Nissan has found itself in hot water lately, thanks to a class action lawsuit that has finally reached a settlement after more than two years of legal wrangling. If you own a 2015-2018 Nissan Murano or 2016-2018 Nissan Maxima, you might be wondering how this affects you, especially if you’ve dealt with issues related to the continuously variable transmissions (CVTs) in these models.
What’s the Settlement About?
The lawsuit centered around claims that certain Nissan models were equipped with defective CVTs, leading to a range of problems for owners. Initially, the plaintiffs sought a full recall of all defective transmissions, but instead, Nissan has opted for a different route. They will extend the warranty for the transmission assemblies and automatic transmission control units to 84 months or 84,000 miles, whichever comes first. While this might sound like a good deal, many affected vehicles may have already surpassed this new warranty period, leaving some owners in the lurch.
For those who have already paid for repairs, there’s a silver lining. Nissan has agreed to reimburse customers for qualifying repairs made outside the original warranty period. If the repairs were done at a Nissan dealership, the full cost will be covered. However, if you had the work done elsewhere, the reimbursement is capped at $5,000. This could be a significant relief for many who have faced hefty repair bills.
What About the Money?
The financial aspects of this settlement are interesting, to say the least. Each of the four plaintiffs involved in the case will receive $5,000, totaling $20,000. However, the real winners here are the attorneys, who will pocket a whopping $3.5 million. This disparity raises eyebrows, especially for those who feel their grievances have not been adequately addressed.
In addition to the reimbursement for repairs, Nissan is offering a $1,500 voucher for the purchase or lease of a new Nissan or Infiniti model. But there’s a catch: this voucher is only available to those who had two or more transmission replacements or repairs during their ownership. If you qualify for both the voucher and the repair reimbursement, you’ll have to choose one—no double-dipping allowed.
What Should Affected Owners Do?
If you think you might be eligible for reimbursement, you have until July 3 to submit your claim. It’s important to act quickly, especially if you’re feeling dissatisfied with the settlement. You can voice your concerns before the fairness hearing scheduled for July 18. This is your chance to make your voice heard if you believe the settlement doesn’t adequately address the issues at hand.
Nissan’s acknowledgment of the CVT problem is a step in the right direction, but it’s clear that many owners are left wanting more. The extended warranty and reimbursement offer are helpful, but they don’t fully compensate for the inconvenience and financial strain many have experienced.
The big takeaway? This settlement isn’t about perfection—it’s about smarter adjustments. If you’re affected, take action now. Submit your claim, weigh your options carefully, and remember that your voice matters in these proceedings. Start with one change this week, and you’ll likely spot the difference by month’s end.