2021 Nissan Maxima Problems: 3 Known Issues
2021 model year · 380+ owner reports · Updated October 2026
According to Au7o's analysis of 380+ owner reports, the 2021 Nissan Maxima has 3 documented known issues, with 2 rated critical. The most serious are V6 CVT judder with code P17F0 or P17F1 — bulletin NTB17-039R and Passenger occupant sensor code B00A0-00 when the zero-point reset fails — bulletin NTB19-071A. The most commonly reported issue is Clunk over bumps traced to struts, strut mounts or bushings (owner reports) with 380 owner reports. DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.
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All 3 Known Issues
NHTSA Recalls2 recalls
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."
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common Nissan Maxima problems?
According to Au7o's analysis of 380+ owner reports, the 2021 Nissan Maxima has 3 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: V6 CVT judder with code P17F0 or P17F1 — bulletin NTB17-039R, Passenger occupant sensor code B00A0-00 when the zero-point reset fails — bulletin NTB19-071A, Clunk over bumps traced to struts, strut mounts or bushings (owner reports). Of these, 2 are rated critical and should be addressed promptly.
Is the Nissan Maxima reliable?
The 2021 Nissan Maxima has 3 known issues documented across 380+ owner reports. 2 issues are rated critical: V6 CVT judder with code P17F0 or P17F1 — bulletin NTB17-039R and Passenger occupant sensor code B00A0-00 when the zero-point reset fails — bulletin NTB19-071A. 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.
What is the 2016-2023 Nissan Maxima V6 CVT judder with code P17F0 or P17F1 — bulletin NTB17-039R?
On the 2016-2023 Maxima's CVT, the transmission can judder (a shake, shudder, single or multiple bumps, or vibration) and the transmission control module stores code P17F0 or P17F1. Nissan's repair flow inspects the control valve (valve body) and the CVT chain, then replaces the… Severity: high.
What is the 2016-2021 Nissan Maxima Passenger occupant sensor code B00A0-00 when the zero-point reset fails — bulletin NTB19-071A?
The front passenger Occupant Classification System (OCS), also called the occupant detection system, can store code B00A0-00 (occupant detection sensor unit), and the OCS zero-point reset cannot be performed. Applies to: 2016-2021 Nissan Maxima (A36) with B00A0-00 stored and an O… Severity: high.
What is the 2016-2023 Nissan Maxima Clunk over bumps traced to struts, strut mounts or bushings (owner reports)?
Owners report a clunk or pop from the suspension over bumps, sometimes worse when the car is cold. In the owner reports linked here, the noise was traced to a strut, strut mount or strut bushings; in some cases dealers also replaced the stabilizer connecting rods. Applies to: 201… 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.