Nissan · Known Issues
2021 Nissan Maxima Problems: 4 Known Issues
2021 model year · 900+ owner reports · Updated September 2026
2021 · All trims · All engines
Choose the year and equipment for your written issues and visual request.
2021 model year · 900+ owner reports · Updated September 2026
2021 · All trims · All engines
Choose the year and equipment for your written issues and visual request.
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According to Au7o's analysis of 900+ owner reports, the 2021 Nissan Maxima has 4 documented known issues, with 2 rated critical. The most serious are CVT Belt Slip at High Mileage ($200-$5,500 repair) and CVT Transmission Shudder and Failure (Jatco CVT8). The most commonly reported issue is VQ35DE Excessive Oil Consumption with 520 owner reports. Across all issues with published estimates, repair costs range from $50 to $5,500. DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.
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.
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."
Enter your VIN at NHTSA.gov to check recalls specific to your vehicle.
Don't see your problem? Describe your symptoms to get a diagnosis, or get a full repair guide.
According to Au7o's analysis of 900+ owner reports, the 2021 Nissan Maxima has 4 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: CVT Belt Slip at High Mileage, CVT Transmission Shudder and Failure (Jatco CVT8), VQ35DE Excessive Oil Consumption. Of these, 2 are rated critical and should be addressed promptly.
The 2021 Nissan Maxima has 4 known issues documented across 900+ owner reports. 2 issues are rated critical: CVT Belt Slip at High Mileage and CVT Transmission Shudder and Failure (Jatco CVT8). 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 $50 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.
Nissan NTB17-039R applies to 2016-2023 Maxima A36 vehicles equipped with the V6 CVT when the customer reports transmission judder and the TCM stores P17F0 or P17F1. The repair flow distinguishes P17F0 and P17F1, control-valve and CVT-chain inspection results, subassembly replacem… 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 3.5L V6 in the 2016-2023 Maxima can develop excessive oil consumption, burning 1 quart every 1,500-3,000 miles. The issue is more prevalent in higher-mileage examples and is caused by piston ring wear and PCV system issues. Low oil levels can damage the catalytic conve… Repairs typically run $50-$4,000. Severity: medium.
The 2016-2023 Maxima develops a clunking noise from the front suspension, particularly over bumps and rough roads. The issue is caused by premature wear of the front strut mounts and stabilizer bar end links. The noise typically appears between 30,000-60,000 miles. Repairs typically run $300-$700. Severity: low.