1996 Nissan Maxima Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 12about this part
- Share
- 13%of 96 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 48,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 12 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 1996 Nissan Maxima, 13% of the 96 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 48,000 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.
“1996 Nissan Maxima, low mileage (50,000) failed nc state inspection due to failure of both cv joint boots. If the boots are not replaced, the axles will fail - causing sudden loss of power or sudden lockup on 1 or both front wheels.”
NHTSA complaint #10056867, filed 2004-02, 48,000 miles“Check engine light stayed on even after routine maintenance was done. The cruise control stopped working after the 1st year I bought it. In the 5 years I have owned the car, the starter has been replaced twice, the differential was replaced, tie rod ends were replaced, struts were replaced, a new muffler/tail pipe was replaced, and this year, 2 oil leaks developed, 1 inside the engine. The mechanic said this was a defect of Nissan, not anything that I did or didn't do. It cost over $700 to fix the leaks. The leaks blew out the sensors, and the car didn't pass the emissions. …”
NHTSA complaint #10093485, filed 2004-10“When shifting from park to drive consumer had to force it. Part has been replaced twice by dealer, consumer was told Nissan company advised dealer not to replace this component again, there was nothing wrong with it. Also on driver's side window water was leaking into vehicle, enough to soak carpet. Dealer said that was normal for this type vehicle. The mildew smell after rain and car wash.”
NHTSA complaint #878152, filed 2001-01“When vehicle is in park the vehicle does not want to go out of park. Gear sticks, and the driver has to really struggle to get the gear out of this position. This has happened several times. Dealer cannot find any problem with this vehicle. The third time the dealer finally replaced the bushing lock in the transmission, but the problem still is going on.”
NHTSA complaint #823450, filed 1998-05“On going / intermittent problem with engine stalling, usually it occurs when accelerating from a stop postion or accelerating from a low speed. Vehicle been in / out of dealer shop on five occasions, and problem still reoccurring. Dealer replaced front timing covers, gaskets, intake manifold collector, coil packs, plugs, and performed throttle chamber service, now vehicle has an oil leak. Transmission failed and was replaced. Starter motor failed and was replaced.”
NHTSA complaint #883027, filed 2001-03Transmission 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 1996 Nissan Maxima
17 complaintsAir bags
16 complaintsElectrical system
8 complaintsSuspension
8 complaintsSteering
7 complaintsTires
7 complaintsOther or unknown
6 complaintsBrakes
5 complaintsVehicle speed control
5 complaintsEquipment
4 complaintsBody and structure
4 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
4 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1996 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