View Poll Results: Do or have you had an engine knock in park at warm idle on your 2009-13 Maxima
Voters: 239. You may not vote on this poll
Buyer Beware, 2009 - 2013 Factory Bearing Problems
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Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 38
UPDATE
From the information outlined previously it looks as though: 1) new blocks and repaired bearings in old blocks will possibly have same issue, and 2) cars with issue even over 100,000 miles have not suffered catastrophic breakdowns. Based on this information I am fine keeping my original engine, but I want Nissan to give me their longest extended warranty on the powertrain, since my brand new engine is about to be ripped apart for an issue that Nissan knew about years ago and failed to correct.
Still love the car, but cannot say I will keep it nearly as long as I did my Camry SE V6. Frankly, I just do not trust Nissan at this point. I cannot believe they would not have resolved this issue when it initially manifested itself. My hunch is that Nissan is hoping the majority of owners simply do not notice this issue or think it is normal. I am not surprised that Maxima owners seem to be experiencing this issue more than other Nissan owners, as this is a sportier car that attracts those of us (weirdos) who would notice such things.
Thank you to all who contributed to this thread. The information in here is invaluable.
From the information outlined previously it looks as though: 1) new blocks and repaired bearings in old blocks will possibly have same issue, and 2) cars with issue even over 100,000 miles have not suffered catastrophic breakdowns. Based on this information I am fine keeping my original engine, but I want Nissan to give me their longest extended warranty on the powertrain, since my brand new engine is about to be ripped apart for an issue that Nissan knew about years ago and failed to correct.
Still love the car, but cannot say I will keep it nearly as long as I did my Camry SE V6. Frankly, I just do not trust Nissan at this point. I cannot believe they would not have resolved this issue when it initially manifested itself. My hunch is that Nissan is hoping the majority of owners simply do not notice this issue or think it is normal. I am not surprised that Maxima owners seem to be experiencing this issue more than other Nissan owners, as this is a sportier car that attracts those of us (weirdos) who would notice such things.
Thank you to all who contributed to this thread. The information in here is invaluable.
For what it is worth, Honda is worse. It takes a class action suit to get them to do anything. A large percentage of their 2008-2010 4 cylinder Accords had a defective VTC Actuator. The faulty part causes oil starvation at cold start up. The piston rings become so worn that these cars use 1-2 qts of oil every 1K miles. Honda calls this oil usage normal.
It is a bad business practice because the auto maker alienates the original owners and all the subsequent owners that get stuck with these lemons.
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Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 54
From: Metro Detroit
For what it is worth, Honda is worse. It takes a class action suit to get them to do anything. A large percentage of their 2008-2010 4 cylinder Accords had a defective VTC Actuator. The faulty part causes oil starvation at cold start up. The piston rings become so worn that these cars use 1-2 qts of oil every 1K miles. Honda calls this oil usage normal.
It is a bad business practice because the auto maker alienates the original owners and all the subsequent owners that get stuck with these lemons.
Junior Member
Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 38
I'm with you, I think all companies work like this to some degree when it comes to cutting corners, whether it is due to maximizing profits or complying with emissions/safety/mpg requirements, or both. For instance, Toyota v6's have issues with the VVT oil line bursting. The best part is the fix was a new rubber hose just like the faulty old rubber hose. I had also heard Honda is having issues with their newer v6 as well due to cylinder deactivation.
Agreed.
Yes, the Honda V6 has oil burning problems too, but at least a class action lawsuit forced Honda to extend their warranty. I guess that is an indication that the I4 problem is less widespread.
In the past, I have owned Toyota, Honda and Datsun vehicles that were phenomenally reliable. These engines were simply engineering works of art.
My recent experiences indicate that their commitment to quality is not the priority it once was.
Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 175
First of all, the reported issues are too many alone.
Then, not all man know anything about cars. As a matter of fact most my male friends would NEVER notice that.
And then you have women..
The ACTUAL number of defective engines is probably SCARY LARGE!
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Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 175
But what pisses me just explode-mad,
and should be probably punishable,
is that FIVE YEARS LATER,
THEM F#KKERS KEEP SENDING OUT DEFECTIVE ENGINES!
Somebody's head at nissan should roll for this. THis is not some frikkin rattle to deal with!
and should be probably punishable,
is that FIVE YEARS LATER,
THEM F#KKERS KEEP SENDING OUT DEFECTIVE ENGINES!
Somebody's head at nissan should roll for this. THis is not some frikkin rattle to deal with!
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 355
From: Huntsville, AL
Sell your car and buy a different one! Problem solved. If you get sick and tired of a certain manufacturer then get out of it? Is anybody forcing you to keep your car? Have a great day and smile every once and a while
And there are plenty of cars that are on the road and are not on these forums. Just saying and don't let this turn into a pissing contest.
