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2013 Nissan Maxima problems

The most common problem on the 2013 Nissan Maxima is transmission and drivetrain, typically around 106,034 miles. It has fewer complaints than a typical Maxima model year.

Typical yearClose to a typical year
Year score
84/100
Owner complaints
62
Recalls
0
Service bulletins
107
Worst area
Transmission
Fuel economy
22mpg

The worst 2013 Nissan Maxima problems

Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.

Problems by type

Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.

  • Transmission
    24
  • Airbags
    16
  • Lights
    9
  • Engine
    4
  • Body
    2
  • Brakes
    2
  • Electrical
    2
  • Driver assistance
    1
  • Fuel system
    1
  • Steering
    1
  • Visibility
    1

Specific symptoms reported on the 2013 Nissan Maxima

CVT failure 10Headlights 8Airbag light 7Check engine light 7

Trouble codes owners of the 2013 Nissan Maxima mention

P1778 4

Recalls

No recalls on record for this model year.

Technical service bulletins for the 2013 Nissan Maxima 107

Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.

See all 107 bulletins for the 2013 Nissan Maxima

2013 Nissan Maxima fuel economy

Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.

EngineDriveCityHighwayCombined
3.5L 6‑cylFWD192622

What 2013 Nissan Maxima owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Dec 19, 2025 · Lights · GA

I have a 2013 Nissan Maxima in my headlights are horrible when they are on dim you cannot see in front of you so bad that it's liable to cause a bad wreck I have to ride with my headlights on bright and it's not much better I have replaced the bulbs in both headlights twice it has not improved anything I think it is a very dangerous thing in could call someone to get hurt because no one can see I've not been pulled over by the police or anything but I have to ride with my headlights on bright and I know it blinds people sometimes I think there needs to be a recall because I have a lot of friends that have Nissans and they have the same problem

Filed Apr 11, 2024 · Engine · 7,500 miles · IN

The contact owns a 2013 Nissan Maxima. The contact stated that while accelerating from a stop, the vehicle stalled with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was able to restart on the third attempt however the failure recurred. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the engine, the crankshaft, and the cylinder heads needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired but the failure persisted. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a case was opened. The failure mileage was 7,500. The VIN was not available.

Filed Nov 18, 2023 · Lights · AR

1. Both headlights on dim are so dim that you cannot drive safely, they do not project in front of the car far enough to see at night, dawn or dusk. I am concerned if other cars I meet can even see me approaching. My flashlight shines brighter and farther. I have replaced the bulbs for the dim lights and it did no good. 2. Drove to California and was in west Texas after dark, could not see the road after dark. 3. My relative is a mechanic and he has confirmed the defective illumination with my dim lights. 4. It has not been confirmed by any officials such as insurance or police. 5. I noticed this problem about 1 year ago. I have been having to run bright lights if I must drive after dark. This is dangerous, illegal if meeting another car, etc. This is a seriously dangerous problem. I have researched on the internet for several weeks looking for a solution. I finally ran across your website. I did see that the Nissan Altima had a recall for their defective headlights. This should also be a recall for the Maxima. I have driven Nissan's for many years and never had this defect. I don't know how recalls are initiated but if it is through the federal safety agency it should be investigated promptly as this issue could cost someone's life. If this is the agency that initiates a recall this should happen NOW. All of us Maxima drivers who are having this issue of which according to my research are many, would appreciate any help. I'm sure many Maxima drivers are not aware there is a complaint procedure, I didn't. I am going to have to go to an auto parts retailer, buy two headlight assemblies and use a body shop to install and this will be very expensive. Thank you for your help.

Filed Jun 14, 2023 · Lights · 120,000 miles · MS

The contact owns a 2013 Nissan Maxima. The contact stated while driving at night, the driver’s, and passenger's side headlights were very dim, failing to properly illuminate the roadway, causing a visibility hazard for the driver. The contact stated that the light bulbs were replaced but the failure persisted. The vehicle was not repaired. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The local dealer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 120,000.

Filed Jan 12, 2023 · Engine, Transmission · OK

The transmission is failing in my car it doesn't want to go. stalling out shuttering,jerking.

Filed Sep 27, 2022 · Transmission · NM

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

Filed May 3, 2021 · Transmission · 139,700 miles · TX

I was traveling from houston, tx to dallas, tx midday on may 1, 2021. I was approximately 40 miles outside of dallas on I-45 traveling 75 MPH when I suddenly felt a sputter and then the speed instantly decreased from 75 MPH to 20 MPH on a busy major interstate. I was almost hit twice as I tried to exit the interstate with cars traveling upwards of 75+ MPH, blowing and honing and cursing me. I made it off the interstate and turned the car off. After making several calls for help, I was instructed by a mechanic to wait a few minutes and restart the car and try to accelerate while on the feeder. So I did, and the car did accelerate enough to get back on the interstate. I had to do this 5 times to get the remainder of the 40 miles to m destination. I took my car to metro dallas nissan in flower mound, tx on may 3, 2021. I was told the inspection found codes p1778, p0778 found in ECM and TCM found transmission to be slipping and therefore, the CVT assembly needed to be replaced.....= $5523.00!!!! I have always had my car serviced at nissan dealerships, maintained the car impeccably, driven with care and I am devastated! Although the car is 8 years old with 139k miles, there is no logical reason for the transmission to need replacing except for defective equipment from nissan. I plan to continue to pursue the matter. I cannot afford to spend $5k on a car I worked so hard to pay off.

Filed Apr 26, 2021 · Transmission · 168,000 miles · TN

I was driving my 2013 nissan maxima as I normally do every day. Then without any warning it would not accelerate. Thank god I had enough momentum to get it to a safe place and out of the highway. I almost got hit in the back to because I had the make a quick turn to get it out of the street and into a parking lot. And after I stopped the check engine light came on.

Filed Apr 18, 2021 · Transmission · 112,000 miles · OH

The vehicle was in a parked position at my home. Went and started vehicle and from park to drive it hesitated before it starts to move.

Filed Feb 25, 2021 · Lights · GA

The dim lights appear not to be on when driving at night or early morning. I have to drive with my bright lights on. I thought the bulb case was cloudy but that is not the situation. The dim lights simply do not shine as they should. This is very dangerous to myself and other drivers that I approach. I thought I was the only owner of a nissan maxima with this problem but, I am not. My friend is having the exact same problem.

Used buying checklistWhat to check on a 2013 Nissan Maxima before you buy

Compare the 2013 Nissan Maxima

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Other model years

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Questions about the 2013 Nissan Maxima

Is the 2013 Nissan Maxima reliable?

Owners have filed 62 complaints about the 2013 Nissan Maxima, fewer than a typical Maxima model year.

What is the 2013 Nissan Maxima year score?

The 2013 Nissan Maxima scores 84 out of 100 (good). The score compares it with the other model years of the Nissan Maxima: 75 is a typical year, 50 means twice the usual complaints, and serious complaints and recalls lower it.

What is the most common problem with the 2013 Nissan Maxima?

Transmission and drivetrain, with 24 complaints, typically around 106,034 miles. Next is airbags (16).

How many recalls does the 2013 Nissan Maxima have?

No recalls on record.

What year does the Nissan Maxima have bad transmission?

The Nissan Maxima model years with the most transmission complaints are 2004 (934 complaints), 2005 (777 complaints) and 2006 (393 complaints).

What gas mileage does the 2013 Nissan Maxima get?

Official estimates for the 2013 Nissan Maxima range from 22 mpg combined. The most efficient version (3.5L 6-cyl, FWD) gets 19 city and 26 highway.

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