2009 model year · 0+ owner reports · Updated April 2026
According to Au7o's analysis of 0+ owner reports, the 2009 Nissan Maxima has 4 documented known issues, with 1 rated critical. The most serious is CVT Belt Slip at High Mileage ($200-$5,500 repair). Across all issues, repair costs range from $10 to $5,500. DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.
On the 2009-2023 Nissan Maxima, 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 effect. Heavy acceleration and towing/heavy loads accelerate wear. Unlike the Altima/Rogue CVT issues that often manifest earlier, the Maxima CVT tends to last longer but still develops this wear pattern.
Regular CVT fluid changes every 30,000 miles with Nissan NS-3 fluid can delay onset. Once significant slip occurs, the CVT typically needs replacement ($3,500-5,500 installed). Rebuilt CVTs are available for $2,500-3,500 installed. Nissan extended the CVT warranty on some model years. Aftermarket CVT coolers can help extend CVT life.
Parts and tips from 0+ owners who fixed this issue
On the 2004-2015 Nissan Maxima VQ35DE, 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 failure is especially common after 60,000-80,000 miles and is one of the most reported Maxima issues.
Replace failed ignition coil(s). It is recommended to replace all 6 coils at the same time along with spark plugs to prevent repeat failures. OEM Nissan coils cost $40-60 each; quality aftermarket (Hitachi, Denso) $25-40 each. Total parts for all 6: $150-360. Labor: $150-300 (rear bank is harder to access). DIY-friendly on front bank.
Parts and tips from 0+ owners who fixed this issue
On the 2004-2018 Nissan Maxima VQ35DE, 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 running conditions, or age. The pre-cat (close-coupled converter near the exhaust manifold) fails more often than the underbody converter due to extreme heat exposure.
Replace the failed catalytic converter. OEM replacements cost $800-1,500 per converter. CARB-compliant aftermarket converters are available for $300-600. Before replacing, check for oil consumption or other issues causing catalyst poisoning. If both banks show codes, a complete exhaust manifold/cat assembly may be more cost-effective.
Parts and tips from 0+ owners who fixed this issue
On the 2009-2020 Nissan Maxima, 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 electric power steering column itself. The clunk can feel like play in the steering and is especially noticeable in cold weather.
Lubricate the intermediate shaft u-joint with white lithium grease as a temporary fix ($10 DIY). If the u-joint is worn, replace the intermediate shaft ($200-400 parts, $150-250 labor). In some cases the electric power steering column assembly needs replacement ($600-1,200 parts + labor). Nissan issued TSB NTB16-011 for some model years.
Parts and tips from 0+ owners who fixed this issue
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.
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 0+ owner reports, the 2009-2009 Nissan Maxima has 4 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: CVT Belt Slip at High Mileage, Ignition Coil Failure (VQ35DE), Catalytic Converter Premature Failure (Bank 1). Of these, 1 is rated critical and should be addressed promptly.
The 2009-2009 Nissan Maxima has 4 known issues documented across 0+ owner reports. 1 issue is rated critical: CVT Belt Slip at High Mileage. 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 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.
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.
