2010 Nissan Maxima Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 15about this part
- Share
- 5%of 275 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 96,500miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 15 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2010 Nissan Maxima, 5% of the 275 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 96,500 miles.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Unable to push start car ignition. A key signal shows on dash and car will not start after shutting down engine. The key is in the car at the time. My daughter has been stranded several times because she can't get push start ignition to start. I have read that other owners of this make and more have had same issue.”
NHTSA complaint #11301457, filed 2020-01, 145,000 miles“Car totally slowed to 25mph on highway while taking my daughter to college orientation. Could've killed my whole family or someone else. Cvt transmissions is a failure. All contacted transmission places and import car repair say its very problematic and a waste. Thought Nissan extended factory warranty to 10 yr 120000 miles. I have a 2010. Luckily it was early morning and traffic was not as heavy.”
NHTSA complaint #11234449, filed 2019-07, 89,000 miles“While driving the car to southern cal, the service engine soon light came on. The car would not go above 2000 rpms periodically. I parked the car for 1 - 2 hrs and it seemed to start working again. Once home, I headed to the mechanic the next day and the transmission slipped completely. I should have stopped and called Nissan on the highway because once I made it home the odometer was above 120,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10904590, filed 2016-09, 119,700 miles“My transmission sounds very loud when I accelerate until I get to about 55 MPH. It seems to feel rough as well during that period. This happens every time I accelerate. My passenger seat doesn't blow cold air”
NHTSA complaint #11394562, filed 2021-02, 122,000 miles“While doing normal driving, on two occasions, one coming down a slight hill and planning to stop at a corner, and once when pulling into my carport, with foot lightly on the brake, I noticed the engine racing at 2000 RPM or so, trying to accelerate. Was able to hold car with footbrake, and, after stopping, problem did not seem to repeat immediately.”
NHTSA complaint #10317855, filed 2010-03, 2,975 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10233904Mar 29, 2023CLICKING NOISE FROM FRONT OR REAR AXLE DURING TAKE-OFF/ACCELERATION This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of…
- 10222714Sep 27, 2022CLICKING NOISE FROM FRONT OR REAR AXLE DURING TAKE-OFF/ACCELERATION This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of…
- 10199148Jun 9, 2021CLICKING NOISE FROM FRONT OR REAR AXLE DURING TAKE-OFF/ACCELERATION This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of…
- 10116292Jun 20, 2017CLICKING NOISE FROM FRONT OR REAR AXLE DURING TAKE-OFF/ACCELERATION This bulletin has been amended. The APPLIED VEHICLES section has been revised. No other changes have been…
- 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…
- 10192605Jul 10, 2015IF YOU CONFIRM: Customers concern of a "clicking" noise coming from either left or right front/rear CV-type axles during take-off/acceleration. ACTION: Apply Molykote M77 grease…
- 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 *…
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 2010 Nissan Maxima
158 complaintsElectrical system
79 complaintsSuspension
29 complaintsOther or unknown
24 complaintsEngine
20 complaintsAir bags
15 complaintsBody and structure
11 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
8 complaintsVehicle speed control
7 complaintsSeats
6 complaintsElectronic stability control
4 complaintsBrakes
3 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2010 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