Free used car buyer guide / A36 / eighth generation / 2017-2020
Nissan Maxima common problems and best years
By BYBA Research - how we score cars
Updated 2026-06-12
BYBA Buy Score
6.9/10
1 walk-away risk, 2 serious faults, 5 minor faults documented for this generation, weighted by severity and repair cost. Biggest factor: cvt judder, valve-body faults and loss of acceleration. Score methodology.
The 2017-2020 Maxima is a fast, comfortable sedan, but it is not the old automatic-transmission Maxima people remember. The expensive traps are VQ35DE CVT judder and valve-body faults, ABS actuator fire recall coverage on 2017-2018 cars, rear-camera recall software on 2018-2019, AEB/front radar faults on higher trims, steering/suspension wear on SR cars, panoramic-roof leaks, infotainment failures, and neglected V6 oil leaks. The safest buy is a 2019-2020 SV/SL/Platinum with clean P17F0/P17F1 history, closed camera recall and no collision damage around the radar area. Current owners should keep CVT service, ABS recall and brake records because buyers know the Maxima can turn from bargain sport sedan to transmission bill quickly.
Faults covered
8
Highest risk
CVT judder, valve-body
Best years
2019-2020
Best buys
- 2019-2020 Maxima SV/SL/Platinum with smooth hot CVT behavior and no TCM judder codes.
- 2017-2018 only after ABS actuator campaign completion and a clean brake-warning history.
- SR trim if suspension, tires and wheel condition prove it has not lived on potholes.
Inspect hard
- Any Maxima with aftermarket intake/exhaust, hard-launch history or non-Nissan CVT fluid.
- 2018-2019 cars for rear-camera recall completion.
- Radar-equipped cars after bumper repair or windshield replacement.
Avoid
- P17F0/P17F1, delayed engagement or loss-of-acceleration complaints.
- ABS light or low brake fluid on 2017-2018 recall-population cars.
- Panoramic-roof water stains or infotainment reboots on high-trim cars.
Next checks
Before you contact the seller
Check the car's history first. Then bring the right tools if it still looks worth viewing.
Primary next step
Check history, title, and recall status
The faults above matter more if the car also has accident history, finance flags, missing service records, or open safety recalls.
Viewing kit
Bring the right tools
Four cheap tools catch most of the faults on this page at a Nissan Maxima viewing.
Printable workflow
Take the inspection pack
The PDF is the ordered checklist for the viewing: documents, walk-around, test drive, and scan.
Open PDF optionSome links here are partner links. If you buy through one, BYBA earns a commission. The price you pay does not change. How we make money.
Engines and trims
Which Nissan Maxima should you buy?
On most used cars, the engine and trim choice changes the risk more than the mileage does. Narrow this down before you start viewing cars.
VQ35DE 3.5 V6 with Xtronic CVT, SV/SL/Platinum
2017-2020
BEST IF STOCK AND SERVICED
This is the Maxima most buyers should target. It has the full V6 character without the SR's firmer wheel/tire penalty, but the CVT scan still decides the purchase.
VQ35DE 3.5 V6 with Xtronic CVT, SR sport trim
2017-2020
CONDITION-SENSITIVE
SR brings sharper styling and suspension, but also more pothole damage, tire wear and hard-driving risk. Buy it only when the transmission and chassis both feel tight.
VQ35DE 3.5 V6 late A36 calibration
2019-2020
LOWEST-RISK YEARS
Later A36 cars avoid some early recall exposure and are young enough to find clean examples. They are not immune to CVT judder; they simply give you better odds of a well-kept car.
Year notes
Year-by-year buyer advice
Use this to narrow the search before you spend time travelling to view a car.
2017
Second A36 model year, included in ABS actuator recall population on certain vehicles.
Buyer: Good value only with ABS campaign closed and no CVT judder data.
Owner: Keep recall and CVT records together; they answer the two biggest buyer fears.
2018
Continued A36 production, ABS recall exposure and later rear-camera recall population.
Buyer: Inspect camera software, ABS actuator status and CVT behavior before trim features.
Owner: Close camera and ABS actions so the car does not look neglected.
2019
Refresh with updated styling and safety tech; camera recall still relevant.
Buyer: One of the better targets if stock, smooth and recall-clean.
Owner: After any front-end repair, save radar calibration proof.
2020
Late A36 year with the same VQ35DE/CVT layout.
Buyer: Best age in this guide, but a clean scan remains mandatory.
Owner: Preventive CVT service helps preserve the late-year resale advantage.
Common problems
Faults to check before buying
What fails, what it looks like, what it costs, and the quick checks you can do at the viewing - ranked by how badly each one can hurt you.
Fault 1
CVT judder, valve-body faults and loss of acceleration
Affects
2017-2020 Maxima VQ35DE with Xtronic CVT.
Symptoms
P17F0/P17F1, sluggish takeoff, limp feel, shudder, whining, acceleration loss after deceleration.
