CAMPAIGN BULLETIN CVT Warranty Extension In an effort to assure customer satisfaction, demonstrate our confidence in continuously variable transmissions (CVTs), and to address customer concerns including those expressed by customers in a class action, Nissan will extend the warranty coverage on the CVT. The warranty extension includes the CVT assembly and internal CVT components, gaskets, and seals, CVT control valve body, torque converter, cooler kit (if applicable), Automatic Transmission Control Unit (ATCU) and reprogramming of the Transmission Control Module (TCM), on the vehicles listed in this announcement. The warranty is being extended from its original duration of 60 months/60,000 m
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2016 Nissan Maxima powertrain problems
moderate Owners of the 2016 Nissan Maxima have filed 32 NHTSA complaints about the powertrain, typically surfacing around 74,000 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
32
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$2,500
| Model year | powertrain complaints |
|---|---|
| 2012 Maxima | 18 |
| 2013 Maxima | 24 |
| 2014 Maxima | 20 |
| 2016 Maxima (this page) | 32 |
| 2017 Maxima | 11 |
When does it fail?
Of the 32 powertrain complaints filed for the 2016 Nissan Maxima, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 0-25,000 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
Owners have filed 32 powertrain complaints with NHTSA against this vehicle, but no formal recall covers the issue — the federal record reflects what manufacturers have admitted, not everything owners are reporting.
Among the 12 model years of Nissan Maxima in our records for powertrain problems, this one ranks #3 by owner-complaint volume.
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.
CVT/TCM CALIBRATION DATA “WRITE” PROCEDURE This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗DTC P17F0 OR P17F1 STORED IN THE TCM This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Discard all previous versions of this bulletin.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗CVT JUDDER AND DTC P17F0 OR P17F1 STORED This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Discard all previous versions of this bulletin.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗CVT JUDDER AND DTC P17F0 OR P17F1 STORED This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Discard all previous versions of this bulletin.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
The 2016 Maxima's CVT transmission is the core problem across these complaints. Owners document complete transmission failure—no acceleration, no drive, just a dead weight—hitting around 57,000 to 80,000 miles. Repair shops cite $4,000 to $4,800 for replacement. Multiple owners report the transmission contained internal debris ("glitter"), signaling severe wear.
More dangerous: intermittent loss of power while driving. Vehicle stalls dead—no warning light, no code—leaving owners coasting. After sitting, it restarts fine and runs normally for hours, then dies again. One owner had this happen multiple times on highways; another nearly got hit in an intersection when acceleration quit mid-turn. Nissan dealerships run diagnostics, find nothing, and owners keep driving a ticking bomb.
Acceleration hesitation is pervasive. Vehicle enters "limp mode" at 1–6 mph, RPMs flutter, and the pedal goes dead for 10+ seconds. Hitting a bump or railroad track can trigger it. Engine light and traction control light come on, then clear after restart.
Nissan openly acknowledges CVT problems from class-action lawsuits but refuses to recall the Maxima or extend coverage. Dealerships misdiagnose transmission failure as alternator issues, then decline to cover repairs once the real problem emerges. Owners report feeling ignored and unsafe.
Secondary issues: dim headlights, failing headliner glue, and deteriorating sunroof seals round out the quality complaints.
Same Nissan Maxima powertrain reports on nearby years: 2013 · 2014
Failure modes owners describe
CVT Transmission Complete Failure
The CVT transmission loses all drive capability—vehicle will not accelerate, shift, or move forward despite engine running. Multiple owners report the transmission is beyond repair and requires full replacement.
When: 40,000–100,000 miles; most common 57,000–80,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: No acceleration response when pedal is depressed; RPMs flutter or surge without vehicle moving forward; Vehicle shakes or vibrates excessively during acceleration; Complete loss of drive in both forward and reverse; Transmission judders or stutters on acceleration
Codes mentioned: P1735, P17F1, CVT limp-mode activation, Transmission failure codes per transmission shops
Repairs/costs cited: Full CVT transmission replacement required; owners cite $4,000–$4,800+ repair costs. One shop noted transmission contained 'glitter' (internal debris), indicating internal wear or failure.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Nissan has acknowledged CVT issues in class-action lawsuits but refuses coverage outside warranty period. TSB NTB17-039P addresses Transmission Judder but is not a recall.
Intermittent Loss of Power and Engine Shutdown While Driving
Vehicle loses electrical power or engine shuts down completely while driving, sometimes at low speed or in traffic. After restart, it operates normally for hours or days before recurring. Diagnostics often show no active codes.
