NHTSA Complaint #11426648 — 2012 NISSAN SENTRA

Continuously Variable transmission (CVT) failure. Specifically the torque converter and valve body. While operating the vehicle, without warning, it goes into safe mode, effectively losing all power. When in the mode, power to the engine stops and power steer and brakes are disabled. The risk of an accident, when this occurs, is extremely high and very dangerous. Especially with a newer driver (17 years old). No warning lights or chimes come on indicating a problem. The vehicle was taken to the Nissan dealership where it was confirmed that it needed a new transmission (99988). Nissan has extended the warranty for the CVT for model years 2003-2010 and for 2013 and later but not 2012 (or 2011). As there were no changes in the transmission for those two years, they are aware of the high risk of failure but appear not to be concerned with the increased risk of injury or death from an accident caused by the transmission going into safe mode.