2013 Nissan Maxima

Routine

Owners filed 62 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the transmission. No safety recall has been issued.

One of the better Nissan Maxima years: fewer complaints than most, without an unusual share of serious ones. Which Nissan Maxima years to avoid →

When it fails
020k40k60k90k120k200k
62,000 milesMedian miles at failure

51 complaints record an odometer reading. Failures cluster around 0–10,000 miles.

Most common 2013 Nissan Maxima problems

21 of the 62 complaints (34%) are about the transmission.

ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Power Train · transmission21
000
Air Bags · airbags16
101
Exterior Lighting · headlights8
000
Unknown or Other4
000
Engine4
000
Structure › Body · body and frame2
000
Service Brakes · brakes2
000
Visibility/Wiper · wipers1
000
Steering1
000
Fuel/Propulsion System · fuel and propulsion system1
000

What owners reported

Newest filings
Exterior Lighting
Filed Dec 19, 2025GA

I have a 2013 Nissan Maxima in my headlights are horrible when they are on dim you cannot see in front of you so bad that it's liable to cause a bad wreck I have to ride with my headlights on bright and it's not much better I have replaced the bulbs in both headlights twice it has not improved anything I think it is a very dangerous thing in could call someone to get hurt because no one can see I've not been pulled over by the police or anything but I have to ride with my headlights on bright and I know it blinds people sometimes I think there needs to be a recall because I have a lot of friends that have Nissans and they have the same problem

Engine
Filed Apr 11, 20247,500 milesIN

The contact owns a 2013 Nissan Maxima. The contact stated that while accelerating from a stop, the vehicle stalled with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was able to restart on the third attempt however the failure recurred. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the engine, the crankshaft, and the cylinder heads needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired but the failure persisted. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a case was opened. The failure mileage was 7,500. The VIN was not available.

Exterior Lighting
Filed Nov 18, 2023AR

1. Both headlights on dim are so dim that you cannot drive safely, they do not project in front of the car far enough to see at night, dawn or dusk. I am concerned if other cars I meet can even see me approaching. My flashlight shines brighter and farther. I have replaced the bulbs for the dim lights and it did no good. 2. Drove to California and was in west Texas after dark, could not see the road after dark. 3. My relative is a mechanic and he has confirmed the defective illumination with my dim lights. 4. It has not been confirmed by any officials such as insurance or police. 5. I noticed this problem about 1 year ago. I have been having to run bright lights if I must drive after dark. This is dangerous, illegal if meeting another car, etc. This is a seriously dangerous problem. I have researched on the internet for several weeks looking for a solution. I finally ran across your website. I did see that the Nissan Altima had a recall for their defective headlights. This should also be a recall for the Maxima. I have driven Nissan's for many years and never had this defect. I don't know how recalls are initiated but if it is through the nhtsa it should be investigated promptly as this issue could cost someone's life. If this is the agency that initiates a recall this should happen NOW. All of us Maxima drivers who are having this issue of which according to my research are many, would appreciate any help. I'm sure many Maxima drivers are not aware there is a complaint proced

Exterior Lighting › Headlights
Filed Jun 14, 2023120,000 milesMS

The contact owns a 2013 Nissan Maxima. The contact stated while driving at night, the driver’s, and passenger's side headlights were very dim, failing to properly illuminate the roadway, causing a visibility hazard for the driver. The contact stated that the light bulbs were replaced but the failure persisted. The vehicle was not repaired. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The local dealer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 120,000.

Engine
Filed Jan 12, 2023OK

The transmission is failing in my car it doesn't want to go. stalling out shuttering,jerking.

Unknown or Other
Filed Sep 27, 2022NM

A recall and class action lawsuit was issued for the 2013 altima but not the 2013 maxima. they have the same cvt transmission, my cvt transmission on my maxima just went out. Both the maxima and the altima should have been included in these recalls if they have the exact same CVT transmission

Power Train
Filed May 3, 2021139,700 milesTX

I WAS TRAVELING FROM HOUSTON, TX TO DALLAS, TX MIDDAY ON MAY 1, 2021. I WAS APPROXIMATELY 40 MILES OUTSIDE OF DALLAS ON I-45 TRAVELING 75 MPH WHEN I SUDDENLY FELT A SPUTTER AND THEN THE SPEED INSTANTLY DECREASED FROM 75 MPH TO 20 MPH ON A BUSY MAJOR INTERSTATE. I WAS ALMOST HIT TWICE AS I TRIED TO EXIT THE INTERSTATE WITH CARS TRAVELING UPWARDS OF 75+ MPH, BLOWING AND HONING AND CURSING ME. I MADE IT OFF THE INTERSTATE AND TURNED THE CAR OFF. AFTER MAKING SEVERAL CALLS FOR HELP, I WAS INSTRUCTED BY A MECHANIC TO WAIT A FEW MINUTES AND RESTART THE CAR AND TRY TO ACCELERATE WHILE ON THE FEEDER. SO I DID, AND THE CAR DID ACCELERATE ENOUGH TO GET BACK ON THE INTERSTATE. I HAD TO DO THIS 5 TIMES TO GET THE REMAINDER OF THE 40 MILES TO M DESTINATION. I TOOK MY CAR TO METRO DALLAS NISSAN IN FLOWER MOUND, TX ON MAY 3, 2021. I WAS TOLD THE INSPECTION FOUND CODES P1778, P0778 FOUND IN ECM AND TCM FOUND TRANSMISSION TO BE SLIPPING AND THEREFORE, THE CVT ASSEMBLY NEEDED TO BE REPLACED.....= $5523.00!!!! I HAVE ALWAYS HAD MY CAR SERVICED AT NISSAN DEALERSHIPS, MAINTAINED THE CAR IMPECCABLY, DRIVEN WITH CARE AND I AM DEVASTATED! ALTHOUGH THE CAR IS 8 YEARS OLD WITH 139K MILES, THERE IS NO LOGICAL REASON FOR THE TRANSMISSION TO NEED REPLACING EXCEPT FOR DEFECTIVE EQUIPMENT FROM NISSAN. I PLAN TO CONTINUE TO PURSUE THE MATTER. I CANNOT AFFORD TO SPEND $5K ON A CAR I WORKED SO HARD TO PAY OFF.

