NHTSA Service Bulletin 10176203: 2012-2017 Nissan Altima
Official manufacturer communication context for 2012-2017 Nissan Altima, with affected products, buyer checks and links into Carchieve recall, problem and VIN research.
Reviewed June 2026 from NHTSA manufacturer communication and service bulletin records. Carchieve is independent and not affiliated with any vehicle manufacturer or government agency.
CVT Repairs Repair Recommendation: Dealers are advised to use all diagnostic information available in the ESM, TSBs, and ASIST to determine the appropriate repair for a customers concern. Nissan recommends CVT assembly replacement be offered whenever diagnostics have led a dealer to determine a belt and pulley sub assembly repair will resolve a customers concern and the vehicle time in service or mileage is equal to or greater than 84 months in service or 84,000 miles. This recommendation provides longer-term durability for customer satisfaction. Customers required to pay out-of-pocket for these repairs may still choose belt and pulley sub assembly repair in lieu of CVT unit replacement if they prefer that option. Note: This recommendation only applies to belt and pulley sub assembly repairs. Do not recommend CVT unit replacement when the diagnosis is for software updates or control valves.
What this bulletin may mean before buying
Treat this as service research, not a verdict on one car. Before you buy, compare this communication with official recall campaigns, model-level owner complaint patterns, and the exact vehicle’s VIN-decoded specifications. A bulletin can help you ask a seller or dealer sharper questions about software updates, known repairs, warranty extensions and service history.
Affected products listed in this communication
Buyer checklist
- Run the 17-character VIN and confirm the year, make, model, engine and equipment match the listing.
- Check recall campaign pages for safety actions that may require dealer repair.
- Compare this bulletin with common problem pages for the same model and component area.
- Ask the seller or dealer whether the bulletin procedure, update or inspection has already been completed.
- Use the used-car buying checklist and get an independent inspection.
Frequently asked questions
What is NHTSA service bulletin 10176203?
CVT Repairs Repair Recommendation: Dealers are advised to use all diagnostic information available in the ESM, TSBs, and ASIST to determine the appropriate repair for a customers concern. Nissan recommends CVT assembly replacement be offered whenever diagnostics have led a dealer to determine a belt and pulley sub assembly repair will resolve a customers concern and the vehicle time in service or mileage is equal.
Is a service bulletin the same as a recall?
No. A recall is a safety campaign with a required remedy for affected VINs. A service bulletin or manufacturer communication usually describes diagnostic, repair, software, warranty or service information.
How should a used-car buyer use this bulletin?
Use it as a research signal. Compare it with recalls, owner complaints, service records, a VIN report and an independent inspection before buying.
Check the exact VIN before you buy
Model-level pages show public safety patterns. A full VIN report helps confirm the exact vehicle, decoded specs, recall applicability and buyer checks.
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