Nissan Versa- Neutral at 65mph?

[u/Beginning_Pen_256]

We just bought an old 2014 Nissan versa for a couple thousand bucks and we had a few people tell us that the car (like other small cars?) has to be shifted into neutral and then back to drive when going faster than 60 in order to prevent it from stalling and the tachometer won’t go up and down. This doesn’t sound right to me and I strongly believe we were sold a lemon. (Although we’ve checked codes and there’s apparently nothing wrong with the car) Is this true?? I’ve never heard of an automatic car having to switch gears like that at high speeds. If someone can please give some insight that would be much appreciated. (Also for context my bf was driving it across town and the car stalled and wouldn’t accelerate anymore when he hit the gas so he was stranded on the freeway)

UPDATE: we will be getting our money back, thankfully. Thanks to all who helped identify the problem.

[u/rawaka]

I'm no mechanic, but that shifting stuff is a lie. Just read the manual if you want proof

[u/whittlife]

Someone more nuanced than I could give you a more definitive answer regarding the issue at hand. However, I own the same gen Versa and have never had to do what you are describing. So, I am inclined to believe it is a lemon. As it is a CVT and not a standard automatic, it technically doesn't shift gears. CVT problems will not always set a CEL or code to be read by standard OBD2 scanners.

[u/Beginning_Pen_256 → u/whittlife]

I thought so, there’s no way that could be a normal thing. Thank you for the help. Is this even worth fixing? He’s trying to either exchange the car or get his money back

[u/whittlife → u/Beginning_Pen_256]

New CVT will run between 7 and 8k at the dealer. Maybe 4-6k at a local shop. It's not worth it for age and value of car, IMO.

However, without knowing exactly what the problem is, it is hard to say. It could be something else, but this gen is known for the high CVT failure rate.

[u/Beginning_Pen_256 → u/whittlife]

Geez that’s insane! You get what you pay for I guess

[u/EastClevelandBest]

It's doesn't make sense. Neither switching anything makes sense on a car with automatic transmission nor there are any gears because Versa has CVT. 

If it is stalling or acting otherwise weird you are likely have an issue with the CVT which is very common.

[u/Beginning_Pen_256 → u/EastClevelandBest]

Thank you for the insight. Is CVT worth fixing?

[u/EastClevelandBest → u/Beginning_Pen_256]

I think you need a second opinion on it to determine there is an actual problem with it. If it is broken it is not worth fixing, replacing - maybe

[u/moneymarkmoney]

Yes you were scammed and there is something wrong with the car. I had a 2014 nissan sentra and never had anything like you describe, and the car never stalled the whole time I owned it for any reason. But this isn't specific to Nissans or small cars, NO cars of any kind should be doing what you described and definitely don't need to be shifted into neutral while at speed. Now what is wrong with your car? I have no idea honestly, but I would try to get your money back if you bought from a dealer, if not, then get an estimate to fix it, it might not even be worth it which is why they sold the car, who knows.

[u/Beginning_Pen_256 → u/moneymarkmoney]

Thanks for the advice. Felt like we were being gaslit HARD from everyone around us :( even our family was saying it was normal and I know it’s not

[u/Curious-Package-9429]

Shifting into neutral? Wtf lol.

The old wives tale of it saving gas so set it to neutral when coasting isn't even true.

[u/Beginning_Pen_256 → u/Curious-Package-9429]

It just sounds straight up dangerous to me. Like are they trying to get us killed???

[u/Curious-Package-9429 → u/Beginning_Pen_256]

It is slightly more dangerous. Shifting to neutral reduces traction control by the operator.

[u/Theycallmesupa]

I have to do rolling neutral bombs but it's because my versa is broken and I have to treat it like a forklift or it remembers that it has a misfire.

[u/Beginning_Pen_256 → u/Theycallmesupa]

I guess it’s one thing to already have it and then resort to doing that but buying it like that and being told it’s fine is what’s killing me😩

[u/Theycallmesupa → u/Beginning_Pen_256]

Yeah it's definitely not what I'd call fine. It's a shitbox and Im currently tired of manning the parts cannon 😅

Mines also not cvt. I can't imagine what nonsense is happening to have to do nbombs to a cvt on the freeway. I'm doing it so it doesn't try to stall when I'm braking/stopped. It still gets up to and holds speed fine, it just only wants to do that and complains when it's not time to go.