Power Train
Filed Apr 26, 2021168,000 milesTN

I WAS DRIVING MY 2013 NISSAN MAXIMA AS I NORMALLY DO EVERY DAY. THEN WITHOUT ANY WARNING IT WOULD NOT ACCELERATE. THANK GOD I HAD ENOUGH MOMENTUM TO GET IT TO A SAFE PLACE AND OUT OF THE HIGHWAY. I ALMOST GOT HIT IN THE BACK TO BECAUSE I HAD THE MAKE A QUICK TURN TO GET IT OUT OF THE STREET AND INTO A PARKING LOT. AND AFTER I STOPPED THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON.

Power Train
Filed Apr 18, 2021112,000 milesOH

THE VEHICLE WAS IN A PARKED POSITION AT MY HOME. WENT AND STARTED VEHICLE AND FROM PARK TO DRIVE IT HESITATED BEFORE IT STARTS TO MOVE.

Exterior Lighting
Filed Feb 25, 2021GA

THE DIM LIGHTS APPEAR NOT TO BE ON WHEN DRIVING AT NIGHT OR EARLY MORNING. I HAVE TO DRIVE WITH MY BRIGHT LIGHTS ON. I THOUGHT THE BULB CASE WAS CLOUDY BUT THAT IS NOT THE SITUATION. THE DIM LIGHTS SIMPLY DO NOT SHINE AS THEY SHOULD. THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS TO MYSELF AND OTHER DRIVERS THAT I APPROACH. I THOUGHT I WAS THE ONLY OWNER OF A NISSAN MAXIMA WITH THIS PROBLEM BUT, I AM NOT. MY FRIEND IS HAVING THE EXACT SAME PROBLEM.

Exterior Lighting
Filed Aug 30, 2020CA

BOTH HEADLIGHTS ARE VERY VERY DIM LIGHT CAN ONLY BE SEEN 1 FOOT AWAY FROM THE HEADLIGHTS I HAVE EVERYTHING INCLUDING CHANGING THE H11 LIGHT BULBS

Power Train
Filed Jun 23, 2020110,000 milesTN

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 NISSAN MAXIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE APPROACHING A STOP SIGN, THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO RESPOND. THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED AND WENT TO THE FLOORBOARD WHILE THE VEHICLE SHUDDERED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AUTONATION NISSAN MEMPHIS (4140 HACKS CROSS ROAD, MEMPHIS, TN 38125) TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 110,000.

Exterior Lighting
Filed Feb 26, 202060,000 milesWA

THE LOW BEAM HEAD LIGHTS DO NOT REFLECT HARDLY ANY LIGHT ON THE ROAD AT NIGHT. IT IS DANGEROUS AS YOU CAN NOT SEE THE ROAD AT NIGHT. MY FOG LIGHTS GIVE OFF MORE LIGHT THEN MY LOW BEAMS. I HAVE REPLACED THE LIGHTS AND IT MAKES NO DIFFERNCE. I HAVE TRIED 4 DIFFERENT LOW BEAM LIGHTS AND IT MAKES NO DIFFERENCE IN THE LIGHT OUTPUT. THIS SHOULD BE A RECALL BY NISSAN, THERE ARE MANY OTHER COMPLAINTS ONLINE REGARDING THIS SAME ISSUE! IT'S VERY DISAPPOINTING THAT THE DEALER SHIP WANTS 1000 DOLLARS TO CHANGE THE WHOLE LIGHT ASSEMBLY. NO OTHER CAR NEEDS THIS DONE, YOU CHANGE A LIGHT BULB. WHY DO I NEED TO REPLACE THE HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLY BECAUSE I DRIVE A NISSAN MAXIMA? THE DEALERSHIP SAYS IT'S A KNOWN ISSUE THAT THE REFLECTOR LENS IN THE LOW BEAMS DECAY. THAT'S A MANUFACTURER DEFECT.

Power Train
Filed Oct 20, 2019156,000 milesNV

MY 2013 NISSAN MAXIMA SLOWED DOWN WHILE ON THE HIGHWAY DOING 60 MPH THEN A SPUTTERING NOISE FOLLOWS WITH A LARGE BOOM AND WINDING NOISE, CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. TOOK MY CAR TO AUTOZONE CODE STATED CVT TRANSMISSION PROBLEM. THIS CAR IS ONLY 6 YEARS OLD WHY WOULD I NEED AN TRANSMISSION. I'M SO DISAPPOINTED WITH NISSAN

Engine
Filed Sep 24, 2019105,054 milesMS

I WAS STOPPING FOR GAS TO HEAD BACK TO WORK, THEN I REALIZED THAT A CLOUD OF SMOKE NEVER SEEN IT BEFORE.

Exterior Lighting
Filed Sep 12, 201960,000 milesTX

THE DIM HEADLIGHT SETTING IS SO DIM THAT CAR CAN NOT BE SAFELY OPERATED AFTER DARK WITHOUT TURNING ON THE BRIGHT LIGHT SETTING. IT IS A SAFETY HAZZARD! I HAVE BEEN A MECHANIC FOR 30 YEARS AND HAVE NEVER SEEN SUCH POOR HEADLIGHTS. I HAVE CHANGED THE BULBS BUT IT HAS MADE NO DIFFERENCE. I HAVE READ SEVERAL FOUMS ABOUT THE ALTIMA MODEL HAVING THIS SAME PROBLEM. THEY SHOULD BE RECALLED BY THE MANUFACTURER. THEY ARE DANGEROUS.

Power Train
Filed Sep 2, 201910,320 milesAR

AS I WAS DRIVING ON HIGHWAY FROM ARKANSAS TO TEXAS MY CAR STARTED MAKING THIS REALLY LOUD NOISE AS I WAS ACCELERATING. I WAS ONLY AT 60 MPH AND THE CAR WAS STILL MAKING THE NOISE BUT AS I WAS INCREASING MY SPEED TO PASS AND SWITCH LANES MY CAR SEEM LIKE IT BECAME STUCK AND WOULDN'T LET ME ACCELERATE OR GO ANY FASTER AND MY RPM JUMPED TO 5. I PULLED OVER AND RESTED MY CAR FOR A MINUTE TOOK IT TO O REILEY TO GET IT CHECKED SINCE MY SERVICE ENGINE SOON LIGHT HAD COME ON AND THE CODE THAT RETURNED WAS CODE P1778 SOMETHING THEY STATED THAT PERTAIN TO THE STEP MOTOR FUNCTION/TRANSMISSION.

Power Train
Filed Aug 15, 2019104,000 milesTX

VEHICLE LOST POWER NO WARNING WHILE DRIVING ON FREEWAY ALMOST HAD A WRECK THEN THE SPEED PICKED UP OUT OF NOW WHERE. THE RPMS WERE CLIMBED TO 4 AND THEN THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. I WAS ABLE TO GET TO AN AUTOZONE TO READ THE CODE AND IT GAVE ME A P1778 TELLING ME THAT THE STEPPER MOTOR WAS MALFUNCTIONING AND I NEED TO REPLACE THE TRANSMISSION I'VE ONLY HAD THIS CAR FOR 2 1/2 YEARS MY WARRANTY HAS EXPIRED AND I'M AT A LOSS FOR WORDS

Power Train
Filed Jun 16, 2019105,000 milesFL

TAMARA RECALL: I WAS DRIVING FROM JACKSONVILLE TO ORLANDO WHEN THE RPMS SUDDENLY DROPPED AND THE CAR LOST SPEED IMMEDIATELY. AS I DEPRESSED THE GAS PEDAL, THE CAR WOULDN'T ACCELERATE NO MATTER HOW HARD I PRESSED THE GAS PEDAL. I HAD ENOUGH SPEED TO GET ON THE SHOULDER. I RESTARTED THE CAR AND IT DROVE GOOD FOR ABOUT 5 MINS AND THE THE SAME THING HAPPENED. I TOOK THE CAR TO THE SHOP AND THEY SAID IT'S THE TRANSMISSION. I ONLY HAVE ONE HUNDRED FIVE THOUSAND MILES ON IT AND I STILL OWE 8 THOUSAND BUCKS ON IT.

Power Train
Filed May 25, 201969,000 milesTX

YOU FEEL THE CAR PULLING AND JERKING. THEN THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. WE HAD THE CODE CHECKED AND IT WAS P1778 - TRANSMISSION REVERSE I/P CIRCUIT. IT APPEARS TO DO THIS ON LONGER TRIPS OUT ON THE HIGHWAY AND NOT AS MUCH AROUND TOWN.

Structure › Body
Filed May 21, 2019VA

WATER BUILD UP AND SWISHING BACK AND FORTH IN MY REAR DOOR, HAVE TO KEEP REMOVING THE RUBBER SEAL AND DRAINING THE WATER....WILL CAUSE EROSION, POOR GAS MILEAGE DUE TO WEIGHT OF THE WATER...

Power Train
Filed May 6, 201970,000 milesGA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 NISSAN MAXIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TRANSMISSION WAS SLOW TO CHANGE GEARS. THE SPEED WOULD DECREASE UNTIL THE GEAR CHANGED OVER, AND THEN THE VEHICLE WOULD SUDDENLY ACCELERATE. AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC DIAGNOSED THAT THE CONTINUOUSLY VARIABLE TRANSMISSION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 70,000.

Power Train
Filed Apr 29, 2019172,947 milesAL

TRANSMISSION

Exterior Lighting
Filed Mar 23, 201995,000 milesIL

LOW BEAM HEADLIGHTS ARE SO DIM THEY CREATE A SAFETY HAZARD.

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Mar 9, 201939,997 milesWI

I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE IN 2017 WITH 39997 MILES ON IT. WHEN I TOOK IT TO THE GAS STATION THE PUMP SHUT OFF EVERY 6 CENTS. THE PLACE I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE AT WOULDN'T DO ANYTHING BECAUSE THE CAR WAS SOLD "AS IS' AND A WEEK HAD PASSED. I DIDN'T TAKE THE CAR IN FOR REPAIRS BECAUSE I DIDN'T HAVE THE MONEY . I REFINANCED THE VEHICLE IN 2018. SHORTLY AFTER THAT I RECEIVED I LETTER IN THE MAIL FROM NISSAN OF A WARRANTY POLICY ENHANCEMENT WHICH WAS FOR COMPLETE EVAP TUBE BLOCKAGE. READING FURTHER THE LETTER DESCRIBED EXACTLY WHAT MY CAR WAS DOING. SO I TAKE THE CAR TO PISCHKE MOTORS NISSAN FOR REPAIRS. THE CAR HAD 69978 MILES ON IT AT THAT TIME. THEY TOLD ME THAT IT HAD TO BE A COMPLETE EVAP TUBE BLOCKAGE TO BE COVERED BY THE WARRANTY. I WAS THINKING THAT THATS WHAT IT HAD TO BE BECAUSE THAT IS EXACTLY WHAT MY CAR WAS DONG. WELL THE TECH GUY STATES THAT HE CAN GET SMOKE TO RUN THROUGH THE EVAP SYSTEM, VENT VALVE WORKING, FOUND AIR TO PASS THROUGH THE FUEL FILTER AND BYPASS LINE AND HE STATES THAT ITS ACTING LIKE THE FUEL TANK IS HAVING AN INTERNAL OBSTRUCTION. I HAD TO PAY $116.05 FOR THE DIAGNOSTICS AND THEY TRIED TO SELL ME A NEW GAS TANK FOR $ 1200.00. NISSAN SENT ME THE LETTER BECAUSE THEY KNEW THE VEHICLES HAD ISSUES. WHY SHOULDN'T THEY HAVE TO COVER A PARTIAL BLOCKAGE? I'M VERY UPSET THAT I HAD TO PAY OUT MONEY AND NOTHING WAS FIXED. SEEMED LIKE A SCAM TO ME.

Service Brakes
Filed Dec 11, 2018102,000 milesIL

MY CAR ALL OF A SUDDEN STOPPED ON IT'S OWN WHILE DRIVING ON THE EXPRESSWAY. I DIDN'T PRESS THE BRAKE PEDAL OR ANYTHING. I HAD TO GET OUT OF MY CAR IN THE MIDDLE OF TRAFFIC & WAIT ON A TOW. THE MECHANIC SHOP SAID THAT IT WAS VERY DANGEROUS FOR THE CAR TO DO THAT.

Power Train
Filed Sep 25, 2018106,034 milesCA

DRIVING DOWN THE 680 FREEWAY IN RUSH HOUR MORNING TRAFFIC. IN FAST LANE GOING WITH SPEED OF TRAFFIC (APPROX. 75 MPH) CAR SUDDENLY LOSES POWER. RPM START TO GO CRAZY. CAR DOES NOT RESPOND TO ACCELERATOR. DROPPED FROM 75 MPH TO 0 MPH IN MATTER OF SECONDS. VERY SCARY EXPERIENCE. STUCK ON SIDE OF THE FREEWAY UNTIL TOW TRUCK ARRIVED. HAD A PANIC ATTACK. NO WARNING SIGNS. TOW TO A MECHANIC, MY TRANSMISSION IS SHOT. AT 106K MILES AND A 2013 MODEL, I DID NOT EXPECT THIS. OWE TONS OF MONEY STILL ON THE CAR. HAVE TO PAY $5000 TO FIX THE CVT TRANSMISSION AND REPLACE WITH A "NEW" CVT TRANSMISSION. SAME CRAPPY, DEFECTIVE TRANSMISSION FOR $5K. AND NISSAN ONLY WARRANTIES THOSE FOR 12 TO 18 MONTHS OR 12 OR 18K MILES.

Exterior Lighting
Filed Sep 23, 201841,000 milesOK

THE DIM HEADLIGHT SETTING IS SO DIM THAT CAR CAN NOT BE SAFELY OPERATED AFTER DARK WITHOUT TURNING ON THE BRIGHT LIGHT SETTING. IT IS A SAFETY HAZZARD! I HAVE BEEN A MECHANIC FOR 30 YEARS AND HAVE NEVER SEEN SUCH POOR HEADLIGHTS. I HAVE CHANGED THE BULBS BUT IT HAS MADE NO DIFFERENCE. I HAVE READ SEVERAL FOUMS ABOUT THE ALTIMA MODEL HAVING THIS SAME PROBLEM. THEY SHOULD BE RECALLED BY THE MANUFACTURER. THEY ARE DANGEROUS.

Steering
Filed Sep 23, 201893,500 milesAR

MY SON WAS DRIVING HOME 09/21/18 WHEN THE PASSENGER SIDE TIE ROD BROKE. THE PIECE THAT BROKE SCREWS INTO THE RACK AND HAS A BALL SWIVEL IN IT AND THEN SCREWS INTO THE ACTUAL TIE ROD END. THE PIECE AT THE BREAK LOOKS AS IF IT WAS BROKEN PART WAY THROUGH DUE TO THE METAL BEING DARKER IN THAT AREA. THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION AND HAD JUST COMPLETED A LEFT HAND TURN ON A RUAL BLACKTOP ROAD. I AM CONCERNED BECAUSE THIS IS A PART THAT JUST SHOULD NOT FAIL AS IT IS MY UNDERSTANDING THAT THEY ARE MADE FROM A CHROME VANADIUM ALLOY WHICH MAKES THEM JUST ABOUT INDESTRUCTIBLE UNDER NORMAL USE AND CONDITIONS. I HAVE TRIED TO FURNISH A PICTURE AND AM NOT SURE IF IT WAS SUCCESSFULLY UPLOADED TO YOU. IF NOT PLEASE CONTACT ME BY EMAIL AND I CAN ATTACH IT TO A RETURN EMAIL TO YOU. THE PICTURE SHOWS THE BROKEN PART STILL ON THE CAR. I REPAIRED THE CAR MYSELF AND HAVE THE BROKEN PART IN MY POSSESSION IF YOU NEED IT.

Power Train
Filed Aug 23, 2018109,000 milesTX

I HAVE HAD THIS VEHICLE FOR 2 YEARS AND IT'S ONLY A 5 YEAR OLD CAR. I FIND IT DISTURBING THAT NISSAN IS WELL AWARE OF THE CVT TRANSMISSION ISSUES ON THESE VEHICLES AND THEY HAVE NOT BEEN RECALLED. THEY PUT MY KIDS AND MYSELF IN DANGER WHEN MY CAR ALL OF A SUDDEN DIDN'T FUNCTION CORRECTLY. I WAS MAKING A U-TURN AND IT WOULD NOT ACCELERATE, WE ALMOST GOT HIT BY TWO CARS OF ONCOMING TRAFFIC! I TOOK THE CAR IN TO THE NISSAN DEALERSHIP AND IT WILL COST $5K TO REPLACE THE TRANSMISSION THAT THEY CAN ONLY GUARANTEE 12,000/ 1 YEAR AFTER THE REPAIR, WHICH WILL NOT BE COVERED UNDER MY WARRANTY BECAUSE IT EXPIRED. THIS IS SO UNFAIR. I STILL OWE A LOT OF MONEY FOR THIS CAR SINCE I FINANCED IT, SO I AM STUCK WITH THE REPAIR COST. NISSAN NEEDS TO OWN UP TO THIS ISSUE AND DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT!!!

Unknown or Other
Filed Mar 19, 201862,000 milesTX

CAR WOULD ACCELERATE TO MAXIMUM THROTTLE WHEN SITTING AT RED LIGHT OR AT STOP I WOULD HAVE TO APPLY BRAKE REAL HARD TO HOLD IT FROM TAKING OFF, SHIFTING INTO NEUTRAL WOULD JUST CAUSE IT TO REV UNCONTROLLABLY, I WOULD HAVE TO TURN THE CAR OFF AND ON A FEW TIMES TO GET IT TO STOP. I TOOK CAR TO DEALER AND THE CLAIMED THEY COULD NOT REPRODUCE THE SAME SYMPTOM. I FINALLY TOOK IT TO ANOTHER DEALER AND THEY SAID IT WAS A SOFTWARE CLICH. AND HAD TO RELOAD THE SOFTWARE AGAIN AT MY COST OF COURSE. I FEEL THIS IS NOT A UNUSUAL PROBLEM BECAUSE I HAD A PATHFINDER THAT DID THIS SAME THING AND NISSAN KNOWS OF THIS BUT WILL NOT ADMIT IT. VERY SCARY AND DANGEROUS TO ME MY PASSENGER AND THE PUBLIC. LIKE I SAID IT HAPPENS IN SLOW TRAFFIC IN CITY DRIVING ON CROWED STREETS.

Air BagsCrash1 injured
Filed Feb 7, 201858,000 milesLA

NO 'TAKATA RECALL' AT THIS MOMENT BUT I WAS INJURED BECAUSE AIRBAG FAILED IN MY CHEST

Service Brakes
Filed Feb 6, 201839,113 milesMD

IN DECEMBER OF 2016 I WAS DRIVING MY CAR OUT OF MY DRIVEWAY, AND THE CAR WOULD NOT STOP WHEN BRAKES WERE APPLIED. THIS OCCURRED OVER THE COURSE OF 3 DAYS, AND I TOOK THE CAR TO THE DEALERSHIP WHERE IT HAS A SERVICE HISTORY RECORD. THEY INDICATED THAT THE BRAKE BOOSTER AND THE MASTER CYLINDER WERE BOTH LEAKING, AND THEY WERE GOING TO BE REPLACED. THE CAR WAS RELEASED TO ME APPROXIMATELY 1 WEEK LATER. UPON DRIVING THE CAR THE NEXT MORNING AT MY HOME THE SAME PROBLEM CONTINUED TO HAPPEN. I TOOK THE CAR BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP WHERE THEY KEPT THE CAR FOR 1 WEEK AND DROVE IT 300 MILES, AND THEY SAID THE CAR HAS NO PROBLEM. I DETERMINED THAT THIS PROBLEM OCCURS IN COLD WEATHER. THEY ASKED ME TO COME AND GET THE CAR. IN APPROXIMATELY DECEMBER OF 2017 I WAS BACKING OUT OF MY DRIVEWAY AND I COULD NOT STOP THE CAR AND ROLLED DOWN THE HILL INTO A DITCH. THE CAR WOULD NOT STOP. I PUT ON THE EMERGENCY BRAKE AND WAS ABLE TO GET THE CAR BACK INTO THE DRIVEWAY. OVER THE NEXT TWO DAYS, AS A TEST I WOULD START THE CAR TO SEE IF I COULD BACK THE CAR OUT OF THE DRIVEWAY, AND AGAIN NO BRAKES TO STOP THE CAR. I CALLED THE DEALERSHIP AND TOOK THE CAR BACK, WHERE THE INDICATED THAT THE BRAKE BOOSTER WAS LEAKING AND NEEDED TO BE REPAIRED. THEY REPAIRED IT AND A FEW DAYS LATER ASKED ME TO PICK UP THE CAR. WHEN PICKING UP THE CAR AT THE DEALERSHIP, I PLACED MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE TO START THE CAR, AND THE CAR WOULD NOT START. THE SENIOR SERVICE TECHNICIAN CAME OUT TO EVALUATE AND IT TOOK HIM 4 ATTEMPTS WH

Unknown or Other
Filed Feb 2, 2018144,000 milesAL

MY SON AND I WERE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD AROUND 45 MPH WHEN WHEN HEARD WHAT SOUNDED LIKE A GUN SHOT. I NOTICED TINY PIECES OF GLASS ON MY CONSOLE AND LOOKED UP TO SEE MY SUNROOF WAS SHATTERED INTO A MILLION PIECES. THERE WERE NO OBJECTS AROUND THE SUNROOF OR COMING UP FROM THE ROADS THAT WOULD HAVE CAUSED THIS.

Structure › Body
Filed Jan 27, 201855,000 milesCA

I WAS SITTING IN MY CAR MOTOR OFF DURING LUNCH. I HEARD A HUGE EXPLOSION LIKE A GUNSHOT AND I THOUGHT I GOT SHOT. I WAS SHOCKED AND STARTLED I RAN OUT OF THE CAR. I INSPECTED MYSELF AND I LOOKED AROUND AND I WALKED UP TO MY CAR AND NOTICED THAT MY SUNROOF WAS HEAVILY DAMAGED. I CALLED NINE-ONE-ONE A POLICE OFFICER ARRIVED AND THE POLICE OFFICER SAID THAT MY SUNROOF EXPLODED.

Air Bags
Filed Nov 28, 2017CA

WHEN AN ADULT SITS IN THE PASSENGER SEAT (SOME OVER 200LBS) THE "AIRBAG OFF" LIGHT REMAINS ON. THIS IS FROM STARTING THE CAR, DRIVING, UNTIL THE END OF THE TRIP.

Visibility/Wiper
Filed Nov 17, 201762,000 milesTX

EXPLODING SUNROOF. WHILE DRIVING (ABOUT 65 MPH) ON INTERSTATE IN HOUSTON, SUNROOF/MOONROOF EXPLODED. 6:45AM ON FRIDAY NOV 17, 2017

Air Bags
Filed Nov 6, 2017FL

WHEN TRANSPORTING SOME ADULT PASSENGERS IN THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT, THE "PASSENGER AIRBAG OFF" LIGHT REMAINS ON THROUGHOUT THE TRIP. THIS WOULD SEEM TO ME TO INDICATE THAT IN THE EVENT OF A FRONT-END COLLISION, THE AIRBAG WOULD FAIL TO DEPLOY BECAUSE IT IS OFF. I BROUGHT MY CAR IN TO THE DEALER, WHO WAS UNABLE TO REPLICATE THE SITUATION. NO PROBLEM COULD BE FOUND. I REMAIN CONCERNED BECAUSE THE LIGHT STILL REMAINS ON WITH ADULT PASSENGERS WEIGHING BETWEEN 110 AND 155 POUNDS. THIS ISSUE WAS OBSERVED WHEN THE CAR WAS STOPPED AND WHILE IT WAS MOVING. THIS HAS BEEN AN ONGOING ISSUE SINCE I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE NEW IN 2013.

Air Bags
Filed Nov 5, 201728,700 milesMA

WHEN TRANSPORTING SOME ADULT PASSENGERS IN THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT, THE "PASSENGER AIRBAG OFF" LIGHT REMAINS ON THROUGHOUT THE TRIP. THIS WOULD SEEM TO ME TO INDICATE THAT IN THE EVENT OF A FRONT-END COLLISION, THE AIRBAG WOULD FAIL TO DEPLOY BECAUSE IT IS OFF. I BROUGHT MY CAR IN TO THE DEALER, WHO WAS UNABLE TO REPLICATE THE SITUATION (PERHAPS BECAUSE THE MECHANICS WEIGH MORE THAN MY WIFE); NO PROBLEM COULD BE FOUND. I REMAIN CONCERNED BECAUSE THE LIGHT STILL REMAINS ON WITH OTHER LIGHT ADULT PASSENGERS.

Power Train
Filed May 23, 201791,000 milesMD

MY MOTHER AND I WERE DRIVING TO LUNCH ON THE HIGHWAY AND I NOTICED THE CAR WAS DRIVING VERY SPORADICALLY. IF I PUSHED ON THE ACCELERATOR IT WOULD STICK AND THEN IT WOULD JUST BOLT OUT FULL SPEED, ON MORE THAN ONE OCCASION WE ALMOST HIT ANOTHER VEHICLE AND A BARRIER. I COULDN'T CONTROL THE CARE. WE TRIED TO DRIVE SLOW, BUT THE CAR WOULD ACCELERATE VERY FAST WHEN IT DETECTED THE NEXT GEAR. WE WERE TERRIFIED WE DROVE STRAIGHT TO THE DEALER. THEY INFORMED US THAT THE TRANSMISSION WAS OUT. THIS CAR HAS LESS THAN 100K MILES ON IT AND I PURCHASED IT BRAND NEW. IT WAS EXTREMELY DANGEROUS. CLEARLY SOMETHING IS WRONG WITH THE TRANSMISSIONS THAT NISSANS ARE PUTTING IN. IF, YOU LOOK ONLINE YOU SEE OTHERS WITH THE SAME EXPERIENCE, WITH EVEN LESS MILEAGE. TO MAKE MATTERS WORSE I HAD TO PAY OUT OF POCKET BECAUSE THE EXTENDED WARRANTY HAD EXPIRED. THIS CAR IS NOT SAFE. I AM SORRY THAT MY MOTHER AND I HAD TO EXPERIENCE IT, BUT VERY HAPPY MY CHILDREN WERE NOT IN THE CAR. I KNOW THIS IS A LARGE PROBLEM, BECAUSE NISSAN ACCIDENTLY CALLED ME TO PICK UP THE WRONG CAR. I WENT IN THERE WAS ANOTHER MAXIMA MAYBE A YEAR YOUNGER THAN MINE SAME COLOR AND THEIR TRANSMISSION HAD GONE OUT. THERE'S WAS STILL UNDER WARRANTY. THESE CARS ARE NOT SAFE AND NISSAN NEEDS TO DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT BEFORE SOMEONE IS SERIOUSLY INJURED OR WORSE A DEATH.

Power Train
Filed May 3, 201791,000 milesMD

VEHICLE HAS APPROXIMATELY 91K MILES ON IT AND THE CVT TRANSMISSION HAS FAILED. VEHICLE HAS ONLY BEEN SERVICED BY THE DEALERSHIP AND NEVER RECEIVED ANY TYPE OF NOTIFICATION OF CHANGE OF FLUID LEVELS OR THE NEED TO ADD FLUIDS. WAS DRIVING DOWN THE STREET AND VEHICLE WAS PRETTY MUCH STUCK. EVENTUALLY VEHICLE PULLED ITSELF THROUGH AND WALL ACCELERATOR VERY FAST AS IF YOU FLOORED IT. I HAVE LOOKED ON WEB AND THIS HAS BEEN A PROBLEM FOR MANY. I BELIEVE NISSAN IS AWARE OF THIS CTV FAILURE. THERE IS ABSOLUTELY NO REASON WHY A TRANSMISSION SHOULD FAIL WITHOUT WARNING WITH LESS THAN 100K MILES ON THE VEHICLE.

Power Train
Filed Apr 25, 2017109,124 milesGA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 NISSAN MAXIMA. WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY DECELERATED WHILE THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS BEING DEPRESSED. THE CONTACT MANAGED TO COAST THE VEHICLE TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND TURN OFF THE ENGINE. UPON RESTARTING THE VEHICLE, THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED AND THE VEHICLE FAILED TO MOVE WHILE THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS BEING DEPRESSED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE TRANSMISSION CHAIN WAS FRACTURED AND THE TRANSMISSION NEEDED REPLACEMENT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 109,124.

Power Train
Filed Apr 5, 2017107,000 milesOH

2013 NISSAN MAXIMA SAFETY ISSUE WITH THE CVT TRANSMISSION. IT WILL SHIFT INTO A LOWER GEAR ON THE HIGHWAY AT 65 MPH AND BRING THE RPMS UP TO 5000 OR GREATER.

Power Train
Filed Mar 29, 2017120,050 milesFL

AUTOMOBILE WENT FROM OPERATING NORMALLY TO COMPLETE LOSS OF POWER AND ACCELERATION. VERY DANGEROUS ON ROAD. TOWED TO MECHANIC, CLAIMS ITS DEFECTIVE CVT TRANSMISSION, REFERRED TO DEALER.

Power Train
Filed Feb 1, 201770,000 milesSC

WHILE DRIVING DOWN A BUSY HIGHWAY, THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND THE CAR WAS NO LONGER MOVING. THE GAS PEDAL WAS PRESSED ALL THE WAY DOWN INTO THE FLOOR AND THE CAR WAS AT A STAND STILL. WHILE TRANSFER TRUCKS AND INCOMING TRAFFIC ON A BUSY HIGHWAY THE MAXIMA LEFT ME STRANDED AS THE CAR WOULD NOT ACCELERATE. AFTER CONTINUOUSLY TURNING THE CAR OFF AND ON SEVERAL TIMES, THERE WAS STILL NO MOVEMENT IN DRIVE. THE CAR ONLY HAD 70,000 MILES ON IT WHEN THIS HAPPENED. I HAD TO PUT A BRAND NEW TRANSMISSION IN THIS CAR, WHICH ALSO WAS VERY EXHAUSTING AS NOT MANY PLACES WILL WORK ON CVT TRANSMISSIONS. I HAVE SPOKEN WITH SEVERAL OTHERS WHOM OWN 2013 MAXIMA AND THEY HAVE HAD THE SAME ISSUE. I FEEL VERY UNSAFE IN THIS CAR AS I DO NOT KNOW WHEN THIS ISSUE COULD BECOME AN ISSUE AGAIN AND BASICALLY PUT ME AT DANGER AND STRANDED ON THE SIDE OF A BUSY HIGHWAY. I DO HAVE DOCUMENTS OF THE TOWING EXPENSES, AND ALL OF THE TRANSMISSION DIAGNOSIS AND COSTS. THERE WERE ALSO 2 OTHER WITNESSES IN THE CAR AS WELL. WHOM ALL FELT VERY AFRAID AS THIS WAS A BUSY 4 LANE HIGHWAY. *TR

Power Train
Filed Jul 21, 201680,000 milesMS

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 NISSAN MAXIMA. WHILE ACCELERATING FROM A STOP, THE VEHICLE ROLLED BACKWARDS. THE CONTACT STOPPED THE VEHICLE BY DEPRESSING THE BRAKE PEDAL. THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED ONCE AGAIN AND THE VEHICLE FAILED TO ACCELERATE BEFORE STALLING. THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO BE RESTARTED AND RETURNED TO NORMAL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE CVT TRANSMISSION FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 80,000. UPDATED 09/20/16*LJ *CN

Unknown or Other
Filed Jun 22, 201652,000 milesTX

I WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY ON MY WAY TO WORK. I TOOK AN EXIT RAMP TO GET ON THE BELTWAY, AS I WAS HEADING TO THE BELTWAY, I HEARD A LOUD "POP" SOUND, AND AS I SLOWED DOWN TO PULL OVER, THINKING IT WAS A TIRE BLOWING OUT, I COULD HEAR A NOISE AS IF SOMETHING WAS SLOWLY BREAKING. AFTER I PULLED OVER, I NOTICED MY MOONROOF SHATTERED ALL OVER. I GOT IN MY CAR TO GET SAFELY OUT OF TRAFFIC'S WAY, AND DROVE TO A NEARBY CONVENIENCE STORE, AS I PULLED IN, MY GLASS COMPLETELY CAVED IN AND LEFT A HUGE HOLE. GLASS WAS EVERYWHERE. THIS WAS VERY SCARY. I NEVER HEARD ANYTHING HIT MY CAR MOONROOF BEFORE IT SHATTERED.

Air Bags
Filed May 11, 201650,000 milesLA

PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG LIGHT COMES ON (WHICH MEANS THE AIRBAG WILL NOT DEPLOY) WHEN MY SON (OVER 120 LBS) SITS IN PASSENGER SEAT. WHEN NO ONE IS IN THE SEAT OR JUST MY PURSE THE LIGHT STAYS OFF (MEANING IT WOULD DEPLOY).

Air Bags
Filed May 2, 2016OH

I HAVE THE SAME SYMPTOMS WITH MY AIRBAG THAT THE 2016-2017 NISSAN MAXIMA HAS. THE PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG WILL ALWAYS TURN OFF WHEN MY WIFE SITS IN THE PASSENGER SEAT.

Engine
Filed Oct 5, 2015TX

S10 APPROPRIATE HANDLING- LETTER FROM CONSTITUENT RE COPY OF LETTER ADDRESSED TO CARLOS GHOSN, CHAIRMAN AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER OF NISSAN MOTOR COMPANY, LTD NOTIFYING THE COMPANY OF A MAJOR AUTOMOTIVE DEFECT WITH NISSAN'S 2013 MAXIMA. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED WHILE DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY LOST ALL POWER AND STALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER. THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE CONTINUED TO HESITATE, AS IF IT WERE GOING TO LOSE POWER, AFTER RETRIEVING IT FROM THE DEALER. THE DEALER REPLACED THE AIR FLOW METER AND ENGINE AIR FILTER. *JB

Complaints 1-50 of 62, newest first, reproduced as filed.

Across model years

Worst on record: 2004
YearComplaintsRecallsFiresDeathsAssessment
20231000Routine
20225010Routine
20213000Routine
202022100Routine
201918100Routine
201836210Routine
2017106430Routine
2016142840Routine
20151000Routine
201496010Routine
2013 — this page62010Routine
2012107020Routine
2011106010Routine
2010275120Above average
2009339120Above average
200879000Routine
2007129110Routine
2006576240Above average
20059482100Above average
20041,4262162Fatalities reported
2003206421Fatalities reported
2002205906Fatalities reported
2001172740Routine
2000360362Fatalities reported
1999165450Routine
19981136121Fatalities reported
19971026160Routine
199696530Routine
1995152550Routine
199489530Routine
199378640Routine
1992110530Routine
199176420Routine
1990106430Routine

Compare every Maxima year →

Reading this record

No unusual pattern of severe incidents in the complaint record.

Complaint counts track how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road as much as they track quality. A common model from 2013 has had a decade to accumulate reports; a rare one from last year has not. The signal worth weighing is in the severity columns, in whether the same component keeps appearing, and in whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.

Most recent recall on file: none. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.