NHTSA Owner Complaint Log
This page lists owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2016 Nissan Rogue. Complaints are unverified consumer reports submitted to NHTSA and do not by themselves prove a defect or defect rate.
Data synced from NHTSA on May 4, 2026
All 4 car doors lock and unlock and the trunk lock door (tries yo open) warning comes on
My vehicle is included in the correct year range and shows the same symptoms as NHTSA ID Number: 16V911000. The airbag light is also on and I am worried that it will not operate properly in an accident. I contacted the local Nissan Dealer and they said there were no recalls on this vehicle. They also told me that no recalls had been completed on my vehicle. I am concerned that they either missed some VINs in the recall or that they have incorrect information. Nissan was not willing to help, I also contacted their Consumer Affairs.
POWER LIFT GATE ACTUATORS HAVE FAILED AND BEEN REPLACED 3 TIMES - SEEMS THEY ALWAYS STOP WORKING EVEN IF I RESET AND TROUBLESHOOT.
Rogue seems to hesitate when transmission changes gears
The transmission was ….. violently shaking , jerking, hesitating and eventually completely stopped working . The dealer recommended another transmission. In the meantime, we saw that some tranmissions from this car had a recall and vouchers were out to used to fix it.
The contact owns a 2016 Nissan Rogue. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended while depressing the accelerator pedal, and the engine seized. In addition, when the gear shift lever was shifted to reverse(R), the vehicle failed to move as intended. The check engine warning light illuminated, and the message "Engine Overheated" was displayed. Passersby stopped and helped to push the vehicle to the side of the road. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that prior to the failure, the vehicle had received an oil change. The contact was given a checklist of possible issues with the vehicle, but the checklist was not available. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 158,687.
Both doors on the driver side have quit locking and sometimes unlock by themselves. This is scary.
The contact owns a 2016 Nissan Rogue. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the passenger’s side air bag warning illuminated even though the passenger’s side seat was not occupied and remained illuminated. The vehicle was taken to two dealers, where it was diagnosed, and determined that the passenger’s side seat module and two sensors had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 106,000.
This is a supplemental complaint to NHTSA ID #11604939. On October 25, 2025, Passport Nissan in Alexandria, Virginia diagnosed my 2016 Nissan Rogue with fault code P17F1, which indicates a known CVT transmission failure. The technician documented drivability issues including hesitation, slipping, and pulsing during acceleration. The diagnostic sheet recommended full CVT replacement. The dealership submitted a warranty request to Nissan’s Diagnostic Validation Team, and internal documentation shows a full transmission job totaling $6,996.44. Nissan classified the failure as warrantable under goodwill. Despite this, Nissan later offered only a partial valve body repair with a 50/50 cost split and a 3-day deadline. This contradicts Nissan’s own Technical Service Bulletin, which states that if fault code P17F1 returns after reprogramming, the transmission must be replaced. The dealership’s own technician confirmed the failure was warrantable and recommended full replacement. This misrepresentation minimizes a known safety defect and compromises consumer protection. The issue has been confirmed by a dealership technician, documented in service records, and submitted to Nissan’s internal warranty team. The vehicle experienced hesitation and loss of power during acceleration, which posed a safety risk while driving. This reflects a broader pattern of concealment and avoidance of full liability for transmission failures across Nissan vehicles. I request that NHTSA investigate this matter as a potential safety defect and deceptive repair practice. The component is available for inspection upon request, and all documentation has been submitted to the Virginia Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Section and I am prepping for other filings.
The sunroom leaks in all 2016 rogue models and Nissan refuses to help out the customers who are affected by this. I’ve done my research and I’m not the only person who has had problems when trying to deal with Nissan directly
THERE IS NO BACK UP SOUND, OR ANY WARNING WHEN SOMEONE OR SOMETHING IS NEAR ME WHEN I PUT IT IN REVERSE
The contact owns a 2016 Nissan Rogue. The contact stated that while driving 50 MPH and depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle failed to respond as intended. The contact pulled over to a gas station, turned off and restarted the vehicle, and the vehicle failed to respond as intended. No warning light was illuminated. A dealer was contacted. The vehicle was towed to a dealer, where it was diagnosed, and determined that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but offered no assistance. The failure mileage was unknown.
The contact owns a 2016 Nissan Rogue. The contact stated that while attempting to maintain the lift gate open, the lift gate independently lowered and fell down. No warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that the lift gate independently lowered itself, hitting the contact heads. No medical attention was sought. The vehicle was taken to a local independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed as needing the power lift gate struts replaced. In addition, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V219000 (Structure) however, the VIN was not included. The local dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000.
