Morning all. At local dealership. The AC on my 17 Platinum with 45,000 miles wasn’t blowing cold. Dealership says a pressure test showed a leak in EVAP core. They say they need to replace the HVAC box.

The charge will be $3,800. Is this a reasonable charge? They also say it will take all day to do the job. Again, is this true?

Thanks for any thoughts.

 

I once got a quote from a local auto shop several years to do the following for $2500. Replace AC compressor, lines and condenser.

So $3800 unfortunately especially today for a dealer is probably not that for off. Did you get a break down of what exactly are they going to do? I end up being brave and did the whole thing myself for about $300 in parts.

 

Thanks for the reply. After some discussion, they said they could do it for about $2,600. I guess I will bite the bullet. They say it’s about a two day job as they have to pull the dash. I’m just glad it’s not the middle of the summer here in central Florida.

 

Folks - I have the same issue on a 2016 Nissan Maxima Platinum. I only have 53211 miles on it and in October 2022 I had to have the HVAC Box/Evaporator core replaced, air was blowing totally warm and there was a leak. Thankfully under my extended warranty. As some of you may know, this is not an easy job as they have to remove the dashboard to install a new box. Now jump into July 2024. Have the same issue, the HVAC box has to be replaced along with the compressor. I visually saw the HVAC box leak on the passenger side with panel removed whereby you see the "green dye" that is in the system that will leak out and identify leaks, and definitely saw the black material coming from my compressor, although still operational. One - why would an HVAC box go out again after a year and a half? Tried dealing with Nissan Consumer Affairs on their BS 1-year part warranty with no assistance. The dealership is now working through other channels to try to get the repair done with no cost through their regional manager with Nissan. Frustrated at this point with it being so low mileage that the compressor needs to be replaced, and now the HVAC box failing after a year an and a half, and that is NOT a cheap install/repair. I've been researching an extended warranty and found Endurance as a possible solution as most dealerships have no problem dealing with, as a solution for a potential failure in the future, but don't understand how a HVAC box, specifically the evaporator core can go out so early. I attribute it to a bad part, bad welding seams, etc., but Nissan Consumer Affairs - zero assistance as they didn't even want to discuss the situation and only said "your car is out of warranty", but I wanted to discuss the "warranty on the part" failing shortly after the 12 month mark. I'm sure it's the same, but any work at a Nissan dealership is only has a warranty for a year. The Service Manager is working issues and will work with lowering the price of everything if all else fails, as he thinks Nissan USA needs to take action, but now I worry about keeping this Maxima. I like it, but can't be dealing with potentially 2K or more replacements of HVAC box if this happens a third time. Any opinions or experiences on this? Thanks all!

 

Sorry to hear of these problems. I think the degradation is more about time than miles travelled. Your 16 might be approaching 10 years old if it was placed in service in 2015. Report back on outcome

 

Robtroxel - Thanks for the reply. I agree, time versus mileage is probably the case for the compressor and for the first HVAC box replacement, but when the HVAC box was replaced in October 2022, and now just came up this week when A/C was not working that the 1 1/2 year old HVAC box is leaking, that is a problem. That wouldn't be a time issue, but I suspect a QA/QC problem with the parts, unless it was installed wrong, but I've had three Maxima's and have used this dealership since 2007 and really had no issues. This is why I was hoping Nissan Consumer Affairs would step up to the plate since the part only out of the 1-year warranty and didn't even come close to to the 12K mileage (only 4200 miles). Do agree that the car is approaching 10 years old and time would be a factor for the compressor and the first/original HVAC box, but the replacement is another story. The dealership has messages out to the Regional Manager to see if there is anything they can do, but regardless, I probably need to get an extended warranty since I would be worried about the HVAC box going out again in another 1 to 2 years. I would hope not and I just had the bad luck of a bad part. Thanks.

 

Yeah, that does suck, man, especially being just out of the 1-year warranty. Unfortunately, I feel consumer affairs is going to chalk this one up as a one-off situation unless, of course, there have been other complaints (and from the looks of the lack of replies, not too many people have had the same experience as you). Bummer. I personally have a 2016 as well and have had no issues whatsoever with my baby. The actual reason for my reply was to chime in on your extended warranty comment, more specifically about Endurance. If you haven't already made your decision on them, I can definitely recommend them. I've been doing business with them for several years now, on two of my vehicles, and have nothing but positive things to say about them. Every step of the process has always been smooth. Most importantly, I've never had a claim denied or even experienced any back-and-forth haggling. As you can tell, I'm a fan. Let me know if you have any questions about them or the process, and let us all know what you hear back from Nissan. Thanks and good luck to you.

 

1983eam - Thanks for the reply. It is unfortunate, but going to have to suck up the bill on that and the compressor. Dropped of the car today and the dealership is working a discount for me. The Service Manager still has not hear from his Regional Manager, so there is a little hope that at least the HVAC box parts/labor will be covered. Love the Max, my third one. I guess just bad luck I received a bad part. Thanks for the comments on Endurance. I'm finding a lot of good information about them. I understand that once you go with Endurance there is a 30 day wait, but was not sure if it's a 30 day wait/1000 mile wait, which I understand is to eliminate people trying to get a warranty to cover an existing/immediate problem. Since the dealership I use has no issues with them and all the information I found, I will probably go with them. Hopefully in a week when I get back into town, I'll have good news that Nissan is covering the HVAC box, but not holding my breath. Thanks!

 

Thanks for the info on Endurance. Stuff isn't cheap. I just got a quote from them for my 2017 with 50,000 miles for 5 years of coverage - top of the line plan - at a cost of $6,220.00. You can't pay it early.. you have to pay monthly for 3 years. Maybe that's good. The rep also said the plans for Florida are the most expensive in the US. He also said the lower level plans are only $10-13 a month cheaper with worse coverage. Also there is a $100 per visit deductible. and the waiting period is 30 days AND 1,000 miles. Nothing will be covered until both 30 days and 1,000 miles have expired. You still make payments during this waiting period. Even if it take two months to hit the 1,000 mile requirement. So, lots to think about.

 

Just DIY replaced mine with factory parts—HVAC box, new expansion valve, new receiver/dryer, and system recharge. All in, my cost was $1,000.00.

super time consuming job. On the plus side, my wife individually cleaned each and every component that I removed. Talk about detailed. Also since I had to drain it anyway, I replaced the radiator coolant.

 

Well Robtoxel - my Max is back up and running with the AC. The dealership replaced the HVAC box and I had the compressor problem. My issue was with the HVAC box failing less than a year and a half and less than 4K or so. The service manager is still working issues with Nissan so I may or may not get a full or partial refund on the repair of the HVAC box. The dealership did cut back on the cost, and it was 4K for both. Still a lot, but AC is working. I did notice when I got home that my security indicator light won't turn off when the car engine is on and when I'm driving...solid red car with the key, not blinking like it would when you first start the car up and/or when you arm the car. So it appears that with the removal for the dashboard to get to the HVAC box, they didn't hook something up right. The dealership is aware and fully working with me on that, but annoying that I have to deal with that. Either case, looking into the extended warranty as previously discussed in the thread. Don't want to pay for another HVAC box, but at least the dealership is not letting this issue die, they are pushing this through their various contacts to corporate, especially when they had another two Maxima's come in with HVAC box issues. Has to be faulty manufactured part, at least in my case. Thanks all for the comments and info! Cheers!

 

After all this you can conclude the parts and quality were set to expire sooner than later! But then again a lifetime for Nissan might just be 4 years and 36000 miles. .The Maxima was such a great car when new. Now not so sure!. Are the Toyotas holding up any better? Avalons seem to be Lexus like in quality.

