Nissan has become synonymous with CVT transmission problems over the last two decades in various models. However, dealing with the Nissan Maxima transmission problems is one thing many people are often daunted by. It is essential to understand which common problems the Nissan Maxima might have before buying.

Premature transmission failure is the most daunting of these problems and can often be identified by missing gears when driving. Some gears might work intermittently, whereas others could be caused by low transmission fluid. If left unchecked, it could lead to complete transmission failure in many vehicles.

Since there are Nissan Maxima transmission problems, you should be prepared. There are only a few things you can do at home to prevent or check for problems. However, we will deep-dive some of these issues to help you notice when such problems are likely to occur. The article aims to explore the most rampant version of Nissan CVT transmission issues.

Most Reported Nissan Maxima Transmission Problems & Potential Solutions

The idea of buying a faultless vehicle is almost impossible, and it is great that you have decided to check which common problems the Nissan Maxima might throw onto you. The following transmission problems have been widely reported amongst the various models of the vehicle, and now you can spot them before they happen:

1. Premature Transmission Failure

Problem: We all know that your transmission is one of the main sources of communication of your vehicle. For the Nissan Maxima, your transmission could fail prematurely if you don’t check the transmission fluid often. However, one major symptom you will feel before this happens is missing gears when driving or stuttering to get into gear.

Solution: There is not much you can do at home aside from checking for low transmission fluid. The transmission system is rather complex and you might have damaged or broken gears inside. You will have to visit your mechanic to identify these issues. It could cost you as much as $5,000 to have the full transmission replaced.

2. Low Transmission Fluid Causing Inconsistent Shifting

Problem: As part of the previous issue, your vehicle could be suffering from leaks and this will drain the transmission fluid. Transmission fluid is responsible for lubricating the components and making shifting smoother. It is essential to do sporadic checks of the transmission fluid and make sure that everything is topped up.

Solution: Checking the transmission fluid more frequently could allow you to notice when transmission issues are occurring. However, leaving it might lead to degradation of the interior components. If you leak, you might want to visit your local mechanic to have them identify what could be the cause.

3. Transmission Slipping

Problem: If your transmission keeps on slipping, it is often the clutch plate that is at fault. It could be due to natural wear and tear on the transmission, but a slipping transmission would often mean that your clutch is worn out. It is not a common problem with the Nissan Maxima, and many reports of this problem occur over 70,000 miles.

Solution: The first thing you would want to do is visit your mechanic. The mechanic would determine whether it is due to a clutch being damaged or simple wear and tear on the gears. Unfortunately, this is one of the most expensive fixes for the Nissan Maxima. It could cost you as much as $3,000 to replace your clutch.

4. Jerking Or Shuddering When Pulling Away

Problem: If you have ever pulled away with your vehicle and experienced a jerking feeling, it is most commonly bad clutch control. However, worn-out gears can cause the vehicle to miss gears or often grind against some of the gear components. The jerking can be accompanied by a grinding sound if lubrication is not present.

Solution: It is best to check the transmission fluid first. However, the jerking in the transmission is often a result of common wear and tear. Fortunately, most reports of this problem only happen at around 100,000 miles. Once again, you might be left with no other option than to replace the full transmission system.

5. Excessive Engine Revving

Problem: Many Nissan Maxima owners have reported that the engine tends to RV excessively before the vehicle goes into gear. Dealing with excessive revving is often due to the shifting mechanism or sensor in automatic vehicles not working. This means the car does not detect when it needs to shift into a higher gear.

Solution: When it comes to Nissan Transmissions, the causes for these problems are often the same, but they could present themselves in various symptoms. In this case, it could be due to wear and tear, but a failure of the gear sensor could also be the cause of the problem. Replacing the sensor would be around $600.

FAQ

Is There A Nissan Maxima Transmission Recall?

As of the current date, there are no direct recalls related to the transmission of the Nissan Maxima. However, several potential class actions are in the process of being filed due to the shaking and premature failure of the Nissan CVT transmission. Lawyers are still investigating whether a class action is possible.

Does Nissan Fix Maxima Transmission Issues For Free?

Nissan includes a standard 5-year, 60,000-mile powertrain warranty, but users can opt to include the extended CVT warranty. Under the warranty, Maxima owners can have their transmission issues fixed for free. However, this does not include fixes for components like a worn-out clutch. Under the warranty, Nissan could even replace your transmission for free.

What Does A Failing Nissan Maxima Transmission Sound Like?

Various issues could be causing the transmission of your Maxima to fail. However, you could often hear strange sounds coming from the powertrain before this happens. These sounds would be grinding noises or banging as the vehicle transitions from one gear to another. It is time to visit a mechanic if you notice this.