1994 Nissan Maxima Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 9about this part
- Share
- 10%of 89 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 129,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 9 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 1994 Nissan Maxima, 10% of the 89 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 129,000 miles.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“My transmission went out in 2003 I got it rebuilt it went out again in 2004 every person I know own a 1991-1994 Nissan Maxima has these problems and I dont think its right.so there should be a recall on the cars transmission.”
NHTSA complaint #10125937, filed 2005-06, 129,000 miles“When I shifted the transmission to d the car didn't move. So I brought the car down to Nissan services, they diagnosed the problem and told me that the transmission is slipping and need to replace it right away. They said it would cost $4000 to replace it. So can you help me find out if the car is still under warranty? Otherwise, can you give us some advice where we should get it fix for a cheaper price? Thank you very much.”
NHTSA complaint #720709, filed 2000-03“Plastic parts on window regular failed causing window to fall inside door, car has a strong fuel smell when ideling especially in cooler months,bumped console gear shift while driving and pushed car out of gear (2), car sometimes hesitates when put in gear or lunges when put in gear, truck latch catches and must be manually reset to work.”
NHTSA complaint #724362, filed 2000-06“While driving up a hill between 45 and 55 MPH transmission will start vibrating. Consumer had taken vehicle to mechanic, and he said that noise and vibration was due to shifting gear. Please provide more information.”
NHTSA complaint #8002077, filed 2002-01“Automatic transmission holding 1st gear until 5000-6000 rpms. Rides fine at highway speeds. Dealer diagnosed problem with transmission requiring replacement, including new radiator & labor at a cost of $3,600. Dealer failed to mention the tsbs associated with transmission problems. Perhaps, addressing the issues outlined in the TSB would mitigate the problem I.e., a/t solenoid replacement procedure. Nissan powertrain warranty is 5 year or 60k. Auto has 52k original highway miles. Contacted the manufacture to request liberal interpretation of warranty policy in light of the low mileage.”
NHTSA complaint #748153, filed 2001-07Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 3 | 14% |
| 2019 | 3 | 17% |
| 2018 | 1 | 3% |
| 2017 | 11 | 10% |
| 2016 | 33 | 23% |
| 2014 | 22 | 23% |
| 2013 | 24 | 39% |
| 2012 | 18 | 17% |
| 2011 | 22 | 21% |
| 2010 | 15 | 5% |
| 2009 | 11 | 3% |
| 2008 | 8 | 10% |
| 2007 | 16 | 12% |
| 2006 | 393 | 68% |
| 2005 | 777 | 82% |
| 2004 | 934 | 66% |
| 2003 | 7 | 3% |
| 2002 | 14 | 7% |
| 2001 | 8 | 5% |
| 2000 | 22 | 6% |
| 1999 | 8 | 5% |
| 1998 | 6 | 5% |
| 1997 | 4 | 4% |
| 1996 | 12 | 13% |
| 1995 | 12 | 8% |
| 1994 | 9 | 10% |
| 1993 | 6 | 8% |
| 1992 | 5 | 5% |
| 1991 | 9 | 12% |
| 1990 | 10 | 9% |
| 1989 | 9 | 15% |
| 1988 | 1 | 2% |
| 1987 | 5 | 3% |
| 1986 | 1 | 2% |
| 1985 | 2 | 4% |
Other parts of the 1994 Nissan Maxima
21 complaintsEngine cooling
18 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
18 complaintsAir bags
6 complaintsEquipment
6 complaintsBody and structure
6 complaintsBrakes
5 complaintsSeat belts
5 complaintsElectrical system
4 complaintsVehicle speed control
4 complaintsOther or unknown
3 complaintsSuspension
3 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1994 Nissan Maxima
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology