2011 Nissan Maxima Problems
Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component
Data refreshed
What this page shows
Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2011 Nissan Maxima, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Reports by component
Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category
- Airbags2318.7%
- Powertrain (other)2117.1%
- Engine1411.4%
- Electrical129.8%
- Steering97.3%
- Driver assistance86.5%
- Body & structure86.5%
- Visibility75.7%
- Other / unspecified43.3%
- Interior & seats43.3%
- Brakes32.4%
- Suspension32.4%
- Seat belts21.6%
- Exterior lighting21.6%
- Heating & air conditioning10.8%
- Transmission10.8%
- Fuel system10.8%
Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.
Each component in detail
What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words
Airbags
Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.
From owner reports, verbatim
Airbag warning came on. I took to dealership for diagnostic. There was malfunction with the passenger airbag. Seat coushin needed to be replaced so the “normal” wear and tear airbag would no longer be an issue. Nissan stated this is not a safety concern and all expenses were out of pocket.
Passenger seat airbag sensor has failed
Powertrain (other)
Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.
From owner reports, verbatim
The transmission is slipping it’s a cvt and they’re known for being the worst transmissions. I was entering the highway on a on ramp and I could no longer accelerate past 55 I was near flooring it and you can hear the engine working but the rpm’s are all over the odometer going from 3k-6.5k over and over. The problem has not been diagnosed professionally. The vehicle has not been inspected professionally.There were no lights on the dash when this began happening and nothing occurred that led up to that situation it was just a normal drive for me and now this happens every other day.
Cvt transmission jerking , engine is always idling hard sometimes wants to even shut off , accelerating sometimes takes a lil while to respond , rack and pinion assembly faulty I would like for nissan to fix my car or get a lump sum check for all faulty errors these cars have
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
Cvt transmission jerking , engine is always idling hard sometimes wants to even shut off , accelerating sometimes takes a lil while to respond , rack and pinion assembly faulty I would like for nissan to fix my car or get a lump sum check for all faulty errors these cars have
MY CAR HAS LESS THAN 113,500 MILES AND STARTED LOSING POWER AND COASTING, THE SPEED WOULD FLUCTUATE AND SOMETHING SOUNDS LOOSE IN THE ENGINE. I TOOK IT TO LITHIA NISSAN IN FRESNO CA ON BLACKSTONE AND THEY TOLD ME THE CVT BELT NEEDS TO BE REPLACED THEREBY CAUSING THE CAR TO NEED A WHOLE NEW TRANSMISSION AT $5738.96. THE CAR WAS IN MOTION.
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
I NOTICED THE CAMERA NOT WORKING WHEN I WAS BACKING INTO MY GARAGE AFTER WORK. THEN AGAIN THE NEXT DAY WHEN I WAS BACKING INTO MY PARKING SPACE AT WORK. IT COMES AND GO NOW. I'M NOT SURE WHY IT STARTED.
WHEN LOCKING AND UNLOCKING DOORS, THE DRIVERS DOOR IS NOT RESPONDING FROM THE REMOTE, SAME EXACT THING ON MY MURANO, AND THEN EFFECTING THE FUEL DOOR CAP.
Steering
Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.
From owner reports, verbatim
My steering failed completely while driving, making it nearly impossible to turn.
Cvt transmission jerking , engine is always idling hard sometimes wants to even shut off , accelerating sometimes takes a lil while to respond , rack and pinion assembly faulty I would like for nissan to fix my car or get a lump sum check for all faulty errors these cars have
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
Hi I bought car Nissan maxima 2011 transmission not working well when I driving I stopped at the traffic after that car does not move forward
MY CAR HAS LESS THAN 113,500 MILES AND STARTED LOSING POWER AND COASTING, THE SPEED WOULD FLUCTUATE AND SOMETHING SOUNDS LOOSE IN THE ENGINE. I TOOK IT TO LITHIA NISSAN IN FRESNO CA ON BLACKSTONE AND THEY TOLD ME THE CVT BELT NEEDS TO BE REPLACED THEREBY CAUSING THE CAR TO NEED A WHOLE NEW TRANSMISSION AT $5738.96. THE CAR WAS IN MOTION.
Body & structure
Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.
From owner reports, verbatim
Dashboard is melting which is making it extremely sticky but the worst part is that it is causing a visibility issues while driving. The glare is really bad.
My dashboard has been melted for some time now and it’s a safety hazard. When I drive at night, the light reflects on the dashboard and it makes it difficult to see, which is very dangerous with my kids in the car. I thought I could clean the dashboard but it’s very sticky. Apparently this is a common issue with certain models of cars because I saw a news report on it.
Visibility
Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.
From owner reports, verbatim
Dashboard is melting which is making it extremely sticky but the worst part is that it is causing a visibility issues while driving. The glare is really bad.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 NISSAN MAXIMA. WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE SUN ROOF EXPLODED WITHOUT WARNING OR AN IMPACT. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO SANDY SANSING NISSAN (LOCATED AT 5705 PENSACOLA BLVD, PENSACOLA, FL 32505, (850) 479-4700), BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 50,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Other / unspecified
Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.
From owner reports, verbatim
DRIVING ON INTERSTATE 65 MPH AROUND 7:00 AM, THE CAR STARTED TO SHAKE AND WAS DIFFICULT TO CONTROL, THEN STOPPED SHAKING AND THE TIRE LIGHT CAME ON. I WAS ABLE TO GET VEHICLE TO DISCOUNT TIRE. TIRE WAS SHREDDED AND REQUIRED REPLACEMENT. TIRE WAS THE PIRELLI CINTURATO STRADA AS 245/45 R18 100V
THE NISSAN MAXIMA HAS BEEN TAKEN TO THE MAINTENANCE FACILITY REGARDING AN ISSUE WITH THE TIRES CONSISTENTLY LOSING AIR PRESSURE. FOUR NEW TIRES WERE PLACED ON THE VEHICLE AT THE NISSAN DEALER AND THE SAME PROBLEM EXISTS. WE RECENTLY DROVE TO THE END OF OUR DRIVEWAY FOR DISTANCE TRAVEL AND THE TIRES LOCKED, SKIDDED AND SOUNDED AS IF METAL WAS TOUCHING METAL. WE PARKED THE VEHICLE AND HAD TO TAKE OTHER MEANS OF TRANSPORTATION. EACH TIME WE TAKE THE VEHICLE INTO THE NISSAN DEALER FOR THIS AND SIMILAR COMPLAINTS, WE'RE TOLD IT MAY BE THE WEATHER, OR THAT THE TIRE PRESSURE LIGHT WHICH STAYS ON MAY BE DUE TO A DEFECTIVE FUSE, BUT THAT WAS NO GUARANTEE THAT THE TIRE ISSUE WOULD BE RESOLVED. WE GET DIFFERENT POSSIBILITY ISSUES EACH TIME WE GO IN. WE HESITATE TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE FOR POSSIBILITY OF BEING STRANDED ALONGSIDE A HIGHWAY. WE'RE MAKING PAYMENTS ON AN EXPENSIVE 'PAPER WEIGHT.' THE TIRE PRESSURE LIGHT STAYS ON, AND EVEN AFTER PUTTING AIR IN THE TIRES, THE TIRES THEMSELVES STILL POSE A PROBLEM. THIS RECENT INCIDENT HAS PUT THE VEHICLE OUT OF USE UNTIL THE NISSAN MAINTENANCE FACILITY CAN GIVE US ANSWERS AS TO WHAT'S REALLY GOING ON WITH THE VEHICLE. NEEDLESS TO SAY, WE HAVE TO PAY FOR THEM TO DO ANYTHING OTHER THAN PUT AIR IN THE TIRES, AND AFTER QUOTING LARGE AMOUNTS OF MONEY FOR WHAT MAY "POSSIBLY' BE THE PROBLEM, WE MAY STILL DRIVE AWAY WITH THE ISSUE. THIS PROBLEM HAS BEEN ONGOING FOR OVER 1 1/2 YEARS. THE MOST RECENT INCIDENT IS INDICATED BELOW.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Interior & seats
Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 NISSAN MAXIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DASHBOARD WAS MELTING. COASTAL NISSAN (8519 OCEAN HWY, PAWLEYS ISLAND, SC 29585) WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND INSPECTED THE VEHICLE BUT OFFERED NO FURTHER ASSISTANCE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE VEHICLE WAS OVER THE WARRANTY COVERAGE. NO FURTHER ASSISTANCE WAS OFFERED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 115,376.
