2012 Nissan Maxima Problems
Compared with other Nissan Maxima years
Typical for this model
55/100 1.1× a typical year · 50 = typical
- Complaint rate is 1.1× that of a typical Nissan Maxima year, weighted for crashes, fires, injuries, recalls and mileage, and allowing for the era and for how long each year has had to collect complaints.
- 25 of its 107 complaints were filed by the end of 2014.
- Most reported problem: CVT hesitation, revving and transmission failure (31 complaints, median 83,508 mi).
Nearby years with fewer complaints than typical and no open NHTSA investigation: 2013
Based only on NHTSA complaints, recalls and investigations. Not adjusted for how many vehicles were sold, and not a reliability rating. How this is calculated
- Complaints
- 107filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 55,000miles, 85 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 0campaigns on record
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
- NHTSA crash rating
- 4 / 5stars overall
- EPA fuel economy
- 22 mpgcombined, 3.5L 6-cyl FWD · 19 city / 26 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 2012 Nissan Maxima (complaints, recalls, investigations), NHTSA crash tests, EPA fuel economy. Report an error
What owners report
Owners of the 2012 Maxima most often describe the passenger air bag weighing sensor switching the air bag off with an adult seated, and CVT transmission symptoms such as hesitation from a stop, revving without acceleration and, in some cases, transmission replacement. Door lock actuators and push button start problems are also commonly mentioned, along with a driver's seat that rocks during braking and acceleration.
- Air bags
Passenger air bag turns off with an adult in the seat
- 17 complaints (16%)
- median 26,275 mi at 2.8 yrs old (14 state mileage)
- filed 2013–2023
Owners describe the passenger air bag off indicator lighting up or flickering while an adult of normal weight sits in the front passenger seat, and sometimes switching on when the seat is empty. Complaints say dealers often found no stored codes, told owners the vehicle was fine to drive, or quoted a seat or air bag control unit replacement. Several owners report repeat failures after a related part was replaced. Mostly reported between about 3,000 and 70,000 miles, with several at low mileage under 36,000.
What to check: Sit in the passenger seat with the engine running and watch whether the air bag status light reads ON for an adult of normal weight; ask whether the occupant sensor or air bag control unit has been replaced.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Whenever someone sits on the front passenger seat the warning light comes on indicating that if something happen (accident) the airbag will not deploy. All the people I have tested are over 120 lbs. I brought this problem to pinnacle Nissan in scottsdale, az but they didn't do anything to fix it saying there's nothing wrong with my car. They said they tested it but they didn't find anything wrong with it.”
NHTSA complaint #11300985, filed 2020-01, 31,301 miles“Shortly after purchasing vehicle I noticed that passenger air bag off light would come on when my wife was seated - the instance did not repeat itself for several weeks and then it would consistently happen when other passengers of various weights were seated. …”
NHTSA complaint #10575028, filed 2014-03, 7,500 miles - Transmission and drivetrain
CVT hesitation, revving and transmission failure
- 31 complaints (29%)
- median 83,508 mi at 6.7 yrs old (27 state mileage)
- 1 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2011–2025
Complaints describe the car hesitating or failing to accelerate from a stop, RPMs jumping without corresponding speed, and slipping or jerking in traffic or at highway speed. Owners report that dealers sometimes diagnosed a needed transmission replacement, and a few mention a CVT hose failure with smoke and loss of drive. Mostly reported from about 58,000 to 158,000 miles, often in stop-and-go or highway driving.
What to check: Test drive from several standing starts and at steady highway speed, watching for hesitation, RPM flare or surging; ask for transmission service records and whether any fluid or hose work has been done.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“I have had my vehicle for less than 5 months and the transmission has gone out on it. After doing a research online, I have realized that hundreds of people have had this same problem. I have also realized that Nissan has had transmission recalls on several Nissan Maxima's through different years except for the 2012. My vehicle was in motion on a highway, when it would not pick up speed after 10 MPH.”
NHTSA complaint #11204956, filed 2019-05, 116,000 miles“I was driving my Maxima on cruise control at 70 MPH and the RPM was fluctuating while driving on the freeway from 2000 to 3000 RPM. It would not go from there and the car dropped speed. This happened various of times throughout my travel. I looked up problems it could of been and I walked into a blog with many Nissan consumers experiencing the same problem on their CVT transmission for their vehicle.”
