2006 Nissan Maxima Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 393about this part
- Share
- 68%of 576 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 85,000miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 393 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2006 Nissan Maxima, 68% of the 576 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 85,000 miles. 4 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Once the car has been driven for 30 minutes or more, after a stop for a red light or stop sign the transmission will jump as it shifts to the next higher gear usually when just at. 20 -30 miles an hour. My car has mileage of 106,000 and has been doing this for approx. 6 months off & on. Its seldom that I drive it any significant distance & that's when it is noticed.”
NHTSA complaint #10850239, filed 2016-03, 105,000 miles“I had my valve body replaced due to hard shifting and a delay in transmission engagement when shifting from park to drive. Vehicle is start to exhibit same symptoms and I was informed the transmission would need to be replaced at the cost of $2,500 vehicle had 148,000 miles on it. Nissan should be held responsible for its inferior quality and workmanship.”
NHTSA complaint #10693553, filed 2015-03, 128,000 miles“Transmission slips, mainly between 1st/2nd gears and also in reverse. The rpms rev up high and car jerks forward violently. One time I parked the vehicle and after I took my foot off the gas, it reved up and drove onto the curb. Driving on highways is fine but city driving us a nightmare. It's even shut off at stop lights.”
NHTSA complaint #10824184, filed 2016-02, 110,000 miles“Every time I put car in gear it jumps and feels like car falling apart. As I am driving and get up to 50 miles per hour the car will jerk. I have replaced motor mounts, had transmission flushes, transmission fluid changes, new tires and car still jerks and tranny and gear shafts are faulty. The entire body of car feels like it's coming apart.”
NHTSA complaint #10562607, filed 2014-02, 101,000 miles“I was at the light waiting to make a left turn into my neighborhood and as I got a break to turn in front of traffic my car jerked and cut off. My 2 year old and 3 year old was also in the car I was terrified and now scared to make a turn in front of traffic bc my car may cost me and my kids our life car isn't safe to drive like that.”
NHTSA complaint #10644346, filed 2014-10, 97,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10192474Nov 20, 2014SERVICE INFORMATION If a customer describes lack of power or poor acceleration, perform the following checks before attempting any repair: * Check for stored DTCs. * Check if the…
- 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
- 10043950Apr 10, 2012Nissan: ecm replacement procedures with consult iii plus. Applies to all 2004 and later (does not apply to leaf/ev) vehicles.
- 10039864Apr 7, 2011Nissan: 2004-2006 maxima. Harsh upshifts or downshifts during moderate acceleration or when slowing.
- 10024689Apr 28, 2008Nissan; special automatic transmission fluid requirement. 2004 to current nissan vehicles.
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 2006 Nissan Maxima
59 complaintsEngine
47 complaintsVehicle speed control
35 complaintsElectrical system
26 complaintsEngine cooling
24 complaintsOther or unknown
21 complaintsBody and structure
20 complaintsSuspension
19 complaintsElectronic stability control
17 complaintsSteering
17 complaintsAir bags
13 complaintsTires
11 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2006 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