CURRENTLY AT 130,000 MILES, ORIGINAL OWNER, I JUST REPLACED MY 3RD AND 4TH FRONT WHEEL BEARINGS, ONE OF WHICH WAS A GENUINE NISSAN PART. FAILURES WERE NOT CRITICAL BUT THEIR "LOOSE" CONDITION WOULD NOT PASS STATE INSPECTION CRITERIA. PRIOR TO THIS, THE ORIGINAL FRONT BEARINGS SEPARATELY EXPERIENCED CRITICAL ROAD FAILURES WITH EXCESS NOISE, HEAT AND SEPARATION. BEARINGS WERE REPLACED AT 79,000 (…
2012 nissan Maxima powertrain problems
moderate 18 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $2,500
Complaints
18
Recalls
0
Crashes
0
Avg fix
$2,500
What owners are reporting 2 most recent
This CVT control variable transmission in these cars go out so fast. The CVT transmission went out at around 115,000. We replace it because we pressed the gas and no acceleration when stop light turned green. Then missed the light then it accelerated late and almost got hit by on coming car. We just replaced this CVT transmission in July 30, 2020 at around about price of $5000. The only place th…
Common questions
How serious is the powertrain problem on the 2012 nissan Maxima?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 18 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $2,500 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
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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