Typical repair cost
USD 1,500-2,800 valve body; USD 5,000-9,000 replacement CVT.
Codes / scan clues
P17F0, P17F1, P0868, P0715 and pressure-control codes.
Root cause: Hydraulic-control and belt/pulley wear in the high-torque V6 CVT; bulletin path separates valve-body work from transmission replacement.
Quick check
- Scan TCM with Nissan-capable software.
- Test low-speed acceleration after deceleration.
- Hot restart and recheck engagement.
- Check for correct NS-3 fluid service.
Buyer note
A Maxima with weak acceleration is not a sporty bargain; it is a CVT investigation.
Owner note
Document P17F codes before repairs. It helps decide valve body versus replacement.
Fault 2
ABS actuator brake-fluid leak and fire recall
Affects
2017-2018 Maxima under 19V807 / related ABS actuator campaigns.
Symptoms
ABS light, brake warning, low brake fluid, burning smell, open campaign.
Typical repair cost
USD 0 recall; USD 1,200-2,500 ABS actuator customer-pay.
Codes / scan clues
ABS actuator and pump motor codes.
Root cause: Brake fluid can leak into the ABS actuator electronics and create a short/fire risk.
Quick check
- Run VIN for ABS actuator recall.
- Check fluid level and warning-light history.
- Inspect ABS actuator area.
- Do not buy with active brake warnings.
Buyer note
A fast sedan with brake warnings is not ready for a test drive.
Owner note
If the ABS light comes on, stop using the car until the recall logic is checked.
Fault 3
Rear-view camera software recall
Affects
2018-2019 Maxima.
Symptoms
Rear camera image missing, settings disable image, retained display after Reverse, recall open.
Typical repair cost
USD 0 recall; USD 150-500 diagnosis if infotainment modified.
Codes / scan clues
Usually none.
Root cause: Display software settings could make the rear camera noncompliant.
Quick check
- Run VIN for 19V654.
- Cycle Reverse repeatedly.
- Change camera/display settings.
- Inspect for aftermarket stereo work.
Buyer note
Simple recall, but failed camera operation hints at rough infotainment history.
Owner note
Close the software recall and keep proof.
Fault 4
AEB/front radar unavailable or false-warning faults
Affects
2017-2020 Maxima with forward emergency braking / radar driver assistance.
Symptoms
Front radar obstruction message, FEB/AEB unavailable, false warning, disabled cruise/assist.
Typical repair cost
USD 200-600 calibration; USD 700-1,800 radar/sensor repair.
Codes / scan clues
ADAS/radar module codes.
Root cause: Radar sensor alignment, bumper damage, calibration loss or software issues can disable driver-assist functions.
Quick check
- Inspect bumper, grille emblem and radar bracket.
- Test adaptive cruise/AEB availability where safe.
- Ask for calibration after front-end or windshield work.
- Scan ADAS module.
Buyer note
Radar faults matter more on Platinum/SR cars because the equipment is part of the value.
Owner note
Save calibration invoices after any front-end repair.
Fault 5
SR suspension, wheel and tire damage
Affects
2017-2020 Maxima SR and cars on large wheels.
Symptoms
Bent wheels, vibration, tramlining, cupped tires, clunks over bumps.
Typical repair cost
USD 300-900 tires/alignment; USD 800-2,000 wheels, struts or control arms.
Codes / scan clues
None.
Root cause: Large wheels, low-profile tires and firmer SR suspension take pothole damage more easily than softer trims.
Quick check
- Inspect inner wheel lips for bends.
- Drive at motorway speed for vibration.
- Check tire date, brand and wear pattern.
- Listen for strut and control-arm noise.
Buyer note
SR looks better, but damaged wheels can hide a rough life.
Owner note
Keep alignment and tire invoices; they make SR ownership look controlled.
Fault 6
Panoramic roof drains and cabin water intrusion
Affects
2017-2020 Maxima high trims with panoramic roof.
Symptoms
Wet headliner, A-pillar stains, damp carpets, musty smell, electrical warnings after rain.
Typical repair cost
USD 150-500 drain cleaning; USD 800-2,500+ if modules or headliner are affected.
Codes / scan clues
BCM and low-voltage communication codes if water reaches wiring.
Root cause: Blocked or disconnected drains allow water into trim and electrical areas.
Quick check
- Inspect headliner edges and A-pillars.
- Feel front carpets after a wash.
- Check sunroof tracks and drains.
- Scan BCM if damp smell is present.
Buyer note
A luxury feature becomes a risk when the cabin smells damp.
Owner note
Clean drains regularly and repair staining before it becomes electrical damage.
Fault 7
Infotainment screen, Bluetooth and control freezes
Affects
2017-2020 Maxima with navigation/large display.
Symptoms
Screen reboot, Bluetooth dropouts, camera lag, frozen controls, failed USB.
Typical repair cost
USD 150-400 update/diagnosis; USD 700-1,800 AV unit replacement.
Codes / scan clues
AV control and CAN communication codes.
