2012 Nissan Maxima Engine Problems
- Complaints
- 11about this part
- Share
- 10%of 107 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 42,950miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 11 complaints about the engine of the 2012 Nissan Maxima, 10% of the 107 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 42,950 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.
“The air conditioner stopped cooling while driving. The traction light comes on and the mechanic said it was the mass air flow sensor.(that have been replaced twice) aamco said that they have had several Nissan altimas and maximas come in with a bad compressor and brakes. I know at least four of my family members with the same issue and they drive altimas and maximas as well.”
NHTSA complaint #11217322, filed 2019-06, 100,000 miles“I was driving south of the nj turnpike I heard a loud boom sound and vibrations on the accelerator I looked in the rearview mirror and saw debris and a cloud of smoke. Smells of something burning also there was a tremendous amount of smoke coming from underneath the hood of my car. I immediately started pulling over from the middle lane as I'm pulling over almost causing a major accident the car went dead everything just blew out coast off to the shoulder almost killing myself and others. …”
NHTSA complaint #10549026, filed 2013-10, 31,000 miles“While driving my 2012 Nissan Maxima, I was slowing to a stop at an intersection. The car unexpectedly stalled due to a problem with the power steering pump. I was luckily able to push the brakes and emergency brake to get the vehicle to stop. After stopping, I restarted the car, and was without power steering after that. I have read online that there are many other 2012 Nissan Maxima owners who have had similar problems, others reporting the loss of power steering at highway speeds, which could lead to serious crashes or worse. …”
NHTSA complaint #10568553, filed 2014-03, 42,950 miles“Released brake, started rolling forward to cross traffic, step on accelerator and nothing happened. No engine rev or anything. Pumped accelerator many times and finally engine engaged. Nearly causing passenger side to be hit by oncoming traffic. This has happened in similar situations with both my wife and myself driving.”
NHTSA complaint #10671314, filed 2015-01, 29,000 miles“Everytime I drive the vehicle they're a clunking noise when the it reaches 35 MPH. Also when I start the car they're a different idling noise, I'm not sure how if it's the exhaust system or if they're a loose bolt that's causing this. When to Nissan numerous times and they couldn't fix the problems.”
NHTSA complaint #11073546, filed 2018-02Related service bulletins
- 10162974Jun 4, 2019ABNORMAL NOISE FROM FRONT ENGINE MOUNT SERVICE INFORMATION A two-piece design front engine mount is currently being used for the Applied Vehicles listed. A single thunk noise may…
- 10152515Nov 28, 2018OBD II EVAP Tube Warranty Enhancement The update below was sent out to Regions and Dealers in August of this year. We are re-circulating this update to make regional and dealer…
- 10119221Jul 25, 2017THUNK SOUND ON FIRST FEW ACCELERATIONS OF THE DAY This bulletin applies only to Altima, Murano, and Pathfinder vehicles equipped with 6-cylinder engine. This bulletin has been…
- 10119282Nov 28, 2016NISSAN; DIAGNOSIS INFORMATION FOR ABS DTC C1130 SERVICE INFORMATION When diagnosing for DTC C1130 (ENGINE SIGNAL): ECM related DTCs (P-codes) must be diagnosed, repaired, and…
- 10192478Nov 25, 2014SERVICE INFORMATION Starting with 2010 Model Year, Nissan vehicles have been gradually incorporating a new type of DTC known as Permanent DTC or P-DTC. If a vehicle is equipped…
- 10192471Nov 19, 2014SERVICE INFORMATION A two-piece design front engine mount is currently being used for the applied vehicles listed. A single thunk noise may be heard on the first acceleration of…
- 10192293Jan 13, 2014SERVICE INFORMATION Replacement Engine Control Modules (ECMs) for many newer Nissan vehicles are now "Blank" ECMs. Blank ECMs come without software and must be programmed (not…
- 10192284Dec 17, 2013IF YOU CONFIRM A knock noise coming from the # 1 crankshaft main bearing: ACTION 1. Remove the # 1 main bearing (upper and lower halves), per the Service Procedure in this…
- 10054120Dec 17, 2013Nissan: knocking noise coming from number 1 crankshaft main bearing, was not heard at cold start, when vehicle is lifted, knocking is heard, or at warm idle, not heard at highway…
Engine: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 1 | 20% |
| 2020 | 1 | 5% |
| 2019 | 4 | 22% |
| 2018 | 1 | 3% |
| 2017 | 8 | 8% |
| 2016 | 18 | 13% |
| 2014 | 9 | 9% |
| 2013 | 4 | 6% |
| 2012 | 11 | 10% |
| 2011 | 12 | 11% |
| 2010 | 20 | 7% |
| 2009 | 18 | 5% |
| 2008 | 5 | 6% |
| 2007 | 18 | 14% |
| 2006 | 47 | 8% |
| 2005 | 61 | 6% |
| 2004 | 51 | 4% |
| 2003 | 43 | 21% |
| 2002 | 19 | 9% |
| 2001 | 7 | 4% |
| 2000 | 9 | 3% |
| 1999 | 2 | 1% |
| 1998 | 2 | 2% |
| 1997 | 2 | 2% |
| 1996 | 1 | 1% |
Other parts of the 2012 Nissan Maxima
27 complaintsOther or unknown
23 complaintsElectrical system
20 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
18 complaintsSteering
10 complaintsSeats
6 complaintsBody and structure
6 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
4 complaintsBrakes
2 complaintsEngine cooling
2 complaintsEquipment
2 complaintsVehicle speed control
2 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2012 Nissan Maxima
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.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology