The vehicle experienced a no‑start condition and was towed to a dealership. The dealership performed major engine and timing repairs without authorization and kept the vehicle for nearly four months. After the repairs, the vehicle still cranks but will not start, requires jump‑starts, and now has new electrical issues and a nonfunctional A/C system.The safety risk is that the vehicle can fail to start unexpectedly, stall, or lose electrical power, which could leave occupants stranded in unsafe conditions. The issue has been reproduced and confirmed by the dealership, but they were unable to diagnose or repair it. The vehicle has been inspected by the dealership and a warranty company.There were no warning lights before the failure. The symptoms began immediately before the vehicle was towed and have continued after the dealership’s repairs.
Nissan Maxima won't start problems
234 of the 6,504 owner complaints about the Nissan Maxima describe won't start, most of them for the 2010 model year.
- owner complaints
- 234
- worst model year
- 2010
- typical repair cost reported
- $1,000
- typical mileage
- 71,000
By model year
Often reported together
Steering lock-up 83Key fob 22Check engine light 12Stalling 10Jerking 10Fire or smoke 5Loss of power 4Headlights 4
Trouble codes mentioned
P0345 2P3040 1B2612 1
What owners say
This is third time this has happened. I already filled out one, but they have already replaced my altenator. My car worked fine for about a month, and then it did the same thing where I can't excelarate and the car limps at 1 MPH till it eventually shuts off and will not start up. If you jump the car it will work again, but not for long until it does the same thing. On the Nissan Forums alot of people are talking about this same issue, but nothing is being done and the only fix is to find an OEM altenator, but Nissan doesn't make one anymore. This is really starting to become a huge problem.
2016 nissan, noticed while stuck in traffic on highway on rainy day the vehicle seemed to want to loose power and battery light was coming on. I was able to exit highway an make it home. Later that night while at laundry mat headed to get food the car wouldn't accelerate eventually died an wouldn't start. Next day go to get it towed yet started no problem acceleration was fine alternator voltage was normal range. Few weeks later battery was dead which I have replaced. Alternator voltage still reads normal. I get about 20 minutes driving and battery light pops on eventually soon power steering and traction control goes out then car will die. If leave it few hrs 2-4hr an come back is fine. But can't drive 20min before it is a problem again. Has caused serious finacial strain and still paying for vehicle close to loosing employment it dies everyday then I have to pay for ride home and to go back to get it later. Have gotting stuck in intersection car just stops working. People have almost crashed into me because i cant get it off the road. Electrical or software computer problem somewhere.
Alternator loses power and car doesn’t accelerate. Vehicle shuts down and will not start after. When running diagnostics after everything shows fine and after a jump car works again and reads fine. Happens again after driving for 40+ mins
The steering wheel lock malfunctioned. The part is available for inspection. The car was parked on the street. It endangered others because it would not start and had to be towed. This issue was confirmed and reproduced by the dealer with diagnostics. There were no symptoms prior to this issue and the warning light only came on after the part malfunctioned.
In 2016 we had to replace the steering lock mechanism. Went to start the car and a security light came on and car would not start , and had to get the car towed from work. We paid to have the part replaced on 12/23/2016. Now, 11/27/2023 we had the same issue with the steering lock mechanism where we tried to start the vehicle and it won’t due to this same issue. Now having to get the car towed again to have the part replaced. I saw there was a voluntary safety recall on this issue in 2017. We did not receive any letter stating our car was affected, yet we replaced the part in 2016 with no reimbursement and now again in 2023 with the part doubling in cost.
The contact owns a 2007 Nissan Maxima. The contact stated while attempting to start the vehicle in the morning, the vehicle would start after several attempts. The contact stated that he opened the hood and checked the battery and became aware that both battery terminals were corroded. The contact cleaned the terminals and still had issues with starting the vehicle. Additionally, the steering wheel had locked. The contact was unable to unlock the steering wheel. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that inserting the key in the ignition switch would not start the vehicle, and the key fob ignition option had also failed to start the vehicle. The contact stated that the steering wheel remained locked. The contact stated that the vehicle remained at the residence and was no longer drivable. The contact had not taken the vehicle to a local dealer or independent mechanic. The vehicle had not been diagnosed or repaired. The contact researched online and related the failure to the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 06V402000 (Steering). The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 170,000.
I'm not sure what happened but all I know is my turns over but will not start. It has new battery, new alternator, both camshaft position sensors replaced. It has been at the mechanic shop for 2 weeks and they can't figure out the program. I have heard that the security system may have locked up on it preventing it from cranking but I am not sure but all I know is I don't have the money to get it towed or fixed now cuz I have already had to pay to get it towed and the shop. Please help me
driving the vehicle gives no indication it power off car will not start up when you try half an hour later it may start may not start driving it shut off again power shortage code may not come up when it happens it don’t give any warning when you driving on the highway regular roads it just gives no warning sign it just power off completely at is not safety to drive
2016 nissan maxima with low mileage of 47,000 miles has a been in and out of the dealers' shop within last 2 years to get dealing with issues such as transmission replaced. Battery charging light and brake indicator light flashing on and off since last car shop visit. Burning smell after driving for a period of time. Dealer service tech claims he doesn't get the flashing light while out test driving vehicle. On 4/7/21, while driving the vehicle stops in middle of parking lot and would not start back up. Having it towed to dealership. Car currently in shop for almost two weeks. It was just discovered today, 4/20/21 the alternator needs to be replace for the 3rd time.
Related recalls
Engine and engine cooling
- What is wrong
- On certain passenger vehicles, the circuit board for the crank position sensor or cam position sensor may have an improper solder joint due to solder deformation caused by heat stress accelerated by the existence of flux residue during the soldering process.
- Risk
- This could cause the "service engine soon" warning light to come on, create a no start condition, cause reduced engine power, or cause the engine to stop running without warning during vehicle operation, which could result in a crash.
- Remedy
- Dealers will replace the crank position sensors. Camshaft position sensor(s), and in some cases, the variable timing control sensor(s). Vehicles involved in a previous recall campaign, 01v357, are also included in this new campaign. The replacement sensors used in that campaign are also affected. Owner notification began on december 22, 2003. Owners should contact nissan at 1‑800‑647‑7261 or infiniti at 1‑800‑662‑6200.
Recall number 03V455000 · Recall details
Questions about the Nissan Maxima won't start
Which Nissan Maxima years have won't start problems?
The model years with the most reports are 2010 (85 complaints), 2009 (74 complaints) and 2003 (10 complaints).
How much does it cost to fix won't start on the Nissan Maxima?
Owners who mentioned a price put the repair at about $1,000 (median of 69 complaints that include a dollar amount). Costs vary with mileage, warranty and where the work is done.
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