2021 Nissan Maxima Problems: 4 Issues Every Owner Should Know

2021 model year · 1,880+ owner reports · Updated April 2026

According to Au7o's analysis of 1,880+ owner reports, the 2021 Nissan Maxima has 4 documented known issues, with 2 rated critical. The most serious are CVT Transmission Shudder and Failure (Jatco CVT8) ($300-$6,000 repair) and CVT Belt Slip at High Mileage ($200-$5,500 repair). The most commonly reported issue is CVT Transmission Shudder and Failure (Jatco CVT8) with 980 owner reports. Across all issues, repair costs range from $50 to $6,000. DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.

All 4 Known Issues

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When Issues Typically Appear

CVT Transmission Shudder and Failure (Jatco CVT8)

24K-36K

Front Suspension Clunk (Strut Mount and Stabilizer Links)

30K-60K

CVT Belt Slip at High Mileage

100K-130K

038K75K113K150K mi

Community Reported

980 owners

On the 2016-2023 Nissan Maxima VQ35DE, the 2016-2023 Maxima (8th generation) uses the Jatco CVT8 paired with the VQ35DE engine. Despite being a flagship sedan, the CVT suffers from shuddering, hesitation, and premature failure. The high torque output of the 3.5L V6 exacerbates CVT wear. Nissan TSB NTB16-076 addresses CVT judder for these models.

This issue also affects: Acura TL, Infiniti QX60, Acura ILX

Common Symptoms

Shuddering at 15-40 mph
Hesitation during acceleration
RPM flare without corresponding acceleration
Whining noise
Transmission overheating warning

How to Fix

CVT fluid change every 30,000 miles with NS-3 fluid is critical. Valve body replacement and TCM reprogram for shuddering ($1,500-2,500). Complete CVT replacement: $4,000-6,000. Some owners report improvement after a factory TCM reprogram.

What Owners Are Using

Parts and tips from 980+ owners who fixed this issue

Tip
UpgradeCVT fluid specifically formulated for continuous variable transmissions (Valvoline CVT Transmission Fluid)
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UpgradeReplacement CVT transmission filter to maintain fluid cleanliness (ATP CVT Transmission Filter Kit)
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Typical repair cost:$300 - $6,000

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980+ owners have reported this issue

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Community Reported

High Confidence980 reportsLast reported by owners Feb 2026Reviewed Feb 2026

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.

This issue also affects: Infiniti QX60, Audi A6, Chevrolet Spark

Common Symptoms

RPM flare without corresponding acceleration
Rubber-band feeling during acceleration
Whining noise increasing with speed
Delayed engagement from stop
Shudder at low speeds

How to Fix

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.

What Owners Are Using

Parts and tips from 0+ owners who fixed this issue

Tip
UpgradeCVT fluid specifically formulated for continuous variable transmissions (Valvoline CVT Transmission Fluid)
View on Amazon
UpgradeReplacement CVT transmission filter to maintain fluid cleanliness (ATP CVT Transmission Filter Kit)
View on Amazon

Typical repair cost:$200 - $5,500

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0+ owners have reported this issue

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Community Reported

Medium Confidence0 reportsLast reported by owners Invalid DateReviewed Invalid Date

Community Reported

520 owners

On the 2016-2023 Nissan Maxima VQ35DE, 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 converters.

This issue also affects: Jeep Grand Wagoneer, Audi Q5, Audi Q7

Common Symptoms

Oil level drops between changes
Blue smoke on hard acceleration
Catalytic converter efficiency codes (P0420/P0430)
Spark plug fouling
Low oil pressure warning

How to Fix

Monitor oil level weekly and top off as needed. Use 0W-20 full synthetic oil. Replace PCV valve (part# 11810-6N202) as a first step. If consumption exceeds 1 qt per 1,000 miles, piston ring replacement may be necessary ($2,000-4,000).

What Owners Are Using

Parts and tips from 520+ owners who fixed this issue

Tip
UpgradeHigh-quality synthetic oil helps reduce consumption and protect worn engines (Mobil 1 Extended Performance Full Synthetic Motor Oil)
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UpgradePremium oil filter ensures proper filtration with high-mileage engines (Wix Oil Filter)
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Typical repair cost:$50 - $4,000

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520+ owners have reported this issue

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Community Reported

Medium Confidence520 reportsLast reported by owners Feb 2026Reviewed Feb 2026

Community Reported

380 owners

On the 2016-2023 Nissan Maxima, 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.

Common Symptoms

Clunking over bumps
Rattling noise from front end
Popping noise when turning
Loose feeling in steering over rough roads

How to Fix

Replace front strut mounts (part# 54320-9DA0A) and stabilizer bar end links (part# 54618-9DA0A). Both sides should be done simultaneously. Total cost: $300-700 for parts and labor at an independent shop.

What Owners Are Using

Parts and tips from 380+ owners who fixed this issue

Tip
UpgradePerformance monotube shocks/struts for sport-tuned suspension (Bilstein B8 Sport Shocks/Struts)
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UpgradeStrut mount and bearing for noise-free strut operation (Moog Strut Mount Assembly)
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Typical repair cost:$300 - $700

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380+ owners have reported this issue

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Community Reported

Medium Confidence380 reportsLast reported by owners Feb 2026Reviewed Feb 2026

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common Nissan Maxima problems?

According to Au7o's analysis of 1,880+ owner reports, the 2021-2021 Nissan Maxima has 4 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 2021-2021 Nissan Maxima has 4 known issues documented across 1,880+ 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 $50 to $6,000, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. The most critical issue, CVT Transmission Shudder and Failure (Jatco CVT8), typically costs $300-$6,000 to 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)?

The 2016-2023 Maxima (8th generation) uses the Jatco CVT8 paired with the VQ35DE engine. Despite being a flagship sedan, the CVT suffers from shuddering, hesitation, and premature failure. The high torque output of the 3.5L V6 exacerbates CVT wear. Nissan TSB NTB16-076 addresses… Repairs typically run $300-$6,000. 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.

2021 Nissan Maxima Problems: 4 Issues Every Owner Should Know

All 4 Known Issues

When Issues Typically Appear

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

Common Symptoms

How to Fix

What Owners Are Using

Research This Issue

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

Common Symptoms

How to Fix

What Owners Are Using

Research This Issue

2016-2023 Nissan Maxima: VQ35DE Excessive Oil Consumption#

Common Symptoms

How to Fix

What Owners Are Using

Research This Issue

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

Common Symptoms

How to Fix

What Owners Are Using

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)?