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2020 Nissan Maxima Problems: 5 Known Issues

2020 model year · 900+ owner reports · Updated August 2026

According to Au7o's analysis of 900+ owner reports, the 2020 Nissan Maxima has 5 documented known issues, with 2 rated critical. The most serious are CVT Transmission Shudder and Failure (Jatco CVT8) and CVT Belt Slip at High Mileage ($200-$5,500 repair). The most commonly reported issue is VQ35DE Excessive Oil Consumption with 520 owner reports. Across all issues with published estimates, repair costs range from $10 to $5,500. DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common Nissan Maxima problems?

According to Au7o's analysis of 900+ owner reports, the 2020 Nissan Maxima has 5 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: CVT Transmission Shudder and Failure (Jatco CVT8), CVT Belt Slip at High Mileage, VQ35DE Excessive Oil Consumption. Of these, 2 are rated critical and should be addressed promptly.

Is the Nissan Maxima reliable?

The 2020 Nissan Maxima has 5 known issues documented across 900+ owner reports. 2 issues are rated critical: CVT Transmission Shudder and Failure (Jatco CVT8) and 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.

How much does it cost to fix common Nissan Maxima 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. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.

What is the 2016-2023 Nissan Maxima CVT Transmission Shudder and Failure (Jatco CVT8)?

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.

What is the 2009-2023 Nissan Maxima CVT Belt Slip at High Mileage?

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.

What is the 2016-2023 Nissan Maxima VQ35DE Excessive Oil Consumption?

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.

What is the 2016-2023 Nissan Maxima Front Suspension Clunk (Strut Mount and Stabilizer Links)?

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.

What is the 2009-2020 Nissan Maxima Steering Column Clunk and Intermediate Shaft Wear?

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.

2020 Nissan Maxima Problems: 5 Known Issues

All 5 Known Issues

2016-2023 Nissan Maxima: CVT Transmission Shudder and Failure (Jatco CVT8)#

Common Symptoms

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2009-2023 Nissan Maxima: CVT Belt Slip at High Mileage#

Common Symptoms

How to Fix

What you need to fix it

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2016-2023 Nissan Maxima: VQ35DE Excessive Oil Consumption#

Common Symptoms

How to Fix

What you need to fix it

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2016-2023 Nissan Maxima: Front Suspension Clunk (Strut Mount and Stabilizer Links)#

Common Symptoms

How to Fix

What you need to fix it

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2009-2020 Nissan Maxima: Steering Column Clunk and Intermediate Shaft Wear#

Common Symptoms

How to Fix

What you need to fix it

Research This Issue

Other Nissan Models

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common Nissan Maxima problems?

Is the Nissan Maxima reliable?

How much does it cost to fix common Nissan Maxima problems?

What is the 2016-2023 Nissan Maxima CVT Transmission Shudder and Failure (Jatco CVT8)?

What is the 2009-2023 Nissan Maxima CVT Belt Slip at High Mileage?

What is the 2016-2023 Nissan Maxima VQ35DE Excessive Oil Consumption?

What is the 2016-2023 Nissan Maxima Front Suspension Clunk (Strut Mount and Stabilizer Links)?

What is the 2009-2020 Nissan Maxima Steering Column Clunk and Intermediate Shaft Wear?