The 2022 Maxima carries the VQ35DE V6 and Nissan's CVT (continuously variable transmission), a combination known for CVT oil cooler failures and transmission mount issues. Engine internals are generally robust, but when problems occur they're catastrophic and expensive.
CVT Transmission Oil Cooler Failure
Common · high severity
Typical onset: 40,000-80,000 mi
Symptoms: transmission fluid mixing with coolant (strawberry milkshake appearance), transmission overheating warnings, harsh shifting or loss of drive, coolant loss with no external leaks
Fix: Replace external CVT oil cooler and flush both transmission and cooling system. If contamination occurred, full CVT replacement may be required. 4-6 hours labor for cooler only, 12-18 hours if CVT needs replacement due to contamination damage.
Symptoms: clunking when shifting from park to drive, excessive engine movement during acceleration, vibration at idle, visible sagging of engine/trans assembly
Fix: Replace front and/or rear transmission mounts. The rubber degrades prematurely on CVT-equipped models due to heat and vibration. 2-3 hours labor for both mounts.
Estimated cost: $400-700
Fuel Filter Clogging (High-Pressure)
Occasional · medium severity
Typical onset: 60,000-100,000 mi
Symptoms: hard starting after sitting, loss of power under acceleration, rough idle or hesitation, check engine light with fuel pressure codes (P0087, P0191)
Fix: Replace high-pressure fuel filter assembly in the engine bay. This isn't the in-tank pump filter but a separate canister filter. 1.5-2 hours labor, requires fuel system depressurization.
Symptoms: sudden loss of compression, knocking or rattling from engine block, excessive oil consumption leading to metal-on-metal failure, coolant in oil or vice versa (head gasket failure)
Fix: When the VQ35DE fails internally, it's typically total: spun bearings, cracked pistons, or blown head gaskets requiring full rebuild or short-block replacement. 25-35 hours labor for complete tear-down and rebuild with machine work.
Estimated cost: $6,000-10,000
CVT Judder and Premature Wear
Occasional · medium severity
Typical onset: 70,000-110,000 mi
Symptoms: shuddering during acceleration from stop, whining or droning noise under load, delayed engagement when shifting, transmission slipping feeling
Fix: CVT fluid degradation or internal belt/pulley wear. Start with CVT fluid exchange using Nissan NS-3 fluid (2-3 drain/fills). If internal damage exists, CVT replacement is the only fix. 1 hour for fluid service, 12-15 hours for CVT R&R.
Change CVT fluid every 30,000-40,000 miles regardless of Nissan's 'lifetime' claim — use only Nissan NS-3 spec fluid
Monitor transmission cooler for early signs of failure by checking coolant color and transmission fluid condition separately
Address transmission mount wear early to prevent accelerated CVT damage from excessive movement
Keep an eye on oil consumption after 80k miles; the VQ35DE can develop piston ring issues that lead to catastrophic failure if ignored
Avoid unless you're prepared for CVT cooler maintenance and potential transmission replacement before 100k — the engine is solid but the CVT is a ticking time bomb.
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: AGM battery required for advanced electrical system; battery located in engine bay
As an Amazon Associate and Autel/ANCEL partner, OLP earns from qualifying purchases — how we link. This never changes the specs we publish.
Control Modules — 2022 Nissan Maxima
Every control module on the 2018-2023 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.
📍 Inside transmission case, integrated with valve body (CVT models)
🔧 CONSULT-III Plus with NTIS subscription
⚠️ Requires transmission removal and disassembly; VIN programming and adaptive value initialization mandatory; CVT fluid replacement required during R&R
Electric Power Steering Control Module (EPS)2.5 hr R&Rdealer / factory tool +0.6 hr▸ programming details
📍 Steering column, integrated with steering gear assembly at base of column
🔧 CONSULT-III Plus with NTIS subscription
⚠️ Steering angle sensor calibration and neutral position learning required; VIN programming mandatory; some aftermarket tools can perform calibration but programming may require dealer
Radar Control Module (RADAR)2.0 hr R&Rdealer / factory tool +1.5 hrwith ProPILOT Assist or Intelligent Cruise Control▸ programming details
📍 Front bumper, center behind lower grille opening
🔧 CONSULT-III Plus with NTIS subscription and alignment targets
⚠️ Radar aiming and calibration mandatory after replacement or front-end collision; requires specific alignment targets and clear 20-foot path; bumper removal required for access
Anti-lock Brake System Control Module (ABS)1.8 hr R&Rrelearn only +0.3 hr▸ programming details
📍 Engine bay, driver side inner fender well, mounted to ABS hydraulic unit
🔧 CONSULT-III Plus or Autel/Launch scan tool
⚠️ Brake bleeding required after replacement; steering angle sensor calibration and vehicle dynamics initialization required; most aftermarket tools can perform relearn
Automatic Air Conditioning Control Module (A/C)1.8 hr R&Rrelearn only +0.2 hr▸ programming details
📍 Behind center stack, integrated with HVAC control panel assembly
🔧 CONSULT-III Plus or aftermarket scan tool
