RoadVitals

2012 Nissan Maxima Problems

Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
107
Latest Jan 16, 2026
Components namedHow many of our component categories appear on at least one report for this model year. One report can name several.
16
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
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What this page shows

Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2012 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

  • Airbags2723.7%
  • Electrical2017.5%
  • Engine1311.4%
  • Steering108.8%
  • Interior & seats65.3%
  • Body & structure65.3%
  • Visibility43.5%
  • Brakes21.8%
  • Other / unspecified21.8%
  • Driver assistance21.8%
  • Seat belts10.9%
  • Exterior lighting10.9%
  • Suspension10.9%
  • Transmission10.9%
  • Fuel system10.9%

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.

27
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

Passenger airbag notifi action blinks and will not show it is activated to function in a crash. Airbag has never worked. Also driver seat belt keeps releasing without being pushed to open. Seat belt issue just began Dec 2023

NHTSA ID 11562826 · filed Dec 31, 2023

The contact owns a 2012 Nissan Maxima. The contact stated that the passenger’s side air bag failed to turn on while the front passenger's side seat was occupied. The contact stated that the failure recurred intermittently. The dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that it was a known issue, and that the front passenger's side seat needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a case was opened; however, no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000.

NHTSA ID 11539116 · filed Aug 17, 2023
All 27 reports naming airbags

Electrical

Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.

20
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2012 Nissan Maxima. It was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy after the purchase. The vehicle was a dealer sale. The contact stated that the mileage on the title was not available. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 150,000. The vehicle was taken for Texas State Inspection and the VIN was entered on the Inspection Station website and the mileage of 246,450 was displayed.

NHTSA ID 11711387 · filed Jan 16, 2026

Green wire burn throughout the entire wiring harness..From alternator to engine fuse box and also to inside fuse box.. Bypassing the blown fuses and/or relays!!

NHTSA ID 11519613 · filed Apr 29, 2023
All 20 reports naming electrical

Powertrain (other)

Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.

17
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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, pulled to side and found wheel side ways and upon investigation, Ball Joint had come part damaging axle and wheel. Found no bolt for ball joint in place. Towed back to Don Franklin Nissan in Glasgow, KY. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID 11670526 · 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 just replaced this CVT transmission in July 30, 2020 at around about price of $5000. The only place that it can be replaced is through the Nissan dealership. They only guarantee their work for 1 years time. It is starting to malfunction in just over 14 months time. This is only after a little over a year worth of driving. This is ridiculous the amount of money people pay for them on to get $5000 worth of quality equipment. This is a safety hazard driving through Dallas traffic and no shoulder to pull over on because of construction. I have seen on the internet so many complaints about these CVT transmissions. This is the second time transmission problems already replace CVT at 115, 000 miles. Now needs another replacement at 139, 000?

NHTSA ID 11437364 · filed Oct 19, 2021
All 17 reports naming powertrain (other)

Engine

Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.

13
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

The contact owns a 2012 Nissan Maxima. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the brake pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to stop immediately and started shuddering. The oil warning light, ABS, coolant temperature, and the ESP warning light were illuminated. Additionally, the driver's side window failed to operate as needed. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 122,000.

NHTSA ID 11509824 · filed Mar 2, 2023

The contact owned a 2012 Nissan Maxima. The contact stated that after returning from lunch and parking the vehicle at work, almost three hours later he was informed by someone that the vehicle was on fire. The contact walked outside and saw the engine compartment in flames. The contact stated that the engine compartment was completely burned. The fire department was able to extinguish the fire. The fire department filed a fire report. The contact stated that the security cameras showed that no one had tampered with the vehicle before the vehicle caught on fire. The contact stated he was unsure what started the fire, but the hood of the vehicle was completely melted. No one was injured. The contact stated that the vehicle was destroyed. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 138,000.

NHTSA ID 11490685 · filed Oct 24, 2022
All 13 reports naming engine

Steering

Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.

10
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

The contact owns a 2012 Nissan Maxima. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the brake pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to stop immediately and started shuddering. The oil warning light, ABS, coolant temperature, and the ESP warning light were illuminated. Additionally, the driver's side window failed to operate as needed. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 122,000.

