The 2013 Maxima uses Nissan's reliable VQ35DE V6, but is paired with the notorious CVT transmission that dominates the problem list. Engine internals rarely fail unless severely neglected, but when they do, it's catastrophic and expensive.
CVT Transmission Failure
Common · high severity
Typical onset: 80,000-130,000 mi
Symptoms: Juddering or shuddering during acceleration, especially 15-30 mph, Whining or grinding noises, Loss of power or hesitation, Check engine light with P0868 or P17F0 codes, Transmission overheating warnings
Fix: CVT replacement or rebuild required. Factory reman unit is 12-16 hours labor. Oil cooler failure often causes CVT death, so both typically replaced together. This is the Achilles heel of these cars.
Estimated cost: $3,500-5,500
Transmission Oil Cooler Leaks
Common · high severity
Typical onset: 60,000-100,000 mi
Symptoms: Pink or red fluid dripping near radiator, Transmission fluid mixing with coolant (strawberry milkshake in overflow), CVT overheating, Low transmission fluid level
Fix: Replace external CVT oil cooler. If coolant contamination occurs, CVT fluid must be flushed multiple times or transmission replaced. 3-4 hours labor for cooler alone, but often discovered after CVT damage already done.
Estimated cost: $600-1,200
Engine Mount Failure (Transmission Mount)
Occasional · medium severity
Typical onset: 70,000-110,000 mi
Symptoms: Excessive vibration at idle, Clunking when shifting from Park to Drive, Engine rocks visibly when accelerating, Increased cabin noise
Fix: Rear transmission mount (engine side) tears and separates. Replacement is 2-3 hours labor. Often all three mounts need attention at this mileage for best results.
Estimated cost: $400-800
VQ35DE Internal Engine Failure
Rare · high severity
Typical onset: 150,000+ mi or severe neglect
Symptoms: Knocking or ticking that worsens with RPM, Metal shavings in oil, Loss of oil pressure, Blue smoke from exhaust, Catastrophic failure with no warning
Fix: Piston ring failure, bearing wear, or oil consumption issues. Requires engine rebuild or replacement. 18-25 hours labor for removal, rebuild/replacement, reinstallation. Usually only seen with extended oil change intervals or running low on oil.
Estimated cost: $4,500-7,500
Fuel Pump and Filter Assembly Failure
Occasional · medium severity
Typical onset: 90,000-140,000 mi
Symptoms: Hard starting when hot, Sputtering or hesitation under load, Stalling at idle, Check engine light with fuel trim codes, Whining noise from rear of vehicle
Fix: Fuel pump assembly requires dropping fuel tank. Filter is integrated and non-serviceable separately. 2.5-3.5 hours labor. OEM Nissan parts strongly recommended over aftermarket.
Estimated cost: $700-1,100
Alternator Failure
Occasional · medium severity
Typical onset: 100,000-150,000 mi
Symptoms: Battery warning light, Dimming headlights, Electrical accessories cutting out, Dead battery after sitting overnight, Whining noise from front of engine
Fix: Alternator replacement is straightforward. 1.5-2 hours labor. Test battery and check for parasitic draw before replacing to confirm diagnosis.
Estimated cost: $500-800
Owner tips
Change CVT fluid every 30,000-40,000 miles religiously using only Nissan NS-2 or NS-3 fluid — this can extend CVT life significantly
Inspect transmission oil cooler for leaks at every service after 60k miles; early replacement at first sign of seepage can save the CVT
VQ35DE is tough but keep oil changes at 5,000 miles maximum; these engines do not tolerate extended intervals
Check for transmission software updates at dealer — Nissan released multiple TCM reflashes to address CVT issues
Skip it unless CVT has already been replaced with documentation — the transmission failure rate makes these a risky used buy despite the solid engine.
AI-assisted summary drawn from NHTSA recall data, our labor-times database, and platform knowledge. Not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection on a specific vehicle.
Fitment notes: Standard top post battery; located in engine bay
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Every control module on the 2008-2014 Nissan Maxima — where it lives, replacement time, and what it takes to program a replacement. Modules marked dealer / factory tool won't work after a part swap alone — budget for programming.
⚠️ Not a separate physical module; NATS immobilizer function integrated in BCM. Key programming requires security PIN from Nissan server.
Aftermarket tool coverage varies by software version and vehicle build — treat "aftermarket tool" rows as "usually possible" and verify against your tool maker's coverage list before promising a customer. Spot a wrong location or hour? Tell us — corrections ship fast here.
Size-standard part numbers — verify your connector type before buying. Rear blades are model-specific; check the package's vehicle list.
Fuel economy figures are EPA data via fueleconomy.gov (median across matching trims). Performance figures are compiled estimates for the 2013 Nissan Maxima 3.5L V6 VQ35DE and can vary by trim.
🔧 Database maintained under the daily editorial review of Chris Hackleman · Master Technician · 20+ years and Jeff Moore · Master Lexus & Toyota Mechanic · 20+ years.