2019-2020 Nissan Pathfinder / Rogue CVT Class Action

A new class action has been filed that alleges that 2019-2020 Nissan Rogues come equipped with a defective CVT transmission that as issues when accelerating, revving engines without an increase in speed, jerking, juddering vehicles and will prematurely fail. Generally, if the Nissan is out of the manufacturers powertrain warranty (5 years / 60,000 miles), then the consumer has to pay the cost of the CVT replacement, which is typically around $4,000.00.

The Nissan class action lawsuit alleges the 2019-2020 Rogue SUVs cause safety hazards and owners are forced to pay high fees to replace the transmission, usually in excess of $4,000.00.

The Pathfinder / Rogue class action makes reference to a previous class action lawsuit settlement that included 2014-2018 Nissan Rogue SUVs. The plaintiffs contend 2019-2020 Nissan Rogues allegedly have the "same or substantially similar transmission" as 2014-2018 Nissan Rogues.

Another Nissan class action regarding the CVT transmissions, Stringer v. Nissan North America, was granted final approval in March of 2022.

Per the Nissan Rogue CVT lawsuit, Nissan has issued multiple technical service bulletins (TSBs) to dealerships regarding 2019-2020 Rogues and transmission issues.

What's the Problem?

According to the lawsuit, drivers of 2019–2022 Nissan Rogues are experiencing:

  • Sudden hesitation

  • Loss of power while accelerating

  • Shuddering, jerking, or stalling

  • Premature transmission failure

These issues are attributed to defective CVTs—a design Nissan has been criticized for in earlier models as well.

Allegations in the Lawsuit

The case, Stockley et al. v. Nissan North America, Inc., was filed in federal court in Tennessee. Plaintiffs allege:

  • Nissan knew of the transmission defects yet continued to sell the vehicles without disclosing the issue.

  • The CVTs in question fail prematurely, often just outside the basic warranty window.

  • Owners are forced to pay thousands out-of-pocket for transmission repairs or replacements.

The lawsuit also points to Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) and hundreds of NHTSA complaints as evidence that Nissan had notice of the defect.

Covered Vehicles

This lawsuit applies to:

  • 2019–2022 Nissan Rogue

  • 2017–2022 Nissan Rogue Sport

Both vehicle lines share the same or similar CVT components tied to the reported transmission problems.

Legal Status of the Case

  • Filed: September 2022

  • Court: U.S. District Court, Middle District of Tennessee

  • Case Number: 3:22-cv-00709

  • Current Status: Actively litigated — the judge allowed key claims to proceed. No settlement has been announced yet.

If certified, eligible owners may automatically be included unless they opt out.

Symptoms to Watch For

If you’re driving a 2019–2022 Nissan Rogue, pay attention to:

  • Hesitation when accelerating

  • RPM fluctuations or revving without speed increase

  • Delayed engagement when shifting from park to drive

  • Grinding, whining, or humming noises

  • Transmission warning lights

If you’ve had multiple CVT-related repairs or full transmission replacement, you may be eligible for relief under the California Lemon Law.

How to Proceed

Document Issues: Keep detailed records of all repairs and communications with the manufacturer. While at the dealership, ensure that all of your complaints are noted in the work order that you receive when you first drop off your vehicle.

Reasonable Number of Repair Attempts: While the law doesn't specify an exact number, generally, if the same problem persists after four or more repair attempts, or if the vehicle is out of service for more than 30 days cumulatively, it may qualify as a "lemon."

Monitor Symptoms: Any new engine noises, warning lights, or loss of power? Stop driving immediately and seek inspection and let the dealership know.

Talk to a Lemon Law Attorney, like Valero Law: If repairs fail, or if you experience repeated issues, you may be entitled to relief under California law. Remedies can include a repurchase of the vehicle or a cash settlement.

Protect Your Rights Under California Lemon Law

If you are like many Nissan owners who are now experiencing serious CVT transmission issues with your Rogue, you may be entitled to compensation under the California Lemon Law.

Compensation may include:

  • A complete repurchase of your defective vehicle

  • A replacement vehicle

  • Or substantial cash reimbursement for damage already caused by the defect

If you’re in California and your 2019–2022 Nissan Rogue is experiencing CVT transmission problems, call Valero Law, APC at (424) 299-4447 or complete our free Lemon Law case evaluation form today.