Is it common to have transmission issues in a 2011 Nissan Maxima?
Is it common in the 2011 Nissan Maxima to have issues with the transmission?
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2011 Nissan Maxima Reviews, Pricing & Specs
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The 2011 Nissan Maxima is the answer to the question "What kind of car might one buy if the nameplate wasn't an issue?" While it competes with cars like the Volkswagen CC, the Acura TSX, and other entry-level midsize luxury sedans, what it offers straddles classes.
The Maxima is priced at the upper end of its segment's range, yet reviewers argue that the interior is closer to that of Nissan's luxury Infiniti models. The cabin design and fit and finish are very well done, and it has dual-zone automatic climate control and a 6-CD changer with optional iPod integration that is among the best in any sedan, according to some tests. And the base S trim includes 18-inch wheels, a sunroof, and eight-way driver and four-way front passenger seats to boot.
Unlike the commercials showing a 370Z stretched to become a 2011 Nissan Maxima, it doesn't quite offer sports-car handling. However, the same V6 engine that powers the Z also holds its own in the Maxima, though it's detuned to 290 horsepower and 261 lb-ft of torque. That's good for roughly 6-second 0-60 times and also provides mileage numbers of 19/26 mpg.
The 2011 Nissan Maxima's engine is mated to a continuously variable transmission, meaning that while one can shift into different modes, the car largely controls the engine's revs. This doesn't seem to bother most reviewers, and in the SV trim with the Sport or Premium package, paddle shifters are available to provide some semblance of control.
Speaking of the 2011 Nissan Maxima in SV trim, it adds foglights, leather seating, and a nine-speaker Bose audio unit to the base configuration, as well as lumbar support. Add the Premium package and the sunroof becomes a dual-panel affair, the front seats are heated, as are the outside mirrors, and rear passengers get a power sunshade. The driver can take advantage of a rear-view camera for parking, 7-inch screen to control the navigation system, and iPod interface and music storage with a single CD-unit.
Switching to the Technology package for the SV trim, the music server is larger and the navigation system includes integrated traffic data and is voice-activated. Heated seats are available in all SV trim vehicles depending on the option package.
While there are five seats, reviewers note that the rear cabin best serves two adults who can enjoy the executive-like seating options. The situation for the third passenger becomes worse if optional rear bucket seats are added. It also limits the amount of storage space; standard 2011 Nissan Maximas come with 60/40-split rear seats, but adding rear buckets limits it to a small center pass-through.
The 2011 Nissan Maxima got the highest ratings for crashworthiness from both the government and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. Features helping to earn those marks include full-length side curtain airbags, side airbags for the front two passengers, and the standard antilock brakes with traction control and stability control.
If buyers can get past the fact that Nissan occupies its own unique niche, the variety of options and strong design cues make the 2011 Maxima worth checking out for those wanting an entry-level luxury sedan with panache and good road manners.
Published May 31, 2022 by CarGurus Editorial Team
User reviews for 2011 Nissan Maxima
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by Jackie G
Apr 21, 2024
I think this is the best deal someone struggling this is a blessing a good car with great features and safety its also super affordable Apr 21, 2024
by Steven C
Nov 29, 2022
Great car only a Mercedes Benz. S550 is the only other car I would like Nov 29, 2022
by RayH. S
Oct 12, 2022
This was a very good car I know it was going to sell fast.Oct 12, 2022
User rating:
by Jackie G
Apr 21, 2024
I think this is the best deal someone struggling this is a blessing a good car with great features and safety its also super affordable Apr 21, 2024
by Steven C
Nov 29, 2022
Great car only a Mercedes Benz. S550 is the only other car I would like Nov 29, 2022
by RayH. S
Oct 12, 2022
This was a very good car I know it was going to sell fast.Oct 12, 2022
by Christopher B
Aug 19, 2022
Great features for such a low cost vehicle in todays market. Gets up to speed well. Aug 19, 2022
by Alma R
Mar 28, 2022
I love the car but the first 2 things i look for is the price an the miles a mustMar 28, 2022
by Anonymous
Jan 20, 2022
Its just a good car.It handle very well 9n the road. I have two 2009s.Jan 20, 2022
by REBECCA F
Jul 08, 2021
Its nice and well kept. Good price as well Jul 08, 2021
by Anonymous
Feb 05, 2020
good looking car I liked the features. I will schedule a test drive when possibleFeb 05, 2020
by Anonymous
Dec 20, 2014
Most like the stylish body shape, panoramic sunroof, ample head & leg room, great sound system, quick speed acceleration, USB connection, Bluetooth capability, heated seats & steering wheel. Most dislike car sitting low to ground (Hard for tall people like me to get in & out of car)Dec 20, 2014
by Dora F
Sep 19, 2013
I loved the combination of the luxurious interior, with the sunroof, leather, heated seats, great sound system, all married with the sporty performance. These features, combined with the affordability of the purchase, care and maintenance really allows you to enjoy the ride in this model! Sep 19, 2013
by Eric B
May 27, 2013
I like this car very much. Its a car that is sporty and robust and turns heads when it has waxed and detailed. The handling is very resonsive and the acceleration shows it's 290 hp engine. I guess the only draw back for me is that I would have like to have it in the SV model now.May 27, 2013
by Ahmad T
Mar 25, 2012
I like everything in this car, best performance, best valuse for money. very sharp sport power stering. Very quite and smooth ride, great tech features.
