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 ↗2013 Nissan Maxima powertrain problems
moderate Owners of the 2013 Nissan Maxima have filed 24 NHTSA complaints about the powertrain, typically surfacing around 106,034 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
24
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$2,500
| Model year | powertrain complaints |
|---|---|
| 2009 Maxima | 8 |
| 2010 Maxima | 11 |
| 2011 Maxima | 19 |
| 2012 Maxima | 18 |
| 2013 Maxima (this page) | 24 |
| 2014 Maxima | 20 |
| 2016 Maxima | 32 |
| 2017 Maxima | 11 |
When does it fail?
Of the 24 powertrain complaints filed for the 2013 Nissan Maxima, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 100,000-125,000 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
Powertrain accounts for 39% of every owner complaint on file for this vehicle — the dominant problem area across 3 categories tracked.
No new NHTSA powertrain complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 6 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 2013 Nissan Maximas describe five distinct powertrain failures, with CVT transmission breakdown dominating the complaints. The most common failure is complete loss of power and acceleration at highway speeds—vehicles simply stop responding to the accelerator pedal, dropping from 60+ mph to zero in seconds. Owners report this happens with no warning, often with the engine simultaneously running up high RPMs before the check engine light comes on. Diagnostic codes P1778 (stepper motor malfunction) and P0778 appear frequently.
A second pattern involves transmission slipping and erratic shifting: the transmission hesitates, jerks, then surges forward unpredictably when changing gears, creating loss of driver control on the road. Failures cluster around 70,000 to 110,000 miles, though some occur as low as 70k and others beyond 130k. Full transmission replacement costs owners $5,000–$5,523, with warranty coverage typically limited to 12–18 months on the replacement unit itself.
One owner experienced unresolved driveline vibration at highway speeds that persisted through tire balancing, wheel swap, drive-axle replacement, and transmission replacement; the dealer ultimately claimed it was normal, contrary to the owner's experience with other vehicles.
Another reported a fractured internal transmission chain at 109,000 miles. Owners note that the 2013 Altima with the same CVT was recalled for transmission issues, but the Maxima was not.
Same Nissan Maxima powertrain reports on nearby years: 2010 · 2011 · 2012 · 2014 · 2016
Failure modes owners describe
CVT transmission failure — complete loss of power/acceleration
Transmission quits responding to accelerator input; vehicle loses all power and slows dramatically or stops on highway. Often accompanied by check engine light and inability to accelerate even with pedal fully depressed. Affects driver ability to maintain highway speed and creates immediate safety hazard from traffic.
When: Typically 70,000–139,000 miles; varies widely. Most common report between 80k–110k miles.
Symptoms owners cite: Sudden loss of power while driving; Vehicle does not respond to accelerator pedal; Accelerator pressed to floor with no result; RPMs drop suddenly; Check engine light illuminates; Vehicle slows from highway speed to 0–20 mph in seconds
Codes mentioned: P1778 (Stepper Motor malfunction / Transmission Reverse I/P Circuit), P0778
Repairs/costs cited: Full CVT transmission replacement. Owner reports cite costs of $5,000–$5,523. Replacement transmissions typically warranted for 12–18 months or 12,000–18,000 miles only.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recalls issued for 2013 Maxima CVT (though 2013 Altima with same transmission was recalled). Extended warranty may cover some repairs; standard powertrain warranty typically expired by failure mileage.
CVT transmission slipping / erratic shifting
Transmission slips between gears or shifts unpredictably. Vehicle may surge forward suddenly at partial throttle, hesitate before moving, or accelerate involuntarily when gear changes. Speed drops before gear change, then sudden acceleration follows. Creates dangerous loss of driver control.
When: Various mileages, typically 70,000–105,000 miles.
Symptoms owners cite: Transmission slips; Erratic or unpredictable acceleration; Vehicle jerks or pulls; Sudden acceleration when changing gears; Hesitation before moving from stop; Speed decreases then suddenly accelerates
Codes mentioned: P1778
Repairs/costs cited: Transmission replacement required. Cost estimates in narratives: $5,000+.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No manufacturer response documented in narratives. Extended warranty covers some cases if not expired.