NHTSA ID 11509824 · filed Mar 2, 2023

I PICKED MY CAR UP FROM THE DEALERSHIP AFTER GETTING A STATE INSPECTION, OIL CHANGE AND TIRE ROTATION. THEY SAID THEY TOPPED OFF ALL THE FLUIDS. AS I BACKED OUT OF THE PARKING SPACE AND PULLED FORWARD I NOTICED THE STEERING WHEEL WAS TIGHT. I TRIED ADJUSTING IT A FEW TIMES, BUT AS I APPROACHED THE LIGHT AND TRIED TO TURN RIGHT I HAD TO GO OUT WIDE BECAUSE THE STEERING WHEEL WAS TIGHT. I WAS AFRAID AT THE NEXT TWO LIGHTS. THE STEERING WHEEL WAS TIGHT, AND AFTER STRUGGLING I MANAGED TO TURN AND GET THE CAR TO MY HUSBAND TO LOOK AT. HE TEST DRIVE IT AND SAID IT WAS NO POWER STEERING. WE TOLD THE CAR BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP AND OF COURSE IT IS NOTHING THEY DID, THE POWER STEERING PUMP JUST WENT OUT. I THANK GOD I WAS NOT DRIVING FAST OR ON THE INTERSTATE WHEN IT WENT OUT, BECAUSE I READ ABOUT SOME CRASHING. IT STILL WAS A SCARY EXPERIENCE. MY CAR ONLY HAS 79,882 MILES ON IT. WHY WOULD THE POWER STEERING GO OUT AT THIS MILEAGE. NOW THE DEALERSHIP WANTS $1,000. THIS SHOULD BE COVERED BY THE MANUFACTURE IT A SAFETY ISSUE THAT SHOULD BE CORRECTED AND PAID FOR BY THEM.

NHTSA ID 11287877 · filed Dec 9, 2019
All 10 reports naming steering

Interior & seats

Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.

6
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

SEATS MOVE FORWARD AND BACK WHILE IN MOTION AND BRAKING. FEELS LIKE THE SEAT IS LOOSELY ATTACHED TO VEHICLE. I AM CONCERNED IN AN ACCIDENT THE SEAT COULD COME LOOSE

NHTSA ID 11123075 · filed Aug 28, 2018

THE DRIVER SEAT OF MY '12 MAXIMA MOVES UPON ACCELERATION AND DECELERATION. I'VE READ MANY FORUMS AND GROUPS AND THIS SEEMS TO BE A PREVALENT ISSUE. SREIOUS INJURY COULD RESULT CAUSE YOU DON'T KNOW IF THE SEAT WILL BREAK CAUSING LOSS OF CONTROL. NISSAN IS AWARE OF THE ISSUE YET DOESN'T SEEM TO CARE. THE DEALER IS ALSO AWARE AND SHOWS NO CONCERN. I'M GOING TO INFORM EVERY FORUM AND GROUP TO WRITE A COMPLAINT ON THIS SITE MAYBE RESULTING IN SOLUTION.

NHTSA ID 11076799 · filed Mar 8, 2018

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Body & structure

Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.

6
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

Since 2018 to present day. I been having difficulties with the visibility from my front windshield at sunny days. The dashboard has this sticky substance that make the dashboard really shinny, and reflect the sun light on the windshield, blocking the view and make it hard to see the road and vehicles. I had to use sunglasses to block this issue, but in some cases this will not improved and can make it worst. I had couple of near miss, and I have to stop driving my car at times to avoid this issue.

NHTSA ID 11609759 · filed Aug 20, 2024

DASHBOARD SEEMS TO BE MELTING/ GETS EXTREMELY HOT AND AS A RESULT IS STICKY.

NHTSA ID 11352381 · filed Aug 31, 2020

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Visibility

Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.

4
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

WE OWN A 2012 NISSAN MAXIMA (VIN [XXX]). WHILE DRIVING ON THE 215 FREEWAY NEAR HENDERSON, NV OUR MIDDLE PORTION OF OUR PANORAMIC SUNROOF EXPLODED/SHATTERED FOR NO REASON. HAVE BEEN TRYING TO GET IT REPAIRED BUT NO PARTS AVAILABILITY IN VEGAS, THE REPLACEMENT PART ARRIVED CRACKED IN PHOENIX AND WE ARE NOW ON OUR WAY HOME TO OKLAHOMA. THE AREA WAS TAPED DOWN IN VEGAS AND WE HAVE BEEN IN CONTACT WITH NISSAN CONSUMER AFFAIRS TO SEE IF THIS WILL BE COVERED BY THEM DUE TO CLASS ACTION SUIT LISTED ON INTERNET. THEY SUGGESTED WE TAKE TO OUR LOCAL DEALERSHIP IN OKLAHOMA. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

NHTSA ID 11404273 · filed Mar 22, 2021

I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE FREEWAY AND THE MOONROOF LITERALLY EXPLODED. I WAS LOOKING TO SEE HOW IT COULD HAPPEN, BUT I STILL TO THIS DAY CAN'T FIGURE IT OUT.