Passenger side seat belt does not lock when doing the sharp pull test. Dealer wants $150 diagnostic fee to check it out. If there is an accident, the passenger may not be protected by the seat belt.
On [XXX] I was at a stoplight with my children and when it turned green I went to proceed and then I was moving slowly and it wasn't letting me go any specific speed and died in the middle of the road on a busy intersection at that leaving my children and I at risk of being potentially hit by another car, and it was in the evening time something could have happened to us Ladies as I have a [XXX] and a [XXX] and I'm a [XXX]. Mind you my battery was brand new so there was no indications on my dashboard giving me any sign of warnings nor was my Nissan rogue driving any different as I've kept up with maintenance and oil changes all of the above. So not only did I have to get out and push my Nissan rogue out of the road my [XXX] had to steer and I about got ran over and that's jeopardized in my life and then my kids wouldn't have had a mother thank God people jumped off their bicycles to help me. Then people the gas station tried to jump me but they're jumper cables and they said your battery is completely dead and I said that's not possible because I have a brand new battery as of a couple weeks ago just for the simple being that I'm responsible and I replace things when it's past the time and needs to be replaced. So my friend drove all the way up to us went across the street to AutoZone and bought a brand new battery and put it in then car started right up and was back to normal. But after the girls and I got home and went to bed we got up did our normal daily routine and got in the car to go do some errands and I pull out of my neighborhood and then boom I did it again and I was stuck in the middle of traffic on [XXX] . Three officers had to block off traffic then battery wouldn't hold a charge with that brand new battery three batteries later and an alternator we'll see what happens now INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
From what it sounds like, it’s the transmission, it goes on limp mode, now it doesn’t want to move anymore, the gears move out of place. All the mechanics I have been to have been telling me 6k to place it and charge me 200 out of pocket just to tell me that with a computer to find the codes. My car hasn’t moved in 2 months
While driving down the road, the car lost power on an interstate and then would randomly pick up power.
The contact owns a 2016 Nissan Rogue. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, there was an abnormal whining sound coming from the front of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, and it was determined that the sound was coming from the CVT transmission. The vehicle was later taken to the local Pep Boys Service Center which confirmed that the CVT transmission was faulty. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 67,000.
1. Driver's window stopped working. 2. After seeing similar online complaints about similiar issues with Nissan Rogue's from 2014 to 2017. I traced the issue to a severed wire of the left front door wiring harness; there are several additional wires with cracked insulation and these wires are exposed (see photos). The location is inside the rubber gromet between the car body and the door. The harness appears to be defective though it is not clear if it's a part defect or improper installation at time of manufacture. 3. This appears to be a fire hazard - several wires are exposed due to cracked wiring insulation. 4. (7-21-25) Opened case #[XXX] with Nissan North America Customer Support ("NNA"). 5. (7-22-25) NNA requested that a dealer technician needs to inspect. 6. (7-29-25) Brought vehicle to Chapman Nissan and the dealer technician confirmed the wiring issues (see report) and recommended replacement of the Left Front Door Wiring Harness. The part, #24125-4BA0D, is on national backorder. 7. (8-4-25) NNA rep, Rhonda, indicated that NNA would not be able to provide out-of-warranty assistance. When I pressed further if she had reviewed the photos, she would not acknowledge having them on file and was evasive. Rhonda threatened to terminate the call with in response to my questioning. Given the resistance, I ended the call. Note: It felt like NNA outsources these cases. 8. There were No dashboard warning lamps or sounds noting any wiring issue. 9. Note: there was a previous recall by Nissan that was associated with wiring in 2022. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Within one month of purchase, the vehicle had been switching out of the Drive gear, and making an unusual noise. The check engine light, and many others appeared on the dashboard. I brought the vehicle to the dealership within the 1 month post purchase, (no warranty) and was told that It was repaired. Within a week all lights re-appeared and the vehicle drove poorly, making an unusual noise. I took it to another mechanic, who inspected it and gave me a list of all errors that appeared on the device he used to check the engine.. I brought it back to the dealership and was told Id be given a call when a rental car was available. After another month and a half passed, I brought the car back to the dealership, and dropped it off, without being given a rental replacement. The repair shop claimed that they did not find any further problems. The vehicle still makes a noise when accelerating and is beginning to smell of smoke.
The contact owns a 2016 Nissan Rogue. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start after several attempts. There was no warning light illuminated. Due to the failure, the vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic; however, the mechanic was unable to determine the cause of the failure. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was unknown.
A component in my Transmission failed. I hooked it up to a code reader and it is saying its a solenoid. My car did not experience any warning signs or trouble. It just out if no where decided it wont go into reverse and move and it wont move in drive either. It did this and then after the engine made a noise the check engine light turned on. It is now at a repair shop being looked at. Again this happened out of the blue with no warning signs. I also have only had the car for one year.
