CLICKING NOISE FROM FRONT OR REAR AXLE DURING TAKE-OFF/ACCELERATION This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2012 Nissan Maxima powertrain problems
moderate Owners of the 2012 Nissan Maxima have filed 18 NHTSA complaints about the powertrain, typically surfacing around 90,000 miles at roughly $2,500 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See powertrain across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
18
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$2,500
| Model year | powertrain complaints |
|---|---|
| 2008 Maxima | 8 |
| 2009 Maxima | 8 |
| 2010 Maxima | 11 |
| 2011 Maxima | 19 |
| 2012 Maxima (this page) | 18 |
| 2013 Maxima | 24 |
| 2014 Maxima | 20 |
| 2016 Maxima | 32 |
When does it fail?
Of the 18 powertrain complaints filed for the 2012 Nissan Maxima, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 25,000-50,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
No new NHTSA powertrain complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 7 years — the issue may be aging out of the active population.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering powertrain on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
CLICKING NOISE FROM FRONT OR REAR AXLE DURING TAKE-OFF/ACCELERATION This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗CLICKING NOISE FROM FRONT OR REAR AXLE DURING TAKE-OFF/ACCELERATION This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗IF YOU CONFIRM: Customers concern of a "clicking" noise coming from either left or right front/rear CV-type axles during take-off/acceleration. ACTION: Apply Molykote M77 grease (P/N 44003-7S000) to the hub bearing surfaces. NOTE: * Do not remove the axle from the hub or transmission for this bulletin * Refer to the Electronic Service Manual (ESM) for model specific torque specifications. - For 2007-2013 Versa and 2013 LEAF vehicles, see the Service Procedure torque specifications on page 4. See this bulletin for further detail.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗SERVICE INFORMATION When diagnosing possible power steering gear (rack and pinion steering rack, or steering rack) leak issues, it may appear the steering rack is leaking when actually, it?s not. Use this service bulletin to help make a more accurate diagnosis of the steering rack. See this bulletin for further detail.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Owners of 2012 Nissan Maximas report consistent CVT transmission failures across a wide mileage range (45,000 to 139,000 miles). The most common symptom is loss of power or complete hesitation when accelerating from a stop at traffic lights, leaving drivers stranded or unable to respond safely in traffic. Many owners describe the vehicle becoming stuck in intersections or losing acceleration at highway speeds, with RPM spikes that don't translate to forward motion. One owner had the transmission replaced at 115,000 miles only to need a second replacement by 139,000 miles; another owner's replacement transmission exhibited the same failure as the original.
Diagnostic code P01778 (Step Motor Function) appears in multiple complaints, with some owners referencing "3 kill codes" requiring transmission replacement. One early failure involved a blown CVT hose at 58,000 miles, causing complete fluid loss and immobility. Owners report abnormal whining sounds and intermittent noise during acceleration as warning signs.
Nissan's warranty does not cover 2012 models under extended powertrain coverage (extended warranty only applies to 2010 and earlier). Dealers charge $4,300–$5,000 for replacement. Owners cite Nissan's statements that "it just happens sometimes" with these vehicles. Several owners mention European versions of the same car came with CVT coolers while U.S. versions did not. One owner also reported early and repeated front wheel bearing failures at 45,000, 79,000, and 130,000 miles.
Same Nissan Maxima powertrain reports on nearby years: 2010 · 2011 · 2013 · 2014
Failure modes owners describe
CVT Transmission Failure - Loss of Power / No Acceleration
Complete loss of drive or severe hesitation when accelerating from stops or at highway speeds, leaving owners stranded or unsafe in traffic. Owners report the transmission fails to respond, vehicle stalls in intersections, or requires replacement. This is the most frequent failure pattern across the 18 complaints.
When: 45,000 to 139,000 miles; some failures occur months outside warranty, others within warranty period
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle will not accelerate from stopped position at traffic lights; Hesitation or jerking when accelerating; Vehicle stuck in intersection unable to move forward or backward; Sudden loss of power while driving at highway speed; RPM fluctuations without corresponding acceleration
Codes mentioned: P01778 (Step Motor Function), P1778, 3 kill codes (exact codes not specified)
Repairs/costs cited: CVT transmission replacement typically $4,300–$5,000 at Nissan dealership. One owner replaced transmission at 115,000 miles and needed another at 139,000 miles. One owner replaced transmission once but replacement exhibited same failure.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Nissan warranty covers 3 years/60,000 miles on powertrain for 2012 models (some owners state extended warranty only applies to 2010 and earlier); Nissan extended warranty on powertrain does not cover 2012 model year; no recalls issued; no class action mentioned for this generation; Nissan consumer complaints line declined to offer assistance
CVT Hose Failure - Fluid Leak
High-pressure fluid hose in CVT system ruptures, causing complete fluid loss and transmission failure. Vehicle unable to move; large smoke cloud from engine compartment. Occurs early in vehicle life.
When: 58,000 miles (early failure, shortly outside warranty)
Symptoms owners cite: Big cloud of smoke from hood; Vehicle will not move forward or backward; Vehicle stuck in intersection
Repairs/costs cited: Blown CVT hose; dealer quoted $650 for hose repair; parts cost estimated $150 for hose alone; owner charged tow bill and rental car cost; dealer admitted issue could recur within 50,000 miles
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer admitted the hose failure could happen again; Nissan consumer complaints advised there was nothing they could or would do
CVT Abnormal Noise and Whining on Acceleration
Whining sound from transmission at acceleration above 60 mph, intermittent, accompanied by check engine light. Indicates internal CVT wear or component failure.
When: 104,000 miles total (54,000 miles at purchase + 50,000 miles owner-driven)
Symptoms owners cite: Whining sound at acceleration over 60 mph (intermittent); Check engine light illuminated
Codes mentioned: P01778 (Step Motor Function)
Repairs/costs cited: CVT transmission failure confirmed; owner notes European version of same model came equipped with CVT cooler while U.S. version did not
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Nissan required their own mechanic to assess; same code P01778 pulled by Nissan dealer confirming CVT failure
Front Wheel Bearing Failure - Repeated
Front wheel bearings fail repeatedly, with one owner replacing both left and right bearings separately at low mileage, then again at 130,000 miles. Bearing looseness and critical failures with noise and heat.
When: 45,000 miles (right), 79,000 miles (left), then again by 130,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Excess noise from wheel bearings; Loose bearing condition failing state inspection; Heat generation; Bearing separation
Repairs/costs cited: Bearings replaced at 45,000 miles (right), 79,000 miles (left), and again at 130,000 miles (replaced 3rd and 4th bearing sets); one replacement was genuine Nissan part
Synthesized from 18 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 2 most recent
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…
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…
Had powertrain trouble with your 2012 Nissan Maxima?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
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?
Across the 15 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most powertrain failures cluster between 67,000 and 110,000 miles, with the median around 90,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 67,000; a quarter make it past 110,000. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
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.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2012/Nissan/Maxima.
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. Some links on this page are affiliate links.