2012 Nissan Maxima: Engine complaints
Owner-reported issue (NHTSA complaints, not a recall)
Symptoms
NHTSA has 13 owner complaints for the 2012 Nissan Maxima that list the engine component. Complaints are individual owner reports, not verified defects.
Examples:
- NHTSA complaint ODI #11509824 (filed 03/02/2023): “The contact owns a 2012 nissan maxima. the contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the brake pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to stop immediately and started shuddering. the oil warning light, abs, coolant temperature, and the esp warning light were illuminated. additio…”
- NHTSA complaint ODI #11490685 (filed 10/24/2022): “The contact owned a 2012 nissan maxima. the contact stated that after returning from lunch and parking the vehicle at work, almost three hours later he was informed by someone that the vehicle was on fire. the contact walked outside and saw the engine compartment in flames. the contact stated that t…”
- NHTSA complaint ODI #11468421 (filed 06/09/2022): “On june 9, 2022 @8:50am i was driving my nissan maxima to work and as i was at the stop light waiting to go through the intersection, the car shut off completely cutting off all power. i have push button and no electric was working. my jumper cables were in the trunk but i could not access them beca…”
Likely causes
These complaints do not establish a single root cause; read the examples above and get a diagnosis.
Fix, in plain English
No single fix is established by these reports. Check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls, ask a dealer about technical service bulletins (TSBs) or extended warranty coverage, then have the system diagnosed.
DIY difficulty: Pro
Internal engine work (lifters, oil consumption, fuel dilution diagnosis) requires engine teardown or dealer software/tests. (Our assessment.)
Cost
No sourced cost range for this issue. Get a written quote after diagnosis.
Typical parts (search links, no affiliate codes)
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Sources
Page last updated .