NHTSA ID 11064537 · filed Jan 24, 2018

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.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

The contact owns a 2012 Nissan Maxima. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the brake pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to stop immediately and started shuddering. The oil warning light, ABS, coolant temperature, and the ESP warning light were illuminated. Additionally, the driver's side window failed to operate as needed. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 122,000.

NHTSA ID 11509824 · filed Mar 2, 2023

THE AIR CONDITIONER STOPPED COOLING WHILE DRIVING. THE TRACTION LIGHT COMES ON AND THE MECHANIC SAID IT WAS THE MASS AIR FLOW SENSOR.(THAT HAVE BEEN REPLACED TWICE) AAMCO SAID THAT THEY HAVE HAD SEVERAL NISSAN ALTIMAS AND MAXIMAS COME IN WITH A BAD COMPRESSOR AND BRAKES. I KNOW AT LEAST FOUR OF MY FAMILY MEMBERS WITH THE SAME ISSUE AND THEY DRIVE ALTIMAS AND MAXIMAS AS WELL.

NHTSA ID 11217322 · filed Jun 2, 2019

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.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

WHILE DRIVING MY CAR AT EXTREMELY SLOW SPEEDS MY CAR COMPLETELY TURNED ITSELF OFF AND WAS UNABLE TO START BACK UP FOR 15 MINUTES. DURING THIS TIME THERE WAS NO POWER TO THE ENTIRE CAR, THUS RESULTING IN HAVING TO UNLOCK MY DOOR MANUALLY AND CRAWL THROUGH THE BACK TO GET MY SON OUT. 2 MONTHS LATER MY CAR STARTED LOSING ALL POWER WHEN I STOPPED, ONCE AGAIN RESULTING IN HAVING TO MANUALLY UNLOCK MY CAR AND UNABLE TO LOCK THE DOORS BEHIND ME.

NHTSA ID 11207042 · filed May 11, 2019

SINCE I BOUGHT MY CAR IN MAY 2013 I HAVE NOTICED SEVERAL TIMES THAT WITH OR WITHOUT SOMEONE IN MY PASSENGER SEAT MY AIR BAG SENSOR WILL LIGHT UP SHOWING THAT THE AIR BAG IS OFF NO MATTER HOW I OR THE PERSON IN THE SEAT MOVES IT WILL NOT COME ON. THE AIR BAG JUST REMAINS TURNED OFF. THIS IS A HUGE SAFETY CONCERN FOR ME I JUST FOUND OUT HOW TO FILE A COMPLAINT ABOUT IT IN HOPES OF GETTING IT FIXED. I KNOW THERE ARE RECALLS ON MANY NISSAN MAKES AND MODELS FOR THIS BUT THE 2012 MAXIMA IS EXCLUDED. *TR

NHTSA ID 10575063 · filed Mar 27, 2014

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Driver assistance

Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 NISSAN MAXIMA. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING AND APPROACHING A RED LIGHT THE VEHICLE STOPPED. THE TRAFFIC LIGHT TURNED GREEN AND THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO RESPOND. THE CONTACT DEPRESSED THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL THREE MORE TIMES, THE RPM REVVED UP AND THE VEHICLE SPED UP. THE FAILURE RECURRED SEVERAL TIMES WHILE ATTEMPTING TO DRIVE TO THE RESIDENCE. THE CONTACT CALLED THE LOCAL DEALER SULLIVAN AUTO TRADING (95 S GATEWAY DR, FREDERICKSBURG, VA 22406, (540) 654-5200) TO SCHEDULE TO HAVE THE VEHICLE TOWED TO THE DEALER TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 112,748.

NHTSA ID 11397545 · filed Feb 23, 2021

RELEASED BRAKE, STARTED ROLLING FORWARD TO CROSS TRAFFIC, STEP ON ACCELERATOR AND NOTHING HAPPENED. NO ENGINE REV OR ANYTHING. PUMPED ACCELERATOR MANY TIMES AND FINALLY ENGINE ENGAGED. NEARLY CAUSING PASSENGER SIDE TO BE HIT BY ONCOMING TRAFFIC. THIS HAS HAPPENED IN SIMILAR SITUATIONS WITH BOTH MY WIFE AND MYSELF DRIVING. *TR

NHTSA ID 10671314 · filed Jan 9, 2015

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.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