Unexplained driveline vibration at highway speed
Moderate to significant vibration felt throughout vehicle at 60+ mph. Persists after tire balancing, wheel/tire swap from new vehicle, drive-axle replacement, transmission replacement, and engine mount replacement. Dealer unable to isolate root cause; some technicians claimed vibration was 'normal' despite owner experience with other brands showing no such issue.
When: Reported at highway speeds; complaint filed January 2015, issue unresolved by May 2015 after multiple dealer visits starting March 2015.
Symptoms owners cite: Moderate vibration in vehicle at highway speeds (60+ mph); Vibration persists after tire balancing; Vibration persists after tire/wheel swap; Vibration persists after drivetrain work
Repairs/costs cited: Multiple attempted repairs: tire balance, wheel/tire replacement, drive-axle replacement, transmission replacement, engine mount replacement (under extended warranty with $50 deductible). All repairs failed to eliminate vibration. Dealer stated unable to repair and attempted buyback case opened.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Nissan Customer Service opened case for investigation and potential buyback. Dealer tech ultimately claimed vibration was normal, though owner test-drove other Maximas and found discrepancy in dealer claim.
Stepper motor malfunction / transmission reverse circuit fault
Stepper motor in transmission fails, identified by diagnostic code P1778. Results in loss of transmission function and inability to accelerate. Often accompanied by loud noise and RPM surge before failure.
When: Not specified in narratives; occurs during normal highway driving.
Symptoms owners cite: Loud noise while accelerating; RPM jump to 4–5 range; Check engine light (Service Engine Soon); Loss of acceleration; Transmission malfunction
Codes mentioned: P1778 (Stepper Motor malfunction / Transmission Reverse I/P Circuit)
Repairs/costs cited: Transmission replacement. Owners cited cost of $5,000+.
Transmission chain fracture
Internal transmission chain breaks during operation, rendering transmission unable to propel vehicle. Vehicle loses all forward motion when chain fails.
When: 109,124 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle suddenly decelerates while accelerator is depressed; Vehicle fails to move after restart; Check engine warning light illuminates
Repairs/costs cited: Transmission replacement required. Repair not completed in reported case.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer notified. No resolution documented in narrative.
Synthesized from 24 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 7 most recent
My 2013 Nissan maxima slowed down while on the highway doing 60 MPH then a sputtering noise follows with a large boom and winding noise, check engine light came on. Took my car to autozone code stated CVT transmission problem. This car is only 6 years old why would I need an transmission. I'm so disappointed with Nissan
a recall and class action lawsuit was issued for the 2013 altima but not the 2013 maxima. they have the same cvt transmission, my cvt transmission on my maxima just went out. Both the maxima and the altima should have been included in these recalls if they have the exact same CVT transmission
Driving down the 680 freeway in rush hour morning traffic. In fast lane going with speed of traffic (approx. 75 MPH) car suddenly loses power. RPM start to go crazy. Car does not respond to accelerator. Dropped from 75 MPH to 0 MPH in matter of seconds. Very scary experience. Stuck on side of the freeway until tow truck arrived. Had a panic attack. No warning signs. Tow to a mechanic, my…
I was stopping for gas to head back to work, then I realized that a cloud of smoke never seen it before.
As I was driving on highway from arkansas to texas my car started making this really loud noise as I was accelerating. I was only at 60 MPH and the car was still making the noise but as I was increasing my speed to pass and switch lanes my car seem like it became stuck and wouldn't let me accelerate or go any faster and my RPM jumped to 5. I pulled over and rested my car for a minute took it to o…
I have had this vehicle for 2 years and it's only a 5 year old car. I find it disturbing that Nissan is well aware of the CVT transmission issues on these vehicles and they have not been recalled. They put my kids and myself in danger when my car all of a sudden didn't function correctly. I was making a u-turn and it would not accelerate, we almost got hit by two cars of oncoming traffic! I took…
Vehicle lost power no warning while driving on freeway almost had a wreck then the speed picked up out of now where. The rpms were climbed to 4 and then the check engine light came on. I was able to get to an autozone to read the code and it gave me a p1778 telling me that the stepper motor was malfunctioning and I need to replace the transmission I've only had this car for 2 1/2 years my…
Had powertrain trouble with your 2013 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 2013 Nissan Maxima?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 24 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 22 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most powertrain failures cluster between 80,000 and 112,000 miles, with the median around 106,034. A quarter of owners report trouble before 80,000; a quarter make it past 112,000. 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/2013/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.