⚠️ Self-diagnosis and actuator initialization required after replacement; most aftermarket tools can perform relearn
Body Control Module (BCM)1.5 hr R&Rdealer / factory tool +1.2 hr▸ programming details
📍 Behind driver side lower dash panel, above fuse box
🔧 CONSULT-III Plus with NTIS subscription
⚠️ Controls lighting, door locks, wipers, horn; VIN and configuration programming required; key registration must be performed after replacement; some aftermarket tools can code but key functions may require dealer
Around View Monitor Control Module (AVM)1.5 hr R&Rdealer / factory tool +1.0 hrwith Around View Monitor (Intelligent Around View Monitor on Premium trims)▸ programming details
📍 Behind center stack, mounted to AVN unit bracket
🔧 CONSULT-III Plus with NTIS subscription
⚠️ Camera calibration and image stitching configuration required; four cameras (front, rear, both mirrors); moving object detection on Premium models requires additional calibration
Adaptive Front Lighting System Control Module (AFS)1.5 hr R&Rrelearn only +0.4 hrwith LED headlights and adaptive lighting▸ programming details
📍 Behind front bumper, driver side headlight assembly mounting area
🔧 CONSULT-III Plus or aftermarket scan tool
⚠️ Headlight aiming and leveling calibration required; steering angle sensor data used for cornering function; most aftermarket tools can perform calibration
📍 Engine bay, driver side fender well, integrated with Intelligent Power Distribution Module
🔧 CONSULT-III Plus with NTIS subscription
⚠️ Immobilizer and Intelligent Key functions integrated; all keys must be re-registered after replacement; VIN and security programming required; some high-end aftermarket tools (Autel IM608, Advanced Diagnostics) can program keys but module replacement typically requires dealer
Blind Spot Warning Control Module (BSW)1.3 hr R&Rrelearn only +0.4 hrwith Blind Spot Warning (most SR and all SV/SL/Platinum trims)▸ programming details
📍 Rear bumper, driver side behind bumper cover
🔧 CONSULT-III Plus or aftermarket scan tool
⚠️ Radar sensor calibration required; two sensors (one each side) managed by single module; rear bumper removal required; most aftermarket tools can perform calibration
📍 Behind driver side lower dash panel, mounted to BCM bracket
🔧 CONSULT-III Plus with NTIS subscription
⚠️ Manages CAN bus communication between networks; VIN and network configuration programming required; failure can cause multiple system communication faults
📍 Engine bay, driver side firewall, mounted on bulkhead above brake master cylinder
🔧 CONSULT-III Plus with NTIS subscription
⚠️ VIN programming and immobilizer pairing required; some aftermarket tools (Autel MaxiSys Elite, Launch X431) can program with J2534 pass-through but success varies by model year
Intelligent Power Distribution Module (IPDM)1.2 hr R&Rdealer / factory tool +0.6 hr▸ programming details
📍 Engine bay, driver side fender well, mounted to inner fender panel
🔧 CONSULT-III Plus with NTIS subscription
⚠️ Controls fuel pump, cooling fans, and multiple power distribution functions; VIN and configuration programming required; integrates with NATS immobilizer
Audio Visual Navigation Unit (AVN)1.2 hr R&Rrelearn only +0.3 hr▸ programming details
📍 Center stack, integrated touchscreen unit
🔧 CONSULT-III Plus or aftermarket scan tool
⚠️ VIN registration and camera calibration required on models with Around View Monitor; Bluetooth and audio settings require user setup; navigation SD card separate
Supplemental Restraint System Control Module (SRS)1.0 hr R&Rdealer / factory tool +0.5 hr▸ programming details
📍 Center console, beneath center stack trim, forward of shifter
🔧 CONSULT-III Plus with NTIS subscription
⚠️ VIN programming required; crash data must be cleared; occupant classification system calibration required; battery disconnect mandatory before removal
Sonar Control Module (SONAR)1.0 hr R&Rrelearn only +0.3 hrwith parking sensors▸ programming details
📍 Rear cargo area, driver side trim panel behind wheel well
🔧 CONSULT-III Plus or aftermarket scan tool
⚠️ Sensor calibration and self-diagnosis required; front and rear sensors managed by single module; most aftermarket tools can perform relearn
Telematics Control Unit (TCU)1.0 hr R&Rdealer / factory tool +0.8 hrwith NissanConnect Services▸ programming details
📍 Behind glove box, upper right side of HVAC housing
🔧 CONSULT-III Plus with NTIS subscription and NissanConnect activation
⚠️ Requires dealer activation and subscription setup; VIN and cellular carrier provisioning required; not all trim levels equipped
⚠️ Mileage programming required by law; VIN and configuration data must be transferred; some aftermarket tools claim mileage programming but legal compliance questionable
Power Window Master Switch (PWMS)0.6 hr R&Rrelearn only +0.2 hr▸ programming details
📍 Driver door, integrated with master window switch assembly
🔧 Manual initialization procedure or scan tool
⚠️ Window auto-up/down initialization required after replacement; can be performed manually without scan tool by cycling windows; controls all four windows
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 2022 Nissan Maxima 3.5L V6 VQ35DE and can vary by trim.
🔧 Built by master technician Chris Hackleman · Master Technician · 20+ years.