Unique look, Powefull Engine, Great Luxury features, Resonable Pce compaed to Premium segment.
Nissan mannage to add most of the infiniti features to this car without increasing the price too much as it still carries Nissan badge.Mar 25, 2012
by Hamid B
Nov 30, 2011
Performance:
Firstly it has 300 bhp (near enough and 4 driving modes with paddle shifters. Then top it off with a DSG style gearbox for smooth and sports modes. Acceleration can be steady or pin you to your seat. On the highway at 120km/h there is minimal noice as youd expect from a luxury car and this one is a borderline Infiniti. Fuel economy isnt too bad either from this 3.5l V6 engine. A full tank can return 700km if driven respectfully or around 300 if not.
Build Quality
As with most things Japanese it has a solid feel to it. No wobbly interior parts and the finishing of the leather sports seats is exquisite. The faux walnut fascia surrounding the transmission and cubby hole could do with a re-think though. Bose sound system as well as a touch screen Sat NAv, iPod control and built in 20Gb HD ensures that the car is stacked with toys. Auto dimming mirros, electric rear blind, electric windows, seats, central locking keyless entry & start and even cooled drivers seating. Did I mention front and rear sensors AND a rear camera too!
Appearance
The car has a sporty, aggressive look that could have easily swayed more to the world of boy racers if the spoiler or body kit were any more exaggerated. it can sit alongside the likes of the higher end luxury cars and still carry its own. The alloys are a very nice touch too.
Cost of ownership
It was a reasonably priced car when new AED134k. The same vehicle now in a 2012 model is around the AED140k mark. The car came with registration, insurance and a service package thrown in (till 20,000km) and I extended it to 60k. So far it hasnt missed a beat as you would expect from a new car. Fuel can be a probelm if you have a heavy right foot, but on the whole not so bad.
Fun Factor
The car can be a family sedan and then switches to this sporty roadster style sedan when needs to. The paddle shifters help to alleviate those boring drives and can engage the driver easily. I can see why some people would take this around a trackNov 30, 2011
by Alex R
Jan 31, 2011
290 Hp V6 with the CVT transmission makes for smooth and quick acceleration. Buckets seats in the front and the back. Best features are probably the integrated ipod system, the sound quality, and HEATED STEERING WHEEL!!! Beautiful car that drives and handles great!Jan 31, 2011
What users have asked
Bigger tire size
Trying to go from 245/45/ 18 to 245/55/18 on my 2011 Nissan Maxima , will it work??
