2009 Nissan Maxima Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 11about this part
- Share
- 3%of 339 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 116,500miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 11 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2009 Nissan Maxima, 3% of the 339 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 116,500 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.
“Power steering fluid leaks completely out and have to refill every two weeks. I was driving down the parkway and my RPM kept jumping slightly. Got off my exit to my university and stopped at a light, then it wouldn't move. After letting it sit for a while I could get it to move across a parking lot, but it shook the whole time and wouldn't go over 1200 RPM. It eventually went completely out and now it doesn't move at all. It is also smoking upon starting it now.”
NHTSA complaint #11288704, filed 2019-12, 220,000 miles“Passenger side air bag sensors keeps on resetting as no one is sitting on the seat. I have to tell the passenger to jump on the seat for the air bag off light to reset. The CVT transmission putter at low speed with a with lots of noise, I have to give it more gas for the noise to stop. The passenger front door lock and driver side rear door lock does not unlock. Fog light on the car is not working, I was told my a mechanic that the relay switch that is built into the steering column is no good and will need to be replaced.”
NHTSA complaint #11291611, filed 2019-12, 151,000 miles“My 2009 Maxima currently has 128,00 miles on it. Saturday 10/26 my transmission went while on the highway, headed to work, my car began to slow down although my foot was on the gas. It came to a complete stop! Luckily I was able to pull into the shoulder. I turned the car off and on and was only able to get another quarter mile down the road with the car stopping again in an exit lane. After towing it to midas, they stated the transmission went. For the mileage to only be a quarter over 100k and the transmission to fail it horrible. I am now looking at a $4200+ repair.”
NHTSA complaint #11271810, filed 2019-10, 128,000 miles“Steering wheel lock - ignition lock assembly failure. I purchased my 2009 Nissan ma xima in nov 2012 and my car has been running pretty good until the dreaded day when I was stranded because my car would not start. I had my car towed and I was told that thevsteeringbwheel lock assembly needed to be replaced $1189.00. I don't know about you, but im not made out of money. After a little research I discovered that this problem has been happening since 09. This is outrageous and Nissan should have owned up and fixed this problem along time ago. …”
NHTSA complaint #10820586, filed 2016-01, 114,000 miles“I have been informed by my dealership that my transfer case is leaking and if I do not repair or replace it the car while driving will basically the gears in the mechanism will grind make a loud noise and just stop. That sounds like a safety concern. When I contacted Nissan USA I was informed my car was out of warranty and they would not replace it even if it was a safety issue. It also is well documented that Nissan has a problem with the transfer case leaking. Why is Nissan not replacing this part while under warranty if they no there is an issue.”
NHTSA complaint #10563440, filed 2014-02, 101,648 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10192615Aug 6, 2015SERVICE INFORMATION The information in this bulletin is provided to help ensure correct diagnosis and repair of fluid leaks. All fluid leaks, when properly diagnosed, should be…
- 10192524Feb 6, 2015SERVICE INFORMATION When diagnosing possible power steering gear (rack and pinion steering rack, or steering rack) leak issues, it may appear the steering rack is leaking when…
- 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
- 10192115Jan 25, 2013IF YOU CONFIRM: After having been parked overnight in ambient temperatures between 5°C to -25°C (40°F to -14°F) the vehicle is hard to start or cranks and will not start. And *…
- 10043950Apr 10, 2012Nissan: ecm replacement procedures with consult iii plus. Applies to all 2004 and later (does not apply to leaf/ev) vehicles.
- 10038552Apr 11, 2011Nissan: there is a trouble code stored due to software. Some 2009 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 2009 Nissan Maxima
168 complaintsElectrical system
79 complaintsAir bags
43 complaintsSuspension
36 complaintsOther or unknown
33 complaintsEngine
18 complaintsSeats
15 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
11 complaintsBody and structure
8 complaintsBrakes
7 complaintsWheels
6 complaintsEngine cooling
4 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2009 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