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Transmission and drivetrainPart report

1999 Nissan Maxima Transmission and drivetrain Problems

Complaints
8about this part
Share
5%of 165 total for the year
Median mileage
95,150miles
Trend
Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.

NHTSA recorded 8 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 1999 Nissan Maxima, 5% of the 165 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 95,150 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.

“I have had my 1999 Maxima for 4 months,have found problems swaying or drifting suspention while driving,hesitation in automatic transmission when accelling from a rolling stop,seatbelt locking and would not release,left hand turn bumpy front end suspention shake...all of these problems are very scarry and dangerous..emmediate action should be taken (by manufacturer) to fix these safety issues at no cost to loyal consumers.”

NHTSA complaint #10056706, filed 2004-02, 54,000 miles

“I have a potentially deadly problem with my 133,000-mile, 1999 Nissan Maxima. It might be related to the crank sensor on newer Maxima, a steering column lock, a faulty ignition switch, faulty clutch depression switch, and the anti-theft kill switch, perhaps even a random ground. The problem was conceivably catastrophic. Upon entering my car using the remote, occasionally the car won't respond, and must be unlocked manually. In these instances, neither the dome lights nor the headlights shine. …”

NHTSA complaint #10185666, filed 2007-03, 132,300 miles

“While driving at 55 MPH vehicle stalled on the highway. This problem occurred three times since last year. A dealer examined the vehicle and found that a new transmission was needed. The alternator and ignition coil were replace prior to the dealer determining that the problem was the transmission.”

NHTSA complaint #10079671, filed 2004-07, 58,000 miles

“Lurching at highway speed. Braking did not slow the car! Terrifying! Used emergency brake to slow enough to pull over and take next exit. Could not stop at stop sign of exit ramp. Pulled into gas station and changed auto transmission gear. Stopped with a violent lurch and thud. Turned engine off. Aaa was able to start car and load onto tow ramp. Taken to Nissan dealership. They found no codes. Driving and inspection did not find cause. When brought it in, said it would cost $98.00 to check it over. After Nissan engineer from national did investigation, would not return our calls.. …”

NHTSA complaint #10402012, filed 2011-05, 138,000 miles

“The recalls & technical service bulletins web site lists TSB # ntb9811a for a throttle shock hesitation in the automatic transmission. Both Nissan motor co and the local dealer have no record of the problem. Help me confirm the TSB number and determine why Nissan motor co does not have any reference to the problem. Thanks, jl.”

NHTSA complaint #741147, filed 2001-02

Transmission and drivetrain: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
2020314%
2019317%
201813%
20171110%
20163323%
20142223%
20132439%
20121817%
20112221%
2010155%
2009113%
2008810%
20071612%
200639368%
200577782%
200493466%
200373%
2002147%
200185%
2000226%
199985%
199865%
199744%
19961213%
1995128%
1994910%
199368%
199255%
1991912%
1990109%
1989915%
198812%
198753%
198612%
198524%

Other parts of the 1999 Nissan Maxima

Electrical system
83 complaints
Engine cooling
38 complaints
Air bags
18 complaints
Brakes
9 complaints
Other or unknown
9 complaints
Equipment
7 complaints
Suspension
6 complaints
Vehicle speed control
5 complaints
Fuel system
4 complaints
Seat belts
4 complaints
Body and structure
4 complaints
Tires
4 complaints

← All problems reported for the 1999 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