CAR HESITATES SHIFTING FROM 1ST TO 2ND. AT TIMES, THERE IS A LOUD "CLUNKING" SOUND WHEN THE GAS IS PRESSED HARD. THEN EVEN WHEN THE GAS IS PRESSED ALL THE WAY DOWN, CAR WOULD SLOWLY SHIFT. IT TAKES ABOUT 10 TO 20 SECONDS BEFORE IT WOULD SHIFT NORMALLY. THIS GETS WORSE WHEN DRIVING FOR ABOUT 10 MINUTES. ERROR CODE IT RETURNS INCLUDE P1778 AND P0746. SEPARATE ISSUE: THE DRIVER SEAT ROCKS BACK AND FORTH WHEN ACCELERATING AND STOPPING.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
Hi I bought car Nissan maxima 2011 transmission not working well when I driving I stopped at the traffic after that car does not move forward
MY BRAKE LIGHT AND BATTERY LIGHT COME ON AT THE SAME TIME. MY WENT DEAD IN THE MIDDLE OF A TURN. I REPLACED THE BATTERY. HAD THE ALTERNATOR CHECKED. WAS TOLD IT WAS FINE. AFTER A NEW BATTERY MY CAR RUNS FINE BUT LOSES POWER AND HESITATES LIKE ITS GOING TO STALL FROM TAKE OFF OR ENTERING A TURN AND MY BRAKE AND BATTERY ARE STILL COMING ON AT THE SAME TIME. I GOOGLED THE ISSUE AND IT APPEARS BE A LONG STANDING ISSUE NO REAL RESOLUTION. I TOOK IT TO AUTOZONE THEY DID DIAGNOSTIC TEST AND I GOT CODE P0011 THE SAME ONE I PAID TO BE REPAIRED PREVIOUSLY.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Suspension
Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.
From owner reports, verbatim
TAKATA RECALL. AT 80K MILES MY VEHICLE IS IDLING WHILE IN PARK AND ALSO WHILE ACCELERATING ITS DOING A JERK AND FEELS AS IF IT DOESN'T WANT TO GO INTO GEAR TO REACH HIGHER SPEED. I CHECKED THE CODE AND IT READ AS A AIR MASS FLOW SENSOR, CATALYST CONVERTER, AND O2 SENSOR. THE CAR TURNED OFF ON ME WHILE ON, JUMP STARTED IT AND TURNED BACK ON. I CHANGED THE MASS AIR FLOW SENSOR AND ITS STILL DOING THE SAME THING. I TOOK IT TO THE MECHANIC AND THE MECHANIC SAID THE CODE SAYS BATTERY AND OTHER THINGS. RECCOMMENDED WE START CHEAP BY CHANGING THE BATTERY AND GOING FROM THERE. I CHANGED THE BATTERY AND THE COMPUTER NOW SAYS O2 SENSOR. I KEEP DUMPING ALOT OF MONEY INTO THIS VEHICLE AND TO ME IT SEEMS THAT THIS ISSUE IS ALSO HAPPENING MANY OTHERS INCLUDING MY CLOSE FRIEND WHO OWNS THE SAME VEHICLE.
TAKATA INFLATORS. I'VE NOTICED THAT THE REAR DRIVER SIDE SUSPENSION DOES NOT SUSPEND CORRECLY. I FEEL THE REAR TIRE SLIPPING UNDER NORMAL WEATHER CONDITIONS. SO MUCH SO THAT ONE CAN FEEL THE TIRE SLIP. PLEASE KEEP IN MIND THAT MY TIRES ARE STILL NEW. I'M ALSO HEARING A WEIRD SOUND THAT COMES FROM THE SAME AREA. I'M NOT SURE WHAT'S HAPPENING. THIS HAPPENS WHEN THE CAR IS IN MOTION.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Seat belts
Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.