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Car shuts off while driving
I just had a pully replaced a belt replaced battery cable replaced a leak around the radiator cap fixed oil change. The gear shift fixed. I get home then next morning on my way to work I heard clicking like arock in the tire noise then my car shuts off try to jump and nothing but all lights work
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Want help with a car in Pineville, Louisiana at Diamond autoplec
Can y'all help me with a car in Pineville, Louisiana
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Top Comparisons
Have you driven a 2011 Nissan Maxima?Compare this car
2011 Nissan Maxima Pricing
Original MSRP
$31,750 to $34,450Price range
$6,673 to $7,283Average price on CG
$6,893YoY price change
$7,113 to $6,893Trims & specs
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: element · Auxiliary audio input: jack · 6 disc in-dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio · Total Number of Speakers: 8
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 12.6 · Front brake width: 1.1 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 12.1 · Rear brake width: .63 · Rear brakes: ventilated disc
Comfort Features
Door sill trim: aluminum · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front and rear · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Assist handle: front · Center console: dual level · Cupholders: front · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Multi-function remote: trunk release · One-touch windows: 2 · Power outlet(s): two 12V · Power steering: speed-proportional · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: rear · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: cruise controls · Storage: cargo area under floor · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating
Driver Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: manual · Power adjustments: 8
Drivetrain
Axle ratio: 5.17
Engine
Alternator: 130 amps · Battery: 550 CCA
Exterior Features
Door handle color: chrome · Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Exhaust tip color: chrome · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: accent color · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 2
Instrumentation
Warnings and reminders: low fuel level
Lights
Headlights: Auto on/off · Tail and brake lights: LED
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Passenger Seat
Power adjustments: 4
Rear Seats
Type: 60-40 split bench
Roof
Moonroof: sliding sunshade
Safety
Active head restraints: driver · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: rear
Seatbelts
Emergency locking retractors: front and rear · Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Second row seatbelts: 3-point
Seats
Driver seat power adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: cloth
Security
Power door locks: anti-lockout
Spare Tire
Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary
Spare Wheel
Rim Type: steel
Steering
Steering ratio: 15.2 · Turns lock-to-lock: 2.6
Suspension
Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Stabilizer Bar: diameter 25 mm · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Stabilizer Bar: diameter 21 mm · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link
Telematics
Phone: voice activated · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth
Tires
Type: all season
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Wheels
Wheel spokes: 10
Windows
Front wipers: speed sensitive · Power windows: remote operation
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: element · IPod auxiliary audio input · Hard Drive: 2GB · 6 disc in-dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · Premium Brand: Bose · AM/FM radio · XM with NavTraffic satellite radio · Total Number of Speakers: 9
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 12.6 · Front brake width: 1.1 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 12.1 · Rear brake width: .63 · Rear brakes: ventilated disc
Comfort Features
Armrests: rear center folding with pass-thru · Door sill trim: aluminum · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front and rear · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Assist handle: front · Center console: dual level · Cupholders: rear · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Easy entry: driver · Memorized settings: driver seat · Multi-function remote: proximity entry system · One-touch windows: 4 · Power outlet(s): two 12V · Power steering: speed-proportional · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: rear · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: cruise controls · Storage: sunglasses holder · Sunshade: power rear window · Universal garage door opener: Homelink · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating
Driver Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 8
Drivetrain
Axle ratio: 5.17
Engine
Alternator: 130 amps · Battery: 550 CCA
Exterior Features
Door handle color: chrome · Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Exhaust tip color: chrome · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: accent color · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 2
Instrumentation
Warnings and reminders: low oil pressure
Lights
Headlights: Auto on/off · Tail and brake lights: LED
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: driver side auto-dimming
Passenger Seat
Power adjustments: 4
Rear Seats
Type: bucket
Roof
Moonroof: dual power
Safety
Active head restraints: driver · Camera system: rearview · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: rear
Seatbelts
Emergency locking retractors: front and rear · Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Second row seatbelts: 3-point
Seats
Driver seat power adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Heated: front seats · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: premium leather
Security
Power door locks: anti-lockout
Spare Tire
Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary
Spare Wheel
Rim Type: steel
Steering
Steering ratio: 15.2 · Turns lock-to-lock: 2.6
Suspension
Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Stabilizer Bar: diameter 25 mm · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Stabilizer Bar: diameter 21 mm · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link
Telematics
Navigation system: hard drive navigation system w/voice activation · Phone: voice activated · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth
Tires
Type: all season
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy · Wheels: aluminum
Wheels
Wheel spokes: 10
Windows
Front wipers: variable intermittent · Power windows: remote operation