I WAS BACKING THE CAR OUT OF MY DRIVEWAY WHEN THE CAR STOPPED MOVING IN REVERSE AND MOVED FORWARD. AFTER STOPPING THE CAR I ATTEMPTED TO BACK IT AGAIN WITH THE SAME RESULTS ONLY THE CAR MOVED FORWARD ENOUGH TO HIT MY FENCE CAUSING MINOR DAMAGE TO THE DRIVER SIDE BUMPER. I CALLED MY DEALERSHIP AND THE SENT A TOW TRUCK AND TOWED THE CAR TO THE DEALERSHIP. WHEN I ARRIVED AT THE DEALERSHIP I WAS TO…
2008 nissan Maxima powertrain problems
severe 8 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $2,500
Complaints
8
Recalls
0
Crashes
2
Avg fix
$2,500
What owners are reporting 3 most recent
HAVE A 2008 NISSAN MAXIMA AND JUST FOUND OUT I NEED A TRANSMISSION AFTER ONLY HAVING IT 2YRS ..DEALER NEVER TOLD ME THAT IT HAD A PROBLEM WHEN HE SOLD TO ME HAD I KNOWN NISSAN HAD A PROBLEM WITH THIS MODEL I WOULD NEVER HAD PURCHASE IT...I NEED A WHOLE NEW TRANSMISSON AND FOR 3700 DOLLARS I FEEL NISSAN SHOULD RPLACE IT AT NO COST TO ME SINCE IT SEEMS THAT THIS ISSUE SEEMS TO BE WITH ALL THERE MODE…
VEHICLE STOPPED FORWARD MOVEMENT IN MIDDLE LANE OF I-95 NORTH. ENGINE REVOLUTIONS JUMPED TO RED ZONE BUT NO FORWARD MOVEMENT. HAD TO COAST, IN LIGHT TRAFFIC, TO EDGE OF ROADWAY MERGE LANE. ENGINE THEN DIED. ENGINE RE-STARTED ABOUT 35 MINUTES LATER AND TRAVELED TO US HWY 1 WHEN SAME THING HAPPENED. VEHICLE DIED IN OUTER LANE. STATE POLICE ARRIVED AND ASSISTED IN PUSHING VEHICLE TO BUSINESS SH…
Common questions
How serious is the powertrain problem on the 2008 nissan Maxima?
It's a meaningful issue. 8 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $2,500.
At what mileage does the powertrain typically fail?
Mileage data is limited for this issue. Owners report failures across a wide range, suggesting cause is more about driving conditions and maintenance than mileage alone.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $2,500 for powertrain repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to powertrain?
No active recalls currently cover powertrain issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Other problem areas on this vehicle
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities.
Repair cost estimates are independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area.
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