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Engine & cooling

2008 Nissan Maxima Engine problems

Owners have filed 7 complaints about the 2008 Nissan Maxima's engine & cooling with NHTSA - 9% of all its complaints, most recently on September 23, 2026. They describe 1 crash, 0 fires and 0 injuries. Stalling, loss of power, oil consumption, overheating, head gaskets, timing chains and engine failure.

Complaints
7
Recalls
0
Crashes
1
Fires
0
Injuries
0
Deaths
0

Engine complaints

Engine & cooling

See attached document for complaint.

Filed Incident Engine and engine coolingNHTSA 11766340
Engine & cooling

The timing chain tensioners prematurely wear, causing a whining noise as the chain rubs against the tensioner while the vehicle is turned on. This wear eventually grinds through the tensioner resulting in complete engine failure which can lead to a crash or injury. This began to happen for me just outside of the manufacturer warranty, and is a costly repair for a part of the engine that should not have to be maintained within the engines expected lifetime.

Filed Incident EngineNHTSA 11192618
Engine & cooling

Tl* the contact owns a 2008 nissan maxima. While driving approximately 50 mph, the vehicle stalled and the service engine soon warning indicator illuminated. The contact restarted the vehicle and drove to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the camshaft position sensors needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure recurred two other times. The manufacturer was not notified. The approximate failure mileage was 61,000.

Filed Incident EngineNHTSA 10950158
Engine & coolingFuel system

While waiting for a traffic light to turn green the car stalled. Had to turn the car starter several times before the car would start again. The dealer diagnosed the issue as a failed cam and crank shaft sensor. Prior to this incident the car had trouble starting and would stall when the engine was cold. The dealer diagnosed the issue as the fuel pump not holding its pressure. Cam and crank shaft sensors were replaced as well as the fuel pump.

Filed Incident Unknown or other · Engine · Fuel / propulsion systemNHTSA 10925115
Engine & cooling

About 4-5 months ago I noticed an oil spot on my driveway and as the months passed the spots got larger and larger. Now if the car is running my 2008 maxima leaves a large oil spot wherever I am stopped. It is getting very aggravating because I now can't drive my car any long distances for fear of it running out of oil and causing severe engine damage. Please help! *Tr

Filed Incident EngineNHTSA 10652923
Engine & cooling

Tl* the contact owns a 2008 nissan maxima. The contact stated while that driving approximately 40 mph, a loud ticking noise emitted from the engine. The failure recurred whenever the vehicle was in operation. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer for an unrelated repair when they detected that the timing chain would need to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the problem. The approximate failure mileage was 103,280.

Filed Incident EngineNHTSA 10524522
Engine & coolingWheels & tiresCrash

On april 30, I was driving in the city, and as I was picking up speed (35-40mph). The driver side time broke causing the cv axle to give-out and me to loose control of my car. In addition, this is a brand new car that only has -4000 miles. I do not feel safe with this car because I am afraid that this is going to happen again. *Tr

Filed Incident Engine and engine cooling · TiresNHTSA 10228733

Nissan Maxima engine complaints by year

Maxima engine problems, every year

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Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) complaints and recalls, checked . Complaints are owners' own reports and are not verified. How we use the data

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