Nissan Maxima A35
Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice
The Nissan Maxima A35 (2009–2014) is the seventh generation of the big sedan that Nissan itself likes to market as the "4-Door Sports Car." It's powered exclusively by the 3.5-liter VQ35DE V6 with around 294 hp — one of the finest naturally aspirated engines of its era, refined, eager to rev, and a treat to listen to. Compared with the tamer Altima, the Maxima positions itself as a sporty, near-luxury sedan with a more upscale interior. But the hardware has its pitfalls. The CVT (JF017E) is prone to shuddering, overheating, and failure — this drivetrain suffers from the well-known Jatco problem too, and a replacement is expensive. Particularly maddening is the electronic steering column lock (ESCL): when it fails, the car won't start — a known no-start breakdown. Then there's the spectacular panoramic sunroof that can shatter spontaneously — with no external impact, often with a loud bang while driving. Other weak points: the strut tower mount can crack (recall 09V358), the A/C compressor and lines develop leaks, the brake rotors warp early, and the ignition coils on the VQ35DE fail over time. Buying advice: check the strut-mount recall (09V358) by VIN. Test the CVT warm and at length. Cycle the start system several times to rule out ESCL problems. Inspect the panoramic roof for cracks. Watch for brake pulsation and a clean idle. Bottom line: the A35 offers a glorious V6, plenty of comfort, and near-luxury flair at a low price. But the CVT, ESCL, and glass roof are serious risks. For fans of the VQ35DE it's a rewarding car — but only with a thorough inspection and some repair budget in reserve.
Generations
Engine Overview
The Nissan Maxima A35 is available with 2 engine variants — from 294 to 300 hp.
3.5L naturally aspirated V6 with an unmistakable sound — a throaty, sonorous roar that Nissan tuned, according to Calsonic engineers, with Ferrari as a reference. Revs smoothly to 7,000 rpm and really comes alive above 5,000 rpm. Plastic timing chain guides are the well-known Achilles heel from 130,000 km. Oil consumption and synchro wear in the manual gearbox are worth monitoring.
- !! Severe oil consumption from defective piston rings from 25,000 km
Certain production batches (2006 models) have defective piston rings fitted. Consumption can reach 1.5–4.5 l/1,000 km. Nissan replaced complete engines under warranty in such cases.
Symptoms: Heavy blue exhaust smoke under acceleration, significant oil level drop after a few hundred km, oily exhaust smell - !! Con rod bearing wear from oil starvation from 120,000 km
Sustained oil starvation from the piston ring issue can cause connecting rod bearing damage. Engine repair including cylinder head replacement costs around €4,000; a replacement engine is €2,500–3,000.
Symptoms: Metallic clattering and knocking from engine, severe power loss, oil pressure warning - !! Plastic timing chain guides fracture from 160,000 km
The plastic guide rails for the primary timing chain are too thin and brittle by design. From around 130,000–200,000 km they break off and fall into the oil, risking metal contamination and engine damage.
Symptoms: Cold-start rattle that disappears after a few seconds, increasingly loud chain noise, engine warning light at advanced wear
+ 11 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses
Vehicle Weaknesses
| Weakness | Cost | |
|---|---|---|
| Front strut insulator cracking (Recall 09V358) Front strut insulators can crack and in extreme cases let the strut separate from the body, causing sudden loss of control. NHTSA recall 09V358000 covers 2009-2010. Symptoms: Popping noises when steering, violent steering wheel shake, feeling of front-end instability. from 60,000 km | Low |
Alternatives
Explore more
Known Problems and Issues +
A total of 21 weaknesses have been documented for the Nissan Maxima A35 (2009–2014) — 14 engine-related and 7 vehicle-related. One problem engine: VQ35DE (3.5L). Typical issues affect Suspension, Electronics, Body, Gearbox.
Maxima (VQ35DE, 2009–2014) — Stay Away!: Severe oil consumption from defective piston rings, Con rod bearing wear from oil starvation, Plastic timing chain guides fracture. Power: 294 PS.
What to watch out for with the Nissan Maxima? See the detailed listing of all engine and vehicle weaknesses in the sections above.
Frequently Asked Questions
What problems and weaknesses does the Nissan Maxima A35 have? +
What should I look for when buying a used Nissan Maxima A35? +
Which engine is recommended? +
Which Nissan Maxima A35 engine is the most fun? +
Is the Nissan Maxima A35 worth buying used? +
What horsepower variants are available for the Nissan Maxima A35? +
Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee