2012 Nissan Maxima power train problems
18 owner complaints filed with NHTSA name the power train on the 2012 Nissan Maxima — 17% of all complaints for this model year.
What owners report
“2012 Nissan Maxima with 94,000 miles began hesitating upon accelerating and jerking on [XXX]. Vehicle diagnosed at Don Franklin Nissan in Glasgow, KY with bad transmission. Transmission replaced. Then on [XXX], while driving vehicle, a loud noise from front passenger tire, traction light come on…”
filed Jul 1, 2025
“This CVT control variable transmission in these cars go out so fast. The CVT transmission went out at around 115,000. We replace it because we pressed the gas and no acceleration when stop light turned green. Then missed the light then it accelerated late and almost got hit by on coming car. We…”
filed Oct 19, 2021
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Power Train problems in other Maxima years
| Year | Reports | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 Maxima | 2 | 10% |
| 2018 Maxima | 1 | 3% |
| 2017 Maxima | 11 | 11% |
| 2016 Maxima | 33 | 23% |
| 2014 Maxima | 21 | 22% |
| 2013 Maxima | 24 | 39% |
| 2011 Maxima | 22 | 21% |
| 2010 Maxima | 15 | 5% |
| 2009 Maxima | 11 | 3% |
| 2008 Maxima | 8 | 10% |
| 2007 Maxima | 16 | 12% |
| 2006 Maxima | 393 | 68% |
Other reported problem areas on the 2012 Nissan Maxima
Counts are unique NHTSA complaints naming this component group. Complaints are unverified owner reports; mileage is computed only from complaints that included a usable odometer reading.