Four problems related to power train have been reported for the 2009 Nissan Maxima. The most recently reported issues are listed below. Please also check out the statistics and reliability analysis of the 2009 Nissan Maxima based on all problems reported for the 2009 Maxima.
The cvt transmission on 09- 2014 Nissan go out and take you to practically a dead stop from 60mph. There have been so many undocumented transmission problems that nissian hides/ denies. There needs to be investigations done on the transmissions and recalled. Cvt stepper motor/ valve body / 09 nissian Maxima.
Whining noise coming from engine compartment as soon as vehicle is turned on and continues while running. Many forums describe this as bad secondary timing chain tensioners due to complete wear-out of plastic material. Motor needs to be pulled to replace tensioners. 19 hours labor at dealer plus parts puts this repair at $2500 plus. Photo attached shows new part and old part replaced by a dealer.
Steering wheel lock - ignition lock assembly failure. I purchased my 2009 Nissan MA xima in Nov 2012 and my car has been running pretty good until the dreaded day when I was stranded because my car would not start. I had my car towed and I was told that thevsteeringbwheel lock assembly needed to be replaced $1189. 00. I don't know about you, but im not made out of money. After a little research I discovered that this problem has been happening since 09. This is outrageous and Nissan should have owned up and fixed this problem along time ago. This is unacceptable and there should be a recall and not just a bulletin. There is a problem and nissa needs to fix there wrong, instead selling cars knowing that there is a problem. A recall needs to be issued and Nissan needs to do the repairs immediately with no charge to their customers.
In Nov. 2009, approx 3 months after purchasing new car, it started intermittently having heavier vibration in the steering wheel. Since then, there is a constant minor pulsing/vibration, with intermittent vibration that has more intensity. When I have more instances of the "heavier" vibration during my commute it causes my hands to tingle. I have been to the dealer 4 times with this complaint - the last time with a regional rep present. To date, the dealer and Nissan corporate consumer assistance has not identified any solution nor any other compensation. I feel there is a defect or design flaw that is producing the vibration, which I can only assume will get worse over time. I am afraid it will eventually put my hands to sleep on a longer trip.