2011 Nissan Maxima
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Nissan › Maxima › 2011
These records cover every 2011 Nissan Maxima. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Owner complaints
106 complaints5 involved a crash1 involved a fire15 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Steering
My steering failed completely while driving, making it nearly impossible to turn.
- Air bags
Airbag warning came on. I took to dealership for diagnostic. There was malfunction with the passenger airbag. Seat coushin needed to be replaced so the “normal” wear and tear airbag would no longer be an issue. Nissan stated this is not a safety concern and all expenses were out of pocket.
- Power train
The transmission is slipping it’s a cvt and they’re known for being the worst transmissions. I was entering the highway on a on ramp and I could no longer accelerate past 55 I was near flooring it and you can hear the engine working but the rpm’s are all over the odometer going from 3k-6.5k over…
The transmission is slipping it’s a cvt and they’re known for being the worst transmissions. I was entering the highway on a on ramp and I could no longer accelerate past 55 I was near flooring it and you can hear the engine working but the rpm’s are all over the odometer going from 3k-6.5k over and over. The problem has not been diagnosed professionally. The vehicle has not been inspected professionally.There were no lights on the dash when this began happening and nothing occurred that led up to that situation it was just a normal drive for me and now this happens every other day.
- Unknown or other
We are the original owners of a 2011 Nissan Maxima. The dashboard material is deteriorating, creating a sticky and shiny patch across the base of the windshield which is distracting and highly reflective creating glare from the sun and bright lights impeding the ability to safely drive. The…
We are the original owners of a 2011 Nissan Maxima. The dashboard material is deteriorating, creating a sticky and shiny patch across the base of the windshield which is distracting and highly reflective creating glare from the sun and bright lights impeding the ability to safely drive. The dashboard is also cracking and releasing small parts of black dashboard material throughout the car and the passengers. Online research shows this problem has been reported by many Nissan vehicle owners, at our most recent Nissan service appointment, we asked for assistance to have the part replaced and was told we would have to call Nissan directly to request the repair as it was not a recall item. We called Nissan's Consumer Affairs and was told there is no support from Nissan to provide assistance and any repair we desired would be at our own cost. Additionally, in our online research there are pending class action lawsuits for this part to be replaced by the manufacturer. There is potential health hazards to the exposure of the deteriorating dashboard. We have NOT contacted our insurance company for a complaint or repair at this time. It was first noticed about 1 year ago while I was cleaning the car as the duster stuck to the dash in that area and we are now getting to the issue as it continues to further deteriorate.
- Engine · Power train · Steering
Cvt transmission jerking , engine is always idling hard sometimes wants to even shut off , accelerating sometimes takes a lil while to respond , rack and pinion assembly faulty I would like for nissan to fix my car or get a lump sum check for all faulty errors these cars have
- Structure › Body · Visibility/wiper
Dashboard is melting which is making it extremely sticky but the worst part is that it is causing a visibility issues while driving. The glare is really bad.
- Power train · Service brakes · Vehicle speed control
Hi I bought car Nissan maxima 2011 transmission not working well when I driving I stopped at the traffic after that car does not move forward
- Air bags
Passenger seat airbag sensor has failed
- Structure › Body
My dashboard has been melted for some time now and it’s a safety hazard. When I drive at night, the light reflects on the dashboard and it makes it difficult to see, which is very dangerous with my kids in the car. I thought I could clean the dashboard but it’s very sticky. Apparently this is a common issue with certain models of cars because I saw a news report on it.
- Power train
Transmission failed on my vehicle at 40,000 miles while I was in the middle of traffic. My car stopped accelerating without warning and I nearly got into an accident
- Structure › Interior panels › Dashboard
TL* the contact owns a 2011 nissan maxima. The contact stated that the dashboard was melting. Coastal nissan (8519 ocean hwy, pawleys island, sc 29585) was made aware of the failure and inspected the vehicle but offered no further assistance. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and…
TL* the contact owns a 2011 nissan maxima. The contact stated that the dashboard was melting. Coastal nissan (8519 ocean hwy, pawleys island, sc 29585) was made aware of the failure and inspected the vehicle but offered no further assistance. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle was over the warranty coverage. No further assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 115,376.
- Unknown or other
The dashboard IS melting, becoming sticky and emitting terrible odor; surely that IS probably hazardous to health as it IS a sickening smell. Would like to have this issue addressed as it IS an odor that in unbearable for driving long distance.
