Actually, I do not have a diesel Maxima but it is sounding a lot like one lately. I am writing this post to provide information, not to bash this car and hopefully, it will be informative for those who may experience similar issues to what I have endured over the last several months. At this point, I am looking to return this vehicle to the dealership and have come to an agreement.

Lately, in colder weather, I have found that my car, a 2016 Nissan Maxima SR, sounding rough upon start up/idle and on the driver-side engine compartment, there is a metallic, non-cyclical noise. It sounds like a diesel or a rough direct-injection engine. Gas mileage has decreased substantially and acceleration is not as strong as it was prior. There is a check engine light.

It isn't clear to me what the problem is but will be when I bring it into the dealership on Monday. At this point, I have no trust in this car any longer and will rid myself of it for the above and several other reasons:

1. The brakes have vibrated the car and I was criticised for parking my car outdoors because the brake rotors "warp" in cold, damp climate.
2. Brake calipers leaked fluid, fortunately, covered under warranty.
3. The Pearl White paint has faded in patches. The dealership has addressed some of the paint and body issues but it is appearing on new panels such as the bumper.

Note, I have had to bring this car to the dealership approximately a little over once/month to have new issues addressed but the above issues really shake my faith in Nissan quality.


I will update this forum once I find out what is faulty with the engine.

 

Oh man.. sorry to hear that! Where do you live?

 

Your car may SEEM like a diesel Maxima, but it is not REALLY a diesel Maxima. The last diesel Maxima was built in early 1983. REAL 8th generation Maximas do NOT behave the way your car is behaving. Your car clearly has major problems, and may even qualify for the lemon law. Keep good records of each complaint and dealer visit and hold your dealer's nose to the grindstone.

I am truly sorry you are not having the true pleasure of driving a real Maxima. I have not seen anyone here on the org reporting the exact diesel-like sounds you are having, and I'm sure there are many here who are very interested in knowing what is causing those problems. Please let us know when you find out what is going on.

 

I also live in MN, and I just purchased a 2017 Maxima S Pearl White, I hope I will not face the same mechanical (weather related) and paint issues, please keep us posted, thanks

NOTE: What dealership are you dealing with?

 

Ugh, that sucks. It really sounds like you have a car with a ton of issues, and I'd get corporate involved, as I don't think it's going to end for you on this one.

For what it's worth, I'm 19 months into my '16 Platinum in Minnesota, and it's been fantastic by comparison, worrying mostly about recalls, and a replacement of all of my brake hardware due to issues early on.

 

UPDATE: I have found the cause of the problem to my thread-described symptoms. According to the dealership, two o2 sensors had failed causing the car to dump more fuel into the engine and subsequently, into the exhaust. As a result of that, it affected engine power and fuel economy. Due to this, the catalytic converter was ticking and struggling to manage the extra fuel causing the unusual noises and raw fuel odour. The repair involves replacement of the o2 sensor and potentially the catalytic converter. I have not received the car back and am very frustrated, but I have been provided a loaner.

I am most inclined to return the car to the dealership. They suggest a significant loss to me if I do so but I am at the point of being uninterested in owning this car anymore. I have not had a good experience so far, at this dealership. More details to be provided later.

 

What is the name of the Dealership?

 

Can you go to another Nissan dealership?

 

The name of the dealership is: Wayzata Nissan (Walser)
Wayzata, Minnesota

If you live in Minnesota, I do not recommend this dealership.

I no longer own this car and I am tempted to warn others about not buying my specific car.

I have replaced it with a Toyota Camry.

 

If you believe your car is a lemon and hope no one buys it, post the VIN.

 

Agreed, you would give the next potential owner a chance to avoid the hassle if the VIN came up in an online search.

 

Okay, I will post the VIN number here.
If there is a better place to post the VIN, please let me know.

Thank You