From owner reports, verbatim
AS I PARKED MY CAR, I REMOVED THE SEATBELT, I NOTICED A SMOKE COMING OUT OF MY COAT WHERE THE SEAT BELT WAS REMOVED. I HAVE PICTURES OF THE DAMAGE OF THE COAT THAT SHOWS BURN MARKS.
THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION. WHILE TURNING STEERING WHEEL SLIGHTLY LEFT ENTERING INTO A CURVE, THE 4 TIRES OF THE VEHICLE DID NOT FOLLOW THE COMMAND GIVEN BY THE STEERING WHEEL. PLEASE NOTE THAT THE STEERING WHEEL TURNED WITH GREAT EASE. WHILE REMOVING FOOT FROM ACCELERATOR, THE CAR DID NOT SLOW. THE BRAKES WERE NOT WORKING PROPERLY AND CAUSED THE 2011 NISSAN MAXIMA TO COLLIDE WITH A FIXED OBJECT. THIS INCIDENT DID NOT OCCUR AT A SPEED FAST ENOUGH TO CAUSE THE SEVERE INJURIES THAT RESULTED. THE DRIVER SIDE AIRBAG KNOCKED ME UNCONSCIOUS AND I HAVE NO RECOLLECTION FROM THE MOMENT RIGHT BEFORE "IMPACT" TO WHEN THE VEHICLE CAME TO A COMPLETE STOP. THE CHILDREN IN THE BACK SEAT WERE SERIOUSLY INJURED. THE 10 YEAR OLD WAS WEARING HIS SEATBELT PROPERLY. THE 3 YEAR OLD WAS IN A 5 POINT HARNESS PROPERLY RESTRAINED. RECENTLY, THE OFFICE OF [XXX] INFORMED ME THAT THE BACK SEAT CAME LOOSE DURING THE ACCIDENT WHICH CAUSED BOTH CHILDREN'S SEVERE INJURIES. THE CHILDREN IN THE BACK SEAT WERE NOT ADEQUATELY PROTECTED BY THE VEHICLE DUE TO THE BACK SEAT UNHOOKING DURING THE ACCIDENT THEREFORE CAUSING SAFETY RESTRAINTS TO BE INADEQUATE AND POSSIBLY EVEN MORE HARMFUL. I ALSO WANT TO MENTION THAT THE LEFT REAR PASSENGER AIRBAG DID NOT DEPLOY WHERE THE 10 YEAR OLD WAS. THE VEHICLE IS POORLY DESIGNED TO SURVIVE EVEN A MINOR COLLISION. I HAVE NOT BEEN ABLE TO ACCESS THE VEHICLE SINCE THE ACCIDENT AND GEORGIA STATE PATROL TORE IT UP BEFORE I COULD EVEN HAVE IT INSPECTED. I DO NOT KNOW WHERE THE VEHICLE IS NOR AM I ABLE TO GET THAT INFORMATION. GEORGIA STATE PATROL DOCUMENTED THAT THE AIR BAG ON THE LEFT REAR SIDE DID DEPLOY BUT THAT DOCUMENT IS INACCURATE BECAUSE I AM A WITNESS. I PRAY THAT THIS INFORMATION WILL BE USED TO PREVENT ANY AND ALL SIMILAR INCIDENTS FROM OCCURRING. I PRAY THAT YOU INVESTIGATE SIMILAR CLAIMS AND FIND ENOUGH EVIDENCE TO GET THESE DANGEROUS CARS OFF THE ROAD. *TT SEE ALSO ODI 11130128. *DSY INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Exterior lighting
Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.
From owner reports, verbatim
MY MECHANIC TELLS ME MAXIMA 2011 HAS A COMMON PROBLEM THAT NEEDS TO REPROGRAM THE ECM. "SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT SOON KEEPS APPEARING" THIS SHOULD BE A FREE SERVICE BECAUSE MY CAR DOES NOT NEED A NEW MASS AIR FLOW SENSOR. PLEASE FACTORY RECALL THIS ISSUE. MY CAR IS ACTUALLY IN GREAT SHAPE AT 49,000 MILES. HERE ARE THE LIST OF CARS AFFECTED. HTTPS://WWW.AUTOCODES.COM/P0101_NISSAN.HTML I WENT TO BAY RIDGE NISSAN DEALERSHIP AND TELLS ME MY WARRENTY DOES NOT COVER THIS SERVICE AND THERE IS NO FACTORY RECALL OR BULLETIN. HE WANTS ME TO BUY A NEW PART ($260.00 USD) AND REPROGRAM THE ECM ($175.00 USD). THIS IS UNACCEPTABLE.