And there are plenty of cars that are on the road and are not on these forums. Just saying and don't let this turn into a pissing contest.
Last edited by dmcmahan12; Jan 3, 2015 at 09:16 PM.
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 355
From: Huntsville, AL
I did not in any way say people not educated, so please don't go there. What I am trying to say is the sometimes you only see the problems on the public forums because they only sign up to vent about an unhappy experience with their vehicle.
Last edited by dmcmahan12; Jan 5, 2015 at 12:50 PM.
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 1,690
Your post got in front of mine as it was in responding to assiduous. I completely agree what you are saying.
Assidious has every right to post his feelings, good or bad, on this forum.
Why aren't the Nissan dealers acknowledging his problem and repairing it for him? Maybe if they did he would not feel that he has to 'complain" on this forum. I'd be pissed also.
Why aren't the Nissan dealers acknowledging his problem and repairing it for him? Maybe if they did he would not feel that he has to 'complain" on this forum. I'd be pissed also.
Last edited by Nopike; Jan 4, 2015 at 10:02 AM.
If that were the case then like many others I'd simply purchase a certified, used luxury car and be done with it.
Good luck to assiduous and please keep us in the know. I also think the way Nissan is handling the issue is unacceptable
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 561
I have some thoughts and questions for both sides since I'm on my 4th maxima. Isn't this more than a Nissan problem? As someone stated earlier these problems exist in all auto manufacturers in some shape or form. I've got a 2010 SV that has a 6 yr 100k warranty and my brand new 2014 has a 10 yr warranty. These are extended and thus were purchased but no one makes great solid cars anymore. I've ridden and/or owned a bunch... The hallowed BMW and Mercedes aren't built like they used to either. I understand the frustration but what happens to one of these engines with the block replaced. Does it blow up, seize, throw a piston, etc.? Does anybody know? Not playing devils advocate but it seems like they all have issues so you roll the dice no matter what you buy. Just some thoughts and hope the people who are affected get what they want so they can at least be satisfied. Good luck to all. I will say for the money this car is hard to beat, new or used as a package.
Member
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 218
From: SW Ontario
I've said almost exactly this before in this same thread.
Not to suggest those that have experienced the problem or have had the repairs done were not legitimate complaints - not at all.
If this problem was widespread, the net would be full of the complaints. If these engines were frequently destroyed by the problem, once again the net would be full of the evidence.
I wonder if the noise seems louder because the oil filler cap is allowing it to become amplified?
Given the huge number of Nissan's with this engine, I really doubt the risk is big. Further, if the problem occurs, I don't think it requires lost sleep.
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Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 5
I just signed up looking for information on the new Maxima that should be coming out soon and saw this post. I took my 2011 to 3 different dealers and they all told me that banging noise was normal. I had the issue since the car was new back in late 2010. The lease is up so the car is gone and the motor never failed or anything but three dealers back in 2011 told me that noise was normal. Wish I had seen that TSB beofe I gave the car back just to show them it wasn't normal. Hard to believe thye haven't fixed it yet.
Maybe the problem is not as isolated as some may believe. If it's not a problem than Nissan should have no issue with extending the warranty as suggested by Consumer Reports.
Consumer Reports calls on Nissan to extend Juke and Maxima warranties
Automaker is aware of issues, but it can do more
http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/n...ties/index.htm
Consumer Reports calls on Nissan to extend Juke and Maxima warranties
Automaker is aware of issues, but it can do more
http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/n...ties/index.htm
Last edited by Nopike; Jan 5, 2015 at 08:22 PM.
According to the article: If a main bearing is not functioning properly, the engine could run rough.
What gets me is that according to Nissan it's acceptable if the engine makes a banging noise during idle.
I do not care if the engine operates just fine. It should not be making a banging noise.
What gets me is that according to Nissan it's acceptable if the engine makes a banging noise during idle.
I do not care if the engine operates just fine. It should not be making a banging noise.
Last edited by Nopike; Jan 6, 2015 at 07:32 AM.
Thread Starter
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Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 802
Maybe the problem is not as isolated as some may believe. If it's not a problem than Nissan should have no issue with extending the warranty as suggested by Consumer Reports.
Consumer Reports calls on Nissan to extend Juke and Maxima warranties
Automaker is aware of issues, but it can do more
http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/n...ties/index.htm
Consumer Reports calls on Nissan to extend Juke and Maxima warranties
Automaker is aware of issues, but it can do more
http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/n...ties/index.htm
As Nopike said, if the problem is so isolated up the power train warranty to 100K. No problems, no warranty claims.
