Problems · by component

2016 Nissan Maxima power train problems

33 owner complaints to NHTSA about the 2016 Nissan Maxima cite power train, 23% of all 142 complaints for this model year.

Complaints
33
23% of all complaints
Crashes
0
Reported by owners
Fires
0
Reported by owners
Injuries
0
Reported by owners
01 —Owner reports

What owners say about the power train

Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first
“The contact owns a 2016 Nissan Maxima. The contact stated that while driving 55 MPH, the vehicle failed to accelerate properly. The vehicle was shifted into neutral, and the RPMs revved up. The vehicle failed to move forward and shut off unintendedly. Several hours later, the vehicle was restarted. The vehicle was shaking abnormally while driving, with an unknown warning light illuminated. Additionally, the vehicle was shaking abnormally while the brake pedal was depressed. The ABS warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to Auto Zone, where it was determined that the failure was a CVT failure. The contact called the local dealer, and a diagnostic test was advised. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Aug 7, 2025Power trainODI 11679050
“I had been trying to get the transmission changed on several occasions but was unsuccessful and was told to wait until 100,000 miles. So, I complied to suggestion. On 7/3/25 for a scheduled oil and transmission service, it was told that the transmission was throwing a P17F1 code and it would be best no to do anything with the transmission. So, at this point with no knowledge of what the code meant I refused the fluid change until I could get the understanding of what was happening. Researched code finding that this is a common problem that affect this make and model for this brand of vehicle. It's the means of transportation I have. How should I proceed?”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jul 5, 2025Power trainODI 11671310
“The headlights are dim. I have replaced them with brighter H11 bulbs but I still cannot see. Others who have driven my car have indicated that the headlights are noticeably dimmer than normal. I literally cannot see the roadway. Also, I started having problems with the CVT shortly before 60,000miles. The problem was diagnosed as rudder codes. I was not financially able to replace the CVT at the time although I did ultimately replace it. The headliner inside the car has been falling down for years and I keep re gluing it around the rear view window. The panoramic sunroof has a seal that is melting away on the two side panels at the rear of the car. I keep trying to seal them, but they keep getting sticky and melting towards total deterioration.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Apr 12, 2025Power train, Exterior lighting, Visibility/wiperODI 11654299
“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.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Aug 15, 2024Power train, EngineODI 11608652
“The contact owns a 2016 Nissan Maxima. The contact stated that while the vehicle was stopped, the vehicle failed to accelerate while the accelerator pedal was depressed. The ABS warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where it was diagnosed; however, the cause of the failure was not yet determined. The vehicle was taken to another local dealer, Alpine Nissan of Denver (2400 W 104th Ave, Denver, CO 80234) where it was diagnosed and determined that the alternator had stopped routing electricity after overheating. The contact was advised by the local dealer that the transmission needed to be replaced and related to failure to Technical Service Bulletin: NTB17-039P (Transmission Judder); which was related to the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 57,800.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jul 17, 2024Power train, Electrical system, Vehicle speed controlODI 11602938
“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”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jun 17, 2024Power train, EngineODI 11594937

Showing 6 of 33 reports. Read every report on NHTSA.gov.

Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 11, 2026NHTSA vehicle page

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.

Other 2016 Maxima problem areas