When: Intermittent throughout vehicle life; multiple occurrences reported at 40,000–100,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Engine shuts off unexpectedly while driving; Sudden loss of power with no warning light; Loss of power steering and power brakes when shutdown occurs; Vehicle stalls in intersections or mid-traffic; After sitting, vehicle restarts and operates normally temporarily; Clicking sound suggesting dead battery, but battery tests normal
Codes mentioned: No active diagnostic codes in most cases, Alternator voltage readings normal despite shutdowns
Repairs/costs cited: One owner had alternator replaced; problem recurred. Another had crankshaft sensor and transmission replaced without resolving the shutdown issue. Battery and charging system test normal. Root cause remains undiagnosed in most complaints.
Acceleration Hesitation, Loss, and Limp Mode
Vehicle enters a limp-mode state where acceleration is severely restricted or fails entirely. RPMs drop or surge without corresponding power delivery. Condition can occur when hitting bumps, accelerating from stops, or turning.
When: 22,000–100,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Accelerator becomes unresponsive despite pedal input; Delay of 10+ seconds before vehicle begins to move; Engine light and traction control light illuminate; Maximum speed limited to 1–6 mph in limp mode; RPMs fluctuate (drop to 1, surge to 1.5–2) without acceleration; Vehicle hesitates when accelerating from stops or lights; Symptoms triggered by bumps, railroad tracks, or turns; Problem resets after shutdown and restart, then recurs
Codes mentioned: P1735, Multiple transmission-related DTCs
Repairs/costs cited: Dealers suggest alternator replacement without diagnosing transmission. Independent mechanics cite software issues within the CVT. Full transmission replacement eventually required.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Nissan acknowledges CVT issues but states no recall applies. TSB NTB17-039P exists for Transmission Judder.
Intermittent Acceleration Failure and Unresponsive Accelerator Pedal
Accelerator pedal becomes unresponsive for seconds to minutes while driving, then returns to function. Can happen multiple times in a single trip or spread across weeks. Related to CVT transmission control.
When: Throughout vehicle ownership; one case documented starting at 48,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Accelerator stops working while in drive gear; Vehicle coasts or loses speed while pedal is depressed; Problem resolves briefly in park, then fails again; Unresponsive accelerator followed by sudden jerking motion when power returns; No warning lights before failure (in some cases)
Codes mentioned: No diagnostic codes detected in most cases, 'Kill code' indicating transmission failure (per independent transmission shop)
Repairs/costs cited: Independent transmission shop identified 'kill code' from engine computer. Nissan dealership misdiagnosed as alternator issue.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Settlement of prior CVT lawsuits confirms pattern, yet issue not recalled on 2016 Maxima.
Dim Headlights
Headlights produce insufficient illumination for safe night driving. Owner replaced bulbs with higher-wattage type, but dimness persists.
When: Occurs throughout vehicle ownership
Symptoms owners cite: Noticeably dim headlights compared to other vehicles; Poor road visibility at night; Problem persists after installing higher-wattage H11 bulbs
Repairs/costs cited: Owner attempted bulb upgrade without resolution.
Headliner Adhesive Failure
Interior headliner fabric separates from the roof structure, requiring repeated gluing to secure.
When: Recurring throughout vehicle ownership
Symptoms owners cite: Headliner fabric falling away from roof; Loose material around rear-view window area
Repairs/costs cited: Owner has repeatedly re-glued headliner.
Panoramic Sunroof Seal Degradation
Side seals on the panoramic sunroof deteriorate or melt, allowing potential water intrusion.
When: Recurring issue throughout vehicle ownership
Symptoms owners cite: Seal material melting or degrading on both side panels at rear of sunroof; Sticky residue forming as seal deteriorates
Repairs/costs cited: Owner has attempted temporary sealing repairs.
Synthesized from 32 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 3 most recent
I recently purchased this vehicle from HHGreg in Tampa, Fl in May 2023. We found out it was associated with a recall regarding the brakes within 60days of having the vehicle, which Brandon Nissan took care of. My car only has 40,000 miles on it now. We bought it with only having 36,000 miles on it. Therefore, we've only driven it 4k miles. However, for the last 3 months, this car will literally…
Sunroof transmission front bumper clip fuel sonar senor not working
Vehicle stalls in the middle of traffic it looses power with n warning at all. I took to the vehicle to the Nissan dealership on 11/7/2020 and they could not duplicate what happen and stated they placed it on the computer with no codes showing. On the way home 11/12/20 as I was entering traffic on highway 85 I lost power again I was almost hit by two vehicles. I press the accelerator 3 times…
Had powertrain trouble with your 2016 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 2016 Nissan Maxima?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 32 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 14 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most powertrain failures cluster between 40,000 and 86,000 miles, with the median around 74,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 40,000; a quarter make it past 86,000. 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/2016/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.