2012 Nissan Maxima Steering Problems
- Complaints
- 10about this part
- Share
- 9%of 107 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 38,975miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 10 complaints about the steering of the 2012 Nissan Maxima, 9% of the 107 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 38,975 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.
“On 2/6/2014, when exiting highway, I loss power steering. Dropped car off at dealer on 2/7/14 and was told that power steering pump has to be replaced because it failed. Contacted dealer for an update on 2/12/14 and was told part was on backorder with no eta available. As of 2/16/2014, not sure when my car will be fixed.”
NHTSA complaint #10564605, filed 2014-02, 20,000 miles“Today I found my Nissan Maxima 2009 making a repetitive grinding sound. Upon investigation I discovered that it was the motor for the adjustable steering wheel column. It is currently stuck in the highest position and it is extremely clumsy to drive and blocks vision to the instrument panel. In researching the repair I discovered that this is an incredibly common event and feel a recall is in order. Please investigate the frequent nature of this repair.”
NHTSA complaint #10466671, filed 2012-07, 20,117 miles“I picked my car up from the dealership after getting a state inspection, oil change and tire rotation. They said they topped off all the fluids. As I backed out of the parking space and pulled forward I noticed the steering wheel was tight. I tried adjusting it a few times, but as I approached the light and tried to turn right I had to go out wide because the steering wheel was tight. I was afraid at the next two lights. The steering wheel was tight, and after struggling I managed to turn and get the car to my husband to look at. He test drive it and said it was no power steering. …”
NHTSA complaint #11287877, filed 2019-12, 79,882 miles“As I was exiting the freeway going to make a left turn onto an overpass, the steering became very hard to turn almost causing me to go straight ahead hitting the wall of the overpass. As I came to the next stoplight a few feet ahead to pull over into the gas station I could barely turn the corner. Fighting with the steering I manage to pull the car over and contacted my dealership where I purchased the car. They sent a tow truck to pick up the car on 1/30/2014 and was diagnosed with a failed power steering pump. …”
NHTSA complaint #10564728, filed 2014-02, 14,650 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 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10243708Sep 21, 2023DIAGNOSIS 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…
- 10232652Feb 22, 2023DIAGNOSIS 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…
- 10192597Jul 6, 2015SERVICE INFORMATION When servicing run flat tires or low profile tires: - Special equipment and procedures are required to avoid damage. - Specifically, Tire Pressure Monitor…
- 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…
- 10192217Jul 23, 2013If YOU CONFIRM: A vehicle needs to have the brake rotors resurfaced (front or rear). ACTION: Use the ProCut PFM Series on-car brake lathe to perform brake rotor resurfacing and…
- 10192216Jul 23, 2013SERVICE INFORMATION - This bulletin is to assist you in responding to customer questions about brake operation, and provides diagnostic and repair information for each item…
- 10192198Jun 17, 2013SERVICE INFORMATION If you confirm there is a need to replace the steering wheel switches on an Applied Vehicle for any reason: - Do not replace the driver air bag module. The…
- 10052396Jun 17, 2013Nissan: on certain vehicles, the steering wheel switches may need replacing but not the driver air bag module. Models 2009-13 maxima.
Steering: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 1 | 5% |
| 2019 | 1 | 6% |
| 2017 | 4 | 4% |
| 2016 | 9 | 6% |
| 2014 | 4 | 4% |
| 2013 | 1 | 2% |
| 2012 | 10 | 9% |
| 2011 | 9 | 8% |
| 2010 | 158 | 57% |
| 2009 | 168 | 50% |
| 2008 | 4 | 5% |
| 2007 | 7 | 5% |
| 2006 | 17 | 3% |
| 2005 | 17 | 2% |
| 2004 | 37 | 3% |
| 2003 | 3 | 1% |
| 2002 | 11 | 5% |
| 2001 | 6 | 3% |
| 2000 | 8 | 2% |
| 1999 | 2 | 1% |
| 1998 | 4 | 4% |
| 1997 | 6 | 6% |
| 1996 | 7 | 7% |
| 1995 | 8 | 5% |
| 1993 | 1 | 1% |
| 1992 | 2 | 2% |
| 1991 | 2 | 3% |
| 1990 | 3 | 3% |
| 1989 | 4 | 6% |
| 1988 | 3 | 5% |
| 1987 | 2 | 1% |
| 1986 | 2 | 3% |
| 1985 | 1 | 2% |
| 1983 | 1 | 20% |
Other parts of the 2012 Nissan Maxima
27 complaintsOther or unknown
23 complaintsElectrical system
20 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
18 complaintsEngine
11 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