To the people who PM'd me on this issue I WOULD NOT let them rip the motor apart on a 2014 ( or any year actually) and do the bearing. INSIST on a new block and the extended warranty as compensation. Don't be afraid to email and/or call CR if Nissan gives you any problems.
GL
IMO Chances are it's just an annoying knock and the engine won't fail but it definitely could effect resale/ trade in value if the purchaser is aware of the issue or just knows what an engine knock sounds like.
Last edited by 13Maximasv; Jan 6, 2015 at 10:36 AM.
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Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 561
Nopike I hear you but at least it doesn't blow a piston or seize up. I know that's sad thinking but they all do it now. Corporate greed. I don't care as much about the aesthetics as long as it is mechanically sound. I guess I will find out since I have 2 max's about how loud and annoying it will be... I always get an extended warranty so I have 6 years on one and 10 on the other so I will be covered either way. I can't work on cars like these anymore!!!
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Joined: May 2014
Posts: 624
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Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 220
Dealer confirmed the problem. I am bringing it in Friday for them to actually diagnose it on a lift, but they said it is definetly knocking. So to get the extended 7yr 100 warranty, should I call nissan now, or wait till the dealer has the car? Also do you have to tell them you want a new block or will they just do it?
This really sucks man my brand new paid cash for car is screwed. Not really going to be happy with a car that has been ripped apart and put back together again, I might flip it for something else once this is done
This really sucks man my brand new paid cash for car is screwed. Not really going to be happy with a car that has been ripped apart and put back together again, I might flip it for something else once this is done
Junior Member
Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 54
From: Metro Detroit
UPDATE
I just had the #1 bearing replaced a few weeks ago. Dealer had the car for two weeks or so and set me up in a 2014 Maxima SV-Premium loaner. I got warranty on engine extended up to 100,000 miles. Car idles much smoother now than it did before. It is a sick feeling to drop off a brand new car to have an issue like this replaced. However, I am happy to have it fixed.
If I cared more, I may have pushed for a new block, however, I doubt they will replace block without a drawn out fight judging from tone of Nissan rep.
Overall, considering I paid thousands less for the Maxima than I would have paid for the Camry/Accord V6's I was also considering, it is not that big of a deal in the grand scheme of things to me.
I just had the #1 bearing replaced a few weeks ago. Dealer had the car for two weeks or so and set me up in a 2014 Maxima SV-Premium loaner. I got warranty on engine extended up to 100,000 miles. Car idles much smoother now than it did before. It is a sick feeling to drop off a brand new car to have an issue like this replaced. However, I am happy to have it fixed.
If I cared more, I may have pushed for a new block, however, I doubt they will replace block without a drawn out fight judging from tone of Nissan rep.
Overall, considering I paid thousands less for the Maxima than I would have paid for the Camry/Accord V6's I was also considering, it is not that big of a deal in the grand scheme of things to me.
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 315
From: BC CANADA
I have a very sick feeling right now. Within past two weeks just purchased 2013 with 20,000 miles after my 06 Maxima was written off when rear-ended. 06 Maxima had long block and transmission replaced under warranty. Had I know about bearing problem I would have steered clear of a Maxima. I do not want to have to go through this again. Will be checking for noise tomorrow.....wish me luck.
Have to wonder if this will still be an issue in the 2016 8th Gen Maxima. Looks like Nissan has not resolved it in the 6-7 years they have been manufacturing the 7th Gen.
Last edited by Nopike; Feb 26, 2015 at 09:05 AM.
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Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 1,690
If the engine is the same model as 7th gens and the manufactures of the bearings and the crankshafts are not changed or the quality assurance acceptance system for these parts is not changed, then I would figure the problem will continue from time to time.
Last edited by Richard66; Feb 26, 2015 at 09:55 AM.
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 315
From: BC CANADA
I have a very sick feeling right now. Within past two weeks just purchased 2013 with 20,000 miles after my 06 Maxima was written off when rear-ended. 06 Maxima had long block and transmission replaced under warranty. Had I know about bearing problem I would have steered clear of a Maxima. I do not want to have to go through this again. Will be checking for noise tomorrow.....wish me luck.
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Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 423
From: Bristol, VA
Some have much higher mileage and have had the bearing knock since brand new. My 2010 was purchased new with 300 miles on the odo. Now sitting at 136,000 miles with no issues. Have had the bad bearing knock since it was new. Went to the dealer during warranty at 36,000 miles when I learned of this issue. It was before the TSB was released and dealer indicated that they couldn't hear the knock. Was allowed to test drive a used 2010 model - with the same noise. I said "eh, it sounds the same" and the tech said "okay - normal engine noise". Fortunately, have not had any issues related to the same. Oil analyses have been okay, also.
