I have a 2016 Maxima Platinum. I purchased it new in Wisconsin and then moved to Denver. With about 5k on it and as I'm settling in Denver I noticed it started to drive different. The CVT transmissions seems clunky and jerky. So bad that passengers notice, but aside for a CVT being a CVT (and the Maxima's fake shifting) the car just doesn't drive like it did when I first got it. I confirmed this last week as I was back in Wisconsin and I had a rental car for 2 weeks which was a 2016 Maxima base model. It drove completely different, got better gas milegage, didn't have the jerky transmission, had excellent pickup, and just was so nice to drive....unlike my car. I've taken it to the dealership several times and called Nissan about the jerky transmission. They've told me nothing is wrong and that "it's how the car drives". It wasn't how the car drove when I first got it (otherwise I would not have paid 40K for it). My question is does the altitude in Denver have an adverse affect on performance? Nobody around here can seem to give me an answer. Maybe my car drives the way it does because of the altitude? Maybe something needs to be adjusted?

Additionally has anyone had any brake issues? I have 16k on the car now and I can hear my brakes squeal and feel them grind. The dealership charged me $200 to take the brakes apart and look at them. They said it was recommended maintenance and that my brakes were fine. They said the sqeeling was from the car sitting. I don't buy it. My car is parked inside and it is very dry here.

Any thoughts? Am I just crazy? I love my car, but I actually hate driving it because of these issues.

 

No brake issues but make sure they check for codes. I just had the CVT valve body replaced. Drives much better now. Before it was a jerk-y mess.

 

The car will lose significant power at that altitude, but no clue about the trans. Unplug the negative wire the battery for five minutes and see if that helps.

 

Altitude really can make a difference, but should not make as much difference on this modern Maxima as it did when I limped through the Rockies in my '53 Chevy over 60 years ago. With 300 HP, you should have ample power to give a smooth ride in the Rockies.

I have had no trace of noise from my brakes, but have only 6K miles on them. In fact, these are the best brakes I have had in 67 years of driving. Not even a hint of warping or skipping, and no noise.

My CVT has been perfect, and I just spent almost a week on the Blue Ridge Parkway and other steep and winding roads. I think there is something not quite right with your car.


EDIT - While driving on those windy, steep mountain roads, I frequently switched to manual and used engine braking, especially on long, steep, twisting downgrades, The CVT performed perfectly. I think the person who told you your CVT was normal is not correct.

 

My CVT has been good, but then again I've never owned a vehicle with CVT. The ride seems smooth for the exception of the fake shift points.

As far as brakes, I had a shutter when braking. I took it in and they replaced my pads and rotors under warranty. I had 18k on the car. Keep on complaining about it...at least they'll have documentation about your on-going issue.

 

Very sound advice regarding Nissan having a record of our problem. In some situations, that can make a big difference.

 

go to different dealership

 

Sounds like you need a new valve body. Mine was a juddering mess before I had this done. Drives great now.

My brakes have been fine.

 

When do you feel juddering?
I.e. light or full acceleration? Decelerating with foot off gas pedal(Coasting)? Decelerating with foot on brake pedal?

 

It happened most under light acceleration - 30-40 mph.

 

Is there a point (build date) after which the transmissions had an upgraded valve, or is it an ongoing issue? Is there a specific mileage range where problems begin to manifest? I have about 4k and I've noticed a few jerks and clunks.

 

Denver is about a mile above sea level. The air is thinner, so you lose noticeable power.
Last time I was there I was in a rented a Hyundai Sonata. In Chicago, the Sonata is adequate (a friend has one). In the mountains and the Denver area, the car was a sluggish dog. It felt like I had a hamster under the hood.
You can expect as much as 2 seconds slower 0-60 (or more) with a naturally aspirated car.
Turbos are better at higher altitudes.
As for the CVT, go to a different dealer and have things checked.