 

My wife has a Toyota Camry and it's held up well and going strong at 120K. This was definitely a manufacturer defect, even the dealership says the same thing. I took a look at the old HVAC box and could see the evaporator coil inside. Appears to have a weld seam that leaked and of course when there is a leak on Nissan HVAC boxes, it comes out green since a dye is added to the system so they know when there is a leak. I know I'm pushing time versus mileage on my 2016 (only 54K), but very disappointing on this Max. This is my third one. Never had any issues with the 2011 or 2007 Maxima. Now I have another issue related to the repair. When the AC is used, I stop and turn off the engine, I can hear a howling noise coming from the AC lines area, on the left side of the engine. Appears to be coming from that main AC line. Only does it when AC is used, and when I turn off the engine. The noise is about 13 seconds or so and slowly dies out. I have no idea what is making this. The HVAC box and AC compressor were replaced. I told the dealership, and they will take care of this issue, but really, this issue after I just forked out 4K for repairs. See the MPEG video attached. I don't know what this is. AC is nice and cold, but this is not normal for this noise to occur after the engine is off and I put my ear to the AC line and it's coming from that. Maybe a pressure issue?

 

i wonder if a purge and refill of the A/C might help here. Definitely not normal Stay on record with service mgr about this. SAs the saga goes on.

 

Rob - I thought of that since the issue/noise appears in the AC line. I did send the dealership the video and the service representative and mechanic reviewed it. They have no idea what it is. I did notice this morning that it does make the noise when the AC is engaged when the car is on, only about 10 seconds or so. I noticed this when the AC was at the lowest fan speed level, which I didn't hear before when the fan speed was higher. I also noticed a chugging noise at AC startup. Normally I've always heard just a minor click noise, which I assume is the AC compressor clutch engaging when the AC is turned on. So definitely the dealership will look at it. Unlike some other folks with some dealership issues, the dealership I use in San Antonio is pretty good. They have looked at past minor issues when I brought in for that and an oil change and threw in the oil change for free. I'll keep you all posted since it might help others in the future. Thanks.

 

Rob - I thought of that since the issue/noise appears in the AC line. I did send the dealership the video and the service representative and mechanic reviewed it. They have no idea what it is. I did notice this morning that it does make the noise when the AC is engaged when the car is on, only about 10 seconds or so. I noticed this when the AC was at the lowest fan speed level, which I didn't hear before when the fan speed was higher. I also noticed a chugging noise at AC startup. Normally I've always heard just a minor click noise, which I assume is the AC compressor clutch engaging when the AC is turned on. So definitely the dealership will look at it. Unlike some other folks with some dealership issues, the dealership I use in San Antonio is pretty good. They have looked at past minor issues when I brought in for that and an oil change and threw in the oil change for free. I'll keep you all posted since it might help others in the future. Thanks.

 

I think you're giving the dealership way too much credit. I'd be more pissed.

 

Absolutely, unbelievable. It appears the new compressor installed was a bad new part. So they are installing another compressor. Also, they found a pigtail connector was not secure/fully in place, causing the security indicator light to stay on. This was my concern from the beginning when so much had to be removed to get to the HVAC box. At this point, I'll believe everything when I get my car back. At least the dealership gave me a free loaner to use, the least they could do for the inconvenience, but did ask the Service Manager that he needs to report this incident to higher channels. Who knows how many other people have experienced bad parts. Appears Nissan parts are not like they used to be and appear cheaply made or just bad QA/QC wherever they are made. Unfortunately, this Maxima will be my last Nissan. Based on the current issues, may only hold onto it for a while longer and look into another car brand to replace it with.