Spare tire provided with vehicle is incorrect size causing drive train issues which can lead to vehicle locking up and or becoming inoperable.
I noticed my back wheel making a rubbing sound. When I stopped vehicle I noticed the back tire was leaning. Thought it was wheel bearing. Had it replaced and tire still was leaning. After closer inspection the suspension trailing control arms had rusted into causing tire to lean. It was on rear driver side. After inspection the rear passenger was also rusted and the metal was split. My concern is that this has happened to more vehicles like this and tire has broken off causing or could cause injury. I would have not thought a major part of an automobile would rust this quickly.
My check engine light came on spring of 2025 and my Rogue was losing speed from 80mph to 50mph on the intersate with the RPM's shooting up to 5-6. On 5/30/2025, I paid $800 to get the intake manifold sensor replaced. A few months later in October of 2025, engine light came back on and was having the same issue on the interstate. I took it in and I'm told its the actual intake manifold now. In October 2025, the part was on back order with no release date, it is now 1/20/2026. I have contacted nissan dealerships and looked online and at scrap yards. THIS PART IS IMPOSSIBLE TO FIND. If its been on back order for months, with none in America to be found, I can not be the only one with this issue.
Have a 2016 Nissan rogue purchased new and well maintained. It has 87,000 miles. Last week, out of the blue, the car dropped to 50 mph and would not go over that speed. This happened on a major highway. Thankfully able to get to the side of the road. Took it to the Nissan dealer where it was purchased and for $170 was told the transmission needed to be replaced for a cost of $7,100. Found out through the class action lawsuit info that you can speak to the Nissan good will directly because there was a known transmission issue for that particular year, make and model. My dealer did not tell me about this option. Called Nissan USA, spoke to Austin in their consumer affairs department where a claim was opened. Consumer affairs received the diagnostic report and made the decision that despite the overall condition and maintenance records, they could not extend the warranty as a courtesy to us. I find it ridiculous that Nissan knows there is a transmission problem in these cars, they were sued for and settled for the same make and model. This is a safety issue that Nissan should have to fix.
The back differential box gave out on me. Audible constant grinding of gears and leakage from the box. Underneath of car feels like it’s jumping around and sounds like a chain in dragging. No prior issues or warning signs/lights beforehand. Had hit a pothole, and this terrible grinding noise started. Took to my local NTB and they didn’t know the problem, thought a drive shaft initially. Took to Nissan for a second opinion and was quoted $4700 for a new back differential. I cannot drive it, as I don’t feel safe, and its apparent gears have either shifted out of place, or broke inside there. Decided not to spend the money to fix, considering the car is 9 years old and isn’t worth even $4700.
This complaint concerns a 2016 Nissan Rogue purchased from a used-vehicle dealership and involves safety-related defects present at or shortly after sale, raising concerns regarding inspection adequacy, disclosure accuracy, and systemic sales practices. Within days of purchase, the vehicle exhibited active water intrusion through the moonroof, interior ceiling stains, mold spotting, and moisture exposure to electronic components. These conditions indicate prolonged or pre-existing water intrusion rather than post-sale wear. Service personnel later advised that the vehicle showed indicators consistent with prior water or flood-related damage. The vehicle also demonstrated multiple mechanical and electrical malfunctions affecting safety and drivability. Subsequent inspection determined that handling and pulling issues were not caused by wheel alignment, but by worn sway bar frame bushings and cracked CV axle boots on both sides, indicating suspension and drivetrain deterioration. Noise initially attributed to rear brake issues was later identified as wheel bearing failure after prior evaluations misdiagnosed the source. Wheel bearing degradation is a progressive condition consistent with pre-existing mechanical wear. Additional defects included keyless entry and ignition errors, electrical shorts affecting interior systems, malfunctioning lift-gate controls, and crash-sensor irregularities occurring during rain and highway driving. These conditions created an unreasonable risk of impaired braking response, electronic failure, or loss of vehicle control. The vehicle was represented as inspected, safe, and reliable at the time of sale. However, the defects manifested immediately and required repeated repair attempts during the warranty period, resulting in significant loss of use.
The contact owned a 2016 Nissan Rogue. The contact stated that while driving at 65 MPH with the cruise control activated, the vehicle crashed into a deer that jumped into the middle of the roadway. During the crash, the vehicle was destroyed, but no air bags were deployed. The driver sustained a concussion, neck and back injury, which later required medical attention. The front passenger sustained a left knee injury, which did not require medical treatment. The daughter, seated in the rear passenger side seat, sustained a concussion, neck and back injury, and was transported from the crash site to the hospital. A police report was filed, and the vehicle was towed to the nearby salvage lot. The cause of the failure was not determined. The manufacturer and local dealer were not contacted. The failure mileage was 112,000.
The contact owns a 2016 Nissan Rogue. The contact stated that while parking the vehicle at 2 MPH, the vehicle suddenly accelerated forward. The vehicle jumped the curb, embankment, bushes, and crashed into the building in front. Parts of the vehicle caught onto the bushes, holding the vehicle while still crashing into the building. The air bags did not deploy. The police were not contacted. No police report. There were no injuries. The vehicle was damaged on the front end. The contact received assistance pushing the vehicle back into the parking space. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, who was unable to diagnose the cause of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and opened a case. The manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to file a safety complaint. The approximate failure mileage was 25,000.
With no prior warning or issues while driving on the freeway the rpm’s on my car just went in the redline and the car just lost power and I had to pull to the side of the road and that was that. Had to tow it home and it has not moved on its own since. Had it towed to dealer it’s a transmission failure. Total cost of repair $8500 and I’m at 131000 miles so past any extensions even purchased the extended warranty to 100000 miles when I bought it new for $40000.
My transmission is slow when I driving and loss power in hills
The contact owns a 2016 Nissan Rogue. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact became aware that the driver's side window was no longer functioning. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed a failure with the dashboard wiring harness. The contact stated that there was excessive moisture within the driver's side footwell, resulting in electrical failures. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V024000 (Electrical System); the VIN was included, but the vehicle had previously been inspected and it was determined that the repair was not necessary, and the VIN was removed from the recall. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was 130,000.
Auto was parked in driveway, facing garage (door opened). When I turned on ignition to place car in garage it accelerated without warning. My hard braking had no effect and car went through garage knocking out the back wall and a large portion of cement block foundation.
- The AC & Heater Assembly - Nissan (27210-4BU0A) on my 2016 Nissan Rouge went out and I believe it was the Intake Case Bracket (27751-4BU1A). It isn't helping the cold air and hot air to come in when I turn the dial in my car. - It is a safety due to harsh weather in the winter. It has gotten down to 20 degrees and I have had no heat in my car. - Yes, I took it to the Leith Nissan dealership to get a diagnostic and they told me the whole system needs to be replaced. - No, It has not been inspected by any of those. - The first time I noticed the problem was around January 1st. My heat was going in and out and then all around it started blowing cold air even on the warmest settings. It has been 3 weeks now of harsh and cold weather with no heat to keep me warm when driving to my job or anywhere.
- My AC/ Heat Control Unit failed and isn't able to send the signal to turn on heat and is now stuck on cool air. The part # is 2750044BB0C-A. It is in a 2016 Nissan Rouge and has lost connection. - It is a safety concern due to that I am unable to keep warm in harsh cold weather as well as I am unable to unfreeze my windshield so I can proceed with safe driving visibility. The only air blowing is cold air which doesn't mix with cold winter weather. - It has been inspected by a mechanic and he has said that it is an electrical problem because it isn't sending the correct signal to the rest of the AC/Heat unit to perform correctly. -When it was still working it kept going in and out with cold and hot air. Then it finally just stopped working. There was no sound or bangs to indicate it was finally broken. I just knew when I put the setting to heat it was not giving me hot air it was coming out as cool or really cold air.
I own a 2016 Nissan Rouge and the AC/ Heat climate control part #275004BB0C has gone out and I have attempted to get it fixed and replaced twice. Climates are too cold or too hot to not have access to working AC/Heat in North Carolina. I have gone all winter with no heat and it has been frustrating to keep warm while operating my vehicle. I have gotten 2 different mechanics to look at the car and I have even gone as far as to change the Thermostate and check all fluids in the engine. Nothing has changed. I believe it is an electrical issue due to the the AC/ Heat climate control part #275004BB0C replaced and having the 2nd part work for only a week to fail again.
The contact owns a 2016 Nissan Rogue. The contact stated that while driving at 65 MPH, the vehicle briefly began to rattle after which it lost all motive power. The contact was able to coast to the side of the roadway, where the vehicle failed to restart. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed a failure with the transmission. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was then towed to the dealer, who confirmed the diagnosis. The contact was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a case was opened. The failure mileage was 111,000.
My 2016 Nissan Rogue shakes terribly when it goes over 60 mph. This has been happening for over a year. I have twice taken it to garages for repair, most recently this week. They replaced the axels but this did nothing and they told me they have been reviewing Nissan service bulletins. They said they know the year of my car has had numerous transmission issues. So as of now, I can't drive my car at a speed over 60 mph. I don't feel safe driving it but don't want to shell out more money for speculative solutions that probably won't work and will just cost me more money.
1) While the car is in a gear OTHER than park, the key is able to be fully and completely removed from the ignition. 2) SIGNIFICANT rollaway risk and in direct violation of § 571.114 Standard No. 114; Theft protection and rollaway prevention. 49 CFR 571.114. Specifically subsection 5 (S5) 3) No 4) NO 5) No issues noticed, no warnings, lights, or other indications.
Following up on original report: 11628730. The ignition key can be removed while the vehicle is in Drive, creating a serious risk of unintended vehicle rollaway, which could result in property damage, injury, or death. This occurs every time the vehicle is in Drive. Follow-Up Request: I have received no response to my original report. I am formally requesting that this issue be: Logged in NHTSA’s safety defect database Reviewed and investigated as a potential safety defect Addressed with a recall or safety advisory if the defect is confirmed Additional Information: No accidents have occurred yet, but the safety risk is high. I am willing to provide additional documentation or demonstration of the defect if required
Have a 2016 Nissan rogue with about 49,000 miles. About two months ago, started experiencing judder when truck got above 50 miles an hour. Took it to a local mechanic where they performed a diagnostic and let us know there was a transmission problem. They advised to speak to the Nissan head office directly because there was a known transmission issue for that particular year, make and model. On 11/12/2024, called Nissan USA, spoke to Ashley in their consumer affairs department where a claim was opened. Ashley took information on the truck and based on the mileage said there was a possibility of a goodwill being offered. The truck had to be taken to one of Nissan’s service locations to have a diagnostics performed which was done on 11/20/2024. Once done and $200 later, Nissan confirmed that the transmission had to be replaced for about $8000. Consumer affairs received the diagnostic report and made the decision that despite the low mileage, they could not extend the warranty as a courtesy to us. I find it unfair that I have a vehicle that was drivable a few weeks ago, and with no fair warning, started having the same transmission problems that Nissan was sued for and settled for the same make and model. Please help me find some justice. Thank you.
Heading down the highway when my car started getting making a shuddering noise that got louder and the RPMs went up. Pulled off and check engine light came on. Ended up towing car and bringing it to auto repair shop where they determined it was a transmission issue, and suggested I take it to the Nissan dealer for more information.
Vehicle does not accelerate after 2 RPH Vehicle does not go into reverse Vehicle slips when going between 40 and 60 MPH Diagnostic testing from mechanic shows transmission failure
Airbag indicator, driver side warning lamps have been consistently on for the past 2 weeks now. Bought it used, but owned the vehicle for 2 years now. Called the Nissan Authorized Dealership, will charge me for diagnostic service.
Vehicle transmission is shaking, shuddering, bumping.
I own a 2016 Nissan Rogue. VIN: [XXX] . The transmission system (power train) is malfunctioning, showing fault code P17F1 and symptoms of slipping, delayed acceleration, and a heavy ride. The issue is intermittent but recurring. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. Safety is compromised during highway merging, uphill driving, and stop-and-go traffic. The vehicle hesitates or drags, which could lead to collisions or loss of control in high-speed or congested conditions. Passport Nissan Alexandria confirmed squirrel damage in August 2021, tied to Nissan’s use of soy-based wire insulation. They wrapped the wires with rat tape and recommended cayenne pepper, which I’ve consistently used. Despite these measures, the vehicle now shows signs of electrical instability affecting transmission performance. The original damage was confirmed by the dealership. The current issue has not yet been reproduced by a dealer or independent service center. I have submitted a warranty exception request to Nissan Consumer Affairs and Executive Consumer Affairs and requested a full diagnostic review. No warning lamps appeared prior to the failure. The symptoms began in early 2024 and have occurred multiple times since. The fault code was retrieved using an OBD-II scanner. This issue reflects a broader manufacturer vulnerability tied to material choices that attract rodents and create long-term electrical risk. Documentation includes a timestamped Facebook post and a dealership confirmation. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Transmission jerks while driving. It started with a few little jumps here and there, and before long rattling violently. Stopped accelerating in traffic.
The contact owns a 2016 Nissan Rogue. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The contact stated that the vehicle jerked forward, and the RPM increased. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with transmission failure. The contact was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 98,200.
My vehicle began to lose acceleration while driving on a busy highway in NJ. I was able to get off the road and proceeded to drive on side streets. I was temporarily unable to move after stopping at stop sign. Eventually I was able to get the vehicle home. I brought my car to my mechanic. It was established that is was the transmission (CVT). It needed to be replaced.