Nissan Maxima engine failure problems

Filed Jan 8, 2026 · Steering · CT

The contact called on behalf of the owner of a 2009 Nissan Maxima. The contact stated that after the windshield was replaced by Safelite Auto Glass, the employee at Safelite attempted to start the vehicle; however, the vehicle failed to start, and the steering wheel had seized. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The vehicle was then towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the electronic steering column lock had failed. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was towed back to the residence. Upon further investigation, the contact found Manufacturer Recall Number: PC516, which involved the electronic steering column lock (ESCL). However, the VIN was not included. The contact stated that Safelite did not remove the rearview mirror. However, the rearview mirror was left hanging while the windshield was replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and the contact was informed that the VIN was not included in the Service Campaign under PC516 for the same issue, and the Service Campaign had since expired. The failure persisted, and the vehicle remained at the residence unrepaired. The failure mileage was unknown.

Filed Apr 23, 2024 · Engine · 72,600 miles · AL

The contact owns a 2021 Nissan Maxima. The contact stated that while his son was driving at 20 MPH, the vehicle began to jerk and was shaking. The vehicle felt as though the brake pedal was being depressed. The oil light was flashing. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that there was a catastrophic engine failure. The vehicle was repaired. After driving the vehicle, the vehicle was parked, and his son noticed there was a puddle of oil underneath the vehicle. The vehicle failed to start. The contact checked the oil level and noticed there was no oil. The vehicle was towed back to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed with starter and an oil gasket failure. The dealer informed the contact that there was oil in the engine. The manufacturer was contacted and opened a case. The failure mileage was approximately 72,600.

Filed Aug 23, 2020 · Engine · 125,876 miles · FL

My husband bought this vehicle from crown mason in tampa andbthe car started smoking in one day, we found out the engine was no good. The owner claimed that the vehicle was in good shape. Since the day we bought it we had to put a new engine in along with a tune up and a wheel alignment

Filed Jul 9, 2019 · Engine · 91,694 miles · MO

The vehicle has twice lost power and engine died while moving down the street. The check engine light was on after this incident and showed code p0345: camshaft position sensor a (bank 2). This vehicle does not show up on the r3022 crankshaft/camshaft sensor recall. However, the vehicle was manufactured 06/2002 and the recall dates include from 02/2001 to 07/2002. This vehicle has 91,694 miles on it and thus should not be exhibiting this problem from normal wear and tear. This is a very serious problem and could cause a crash in the future.

Filed Mar 30, 2019 · Engine · 70,000 miles · TN

The timing chain tensioners prematurely wear, causing a whining noise as the chain rubs against the tensioner while the vehicle is turned on. This wear eventually grinds through the tensioner resulting in complete engine failure which can lead to a crash or injury. This began to happen for me just outside of the manufacturer warranty, and is a costly repair for a part of the engine that should not have to be maintained within the engines expected lifetime.

Filed Jul 24, 2018 · Transmission · 101,000 miles · KS

Tl* the contact owns a 2014 nissan maxima. While driving 45 MPH, the accelerator pedal was depressed, but the vehicle decelerated. While at a stop sign, the accelerator pedal was depressed, but the vehicle seized and the check engine warning indicator illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer (country hill motors, 6639 f frontage r, merriam, ks 66202, 913‑362‑7111) where failure code: p0746 (line solenoid performance) was found. The dealer stated that the transmission failed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 101,000.

Filed Sep 20, 2017 · Engine, Steering · 110,000 miles · TX

Tl* the contact owns a 2009 nissan maxima. The contact stated that the engine failed to start and the key warning indicator illuminated. In addition, the steering wheel locked up. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The approximate failure mileage was 110,000.

Filed Jul 12, 2017 · Steering · 12,961 miles · MD

Tl* the contact owns a 2016 nissan maxima. While driving 20 MPH, the steering wheel seized without warning. The contact wrestled with the steering wheel in an effort to avoid crashing into the oncoming barrier. Leckner nissan of ellicott city, maryland was made aware of the failure and held the vehicle for two weeks. The dealer stated that they could duplicate the failure the first week. The dealer examined the steering pump during the second week and stated that the contact would have to pay a fee for the power steering flush that was conducted. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was 12,961.

Filed Nov 28, 2016 · Steering · MA

Tl* the contact owns a 2009 nissan maxima. The contact stated that the steering wheel seized without warning. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the steering column assembly needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was not available.

Filed May 13, 2016 · Engine · 72,000 miles · PA · fire

On april 3, 2016 I started my 2007 nissan maxima which the engine shook then stalled after running for about 3 seconds. Had it towed to a local nissan dealer which informed me that the timing jump and bent valves now needing a new engine. After researching found that there is a class action lawsuit against nissan for their timing chain guide which causes the timing chain to jump and damage the engine. Reading how dangerous when any of these occur while the vehicles are in motion, occupants of the vehicles are exposed to rear end collisions and other accidents caused by the driver's inability to maintain an appropriate speed on the road. The fact that the timing chain systems are prone to premature failure is also material to consumers because there is no safe alternative way for owners of the subject nissan vehicles to avoid the risk of potential harm. As a result of its failure to disclose the material fact that the timing chain systems installed in the subject nissan vehicles are prone to premature failure, nissan has recklessly placed the safety of owners and occupants of the vehicles at risk. Traveling at 65 MPH on the highway my new timing chain failed causing "catastrophic engine failure" on a car for which I am diligent about maintenance. Again, almost killed on the highway! Had to buy a brand new engine at a cost of $8100!" - 2006 nissan pathfinder owner / lewiston, maine. As you see by this article how dangerous this issue with nissan is and they are not doing anything about it. Now my engine will not start and nissan refuses to install and new engine when they now it is a manufacture defect. This is my second engine in my 2007 nissan maxima, the first one blew when my daughter driving on the highway and the piston exploded out of the block and engine caught on fire because the timing chain failed.