2016 Nissan Maxima transmission & drivetrain problems

Related recalls

No recalls on file.

What owners say

1. Filed Aug 7, 2025100,000 miARTowedTransmission & Drivetrain

   The contact owns a 2016 Nissan Maxima. The contact stated that while driving 55 MPH, the vehicle failed to accelerate properly. The vehicle was shifted into neutral, and the RPMs revved up. The vehicle failed to move forward and shut off unintendedly. Several hours later, the vehicle was restarted. The vehicle was shaking abnormally while driving, with an unknown warning light illuminated. Additionally, the vehicle was shaking abnormally while the brake pedal was depressed.…

   NHTSA complaint #11679050 · source
2. Filed Jul 5, 2025LATransmission & Drivetrain

   I had been trying to get the transmission changed on several occasions but was unsuccessful and was told to wait until 100,000 miles. So, I complied to suggestion. On 7/3/25 for a scheduled oil and transmission service, it was told that the transmission was throwing a P17F1 code and it would be best no to do anything with the transmission. So, at this point with no knowledge of what the code meant I refused the fluid change until I could get the understanding of what was…

   NHTSA complaint #11671310 · source
3. Filed Apr 12, 2025LALightingTransmission & DrivetrainVisibility & Wipers

   The headlights are dim. I have replaced them with brighter H11 bulbs but I still cannot see. Others who have driven my car have indicated that the headlights are noticeably dimmer than normal. I literally cannot see the roadway. Also, I started having problems with the CVT shortly before 60,000miles. The problem was diagnosed as rudder codes. I was not financially able to replace the CVT at the time although I did ultimately replace it. The headliner inside the car has been…

   NHTSA complaint #11654299 · source
4. Filed Aug 15, 2024INEngineTransmission & Drivetrain

   This is third time this has happened. I already filled out one, but they have already replaced my altenator. My car worked fine for about a month, and then it did the same thing where I can't excelarate and the car limps at 1 MPH till it eventually shuts off and will not start up. If you jump the car it will work again, but not for long until it does the same thing. On the Nissan Forums alot of people are talking about this same issue, but nothing is being done and the only…

   NHTSA complaint #11608652 · source
5. Filed Jul 17, 202457,800 miCOElectrical SystemAcceleration & Cruise ControlTransmission & Drivetrain

   The contact owns a 2016 Nissan Maxima. The contact stated that while the vehicle was stopped, the vehicle failed to accelerate while the accelerator pedal was depressed. The ABS warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where it was diagnosed; however, the cause of the failure was not yet determined. The vehicle was taken to another local dealer, Alpine Nissan of Denver (2400 W 104th Ave, Denver, CO 80234) where it was diagnosed and determined…

   NHTSA complaint #11602938 · source
6. Filed Jun 17, 2024INEngineTransmission & Drivetrain

   Alternator loses power and car doesn’t accelerate. Vehicle shuts down and will not start after. When running diagnostics after everything shows fine and after a jump car works again and reads fine. Happens again after driving for 40+ mins

   NHTSA complaint #11594937 · source
7. Filed Dec 13, 2023FLElectrical SystemEngineTransmission & Drivetrain

   I recently purchased this vehicle from HHGreg in Tampa, Fl in May 2023. We found out it was associated with a recall regarding the brakes within 60days of having the vehicle, which Brandon Nissan took care of. My car only has 40,000 miles on it now. We bought it with only having 36,000 miles on it. Therefore, we've only driven it 4k miles. However, for the last 3 months, this car will literally shut off while driving, mainly when taking a turn. Which, as you can imagine is…

   NHTSA complaint #11560003 · source
8. Filed Aug 1, 2023PATransmission & Drivetrain

   My 2016 nissan maxima has 59000 miles and im having problems with the cvt transmission juddering when pressing gas slowly hesitating to change gears ive seen articles about nissan vehicles having the same issue i guess a death needs to happen so it can be on recall what ashame

   NHTSA complaint #11535901 · source
9. Filed May 11, 2023100,406 miFLTowedEngineTransmission & Drivetrain

   The contact owns a 2016 Nissan Maxima. The contact stated while approaching a stop light, the vehicle started jerking. The contact pulled over and the vehicle lost motive power and stalled. The contact was unable to restart the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic and the crank shaft was replaced. On another occasion while at a stop light, the contact became aware of smoke coming from the rear of the vehicle. The contact attempted to accelerate; however,…

   NHTSA complaint #11521512 · source
10. Filed Mar 11, 2023MDTransmission & Drivetrain

    Vehicle intermittently jerks upon acceleration and has become excessive. RPMs drop and surge which cause a lack in power. Vehicle was taken to my personal mechanic who diagnosed it as a software issue with the CVT transmission and I was told I needed to take it directly to a Nissan Dealer. My mechanic informed me that Nissans have had several issues with the transmission. After further research I found an abundance of complaints from other consumers under lemon law that they…

    NHTSA complaint #11511307 · source
11. Filed Jan 21, 2023OKElectrical SystemAcceleration & Cruise ControlTransmission & Drivetrain

    Vehicle has acceleration issues. Started June 2022 and has continued frequently since. Will randomly stop accelerating then if I try to let off the gas pedal and apply again it shudders so hard it shakes the car. After trying 3-4 times it will accelerate again. The RPM will shoot down to 1 and straight back up to 1.5-2. Maintenance shop has been unable to figure out what’s wrong but it seems many 2016 Maxima owners are having similar issues. Why has there not been a recall…

    NHTSA complaint #11502950 · source
12. Filed Sep 8, 2022ILElectrical SystemEngineTransmission & Drivetrain

    What component or system failed or malfunctioned etc. -The Nissan CVT transmission that is used in all Nissan models and has a known history of premature failure. My 2016 Maxima has 48,000 miles and a completely failed transmission. Yes it is available for inspection. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? -My two kids were in the car with all three times the accelerator stopped working while in motion due to the CVT transmission. All happened in Chicago…

    NHTSA complaint #11483414 · source

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. View this vehicle on NHTSA.gov Methodology