 

Regarding the Endurance warranty, I went through the online process to get a better idea on the price. I was presented with $3434.70 for the Supreme Plan, with 10% off, so closer to $3K. The only thing I can't find before doing anything (been trying to work this out online, but have not called them) is the Supreme plan coverage for months/miles, whichever comes first. I also looked into Nissan Security Plus which would be $4604.00, that would go into effect immediately, no wait time in months or miles, but they do send an inspector to come and look at your car. They are more pricey, and that is only for 48 months/48K, whichever comes first. Endurance looks good, and God forbid, would cover an HVAC box replacement if I have to go through that nightmare again, and the Supreme plan does cover a lot, and Gunn Nissan said they don't have an issue with them either, which is a plus, compared to other extended warranties that are a nightmare for both the dealership and the customer. Let me know any additional information you may have. Thanks!

 

Ok, here is an update on my car. Please do not give me any grief about using the dealership. The dealership has been working with me as much as possible, but Nissan Consumer Affairs is the usual speed bump.

So I took the car in for no AC cold air blowing, ended up I needed an HVAC box replacement when it was previously replaced under warranty a year and half before, so I had to suck up the cost on that, and the fact that my AC compressor was failing. There was no indication at all, i.e., noise and such, just some black material coming out, apparently clutch material. So the HVAC box replacement, no problem. They replaced my factory installed AC compressor with a Value Advantage compressor (apparently there is Value Advantage OEM line that Nissan uses and they have the Nissan OE line). That replaced compressor made a bunch of noise when engaged (AC turned on/engaged at button, could really hear it when AC blower was low, a fluttering almost struggling noise, also heard at various times while driving), and noise in the AC lines. So the dealership replaced that Value Advantage AC compressor with another one. That one didn't even work - brand new bad part right out of the box. So they had to replace that AC compressor with another Value Advantage AC compressor. AC is super cold, but the AC compressor still makes weird noises when I engage/turn on the AC button. When AC is off, no noise in the engine compartment; no noise when the steering wheel is turned, no other noise, only when the AC is turned on and can really hear it when the blower is low. So then I had a discussion with the dealership Service Manager and Specialist. The ONLY thing I can think of is that the AC compressor is not the same type as it came from the factory, i.e. a new Value Advantage AC compressor was installed to replace the factory AC compressor. So I asked the dealership to get a Nissan OE AC compressor to install. They are doing it, no parts/labor charges, so good there, and no previous charges on the above other than the initial HVAC box and AC compressor replacement. At this point, through exhausting research, I can't figure out why the AC compressor would make noise when you push the AC button, again, very much more noticeable when blower is at low speed, i.e., 1 bar. Previously when I would turn on my AC I would hear a click, assuming that is the AC clutch engaging, and nothing else. I have NO IDEA if this Nissan OE compressor will resolve the problem. I have an appoint on Monday, the 2nd of September to drop off the car. My Max only has less than 54K in miles on it, and I already know that folks have commented on time versus mileage for part possibly going out, but I'm at loss if my AC compressor makes the same noise again, with an Nissan OE, exact factory replacement, is installed. It's the only thing I can think of, but have zero confidence this will resolve the situation. It may resolve it to my surprise, I guess I'll see next week. Has anyone experienced problems with Value Advantage parts, specifically an AC compressor? Sorry for the long message. Appreciate any response. Thanks.

 

Problem solved with the AC compressor. It was a problem with the Nissan Value Advantage parts line. The Nissan OEM compressor had zero issues, zero noise. I also learned that with all the various extended warranties like Endurance (except Nissan Security Plus), will opt for Value Advantage Nissan parts, not the factory Nissan OEM parts. Regardless, I like this Maxima, the last generation of this type, and will get an extended warranty to not worry about future issues. So back to happy driving!

 

I'm glad to hear your issue is finally resolved with OEM parts.

I know we'll disagree on this, but extended warranties are never in the consumer's favor. You're better of purchasing a more reliable car ie. Toyota/Lexus

 

2016 Maxima Platium, 51K miles. At the dealer, thought it was blend doors, nope HVAC box and freon leak, have to replace both. The bill will not be pretty. Not living in the south w/o AC.