2016 Nissan Maxima Transmission & Power Train Problems
NHTSA component category: POWER TRAIN · data through 07/14/2026
Source: U.S. NHTSA complaint data. Complaints are unverified reports from vehicle owners — a complaint is not a confirmed defect.
How power train ranks on this vehicle
Share of the 142 complaints citing each category; one complaint can cite several. Full breakdown on the 2016 Nissan Maxima overview page.
What owners report
“Vehicle has acceleration issues. Started June 2022 and has continued frequently since. Will randomly stop accelerating then if I try to let off the gas…”NHTSA complaint 11502950 — filed 01/21/2023
“What component or system failed or malfunctioned etc. -The Nissan CVT transmission that is used in all Nissan models and has a known history of…”NHTSA complaint 11483414 — filed 09/08/2022
“Problem 1. Airbag. Driver's side airbag prematurely failed in 2021. Dealer says requires replacement of driver's seat back at $5K Problem 2. Transmission failed prematurely…”NHTSA complaint 11468911 — filed 06/12/2022
Excerpts are shortened and scrubbed of personal details; they are individual, unverified reports.
Power Train complaints by year filed
Frequently asked questions
Does the 2016 Nissan Maxima have transmission & power train problems?
Power Train is the most-reported problem area on the 2016 Nissan Maxima: 33 of 142 complaints on file (23.2%). Complaints are unverified owner reports, not confirmed defects.
How many complaints does the 2016 Nissan Maxima have in total?
142 complaints were on file with NHTSA as of 07/14/2026. Across all categories, 10 involved a crash, 4 involved a fire, 12 reported injuries, and none reported deaths.
What does NHTSA's power train category include?
NHTSA groups complaints about the transmission (automatic or manual), driveline, axles, transfer case and related parts under a single component category called POWER TRAIN. This page reports that category as NHTSA defines it.