Has anyone heard of a documented failure due to this problem?
Has anyone heard of a documented failure due to this problem?
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Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 54
From: Metro Detroit
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Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 220
Dropped off the car, they gave me an Altima loaner. I was talking to the service guy, he said even if they replace the engine, it is a re manufactured engine. Is this true? I some people were getting new engines. I am not accepting the car back with the motor rebuilt with the different bearing. This car is a 2014 SV sport with 15k on it that I paid cash for. I have not called nissan yet, should I do it now or wait till they diagnose it?
On a side note, this Altima is a POS. I would never even consider buying a car like this. It's way smaller inside, everything looks cheap, the steering is loose, it's all over the road doimg 80mph on the highway, seat is uncomfortable, steering wheel looks like it cost $5, the door sounds hollow and crappy when shutting it etc. why anyone would buy one of these and not a maxima I have no clue.
On a side note, this Altima is a POS. I would never even consider buying a car like this. It's way smaller inside, everything looks cheap, the steering is loose, it's all over the road doimg 80mph on the highway, seat is uncomfortable, steering wheel looks like it cost $5, the door sounds hollow and crappy when shutting it etc. why anyone would buy one of these and not a maxima I have no clue.
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Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 1,690
Dropped off the car, they gave me an Altima loaner. I was talking to the service guy, he said even if they replace the engine, it is a re manufactured engine. Is this true? I some people were getting new engines. I am not accepting the car back with the motor rebuilt with the different bearing. This car is a 2014 SV sport with 15k on it that I paid cash for. I have not called nissan yet, should I do it now or wait till they diagnose it?
On a side note, this Altima is a POS. I would never even consider buying a car like this. It's way smaller inside, everything looks cheap, the steering is loose, it's all over the road doimg 80mph on the highway, seat is uncomfortable, steering wheel looks like it cost $5, the door sounds hollow and crappy when shutting it etc. why anyone would buy one of these and not a maxima I have no clue.
On a side note, this Altima is a POS. I would never even consider buying a car like this. It's way smaller inside, everything looks cheap, the steering is loose, it's all over the road doimg 80mph on the highway, seat is uncomfortable, steering wheel looks like it cost $5, the door sounds hollow and crappy when shutting it etc. why anyone would buy one of these and not a maxima I have no clue.
There is no need to make a quick decision. Push for a buy back, push for a new engine vs rebuilt. Consider selling it outright and get something different. If the engine is replaced with whatever, make sure you get Nissan to throw in extended warranty to 10 years 120K miles for your troubles.
Good Luck
Junior Member
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 56
From: Dallas, TX
Just found out about this TSB last week. I didn't realize that the knocking noise was a problem. We bought the car used in December while it was still under 60k miles. But, now it's 64k miles and I just found out about this problem. Any suggestions on the best way to get it fixed by Nissan? This is our family car and we really depend on it. Thank you for any help.
Member
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 218
From: SW Ontario
Just found out about this TSB last week. I didn't realize that the knocking noise was a problem. We bought the car used in December while it was still under 60k miles. But, now it's 64k miles and I just found out about this problem. Any suggestions on the best way to get it fixed by Nissan? This is our family car and we really depend on it. Thank you for any help.
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Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 220
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 423
From: Bristol, VA
Please see my above post. At this point, after driving another 800 miles this week for my job, I am at 137,000 miles. As hard as I drive this vehicle, I have SERIOUS reservations that it will affect the longevity of the engine. I am letting you know right now, this is a 2010 Maxima that was purchased March 2011 and RARELY goes a day that I don't redline the engine 3-4 times daily and usually, MUCH more frequently. This car has not had an easy life. I have done several oil analyses and they have came back fine.
NO denying these engines are prone to the bearing knock, but as truly solid and reliable and road-worthy as my Maxima has been, I really don't think this is as big an issue as everyone has made it out to be. I hate the knocking, but after this many miles, I'm pretty sure it would have gave up if it were going to at all.
I'm planning for 300,000 miles on the original engine and transmission, lets see if I make it.
NO denying these engines are prone to the bearing knock, but as truly solid and reliable and road-worthy as my Maxima has been, I really don't think this is as big an issue as everyone has made it out to be. I hate the knocking, but after this many miles, I'm pretty sure it would have gave up if it were going to at all.
I'm planning for 300,000 miles on the original engine and transmission, lets see if I make it.
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Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 220
I really hope so, I really don't like any car but the maxima. I went and test drove a 14 gs350 it's much smaller inside and I really think it's ugly. I also test drove an 09 ls460 which would be my choice if I gave up the max, but it handles like crap. I'm really hoping they can just slap a new motor in that won't make noise, extend my warranty and keep me happy, I can't really think of another car I would rather have.