PROBLEM GUIDE

2009–2014 Nissan Maxima Common Problems

Here's what owners are experiencing, based on our research of real owner reports and repair data.

Last updated October 2026

275

complaints filed for the 2010 model year

2009–2014

Model years affected

$900 – $1,100+

Typical repair cost, by problem

An electronic steering column lock malfunction stranding vehicles without warning is the largest single complaint category (~60 complaints). Separately, cracked strut insulators matching a recall item but excluded by VIN, and a panoramic sunroof exploding at highway speed with passenger injuries, are also reported on this generation.

Quick Scan: 20 Issues

Click a problem for the full write-up — symptoms, what we found, and typical repair costs where we have them.

Think this sounds like your Nissan Maxima?

Tell us what's happening and get a preliminary diagnosis, typical cost range, and trusted shops near you.

Get a Second Opinion

Compare estimates before authorizing major work.

Compare Estimates →

Talk to MyGearGuru

Answer a few questions and get a preliminary read plus shops near you.

Start my diagnosis →

PROBLEM DETAILS

Cracked strut insulators, some VINs excluded from recall

Instability and noise, matching a recall item some owners are excluded from

Check engine light: On

~40 suspension complaints describe cracked strut insulators causing instability and noise, with several owners noting the defect matches a recall item but their VIN was excluded.

Owners report VINs left out of this recall despite identical symptoms.

↑ Back to the problem table

Panoramic sunroof explosion at highway speed

Passenger injuries reported in one incident

Check engine light: Off

~5 complaints describe the panoramic sunroof glass spontaneously shattering while driving at highway speeds; one incident resulted in passenger injuries.

↑ Back to the problem table

Electronic steering column lock malfunction, strands vehicles

Prevents startup, often leaving owners stranded without warning

Check engine light: On

The largest single complaint category for this vehicle (~60 complaints): the electronic steering column lock malfunctions and prevents vehicle startup, often leaving owners stranded without warning after parking.

$900 – $1,100+

↑ Back to the problem table

Dashboard becomes sticky and reflective from heat

Creates dangerous windshield glare while driving

Check engine light: Off

~15 complaints describe the dashboard surface degrading into a sticky, reflective state from heat exposure, which then reflects onto the windshield and impairs visibility while driving.

↑ Back to the problem table

Sudden power steering loss at highway speed

Described as creating serious safety hazards

Check engine light: On

~10 complaints describe sudden power steering failure while driving at highway speeds, described as creating serious safety hazards.

↑ Back to the problem table

CVT transmission failures and slipping

Some vehicles losing power while in motion

Check engine light: On

~20 complaints describe CVT transmission failures and slipping, with some vehicles losing power while in motion.

↑ Back to the problem table

AC hose leaks at the crimped low-pressure joint

The low pressure AC hose leaks at a crimped connection

Check engine light: Off

The low pressure AC hose leaks at a crimped connection. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 168 owner reports on file.

↑ Back to the problem table

Check engine light due to a failed ignition coil

Check engine light due to a failed ignition coil

Check engine light: On

Check engine light due to a failed ignition coil. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 103 owner reports on file.

↑ Back to the problem table

Oil wicking into the cam sensor connector

The camshaft sensors leak oil into the connector

Check engine light: Off

The camshaft sensors leak oil into the connector. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 96 owner reports on file.

↑ Back to the problem table

Leaking power steering pump

A leaking power steering pump causes noise or steering problems

Check engine light: Off

A leaking power steering pump causes noise or steering problems. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 93 owner reports on file.

↑ Back to the problem table

Timing chain rattle

The timing chain rattles and taps

Check engine light: Off

The timing chain rattles and taps. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 81 owner reports on file.

↑ Back to the problem table

Oil cooler seal leak

The external seal on the engine oil cooler fails and leaks

Check engine light: Off

The external seal on the engine oil cooler fails and leaks. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 63 owner reports on file.

↑ Back to the problem table

ECU damage from a failed idle-speed control motor

The idle speed control motor fails and damages the ECU

Check engine light: On

The idle speed control motor fails and damages the ECU. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 57 owner reports on file.

↑ Back to the problem table

Corroded ground inside the MAF sensor

Corrosion develops on the ground inside the mass air flow sensor

Check engine light: On

Corrosion develops on the ground inside the mass air flow sensor. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 50 owner reports on file.

↑ Back to the problem table

Crankshaft sensor failure (poor engine performance)

Engine performance problems are caused by a crankshaft position sensor failure

Check engine light: On

Engine performance problems are caused by a crankshaft position sensor failure. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 43 owner reports on file.

↑ Back to the problem table

Timing chain tensioner bleeds oil pressure

The timing chain tensioner bleeds off oil pressure

Check engine light: Off

The timing chain tensioner bleeds off oil pressure. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 36 owner reports on file.

↑ Back to the problem table

Overheating from a stuck thermostat

Overheating is caused by a thermostat stuck closed

Check engine light: Off

Overheating is caused by a thermostat stuck closed. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 33 owner reports on file.

↑ Back to the problem table

Wiring harness damage at the right strut tower

The wiring harness is damaged near the right strut tower

Check engine light: Off

The wiring harness is damaged near the right strut tower. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 32 owner reports on file.

↑ Back to the problem table

Speed sensor failure (dead speedometer)

The vehicle speed sensor fails and the speedometer stops working

Check engine light: Off

The vehicle speed sensor fails and the speedometer stops working. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 30 owner reports on file.

↑ Back to the problem table

Worn right engine mount

The right side engine mount wears and causes excessive movement

Check engine light: Off

The right side engine mount wears and causes excessive movement. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 27 owner reports on file.

↑ Back to the problem table

Owners report cracked strut insulators matching the 'exact same problem' as a recall item, but their VINs are excluded from coverage. Enter your VIN to get the confirmed, current recall picture for your specific car.

Other Nissan problems

The information on this page is for general educational purposes only and is not a diagnosis. It is compiled from aggregated owner-reported data and publicly available sources, not from an inspection of your vehicle. Symptoms described here can have multiple causes, and the presence of a commonly reported problem does not mean your vehicle has it. Repair cost ranges are estimates that vary by region, shop, vehicle condition, and parts availability. Recall and service campaign information may be incomplete or out of date — verify current recall status with NHTSA or your manufacturer. MyGearGuru is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by any vehicle manufacturer; manufacturer and model names are used for identification only. Always consult a qualified technician before making repair decisions.

Free instant car diagnosisKnow what's wrong before you go to the mechanic — takes 1 minute.