NHTSA complaint #11112888, filed 2018-07, 83,508 miles - Electrical system
Door locks stop locking or unlocking
- 6 complaints (6%)
- median 58,000 mi at 4.3 yrs old (5 state mileage, few)
- filed 2016–2022
Owners report door lock actuators failing so the remote and interior switches no longer lock or unlock one or more doors, sometimes all four around the same time. Complaints describe intermittent operation that becomes more frequent, and dealers generally quoted actuator replacement. Mostly reported between about 45,000 and 65,000 miles.
What to check: Cycle every door through lock and unlock with both the fob and the interior switch, and check that the door ajar warning behaves correctly.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“My driver side door the door lock intermittently works. It some times locks and doesn't unlock or doesn't lock at all. Recently it is working less often. Now the back door on the driver side stopped working too. The other day my 6 year got locked in the car and had to unbuckle his car seat to unlock the door. Luckily he wasn't an infant. I read on line that many people are having trouble with their door locks in Nissan/infinity cars.”
NHTSA complaint #11084877, filed 2018-04, 58,000 miles“While driving my car at extremely slow speeds my car completely turned itself off and was unable to start back up for 15 minutes. During this time there was no power to the entire car, thus resulting in having to unlock my door manually and crawl through the back to get my son out. 2 months later my car started losing all power when I stopped, once again resulting in having to manually unlock my car and unable to lock the doors behind me.”
NHTSA complaint #11207042, filed 2019-05, 50,600 miles - Electrical system
Push button start will not engage
- 8 complaints (7%)
- median 50,000 mi at 7.6 yrs old (7 state mileage, few)
- filed 2011–2022
Complaints describe the push button start failing to crank the engine or only clicking, with the car sometimes starting after several minutes of trying. A few owners mention the steering lock and a stiff brake pedal at the same time, and some note the key not being recognized. Reported from very low mileage up to about 50,000 miles, with no clear pattern in weather.
What to check: Ask whether the key fob batteries have been replaced and whether any no-start or key-not-detected codes were diagnosed; try starting with both fobs.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“The ignition locks up, stranding me. The push button start will not engage the started, or will occasionally make a clicking noise without starting. Usually, after a few moments, the car will start. This sometimes takes more than 10 minutes.”
NHTSA complaint #10703550, filed 2015-04, 25,000 miles“Car will not start, steering wheel locks, key fob light is on, brake is stiff. This is not the first time Nissan had this problem. My car only has 50,000 miles on it.”
NHTSA complaint #11280976, filed 2019-11, 50,000 miles
Buying note. Check the passenger air bag status light with an adult seated and test the CVT thoroughly on a test drive, since those two symptoms account for most of what owners describe. Door lock and push button start behavior are quick to verify before buying.
Summary written with AI from a sample of 60 NHTSA complaints for this model year (picked at random, with complaints that state a mileage and recent ones taken first), then checked automatically against the source records. Where a problem shows a complaint count, every complaint for this model year was matched with fixed keyword rules (written with AI and tested against the sample), and the mileage, age and repair figures are calculated from those complaints; owners' figures are as stated, not verified. Other counts refer to the sample. The excerpts come from NHTSA's public complaint records and are unverified; capitalisation is normalised, NHTSA staff notes are removed, and shortened text ends with “…”. Something wrong? Request a correction.
NHTSA recorded 107 consumer complaints for the 2012 Nissan Maxima. 85 of the complaints include a mileage, and 42% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 55,000 miles. Of all complaints, 6 involved a crash, 2 a fire, 7 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 0 recall campaigns and 115 technical service bulletins for this model year. Compared with the other 9 Nissan Maxima model years that have at least 25 complaints and are old enough to compare, this one scores 55 out of 100, where 50 is a typical year for the model (typical for this model). The comparison allows for the era and for how long each year has had to collect complaints, but not for how many vehicles were sold.
Which parts are reported most
Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.
- Air bags27 25%
- Other or unknown23 22%
- Electrical system20 19%
- Engine11 10%
- Steering10 9.3%
- Seats6 5.6%
- Body and structure6 5.6%
- Brakes2 1.9%
Also reported: Engine cooling (2), Equipment (2), Vehicle speed control (2), Exterior lighting (1), Fuel system (1), Seat belts (1), Suspension (1).
Example complaints
Air bags: “My wife weighs about 135 pounds .the airbag on passenger side does not work properly when she sits in the seat the airbag light goes on which indicates that the airbag is not working I have pictures to validate. So far Nissan is not trying to rectify the problem I have taken the car to 2 dealers , they say everthing is normal but the photo prove my complaint.”
NHTSA complaint #10592117, filed 2014-05, 15,000 milesOther or unknown: “While driving on the highway this morning, the panoramic sunroof on my 2012 Nissan Maxima spontaneously exploded and shattered. Had the sunroof been open, there could have been extensive damages to me personally, my unborn child (7 months pregnant), and others driving around me if I had lost control of my vehicle.”
NHTSA complaint #11290173, filed 2019-12, 55,000 milesElectrical system: “I had an a.c. Compressor issue 3 years ago and had it replaced by trophy Nissan mesquite,texas in 2017. Now 3 years later may of 2020 my compressor has locked up again. It was working fine until a week ago when I was on my way to work it was great but after my shift was done and I came out to go home my a.c.compressor wasn't working.so I was wondering if there were any Nissan recalls with a.c. Compressor issues on my Maxima.”
NHTSA complaint #11325719, filed 2020-05, 179,000 milesTransmission and drivetrain: “Upon coming to a stop the car does not want to accelerate, it jerks sometimes, if you go check on any Nissan forum or youtube comments you will see this is a major problem with these vehicles and can cause serious harm in traffic or crossing intersections, I am very surprised there hasnt been a recall yet. Its the CVT transmission! Thousands of people have this problem and the extended warranty cuts off in 2011 so 2012 or newer we are s.o.l. It happens everytime I stop.”
NHTSA complaint #11407114, filed 2021-04, 112,000 milesMileage when problems were reported
42% of the 85 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 31,000 and 82,000 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Trend: falling. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2012 Nissan Maxima. Frontal results are shown driver / passenger; rollover shows the star rating and NHTSA's estimated risk of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash.
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Side | Side pole | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Maxima · sedan FWD | ★★★★☆ | 4 / 2 | 5 | 5 | 5 · 10.1% risk |
Neighbouring years: 2013: same overall rating. A redesign between years can change both the car and the test.
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (5-Star Safety Ratings), nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 2012 Nissan Maxima version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).
| Version | Engine | Transmission | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Maxima FWD | 3.5L 6-cyl | CVT | 19 | 26 | 22 | $3,750 |
Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.
Recalls and investigations
NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for the 2012 Nissan Maxima in the data used here. A recall can apply to some vehicles of a model year and not others, so check a specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Technical service bulletins
TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 115 on record; the latest 10 are shown.
- 11031705Apr 13, 2026Body and structure. CERTIFICATION LABEL AND VIN PLATE REPLACEMENT SERVICE INFORMATION Because of collision damage or other vehicle repair, a replacement “Certification Label” or “VIN Plate/Label” may be needed. HINT…
- 11031704Apr 13, 2026Body and structure. CERTIFICATION LABEL AND VIN PLATE REPLACEMENT SERVICE INFORMATION Because of collision damage or other vehicle repair, a replacement “Certification Label” or “VIN Plate/Label” may be needed. HINT…
- 11004962May 21, 2024Electrical system. VEHICLE KEY NOT DETECTED / AUTHENTICATED, ENGINE WILL NOT START This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
- 11004961May 21, 2024Electrical system. CAN COMMUNICATION – NETWORK DIAGNOSTIC FLOW CHART This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
- 11004960May 21, 2024Electrical system. CAN COMMUNICATION CODES – DIAGNOSTIC TIPS AND GUIDELINES This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
- 11001201Apr 30, 2024Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors). WINDOW GLASS WARRANTY INFORMATION This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
- 11001194Apr 30, 2024Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors). REMOVING FOREIGN MATERIAL FROM THE WINDOW GLASS This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
- 11001191Apr 30, 2024Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors). WINDSHIELD CRACKING This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
- 10243708Sep 21, 2023Steering. DIAGNOSIS OF VEHICLE PULL (DRIFT) AND/OR STEERING WHEEL OFF-CENTER This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
- 10239062Jun 16, 2023Electrical system. SILICONE-BASED LUBRICANT OR GREASE CAN DAMAGE ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS SERVICE INFORMATION Do not apply Silicone-based lubricants or grease to, or around, any interior electrical components. To avoid…
Other model years of the Nissan Maxima
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 5 | 2,700 | 0 | 5 | 24 | — | Not enough data |
| 2020 | 22 | 23,000 | 1 | 5 | 24 | — | Stable |
| 2019 | 18 | 12,500 | 1 | — | 24 | — | Falling |
| 2018 | 36 | 36,500 | 2 | 5 | 25 | 44 · Typical | Falling |
| 2017 | 106 | 27,908 | 4 | 5 | 25 | 100 · More | Stable |
| 2016 | 142 | 40,000 | 8 | 5 | 25 | 100 · More | Stable |
| 2014 | 96 | 50,400 | 0 | 4 | 22 | 44 · Typical | Falling |
| 2013 | 62 | 62,000 | 0 | 4 | 22 | 17 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2012 | 107 | 55,000 | 0 | 4 | 22 | 55 · Typical | Falling |
| 2011 | 106 | 67,500 | 0 | — | 22 | 40 · Typical | Falling |
| 2010 | 275 | 65,000 | 1 | — | 22 | 87 · More | Falling |
| 2009 | 339 | 70,500 | 1 | — | 22 | 100 · More | Falling |
| 2008 | 79 | 75,000 | 0 | — | 21 | 30 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2007 | 129 | 85,000 | 1 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2006 | 576 | 83,500 | 2 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2005 | 948 | 85,000 | 2 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2004 | 1,426 | 80,000 | 2 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2003 | 206 | 86,600 | 3 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2002 | 205 | 64,200 | 6 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2001 | 172 | 72,000 | 3 | — | 22 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2000 | 360 | 60,000 | 0 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1999 | 165 | 79,000 | 0 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1998 | 113 | 110,000 | 1 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1997 | 102 | 85,696 | 1 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1996 | 96 | 100,300 | 0 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1995 | 152 | 129,000 | 0 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1994 | 89 | 114,500 | 2 | — | 19 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1993 | 78 | 108,000 | 3 | — | 19 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1992 | 110 | 134,500 | 2 | — | 20 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1991 | 76 | 173,922 | 1 | — | 20 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1990 | 106 | 130,000 | 1 | — | 20 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1989 | 62 | 146,945 | 1 | — | 20 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1988 | 60 | — | 0 | — | 18 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1987 | 176 | 152,500 | 0 | — | 18 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1986 | 60 | — | 1 | — | 18 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1985 | 54 | 90,000 | 1 | — | 19 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1984 | 30 | — | 0 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1983 | 5 | — | 0 | — | — | — | Not enough data |
All Nissan Maxima model years · Best and worst years by complaints
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 2012 Nissan Maxima?
Owners of the 2012 Maxima most often describe the passenger air bag weighing sensor switching the air bag off with an adult seated, and CVT transmission symptoms such as hesitation from a stop, revving without acceleration and, in some cases, transmission replacement. The issues reported most often: Passenger air bag turns off with an adult in the seat; CVT hesitation, revving and transmission failure; Door locks stop locking or unlocking.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2012 Nissan Maxima have?
NHTSA recorded 107 consumer complaints for the 2012 Nissan Maxima as of Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 2012 Nissan Maxima is reported most often?
Air bags is named most often, in 27 complaints (25% of the total), followed by other or unknown with 23.
Has the 2012 Nissan Maxima been recalled?
NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for this model year in the data used here. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
How did the 2012 Nissan Maxima do in NHTSA crash tests?
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings give the 2012 Nissan Maxima 4 out of 5 stars overall. Ratings from different model years are only comparable when the vehicle was not redesigned in between.
What gas mileage does the 2012 Nissan Maxima get?
The EPA rates the 2012 Nissan Maxima (Maxima, 3.5L 6-cyl) at 22 mpg combined, 19 city and 26 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $3,750 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 2012 Nissan Maxima reported?
Among the 85 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 55,000 miles and the middle half falls between 31,000 and 82,000 miles; 42% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Crash ratings are from NHTSA’s New Car Assessment Program. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).
Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.