2003 Nissan Maxima Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 7about this part
- Share
- 3%of 206 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 64,250miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 7 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2003 Nissan Maxima, 3% of the 206 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 64,250 miles. 1 a fire, according to the filers.
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.
“Loud thud/bump when going over an uneven surface from right front. Had serviced and was advised it was the bump stop that was dry. I was also advised that this should have been addressed at each oil change. I reviewed my manual and there is no mention of lubricating the bump stop - ever. In addition, the dealer did not mention the service was done when oil changes were done there.”
NHTSA complaint #10059946, filed 2004-02, 25,500 miles“Nissan murano, 2003 with approximately 75,400 miles. August 9, 2008, my daughter and wife were driving the car and called me on my cell phone very excited and unset stating, ?the car won?t accelerate and it is jerking,, what should we do?? I instructed them to park the car until I arrive to check it out I didn?t want them to get onto the major highway in the heavy traffic. I arrived and drove the car home. I parked the car in our garage and didn?t drive it until monday for work. Had no problems that day and drove it to work, both wife and I commute to the same location. …”
NHTSA complaint #10238102, filed 2008-08, 74,500 miles“Dt: automatic transmission failed at interval times. When taking vehicle to dealer, they claim everything except the transmission. The check engine light constantly came on. Consumer was to three different dealerships, and they all said that the codes were not matching.”
NHTSA complaint #10124884, filed 2005-06, 54,000 miles“I have a 2003 Maxima. The gears are jerking really bad between 1st & 2nd gear. This is not suppose to be happening. I've read so many complaints about these cars, why is there not a recall yet? When someone is seriously hurt maybe then a recall will be issued!”
NHTSA complaint #10279230, filed 2009-08Related service bulletins
- 10038184Nov 5, 2013Nissan: the vehicle has a slower than normal acceleration from a stop. Updated on 06/08/2011. *kb updated on 06/13/2011. *rm updated 12/16/2013
Transmission 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 2003 Nissan Maxima
54 complaintsEngine
43 complaintsAir bags
35 complaintsExterior lighting
26 complaintsElectrical system
17 complaintsOther or unknown
10 complaintsVehicle speed control
8 complaintsBrakes
7 complaintsFuel system
7 complaintsBody and structure
6 complaintsEquipment
5 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
4 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2003 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