2024 NISSAN MAXIMA

Typical onset: 60,000-120,000 mi

Symptoms: shuddering or jerking during acceleration, especially from stop, whining or grinding noise under load, transmission overheating warnings, hesitation or delayed engagement, limp mode activation

Fix: CVT replacement or rebuild is typical. Nissan extended warranties to 84k mi on some model years due to widespread failures. Expect 8-12 hours labor for R&R. Transmission oil cooler often replaced simultaneously as preventive measure.

Estimated cost: $3,500-6,500

Typical onset: 50,000-90,000 mi

Symptoms: transmission fluid dripping from radiator area, transmission running hot, mix of coolant and ATF in expansion tank (strawberry milkshake fluid), low transmission fluid warnings

Fix: External cooler or integrated radiator/cooler assembly replacement. Critical because coolant contamination destroys the CVT within days. 3-5 hours labor depending on configuration. Flush entire system and verify no cross-contamination.

Estimated cost: $800-1,800

Typical onset: 70,000-110,000 mi

Symptoms: excessive engine movement during acceleration or deceleration, clunking when shifting into drive or reverse, vibration at idle that changes with load, visible sagging or torn rubber on mount

Fix: Front and rear transmission mounts commonly fail due to weight of CVT and vibration. Replace both simultaneously. 2-3 hours labor. Often masked by other CVT issues until mount completely separates.

Estimated cost: $400-700

Typical onset: 100,000-150,000 mi

Symptoms: burning 1+ quart of oil every 1,000-2,000 miles, blue smoke on startup or acceleration, fouled spark plugs, rough idle, reduced power

Fix: Requires engine rebuild or short block replacement. Piston rings wear into out-of-round bores, especially cylinders 1 and 6. Machine shop work or Nissan remanufactured short block. 18-24 hours labor for full rebuild. Head gaskets, timing components, seals done simultaneously.

Estimated cost: $4,500-7,500

Typical onset: 80,000-130,000 mi

Symptoms: hard starting, especially when hot, hesitation or stumble during acceleration, rough idle or misfires, fuel smell near tank, check engine light with lean codes

Fix: Fuel filter not serviceable separately—integrated into pump assembly in tank. Full pump/sender module replacement typically needed. Injector cleaning sometimes resolves temporarily. 2-4 hours labor for pump R&R, additional time for injector service.

Estimated cost: $600-1,400

Symptoms: intermittent no-start condition, stalling while driving with no warning, rough running or misfires, check engine light with crank sensor codes P0335/P0340

Fix: Sensor located behind timing cover on VQ35DE, requiring significant disassembly. 4-6 hours labor. Heat cycles cause sensor failure. Replace both crank and cam sensors preventively during timing chain service. Tow-in situation when it fails completely.

Estimated cost: $500-900