Nissan Maxima A36
Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice
The Nissan Maxima A36 (2016–2023) is the eighth and, for now, final generation of the big sedan, still holding to its "4-Door Sports Car" billing. Under the hood sits the proven 3.5-liter VQ35DE V6, here with around 300 hp — a powerful, free-revving naturally aspirated engine. With its bold styling and floating roofline, the A36 is one of the most striking sedans in its class, and the interior is noticeably more upscale. The central issue is the Jatco CVT. It's prone to shudder and jerking (documented in TSB NTB17-039L) and, in worse cases, to complete transmission failure. A 300-hp V6 puts real strain on a continuously variable automatic, which is why the transmission's condition and service history should be the top priority. The other weaknesses are comfort and electronics issues: the sunroof whistles and produces annoying wind noise from around 70 mph. The NissanConnect infotainment freezes or reboots spontaneously. And, as on newer Nissans, the automatic emergency braking occasionally activates with no obstacle present (phantom braking). Buying advice: drive the CVT warm and check for shudder, jerking, and limp mode — a documented transmission history is decisive. Watch how the emergency braking behaves on the test drive. Test the sunroof for noise and the infotainment for stability, and check the NissanConnect software level. Clear open recalls by VIN. Bottom line: the A36 is a comfortable, powerful, and eye-catching used car with an excellent V6 and good value. The CVT remains the main risk, and the electronic quirks are annoying but usually manageable. With a verified transmission and completed recalls, it's a recommendable near-luxury sedan for little money.
Generations
Engine Overview
The Nissan Maxima A36 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 | |
|---|---|---|
| CVT shudder and judder — TSB NTB17-039L The Jatco CVT8 in the A36 Maxima develops shudder vibrations during acceleration, especially when the transmission is warm. Nissan TSB NTB17-039L addresses this with a valve body replacement and CVT fluid flush. Typically appears around 40,000–50,000 miles on untreated vehicles. Symptoms: Vibration and shuddering between 25–55 mph; hesitation on take-off; lurch when shifting at mid-range RPM; CVT overheat warning in slow traffic from 61,000 km | High | |
| CVT failure — complete transmission breakdown At higher mileage the CVT8 can fail completely. The transmission loses drive abruptly, often accompanied by overheating or internal rattling. A replacement CVT costs $3,000–$5,000 and does not permanently resolve the underlying design shortcomings. Symptoms: Engine revs without vehicle acceleration; sudden loss of drive on the highway; transmission stuck in limp mode; burning smell from CVT fluid from 85,000 km | High |
Alternatives
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Known Problems and Issues +
A total of 19 weaknesses have been documented for the Nissan Maxima A36 (2016–2023) — 14 engine-related and 5 vehicle-related. One problem engine: VQ35DE (3.5L). Typical issues affect Gearbox, Body, Electronics.
Maxima (VQ35DE, 2016–2023) — Stay Away!: Severe oil consumption from defective piston rings, Con rod bearing wear from oil starvation, Plastic timing chain guides fracture. Power: 300 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 A36 have? +
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Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee