2012 Nissan Maxima: problems, recalls and what it’s worth
Known weak spot on this generation: CVT transmission (early Jatco).
Same cold-drive checks as above. A CVT cooler add-on or fluid service on record is a good sign someone was managing it.
Known problems on the 2012 Nissan Maxima
CVT transmission (early Jatco) $3,000–$4,500 to fix
The first Jatco CVT generation has the same failure modes as the 2013+ cars — overheating, judder, failure — and by now most survivors are well past the extended-warranty window.
Check for: Same cold-drive checks as above. A CVT cooler add-on or fluid service on record is a good sign someone was managing it.
Basis: NHTSA complaints; Nissan CVT class actions (2007–2010 Sentra/Altima/Versa)
Known patterns for this year and model, not findings about one car. A well-kept example may already have had the fix. Costs are rough US shop prices.
2012 Nissan Maxima recalls
NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for the 2012 Nissan Maxima.
2012 Nissan Maxima safety investigations and free repairs
No open safety investigations.
Free repairs to ask about (warranty extensions):
- Exhaust and emissions: OBD II EVAP Tube Warranty Enhancement The update below was sent out to Regions and Dealers in August of this year.
A dealer for the brand can check these by VIN.
Source: NHTSA, Sep 24, 2026.
2012 Nissan Maxima safety and fuel
From NHTSA’s crash tests and the EPA’s fueleconomy.gov.
What owners complain about
107 complaints filed with NHTSA for this year and model, about average.
Share of complaints that mention each area. One complaint can mention several.
What a 2012 Nissan Maxima is worth
Rough trade-in values — roughly what a dealer would pay — by mileage, from published trade-in guides. Private sales and dealer prices run higher. For the exact car, add its VIN.
| Mileage | Trade-in (rough) |
|---|---|
| 80,000 mi | $3,500 |
| 120,000 mi | $2,900 |
| 160,000 mi | $2,300 |
From new to now
What each Nissan Maxima model year trades in for today at typical mileage.
Typical mileage = 12,000 miles a year; values between two published mileages are estimated in a straight line. “New” is the base price (cheapest version) as published, give or take destination fees; higher trims cost more.
Other Nissan Maxima years
2010 2011 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023
Printable inspection checklist · Out-the-door price calculator