Nissan Maxima won't shift problems

Filed Apr 17, 2026 · Engine · FL

I am submitting this as a formal complaint regarding an ongoing and unresolved safety issue with my 2018 Nissan Maxima (VIN: [XXX] ). Despite multiple attempts to have this issue diagnosed and repaired, the problem continues without resolution. The issue occurs after driving for approximately 30 minutes. The vehicle suddenly goes into limp mode, the gas pedal becomes unresponsive, and the RPMs begin to drop regardless of speed. After about five minutes, the vehicle slowly regains power. This creates an extremely dangerous situation, particularly while driving in traffic or on highways, as it puts my safety and the safety of others at risk. I have taken my vehicle to multiple transmission shops, Nissan dealerships, independent mechanics, and mobile diagnostic services. I am consistently being told that nothing is wrong and that no repairs can be performed because the vehicle will not produce a diagnostic code. However, the issue continues to occur and remains unresolved. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed May 9, 2024 · Transmission · FL

The system that failed on my Maxima SL 2017 was the CVT transmission. It was diagnosed by Sutherlin Dealer Nissan on 4/3/24 with the code DTC P17F1 CVT Judder at the cost of $193.83. My safety & others were put at risk when my car STOP in the middle of an intersection not once but 4 times without a warning, not lights, not sounds etc. just STOP. I pressed the gas petal and the car moved slowly. After the diagnosis we were told the car may or may not stop again. We decided to look for another diagnosis & quote. On 4/10/24 the car left me stranded again crossing another intersection. Car was towed again to a certified Nissan transmission shop and left for repairs. A Nissan OEM refurbished transmission was changed, and computer was reprogrammed at Sutherlin Nissan as part of the fixing at a cost of $6,707.49. On 4/29/24 car stop sudden again. Car was towed to the previous independent transmission shop and 4 days later they stated nothing was wrong because not code related to the transmission or anything else showed, but a new battery was placed. We pick up the car again from the independent repair shop on 5/3/24, in our trip back the next day 5/4/24 from returning the 3rd rental car, the car STOP again in the middle of the road (limp mode) We waited about 45 minutes with the car on and noticed a strange noise coming from the new installed transmission and the air conditioner turned off. After turning the engine on and off the AC came back on again and car seems to come back normally. We were able to manage to take it to the Nissan Dealership with was just 15 minutes away. We left the car and waited for the diagnosis to be made on Monday 5/6/24. We were informed that same transmission code showed which means the new installed refurbished transmission was gone bad!!! and the good news was we don't have to pay for another transmission, but we must pay for labor again $2,696.

Filed Aug 3, 2021 · Acceleration, Fuel system · MI

2016 Nissan Maxima SR, problem started at 22000 miles, car runs fine, then when hitting a bump or railroad tracks, and sometime while accelerating at a light or from a stop the car goes into limp mode, max speed is apx 6 mph just enough to get it off road, at times it stalls in the intersection or when you come to a stop. Traction control light and engine light come on until you shut car down and restart. engine light remains on solid but can be driven in most cases, at times it turns over then stalls, if you wait long enough it usually resets snd is drivable. Has several DTC codes when checked on of them is P1735 and a few others. It’s dangerous because you lose the ability to get properly through an intersection or to get by traffic on highway or side street, I have put my emergency lights on several times when this has happened. After reviewing TSB’s Technical Service Bullatans it seems I am not alone with this issue.

Filed Jun 9, 2021 · Driver assistance, Transmission · UT

My cruise control stopped working. I took it to my Nissan dealer where I purchased the car. They advised me I needed a new transmission. However I had just put a new transmission in 3 years prior. I have never had this issue with any other vehicle. I spoke with Nissan consumer affairs who admitted there was an issue with their CVT. But they refused to do anything about it. They stated there is no recall and it’s my responsibility to fix it. The fix is not cheap as the CVT requires a brand new transmission that must be programmed specifically to your vehicle. They were not taking responsibility for the issue that they know is a problem. It is very frustrating to own a vehicle with a company who refuses to fix something they know is wrong. They are not the only ones who mentioned there is an issue. The dealer themselves have seen this numerous times and advised Nissan won’t do anything to make it right with any consumers. This poses a safety hazard in my eyes. Had this gone out at 60 mph it would not shift and could have been a significant safety risk. I am now out over $5,000 to fix the transmission. This is an unacceptable practice and they should be held responsible for continuing the this do nothing and not be forced to make a change in their production and design.

Filed Jan 29, 2020 · Acceleration, Driver assistance · 129,000 miles · IN

When driving the car would loose power and not accelerate. Driving onto on ramp to highway and car would not accelerate and started to loose speed while merging. No lights came on dash or anything. Seems like the car went into limp mode or something.

Filed Jan 18, 2020 · Transmission · 80,000 miles · LA

When in motion the transmission starts to slip in 1 and 2 gear then 4 and 5 gear jumps out of gear then goes in to limp mode

Filed Dec 21, 2018 · Transmission · 11,500 miles · PA

Have a 2008 nissan maxima and just found out I need a transmission after only having it 2yrs ..dealer never told me that it had a problem when he sold to me had I known nissan had a problem with this model I would never had purchase it...I need a whole new transmisson and for 3700 dollars I feel nissan should rplace it at no cost to me since it seems that this issue seems to be with all there models not just mine...it just crap that im stuck trying to fix it...nissan needs to make this problem or rather fix this issue that is so common in there vechicle they need to be held accountable ...check engine light came on and took it to the dealer cause it wouldnt shift and there it was a big heft bill to tell me that I needed a new transmission and had the nerve to tell me nissan are known for bad transmission...not what I wanted to hear...

Filed Nov 26, 2018 · Transmission · 88,440 miles · CA

My car transmission is unstable. I have a 2014 nissan maxima with 88k miles and check engine soon sensor came up. My car on streets was not shifting properly and eventually would stall. Ran diagnostic, p1778 code for transmission step motor replacement. Replaced this part and transmission still giving issues. My car has stalled on me several times on the highway with my family in the car, very hazardous. The transmission will not shift into gear properly, wont pick up on speed until late , causing rpms to rise dramatically. I've read online in countless posts that the CVT transmission in nissans are terrible. This is a nissan issue and needs to be addressed. Very unsafe for nissan drivers with CVT transmission. I can't afford to pay for a new transmission and I feel that nissan should honor a transmission replacement for all who have come victim to their faulty CVT transmissions. These faulty issues pose a threat to the drivers, passengers, and all who use the roads for driving, pedestrian walking and driving on highways.

Filed Aug 18, 2018 · Acceleration, Transmission · 170,000 miles · MS

The 2005 nissan maxima has a terrible transmission. Problems shifting gears and when trying to accelerate it wont shift out of gears to go faster. Such as if I stop at a stop light or stop sign and then try to go again it accelerates very (5mph). Also when shifting into drive, it does this loud banging jerk that jerks the entire car. Was told transmission is slipping. There are thousands of other complaints for the nissian maxima transmission and needs to be a recall on the transmission. Car is only 13 years old.

Filed Apr 13, 2016 · Driver assistance, Electrical · LA

At 12,500 miles I was driving and it was like someone put it in neutral. Towed the car to the dealer and they changed the transmission. At 34,000 miles, it started knocking and smoking when you first start it. Brought to dealer and the gas was mixing with the oil. My claim was denied so I had to replace the engine. Now at 110,000 miles the car won't shift out of first gear. I'm a single mother and do not have any more money to sink into this lemon.