Brake and powertrain issues among the top complaints received by the NHTSA from vehicle owners
The 2019 Nissan Maxima is a sleek sedan that stands out in a world with minimal passenger cars. The Maxima has been a popular commuter over the years. However, the automaker claims it is actually a “four-door sports car.” For it to offer the performance it suggests, it shouldn’t have defective service brakes and a malfunctioning powertrain as customers are describing.
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Stopping a vehicle is priority number one when it comes to keeping occupants safe. Yet, this Maxima is struggling to provide this basic function safely.
One NHTSA complaint says, “I was driving down the highway and my dash lit up red and the braking system automatically activated causing an abrupt stop. There were no objects in the road and all other vehicles were in safe range, nowhere near my vehicle. This is dangerous and could have caused a fatal accident or serious injuries. This has happened to me twice and I purchased my car brand new 6 months ago.”
Another safety concern is a current recall, NHTSA Campaign Number 19V654000. Over a million vehicles have a backup camera that isn’t displaying the proper image. Without this image, drivers are more likely to cause an accident. Maybe owners driving a “sports car” don’t need to see behind them because they are only focused on going forward as fast as possible. Who needs to back up anyway?
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| Complaint Category | Number of Complaints |
|---|---|
| Service Brakes | |
| Unknown Or Other | |
| Engine | |
| Structure:body | |
| Exterior Lighting | |
| Forward Collision Avoidance: Automatic Emergency Braking | |
| Forward Collision Avoidance: Warnings | |
| Power Train | |
| Steering | |
| Tires |
The powertrain of a vehicle is essential to proper function. It contains all of the parts that transmit power from the engine to the wheels, yet the Maxima is struggling to perform on this front.
One Edmunds review states, “We loved this car until the problems just kept mounting. It has been in the shop numerous times (oil leak) took 3 days to find and fix. At least four factory recalls, which were fixed. The latest a bracket holding the muffler up broke, $200 fix. Drove it home the emission light came on. Went back to the dealer $875.00 to replace an oxygen sensor but that wasn’t the only problem. A transmission code pops up. Needs a new transmission the CVT is slipping. That is at least covered by the drivetrain warranty. The car has 43k miles. Garaged, no dirt roads, very little city driving mainly hwy, no abuse. I have had 2 Maxima’s, 2 Altima’s. and a 350z. Done with Nissan.”
Nissan is fully aware that there are powertrain concerns. Among the many communications, Service Bulletin #NTB17-039k says that customers are reporting a transmission judder. This shaking, shuddering, bumping and vibration is making the drive uncomfortable for occupants but could also be caused by a major powertrain malfunction. Most Nissan owners weren’t aware they were signing up for this type of ride and might have opted for something different had they been fully aware of. In fact, driving in the Maxima might as well be considered like riding a thrill ride for the number of harsh movements provided.
Think you have a lemon? Sit back and let the experts work out your lemon case at no cost to you. The law makes Nissan pay legal fees. You may be able to get your lemon out of your life. Every year, auto manufacturers buy back, replace or pay cash settlements to thousands of ‘lemon’ owners like you.
Brian Jones spent more than 30 years working as an ASE Certified Master Tech and Parts Specialist at multiple dealerships. Brian has become an authority in the industry, traveling across the country to consult for car dealerships and contributing his expertise as a writer for several major automotive publications. In his spare time, Brian enjoys working on pickup trucks, muscle cars, Jeeps and anything related to motorsports.
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