2012 model year · NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports · Updated September 2026
2012 · All trims · All engines
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According to Au7o's research across NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports, the 2012 Nissan Maxima has 5 documented known issues, with 2 rated critical. The most serious are CVT Belt Slip at High Mileage ($200-$5,500 repair) and Occupant Classification System Sensor Mat Failure (Passenger Airbag Disabled) ($150-$1,400 repair). Across all issues with published estimates, repair costs range from $10 to $5,500. DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.
BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Nissan Altima, Armada, Frontier, Kicks, Leaf, Maxima, Murano, NV, NV200, Pathfinder, Rogue, Rogue Sport, Sentra, Titan, Titan Diesel, Versa Note and Versa Sedan vehicles, as well as Infiniti Q50, Q60, QX30 and QX80 vehicles. Additionally included are 2019 Nissan GT-R and Taxi and Infiniti QX50, QX60, Q70, Q70L vehicles. The back-up camera and display settings can be adjusted such that the rear view image is no longer visible and the system will retain that setting the next time the vehicle is placed in reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rear Visibility."
VISIBILITY:GLASS, SIDE/REAR
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2020 Altima, Maxima and Leaf vehicles. The rear window glass may not remain properly secured to the vehicle.
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According to Au7o's research across NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports, the 2012 Nissan Maxima has 5 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: CVT Belt Slip at High Mileage, Occupant Classification System Sensor Mat Failure (Passenger Airbag Disabled), Ignition Coil Failure (VQ35DE). Of these, 2 are rated critical and should be addressed promptly.
The 2012 Nissan Maxima has 5 known issues compiled from NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports. 2 issues are rated critical: CVT Belt Slip at High Mileage and Occupant Classification System Sensor Mat Failure (Passenger Airbag Disabled). Prospective buyers should inspect for these issues and factor potential repair costs into their purchase decision. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.
Repair costs for known Nissan Maxima issues range from $10 to $5,500, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. The most critical issue, CVT Belt Slip at High Mileage, typically costs $200-$5,500 to repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.
The Maxima equipped with the Jatco CVT experiences progressive belt slip as mileage increases, typically becoming noticeable after 100,000-130,000 miles. The steel push belt loses grip on the pulleys, causing delayed acceleration response, RPM flare under load, and a rubber-band… Repairs typically run $200-$5,500. Severity: high.
The passenger seat cushion contains an Occupant Classification System pressure sensor mat and control unit that decide whether the front passenger airbag is armed. The mat's bladder or its pressure sensor drifts out of calibration as the seat foam wears, and the connectors under… Repairs typically run $150-$1,400. Severity: high.
Content on this page was compiled with AI assistance using NHTSA complaints, TSBs, owner reports, and public automotive data. While we strive for accuracy, this information may contain errors. Always verify repair procedures and specifications with your vehicle's service manual or a qualified mechanic.
The VQ35DE engine in the 6th and 7th generation Maxima is prone to ignition coil failure. Coils typically fail one at a time, causing misfires on the affected cylinder. The rear bank (cylinders 1-3) coils fail more frequently due to heat soak from the firewall proximity. Coil fai… Repairs typically run $150-$600. Severity: medium.
The Maxima VQ35DE is known for premature catalytic converter failure, particularly the Bank 1 (front) converter. Failure typically occurs between 80,000-120,000 miles. The catalyst substrate deteriorates, often triggered by oil consumption issues inherent to the VQ35DE, rich runn… Repairs typically run $400-$1,800. Severity: medium.
The 7th and 8th generation Maxima develops a clunking or popping noise from the steering column area, particularly noticeable when turning the wheel at low speeds or going over bumps. The issue is caused by wear in the steering column intermediate shaft u-joint and/or the electri… Repairs typically run $10-$1,200. Severity: low.
