CVT transmission overheating / limp mode at highway speed
Loss of power at highway speeds, sudden deceleration from 70 mph to 35-40 mph, transmission entering a protective 'limp' mode
Check engine light: Off
This is the dominant, most safety-relevant problem for this generation: the CVT (continuously variable transmission) can overheat during extended or hard driving — especially in warm weather or mountainous terrain — and enter a protective 'limp mode' that sharply cuts power, producing a sudden deceleration from highway speed down to 35-40 mph. This matches a broadly documented reliability pattern for Nissan's CVT transmissions from this era generally, not something unique to this vehicle. This is a transmission-protection behavior, not typically paired with a check-engine light, though a transmission warning light often accompanies it.
A common problem on this generation, not covered by a recall, and severe enough (sudden highway deceleration) to take seriously.
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Passenger airbag occupancy sensor failure
Passenger airbag warning light continuously flashing
Check engine light: Off
Passenger airbag occupancy sensor failures triggering a continuously flashing warning light and requiring full seat replacement. This may share a defect family with the Infiniti G37's occupant classification sensor problem — Nissan and Infiniti are related brands — though that hasn't been confirmed as the identical part or supplier. This is an airbag-system fault, not an engine issue, so it doesn't trigger a check-engine light.
$2,000+
A similar sensor failure is reported on the Infiniti G37; Nissan and Infiniti are related brands, though the component has not been confirmed as identical.
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Radiator leaks / seepage
Coolant leaking or seeping from the radiator, recurring
Check engine light: On
Recurring radiator leaks and seepage, reported across a wide mileage range with multiple radiator replacements documented. A coolant leak severe enough to trigger overheating typically triggers a check-engine light.
$300 – $90037,000 – 150,000 mi
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Sensor failures (oxygen, MAF, fuel pump)
Check engine light, drivability issues
Check engine light: On
A cluster of sensor failures — oxygen sensors, mass airflow (MAF) sensor, and fuel pump/sensor — spanning a wide cost range. A failed sensor like this reliably triggers a check-engine light.
$400 – $2,65028,000 – 139,500 mi
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Oil system leaks
Multiple oil leak points, oil cooler leak, valve cover leak
Check engine light: Off
Oil leaks from multiple points including the oil cooler and valve cover. One case described as requiring 'massive work' to fully resolve. An oil leak on its own doesn't reliably trigger a check-engine light unless oil pressure drops enough to affect other systems.
$260 – $90076,000 – 141,000 mi
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Emission / fuel system issues (EVAP, catalytic converter)
Check engine light
Check engine light: On
EVAP and canister valve issues alongside catalytic converter problems, both reliably triggering a check engine light.
$357 – $2,20069,400 mi and up
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Vehicle fires without warning
Fires starting without warning, electrical arcing in the dashboard, headlight, or fuse box area
Check engine light: Off
NHTSA complaints describe fires starting without warning and electrical arcing in the dashboard, headlight, and fuse box areas, including reports of complete vehicle burnouts while parked. Only one equipment-related campaign (10V401000) is referenced in connection with a fire incident.
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Belt / accessory issues
Belt noise or failure
Check engine light: Off
Serpentine belt, belt tensioner, and alternator belt issues. A belt issue on its own typically doesn't trigger a check-engine light unless it affects the alternator or another emissions-monitored component.
$150 – $50073,500 – 118,000 mi
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The Fuel Gauge May Read Incorrectly
Fuel gauge reads incorrectly
Check engine light: Off
Fuel gauge reads incorrectly. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 192 owner reports on file.
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Sunroof May Not Close Completely
Sunroof fails to close completely
Check engine light: Off
Sunroof fails to close completely. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 21 owner reports on file.
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The most serious problem for this generation is CVT transmission overheating that can trigger "limp mode" at highway speed — sudden deceleration from 70 mph down to 35-40 mph, especially in warm weather or on long grades. This is a known reliability pattern for Nissan's CVT transmissions from this era, not unique to this vehicle, but well-represented here. Take it seriously if you're driving long highway stretches or in hot climates.