Will all CVT transmissions fail?

Hi, this is Bo, an auto expert on RepairPal's Car Genius team! First off—don’t beat yourself up. You’re not alone. The CVT in the 2015 Nissan Sentra has a bit of a reputation, and yeah, it’s not exactly the gold standard of bulletproof transmissions. But no, not all CVTs fail. Some go the distance with proper care, while others tap out early like a tired boxer. The key is maintenance. Even though Nissan originally said the CVT fluid was “lifetime,” it’s a good idea to change the fluid every 30,000–50,000 miles. Use only the correct Nissan NS-3 fluid—CVTs are picky eaters. Also, avoid hard acceleration from a stop and long uphill climbs at low speeds when possible. Heat is the enemy of CVTs. If it’s shifting smoothly now and you keep up with maintenance, there’s a decent chance it’ll keep going. Just keep an ear out for whining, slipping, or delayed engagement—those are early warning signs. If you need any further advice or want help finding a trusted RepairPal shop in your area, please feel free to call us at 877-913-1554.