- Power train
My car IS very reliable until now with only 105,000 miles? My problem started about september 2020 when I started to hear my car make a rough sound suddenly, like a winding noise when I accelerate and when I let off the gas as well. I didn't think much of it until I took it to a nissan dealer to…
My car IS very reliable until now with only 105,000 miles? My problem started about september 2020 when I started to hear my car make a rough sound suddenly, like a winding noise when I accelerate and when I let off the gas as well. I didn't think much of it until I took it to a nissan dealer to have them check it out. They called me the next day tell me I need a new transmission and its going to be around $5,500. Which I don't have especially in this pandemic. Also they told me if I get the new transmission it only comes with 1 year warranty. Nissan only covers it until 60,000 miles which I don't believe people buying a new nissan expect it to go further then that! My issue IS that nissan IS putting in these faulty transmissions knowing that it will fail soon and only give you 1 year warranty if you do replace it after pay 5,500?
- Power train
On the night of february 16, my teenage daughter was driving my 2011 nissan maxima when she came to a stop at a traffic light. when the light turned green, she moved her foot off the brake and began to accelerate when the vehicle all of a sudden would not move. she applied her foot to the…
On the night of february 16, my teenage daughter was driving my 2011 nissan maxima when she came to a stop at a traffic light. when the light turned green, she moved her foot off the brake and began to accelerate when the vehicle all of a sudden would not move. she applied her foot to the accelerator several times but the vehicle still would not move. after several more attempts, the vehicle jerked forward in a violent manner but luckily, there was no other car ahead of her or I'm afraid a more serious event would have occurred. this all happened rather abruptly, without any advance warning or indication of a potential problem. the next day I took the vehicle to my local nissan service center to have it diagnosed. the technician informed me a code indicated 'transmission fluid pressure low' (even though it contained plenty of fluid) and advised a complete transmission replacement was needed at a cost of $7,138. this was the diagnosis despite no dashboard warning or service engine light indicator, as I indicated above. upon returning home and researching the issue online, I discovered that this problem seems to be very common. I learned that nissan has had major issues with the continuously variable transmission (cvt), including several class action lawsuits and other legal matters which subsequently resulted in nissan extending the powertrain warranty on 2003-2010 nissan vehicles and settling other lawsuits for newer model vehicles. however, model years 2011 and 2012 were not covered under these settlements despite having the same exact cvt. I have reached out to nissan north america but they have not acknowledged liability or responsibility. Such a shame because the vehicle has not had any issues until this incident. it only has 106,000 miles but now I'm worried about what might happen if it IS being driven.
- Engine · Unknown or other · Vehicle speed control
My car has less than 113,500 miles and started losing power and coasting, the speed would fluctuate and something sounds loose in the engine. I took it to lithia nissan in fresno ca on blackstone and they told me the cvt belt needs to be replaced thereby causing the car to need a whole new transmission at $5738.96. the car was in motion.
- Engine
This IS my third nissan maxima and they all had the same idsue with the mass air flow sensor. Set off check engine light and makes car hesitate when accerlerating. My mom owns a 2013 maxima 45000 miles and has the same issue with check engine light.
- Structure › Body
It's hot in florida and my dashboard IS melting
- Electrical system
I noticed the camera not working when I was backing into my garage after work. Then again the next day when I was backing into my parking space at work. it comes and go now. I'm not sure why it started.
- Power train
TL* the contact owns a 2011 nissan maxima. The contact stated that while driving, the vehicle shut down and the service engine light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the landera nissan dealer, located at: 371 e. Goodman rd, south haven, ms 38671 where the transmission was replaced. the…
TL* the contact owns a 2011 nissan maxima. The contact stated that while driving, the vehicle shut down and the service engine light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the landera nissan dealer, located at: 371 e. Goodman rd, south haven, ms 38671 where the transmission was replaced. the failure recurred and the vehicle was taken to the cannon nissan of blytheville dealer, located at: 305 n service rd, blytheville, ar 72315, where it was diagnosed that the transmission failed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and stated that nothing could be done. The failure mileage was unknown.
- Air bags
The passenger occupant sensor failed, I was in a auto accident that required my front bumper, ac condesor and radiator to br replaced. After getting it fixed I noticed my seatbelt light was blinking, I thought maybe it would go away. I got it scanned turns out the passenger occupant sensor went out and caused all the airbags to turn off.
- Power train
Transmission belt disintegrated. Lots of power in drive. Shaking, hesitating when driving. Finally would barely move.
- Power train
While driving on the interstate, my transmission suddenly started slipping out of gear. This caused the car to suddenly slow, almost being rear ended by the car behind me. Nissan knows about these problems, but refuses to fix all of them. They have settled thousands of claims out of court for this problem. They still claim their cvts transmission IS not defective.
- Unknown or other
My dash has been starting to melt the last two years and now the shine from the melting dash on the windshield makes it very hard to see thur windshield with the shine that IS on it
- Wheels
Driving on interstate 65 mph around 7:00 am, the car started to shake and was difficult to control, then stopped shaking and the tire light came on. I was able to get vehicle to discount tire. tire was shredded and required replacement. tire was the pirelli cinturato strada as 245/45 R18 100V
- Unknown or other
My dashboard IS melting. It's extremely sticky and I if I touch it, or put something on it, black stuff gets everywhere. *tr
Service bulletins
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
- 11004962VEHICLE KEY NOT DETECTED / AUTHENTICATED, ENGINE WILL NOT START This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
- 11004961CAN COMMUNICATION NETWORK DIAGNOSTIC FLOW CHART This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
- 11004960CAN COMMUNICATION CODES DIAGNOSTIC TIPS AND GUIDELINES This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
- 11001201WINDOW GLASS WARRANTY INFORMATION This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
- 11001194REMOVING FOREIGN MATERIAL FROM THE WINDOW GLASS This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
- 11001191WINDSHIELD CRACKING This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
- 10243708DIAGNOSIS OF VEHICLE PULL (DRIFT) AND/OR STEERING WHEEL OFF-CENTER This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
- 10239062SILICONE-BASED LUBRICANT OR GREASE CAN DAMAGE ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS SERVICE INFORMATION Do not apply Silicone-based lubricants or grease to, or around, any interior electrical components. To avoid the risk of death or severe personal injury, do not directly spray Silicone-based lubricant or grease, or inadvertently overspray Silicone-based lubricant or grease onto any interior electrical components. These types of lubricants can be detrimental to the proper operation of electrical components.
- 1023906012 VOLT BATTERY TESTING FOR IN-SERVICE VEHICLES SERVICE INFORMATION The following Service Information lists NNA procedural recommendations for establishing good connections while performing 12V battery testing. These recommendations are expected to promote uniformity during the connection process, therefore reducing the number of incorrect Test with DCA and Replace results. HINT: If 12 volt batteries are allowed to discharge for a prolonged period of time, battery life may be drastically reduced. This condition may lead to premature battery replacement and customer dissatisfaction. IMPORTANT: CPX-900 is now an accepted testing tool to use along with or in place of the DSS-5000 CPX-900 operating instructions are found at: https://nissancpx900.midtronics.com/ DSS-5000 operating instructions are found at: https://nissandss5000.midtronics.com/ DCA-8000 is now a required testing tool to be used for all warranty replacement decisions. The DCA-8000 is also a more efficient charger than previously available, and will charge any available 12 volt lead acid battery safely and accurately as long as all precautions and inputs are made correctly. The DCA-8000 operating instructions are found at: https://nissandca8000.midtronics.com/
- 10235710INTELLIGENT KEY REPLACEMENT OR SWAPPING BETWEEN VEHICLES This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Discard all previous versions of this bulletin.
- 10235707VEHICLE KEY NOT DETECTED / AUTHENTICATED, ENGINE WILL NOT START This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
- 10235698HEADLAMP, FOG LAMP, OR REAR COMBINATION LAMP FOGGING This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
- 10233904CLICKING NOISE FROM FRONT OR REAR AXLE DURING TAKE-OFF/ACCELERATION This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
- 10233896ABS/VDC CAN DIAGNOSIS INFORMATION This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
- 10232658REMOVING FOREIGN MATERIAL FROM THE WINDOW GLASS This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
- 10232657WHEEL BEARING COLLISION DAMAGE This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
- 10232656WINDSHIELD CRACKING This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
- 10232652DIAGNOSIS OF VEHICLE PULL (DRIFT) AND/OR STEERING WHEEL OFF-CENTER This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
- 10222714CLICKING NOISE FROM FRONT OR REAR AXLE DURING TAKE-OFF/ACCELERATION This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
- 10208953DTC P0456 CAUSED BY EVAP LEAK AT VENT CONTROL VALVE O-RING This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
- 10208946CAN COMMUNICATION NETWORK DIAGNOSTIC FLOW CHART This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
- 10206391STRUT AND SHOCK ABSORBER REPLACEMENT GUIDELINES This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
- 10201192VOLUNTARY SERVICE CAMPAIGN CALL WAITING FUNCTION NAVIGATION UPDATE Service Campaign ID # P1234 is no longer active. Repair orders opened after this bulletins published date are no longer eligible for reimbursement under Campaign ID # P1234. Discard all previous versions of NTB11-07
- 10199148CLICKING NOISE FROM FRONT OR REAR AXLE DURING TAKE-OFF/ACCELERATION This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
- 10192840SERVICE INFORMATION Temporary tire Flat Spotting is common on New Dealer In-Stock vehicles that have not been occasionally moved. Flat Spotting can occur after the vehicle has been parked (not moved) for a few days, or longer. In most cases it is temporary. In extreme cases it can be permanent. Vehicles should be moved every 30 days, in one direction only, enough to rotate the tires 90 (see Figure 1). Moving vehicles as shown will prevent tire Flat Spotting. See this bulletin for further detail.
- 10192805IF YOU CONFIRM A refrigerant leak at a refrigerant pipe/hose joint location. ACTIONS 1. Inspect the metal surfaces of the pipe/hose joint for damage or contamination. NOTE: Do not replace a refrigerant pipe, hose, or other A/C component if an o-ring seal will solve the leak incident, if it should occur. 2. If no damage is found to the joint metal surfaces, replace the O-ring seal. See this bulletin for further detail.
- 10192801SERVICE INFORMATION Because of collision damage or other vehicle repair, a replacement "Certification Label" or "VIN Plate / Label" may be needed. These items may be available from Nissan by request if certain criteria are met. This bulletin lists the criteria and provides an application form for such replacements. See this bulletin for further detail.
- 10192750SERVICE INFORMATION Occasionally customers may notice water vapor or fog in the headlamps. The information, illustrations, and flow chart in this bulletin are provided to help you in determining if an incident for water/condensation in the headlamps is normal or not. Nissan?s new vehicle limited warranty does not cover physically damaged (cracked or broken) headlamps. All current headlamp assemblies are vented to the atmosphere (not sealed). - This is necessary to allow for expansion and contraction of air from temperature "variations" (warmer or colder) without damage to the headlamp. - Moisture in the air sometimes "travels" into and out of the headlamp assembly through these vents. - Certain environmental conditions may cause moisture to condense. - The fogging/cloudiness should disappear over time when the headlamp is in a dry environment. See this bulletin for further detail.
- 10192727SERVICE INFORMATION The purpose of this bulletin is to give Nissan dealers guidelines to help determine if windshield breakage is covered under warranty or is the customer?s responsibility. Nissan North America (NNA) is not responsible for damage to glass that is a result of objects striking or scratching the glass. However, NNA is responsible for manufacturing issues such as distorted glass and cracks that are due to improper installation or damage to the glass during vehicle assembly. NNA typically does not find any type of cracks in the windshield due to stress after the dealership PDI. See this bulletin for further detail.
- 10192707SERVICE INFORMATION The Intelligent Keys used on the various Nissan vehicles may not be interchangeable between models and years. See this bulletin for further detail.
- 10192687SERVICE INFORMATION Design and process changes have been made to improve battery voltage at dealer receipt. Our goal is to deliver vehicles to customers with a 12 volt battery in excellent condition. Proper dealership storage and maintenance of vehicle 12 volt batteries is essential to insuring good battery operating life and customer satisfaction. Dealers are responsible for maintaining vehicles in their inventory. 12 volt batteries in vehicle inventory should always be kept at a full charge to prevent excessive discharge during storage and so they are ready for delivery to customers at any time. See this bulletin for further detail.
- 10192677SERVICE INFORMATION Windshield "foreign material" that is on the surface of the glass in some cases can be cleaned off with a very particular type and grade of steel wool. * Most any foreign material on the surface of the Windshield can be cleaned off by using #0000 super fine steel wool. >The #0000 grade super fine steel wool can be found in most hardware stores. Please see this bulletin for further details.
- 10192650IF YOU CONFIRM The customer states HomeLink will not operate or has improper operation. ACTIONS 1. To significantly reduce unnecessary repairs, make sure: a. The vehicle is not in "Transit Mode" (if equipped). - Not in Transit Mode: With the turn signal switch is in the OFF (center) position, turn the ignition from OFF to ON. If the turn signal indicators stay OFF (do not illuminate), the vehicle is not in Transit Mode. b. The "Extended Storage Switch" (if equipped) is in the "Customer Delivery" position (pushed in). - The Extended Storage Switch is located on the fuse block that is located in the interior of the vehicle. 2. Confirm the customer is familiar with the HomeLink programming procedure located in the vehicle?s owner?s manual. 3. Test HomeLink operation with special tool HomeLink Transmitter Tester J-41540. See this bulletin for further detail.
- 10192638SERVICE INFORMATION This bulletin has compiled Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS) and Low Tire Pressure Warning System (LTPWS) information for: - Basic diagnosing of TPMS/LTPWS systems - Radio frequency interference causing a "No Data" (C1708, C1709, C1710, C1711) condition - Sensor leaks - Moving TPMS/LTPWS wheel assemblies from one vehicle to another and TPMS/LTPWS sensor registration - Air pressure changes with altitude and ambient temperatures - Aftermarket tire sealers - Aftermarket wheels - Inflating/deflating tires with TPMS/LTPWS sensors See this bulletin for further detail.
- 10192614SERVICE INFORMATION If the AV Control Unit needs to be replaced on an Applied Vehicle for any reason, follow the steps in the Service Procedure to configure the Multi AV system. NOTE - The original AV Control Unit must be installed in the vehicle while performing part of this procedure. DO NOT remove the original AV Control Unit until instructed. See this bulletin for further detail.
- 10192605IF YOU CONFIRM: Customers concern of a "clicking" noise coming from either left or right front/rear CV-type axles during take-off/acceleration. ACTION: Apply Molykote M77 grease (P/N 44003-7S000) to the hub bearing surfaces. NOTE: * Do not remove the axle from the hub or transmission for this bulletin * Refer to the Electronic Service Manual (ESM) for model specific torque specifications. - For 2007-2013 Versa and 2013 LEAF vehicles, see the Service Procedure torque specifications on page 4. See this bulletin for further detail.
- 10192597SERVICE INFORMATION When servicing run flat tires or low profile tires: - Special equipment and procedures are required to avoid damage. - Specifically, Tire Pressure Monitor transmitters (TPMS sensors) can be damaged when improperly dismounting and mounting tires. - TPMS sensors becoming damaged during mounting or dismounting tires are not covered under warranty. - To avoid such damage, ensure that the tire changer being used and the operator of the tire changer is capable of servicing run flat and low profile tires. - Operator?s manuals for such tire changers must be followed. See this bulletin for further detail.
- 10192591SERVICE INFORMATION After ECM reprogramming, the Calibration Verification Number (CVN) needs to be automatically calculated prior to State emissions testing (also known as Inspection Maintainence, I/M, or SMOG testing depending upon location). Allowing the vehicle to idle for 22 minutes will allow for faster CVN calculation. It is recommended that customers utilize this method if the vehicle needs to be tested for emissions soon after ECM reprogramming. See this bulletin for further detail.
- 10192574SERVICE INFORMATION The appearance of painted alloy wheels can be damaged if acidic cleaners are used. DO NOT use Chrome Wheel Cleaner on Painted Wheels. Many chrome wheel cleaners have acidic ingredients. Make sure to follow all instruction in the Appearance and Care Section of the Owner?s Manual. Damage to wheel appearance due to the use of inappropriate chemicals or cleaning products is not covered under warranty. See this bulletin for further detail.
- 10192532SERVICE INFORMATION NOTE - Failure to follow the procedures in this bulletin may result in the denial of a warranty claim. In an effort to protect the paint finish, Paint Guard Film (PGF) is applied on many new Nissan vehicles. Paint Guard Film is a temporary white plastic protective film that is applied by the factory to the horizontal painted surfaces of the vehicle. The PGF protects the paint finish during vehicle handling, transportation and storage from harmful elements such as acid rain, iron particles, bird droppings, tree sap and other environmental contaminants. NOTE - Paint Guard Film CANNOT remain on the vehicle for more than six months after the vehicle's manufacture date. PGF must be removed at the end of six months. See this bulletin for further detail.
Every Nissan Maxima model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.