 2008–2013: These years are known for severe CVT failures, often occurring before 100,000 miles, as well as other electrical and mechanical issues. 
• 2014–2018: While Nissan made improvements, these years still experienced transmission issues, with many models involved in class-action lawsuits and recalls for problems like hesitation, overheating, and outright failure. 
• Specific models:
  • Altima: 2010–2018, 2013-2019 
  • Rogue: 2008, 2011, 2014-2016, 2014-2018 
  • Sentra: 2012–2017, 2013-2019 
  • Pathfinder: 2013–2019, 2015-2018 
  • Versa: 2013–2019 
  • Murano: 2010–2019 

What to do if you have a Nissan CVT

• Follow the manufacturer's recommended maintenance schedule, especially for transmission fluid changes, to maximize its lifespan. 
• Consider a pre-purchase inspection if you are considering buying a used model. 
• If a problem is suspected, contact a dealership to see if your vehicle is covered under an extended warranty or has any open recalls. 

How do I know what type of transmission my car has?

You can find your car's transmission type by checking the vehicle's door jamb sticker, the owner's manual, or by using the VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) on an online decoder. The most direct method is usually looking for a sticker with a transmission code, which can be found on the door jamb or in the owner's manual. 
This video shows how to find the transmission type on a car's door sticker and using the VIN: 1mLearnToDIY360YouTube · Feb 10, 2025
Method 1: Check for a sticker or label 

• Door jamb: Open the driver's side door and look for a sticker on the door jamb or the edge of the door itself. Some manufacturers place the transmission model information here, often on a vehicle certification or configuration label, as shown in this YouTube video. 
• Under the hood: Check the underside of the hood, as some manufacturers put a sticker or plate there with the transmission's code. 
• Owner's manual: The owner's manual is a reliable source for this information and may have a dedicated section for transmission details. 

Method 2: Use the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) 
This video explains how to find the transmission type using the VIN decoder: 1mLambda One FilmsYouTube · Jan 27, 2021

• Locate the VIN: Find the 17-character VIN on your vehicle's dashboard (visible through the windshield), on the driver's side door jamb, or on your registration.
• Use a decoder: Enter the VIN into an online decoder. Resources like the NHTSA VIN Decoder or those offered by sites like AutoZone can provide a vehicle report that includes the transmission type. 

This video shows how to find the transmission tag on a car's transmission: 57sPowertrain Products IncYouTube · Dec 4, 2020
Method 3: Inspect the transmission directly 

• Locate the transmission: The transmission is the large metal component under the car that connects the engine to the wheels. You may need to lift the vehicle safely to access it. 
• Look for a tag: Some transmissions have a metal tag or stamp with an ID code, often near the bell housing or on the side of the case. You can use this code to look up the specific model online. 
• Look for markings: Some manufacturers might cast the transmission model directly into the casing itself, as shown in PSI's YouTube video. 
• Examine the oil pan: For some older vehicles, the shape of the transmission's oil pan can help identify the type. An irregular shape might indicate a manual transmission. 

How to tell if a car is automatic or CVT?

You can tell if you have a CVT or automatic by the gear selector's labels, the "feel" of the acceleration, or by checking your VIN or owner's manual. A CVT will have a PRNDL selector without numbered gears and will provide smooth acceleration without noticeable shifts, while a traditional automatic will have distinct "shifts" and the selector might have a sequence like PRND21. 
Check the gear selector 

• CVT: The gear selector typically shows PRNDL (Park, Reverse, Neutral, Drive, Low) or a similar sequence. It won't have numbers to indicate different gears. Some CVTs have a "L" for low gear.
• Automatic: The gear selector often shows PRND21 or has options with numbers for lower gears. 

Feel the acceleration 

• CVT: The acceleration feels very smooth, with no "jerking" or "shifting" sensations. The engine's RPM may stay constant while the vehicle speeds up because it's continuously adjusting the gear ratio. 
• Automatic: You will feel a distinct, often noticeable, "shift" as the car moves between gears. This happens both when accelerating and decelerating. 

Look for information on the vehicle itself 

• Owner's Manual: The manual will have a section on the vehicle's specifications, including the transmission type. 
• VIN Decoder: Go to an online VIN decoder and enter your 17-character VIN. The results will show details about the transmission. 
• Window Sticker or Build Sheet: The original window sticker or a build sheet for your vehicle will list the transmission type. 
• Dipstick/Fluid Cap: Some vehicles have the transmission fluid type stamped on the dipstick or the fluid cap. 
• Dashboard Indicator: Some vehicles have a specific indicator light on the dashboard for the transmission. 

Which cars don't have a CVT transmission?

Many cars do not have a CVT transmission, especially those from brands like BMW, Porsche, Lamborghini, Jeep, Land Rover, and Tesla. Additionally, many models from Audi, Mazda, and Mercedes-Benz are also built without CVTs, often using traditional automatic or dual-clutch transmissions instead. Performance cars like the Chevrolet Camaro and Ford Focus also typically use traditional automatics or manuals. 
Luxury and performance brands

• BMW (all models)
• Porsche (all modern models)
• Lamborghini (all modern models)
• Jeep (all modern models)
• Land Rover (all modern models)
• Maserati (all modern models)
• Jaguar (all modern models)
• Tesla (all models)
• Chevrolet Camaro
• Ford Focus (2011–2018 models) 

Mainstream brands with non-CVT options

• Audi: Many models, like the Jetta/GLI, use traditional automatics or dual-clutch transmissions. 
• Hyundai: Many models like the Sonata, Palisade, and Santa Fe don't use CVTs, though some other models have transitioned to them in recent years. 
• Kia: Many models like the Sorento, Telluride, and Stinger do not use CVTs. 
• Lexus: Non-hybrid models generally do not use CVTs. 
• Mazda: No models use CVTs, instead using traditional automatic transmissions. 
• Mercedes-Benz: No modern models use CVTs. 
• Mini: No modern models use CVTs. 
• Nissan: Performance models like the 370Z and GT-R, as well as the Armada and Frontier, do not use CVTs. 
• Subaru: The BRZ and manual transmission versions of the Impreza do not use CVTs. 
• Toyota: Non-hybrid models like the Camry (some years) use traditional automatics. 

Important considerations

• Check the specific model and year: Transmission types can change from one model year to the next. Always check the specifications for the specific vehicle you are interested in. 
• Hybrid and electric vehicles: Even within brands that use CVTs in their gasoline engines, hybrid or electric models may use different types of transmissions or power delivery systems.