ME AND MY WIFE WERE TRAVELING NORTHBOUND IN OUR 2012 NISSAN MAXIMA AROUND 30MPH ON WESTERN AVENUE IN CHICAGO WHEN SUDDENLY A FORD FOCUS 2007 THAT RAN A STOP SIGN TRAVELING EAST BOUND ON ROSEMONT AVENUE T-BONED US ON DRIVER'S SIDE. AS OUR CAR WAS MOVING AT A SIGNIFICANT SPEED IT STOPPED AFTER CRASHING INTO A FIRE HYDRANT WHICH WAS ON THE CORNER OF THE INTERSECTION. MY WIFE WAS TAKEN TO A HOSPITAL IN AN AMBULANCE WITH ARM AND BACK INJURIES AND I ALSO HAD INJURIES ON MY LEFT ARM, SHOULDER AND LOWER BACK. MY MAIN CONCERN IS WHY NONE OF THE AIRBAGS DEPLOYED IF THE CAR WAS TRAVELING AT A SPEED MORE THAN 20 MPH AND HIT A SOLID OBJECT(FIRE HYDRANT). BOTH OF US WERE WEARING SEAT BELTS. THE CAR WAS DECLARED TOTALED BY BOTH THE INSURANCE INVESTIGATORS. I AM GLAD THAT THIS DID NOT HAPPENED AT A HIGH SPEED OTHERWISE I WOULD RESTING IN PEACE NOT BE FILING THIS COMPLAIN. NISSAN SHOULD BE QUESTIONED AS TO WHAT SPEED THE AIRBAGS IN MAXIMA DEPLOY AND WHY NONE OF THEM INCLUDING CURTAIN AND FRONTAL DEPLOYED. *TR

NHTSA ID 10567728 · filed Mar 6, 2014

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.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

1)MY INSTRUMENT PANEL WENT OUT SOME YEARS AGO THAT DISPLAYS WARNING OR PROBLEMS WITH THE CAR. IT FLASHES OFF AND ON PERIODICALLY AFTER DRIVING FOR A WHILE. I HAVE TAKEN THIS TO NISSAN SEVERAL TIMES, BUT DUE TO IT BEING OUT OF WARRANTY THEY WANT DO ANYTING ABOUT IT. SEVERAL CERTIFIED NISSAN DEALERS SERVICE DEPT. STATED THAT SHOULD NOT BE GOING OUT. 2) I HAVE HAD BATTERY ISSUES WITHIN THE FIRST YEAR OF PURCHASING THE CAR BACK IN NOV. 2011, SINCE IT WAS UNDER WARRANTY ALL THEY DID WAS REPLACE THE BATTERY. SINCE THEN EVERY YEAR OR TWO YEARS I HAVE TO KEEP REPLACING THE BATTERY UNTIL HEAR RECENTLY JULY 2018. THIS WILL BE THE 4 OR 5 TIME REPLACING THIS BATTERY WITHIN THE 6 YEARS OF OWNIG THIS CAR. EVERYTIME I TATKE IT TO ONE OF NISSAN SERVICE CENTER THERE EXPLANATION IS THE TEXAS HEAT DRAINS THE BATTERY. THAT EXCUSE DOES NOT MAKE ANY SINCE TO ME.

NHTSA ID 11113255 · filed Jul 24, 2018

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.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

TAKATA RECALL!! THE "PASSENGER AIRBAG OFF" LIGHT IS ON WITH OR WITHOUT A PERSON IN THE PASSENGER SEAT WHILE DRIVING. THE DRIVERS SIDE CHAIR ROCKS WHEN SLOWING DOWN. THE FRONT END MAKES A KNOCKING NOISE WHEN PRESSING ON THE BREAKS.

NHTSA ID 10864394 · filed May 11, 2016

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.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 NISSAN MAXIMA. WHILE DRIVING 70 MPH, THE VEHICLE DECELERATED, REVVED, AND THE RPMS INCREASED. THE FAILURE WAS EXPERIENCED SEVERAL TIMES. THE CONTACT ALSO MENTIONED THAT THE TRANSMISSION WAS REPLACED OVER TWO YEARS AGO BY AN UNKNOWN DEALER; HOWEVER, THE REPLACEMENT TRANSMISSION WAS EXHIBITING THE SAME FAILURE AS THE ORIGINAL TRANSMISSION. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 61,000.

NHTSA ID 11104486 · filed Jun 28, 2018

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.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

THE MASS AIR FLOW SENSOR WAS DESIGNED WITH OVERLY NARROW SPECIFICATIONS, APPARENTLY A WELL KNOWN PROBLEM. HAD TO HAVE MINE REPLACED AND THE COMPUTER REPROGRAMMED - AT A COST OF $725.00. IF THE MANUFACTURER MIS-ENGINEERED THE PART THEY SHOULD PAY FOR IT.

NHTSA ID 11084989 · filed Apr 13, 2018

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

Data on this page last refreshed .