THE FRONT TURN SIGNAL LAMP ON THE MAXIMA IS 2" BELOW THE LOW BEAM HEADLIGHT. 31/2" CENTER TO CENTER. WHEN THIS VEHICLE IS ONCOMING WITH THE HEADLAMPS ON, THE TURN SIGNAL IS VIRTUALLY BLOTTED OUT BY THE GLARE OF THE HEADLAMP. THIS IS A PROBLEM ON MANY MAKES AND MODELS OF VEHICLES. THIS CONDITION IS EVEN WORSE FOR ONE THAT WEARS EYEGLASSES AND/OR HAS MILD CATARACTS AS THIS CAUSES THE ONCOMING HEADLIGHTS TO APPEAR TO FLARE. THE FRONT TURN SIGNAL LAMP SHOULD NEVER BE CLOSER THAN 6" TO THE HEADLAMPS. CONDITIONS: VEHICLE STOPPED AND READY TO TURN. WORSE AT NIGHT. CITY STREET OR COUNTRY ROAD.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Heating & air conditioning
Reports naming the heating, ventilation and air-conditioning system.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 NISSAN MAXIMA. THE CONTACT NOTICED HOT AIR BLOWING THROUGH THE VENTS WHEN THE AIR CONDITIONER WAS ACTIVATED. THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO RESTART THE VEHICLE MORE THAN TWICE, BUT THE FAILURE STILL OCCURRED. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO SHERIDAN NISSAN (114 S DUPONT HWY, NEW CASTLE, DE 19720, (302) 326-6100) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE COMPRESSOR WAS FAULTY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 86,000. *TT *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Transmission
Reports naming the automatic or manual transmission, including shifting behaviour, shudder, slipping and transmission control modules.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS 2011 NISSAN MAXIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT BEGAN TO ILLUMINATE ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE VEHICLE ALSO WOULD NOT SHIFT OUT OF FIRST GEAR. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHERE THE TRANSMISSION CODE WAS RESET. THE FAILURE RECURRED ONE DAY LATER. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE AUTHORIZED DEALER WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THEY WERE RECEIVING VARIOUS DIFFERENT CODES FOR THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND OFFERED TO INSTALL A BUTTON IN THE VEHICLE TO HELP RECORD THE PROPER CODES FOR THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS WITH THE DEALER AT THE TIME OF THE COMPLAINT. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 1,800 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 2,000.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
From owner reports, verbatim
TAKATA RECALL. AT 80K MILES MY VEHICLE IS IDLING WHILE IN PARK AND ALSO WHILE ACCELERATING ITS DOING A JERK AND FEELS AS IF IT DOESN'T WANT TO GO INTO GEAR TO REACH HIGHER SPEED. I CHECKED THE CODE AND IT READ AS A AIR MASS FLOW SENSOR, CATALYST CONVERTER, AND O2 SENSOR. THE CAR TURNED OFF ON ME WHILE ON, JUMP STARTED IT AND TURNED BACK ON. I CHANGED THE MASS AIR FLOW SENSOR AND ITS STILL DOING THE SAME THING. I TOOK IT TO THE MECHANIC AND THE MECHANIC SAID THE CODE SAYS BATTERY AND OTHER THINGS. RECCOMMENDED WE START CHEAP BY CHANGING THE BATTERY AND GOING FROM THERE. I CHANGED THE BATTERY AND THE COMPUTER NOW SAYS O2 SENSOR. I KEEP DUMPING ALOT OF MONEY INTO THIS VEHICLE AND TO ME IT SEEMS THAT THIS ISSUE IS ALSO HAPPENING MANY OTHERS INCLUDING MY CLOSE FRIEND WHO OWNS THE SAME VEHICLE.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.
Elsewhere on this vehicle
Data sources
- NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation — owner-reported complaints and the components recorded on them
Data on this page last refreshed .