Root cause: Aging AV units, software faults and previous accessory wiring can destabilize the infotainment system.
Quick check
- Pair a phone and stream audio.
- Use navigation and camera during the full drive.
- Test steering-wheel controls and USB.
- Look for aftermarket wiring.
Buyer note
A broken screen hurts a Maxima more than a basic commuter because the cabin is part of the appeal.
Owner note
Update software and avoid cheap electrical add-ons.
Fault 8
VQ35DE oil leaks, mounts and neglected tune-up items
Affects
2017-2020 Maxima V6, especially high-mile or modified cars.
Symptoms
Oil smell, valve-cover seepage, rough idle, mount clunk, misfire under load.
Typical repair cost
USD 300-900 mounts/tune-up; USD 700-1,600 valve-cover or gasket work.
Codes / scan clues
P0300, cam/crank sensor, fuel trim and misfire codes.
Root cause: The VQ is strong but age, heat and deferred service create leaks, mount collapse and ignition issues.
Quick check
- Inspect valve covers and timing-cover area for oil.
- Check engine movement shifting Drive/Reverse.
- Scan misfire counters.
- Review spark plug and PCV service history.
Buyer note
Engine leaks are negotiable; engine leaks plus CVT codes are not the Maxima to buy.
Owner note
Keep the VQ dry and smooth so the CVT is not blamed for engine-side faults.
Inspection pack
Printable checklist for the viewing
The free page helps you decide whether the car is worth seeing. The paid guide is the ordered, printable checklist you use at the car.
Documents
- Recall printout for ABS actuator and rear-camera software.
- CVT fluid receipts showing correct Nissan fluid.
- ADAS calibration records after bumper or windshield work.
- Tire, alignment and wheel repair invoices on SR trim.
Walk around
- Inspect front bumper/radar area for repair.
- Check wheels for bends and tires for uneven wear.
- Look for roof or A-pillar water staining.
- Inspect under engine for oil leaks.
In the car
- Test screen, Bluetooth, camera, USB and steering controls.
- Confirm ABS/brake warnings prove out and clear.
- Check all driver-assist warnings.
- Smell for damp carpet.
Test drive
- Cold and hot CVT engagement.
- Low-speed decel-to-accel test for limp feel.
- Motorway-speed vibration test.
- Brake test for pedal feel and warning lights.
Scan tool
- Read TCM P17F0/P17F1 and pressure-code history.
- Scan ABS module.
- Scan ADAS/radar module.
- Read misfire counters and AV/BCM codes if symptoms appear.
Bottom line
Buy: Buy a stock 2019-2020 Maxima with clean CVT data, closed camera recall and no front-end radar damage.
Avoid: Avoid P17F-code cars, 2017-2018 examples with unresolved ABS actuator warnings, and SR cars with bent wheels plus missing transmission records.
Quick answers
Nissan Maxima buyer questions
The short versions of what this page answers in full.
What are the most common Nissan Maxima 2017-2020 problems?
The highest-impact documented faults are: CVT judder, valve-body faults and loss of acceleration; ABS actuator brake-fluid leak and fire recall; Rear-view camera software recall. This guide covers 8 faults in total, each with symptoms, typical repair costs, and checks you can do at a viewing.
Which Nissan Maxima years are the best to buy?
2019-2020 stand out in this generation. Buy a stock 2019-2020 Maxima with clean CVT data, closed camera recall and no front-end radar damage.
Which Nissan Maxima should I avoid?
Avoid P17F-code cars, 2017-2018 examples with unresolved ABS actuator warnings, and SR cars with bent wheels plus missing transmission records.
Is the Nissan Maxima 2017-2020 a reliable used buy?
BYBA scores it 6.9/10 (buy with checks). 1 walk-away risk, 2 serious faults, 5 minor faults documented for this generation, weighted by severity and repair cost. Biggest factor: cvt judder, valve-body faults and loss of acceleration.
Get updates when this guide changes
Recalls get added, repair costs shift, and new fault patterns show up in the data. Leave an email and we'll tell you when the Nissan Maxima guide gets a meaningful revision. Nothing else, no selling your address.
Research basis
- static.nhtsa.gov: MC-10248651-0001.pdf
- maxima.org: 699906-nissan-maxima-tranny-code-code-p17f1.html
- autosafety.org: 2017-nissan-maxima
- static.nhtsa.gov: RCONL-16V636-8142.pdf
- nissan.oemdtc.com
- static.nhtsa.gov: RCMN-16V636-6527.pdf
- cdn.dealereprocess.org: 2020-maxima.pdf
- api.nhtsa.gov: recallsByVehicle
- NHTSA recall lookup
- Cars.com 2019 Maxima recalls
- NHTSA complaints API, 2020 Maxima
- NHTSA complaints API, 2018 Maxima
- NHTSA complaints API, 2017 Maxima
- CarComplaints 2017 Maxima problem index
- RepairPal Maxima reliability data
- Maxima.org 8th generation forum
- NHTSA complaints API, 2019 Maxima