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I own a 2016 Maxima Platinum (purchased new) with total of 62K miles and curious as to whether anyone has experienced AC evaporator issues with their 2016 Maxima? Mine was replaced in December 2021 after a freon smell took over the interior cabin. Two years later, noticed the same smell and, sure enough, had to have the AC evaporator replaced again! First time was under extended warranty. Not so lucky the second time. Neither dealer nor Nissan Consumer Affairs would budge on 12 month/12K warranty of first repair. Judging by how often I replace an AC coil in my home (average 10 years), I have to wonder whether the first repair may have used a defective part or whether the Maxima may have issues causing this problem to repeat. Also, any suggestions for filing a complaint with Nissan? AC coils should not go bad after two years and roughly 10K miles! Thank you.
I own a 2016 Maxima Platinum (purchased new) with total of 62K miles and curious as to whether anyone has experienced AC evaporator issues with their 2016 Maxima? Mine was replaced in December 2021 after a freon smell took over the interior cabin. Two years later, noticed the same smell and, sure enough, had to have the AC evaporator replaced again! First time was under extended warranty. Not so lucky the second time. Neither dealer nor Nissan Consumer Affairs would budge on 12 month/12K warranty of first repair. Judging by how often I replace an AC coil in my home (average 10 years), I have to wonder whether the first repair may have used a defective part or whether the Maxima may have issues causing this problem to repeat. Also, any suggestions for filing a complaint with Nissan? AC coils should not go bad after two years and roughly 10K miles! Thank you.
Igoldman - if you look at the other threads on this issue, I had the exact (almost) mirror-image problem you had. I had to suck up the cost on the repair. Just picked up my car today. In my case, it was an HVAC box/evaporator that failed less than a year and half with less than 4K of miles. Consumer Affairs could care less. The dealership worked with me, gave me a discount and they are working to push this through channels around Consumer Affairs as they see this should have been an authorized "good will" fix. I'll post on any updates, but for now, being in San Antonio, the AC is working, but also looking for an extended warranty...I only have 54K on my 2016 Maxima.
Well I also live in San Antonio tx I have a 2016 maxima sr with 63k miles just got it like last December and a month and a half ago it was blowing not cold like warm took it to my mechanic he said it was a pound and a half low on Freon. Charged it up added dye in it month half goes by it’s blowing not cold again. Can’t find a leak anywhere says it’s prob the evap coil wtf! So this is some bs it’s pretty clear things are not build like they used to be anymore there’s no high standard for quality anymore.haven’t had this cere for a year yet whole reason I bought this car was because my wife’s old 2003 Hyundai was costing us to much money one thing after another and the final straw was the ac compressed went out so I sold it and found this maxima really excited about it at any rate my mechanic told me the whole center console and dash assembly has to come out I seen the video on it and I hope when it’s done there is not any miscellaneous screws left over and hopefully won’t have a bunch of vibrating dash issues when it’s done. He said this is not a quick job to do so I’m really pissed about this hopefully it last longer than yal experiences but I won’t be surprised considering the quality on things is crap I’m tempted to just repair it and sell it and get something else at this point
Last edited by Glazeblack16maxima; Aug 13, 2024 at 05:39 AM.
Well I also live in San Antonio tx I have a 2016 maxima sr with 63k miles just got it like last December and a month and a half ago it was blowing not cold like warm took it to my mechanic he said it was a pound and a half low on Freon. Charged it up added dye in it month half goes by it’s blowing not cold again. Can’t find a leak anywhere says it’s prob the evap coil wtf! So this is some bs it’s pretty clear things are not build like they used to be anymore there’s no high standard for quality anymore.haven’t had this cere for a year yet whole reason I bought this car was because my wife’s old 2003 Hyundai was costing us to much money one thing after another and the final straw was the ac compressed went out so I sold it and found this maxima really excited about it at any rate my mechanic told me the whole center console and dash assembly has to come out I seen the video on it and I hope when it’s done there is not any miscellaneous screws left over and hopefully won’t have a bunch of vibrating dash issues when it’s done. He said this is not a quick job to do so I’m really pissed about this hopefully it last longer than yal experiences but I won’t be surprised considering the quality on things is crap I’m tempted to just repair it and sell it and get something else at this point
I'm sorry to hear you're having the same problem. This appears to be popping up more often. Two other Maxima's at Gunn Dealership here in San Antonio had the same issue. I believe a 2017 and a 2019. I like the Maxima, my third one, but the HVAC box/evap core is an expensive fix, mainly labor due to removing the whole dashboard as you already know. I have never had any issues with my 2007 or 2011 Maxima. I'm looking to get an extended warranty since the previous one that I purchased through USAA expired earlier this year. With the HVAC box and compressor being replaced, an extended warranty would have cost as much or a bit less than this recent repair. It is probably more in labor at the dealership, but rather have Gunn do the work with Nissan technicians/mechanics. I agree, there is a problem with the parts. Definitely a QA/QC issue, especially when my part failed a year and a half after installation. I can "possibly" see if the part replaced was not OEM, since usually OEM is better than aftermarket, but this was a Nissan OEM part. It is disappointing. Keep us posted on your outcome. After you get the work done, do a full check on all electronics; steering wheel buttons, information display, infotainment system, controls near shift ****, etc. Also, be aware of any odd noises after the repair. My car is currently back at the dealership since I had a weird gurgling noise after the car is shut off after using the AC, and a fluttering noise when engaging the AC that can be heard in the cabin. You'll hear a click of the compressor engaging, but there shouldn't be other noises. When I got home with my car and noticed these issues, I immediately took videos of them and notified the dealership. Gunn has been good at working issues, but this is a first (other than the previous HVAC box failure), that I had to return to the dealership just after replacing parts. Glad they put me in a free Nissan Rogue to use in the meantime. Keep us posted on your results.
The total was 4K for both (the dealership knocked off some of the bill since Nissan Consumer Affairs didn't want to assist), but this was not only the HVAC box/evap core, but I also had a bad compressor. The compressor was not the complaint though, although now I have an issue (a bad new compressor was installed, and they are installing another one today), but the HVAC box failing again, after only a year and a half. The previous one that failed in 2022 was covered under my extended warranty, but of course, my warranty expired earlier this year. The cost for the HVAC box OEM part is about 900 dollars, so labor is the bulk of the bill, probably at least 2K based on the installation process your aware of.
I called world car Nissan on i35 near 1604 today and they said it would be 1500 labor like close to 2500$ total. my mechanic Can do it for less than that so I will have him do it but he’s busy so hopefully in the next couple weeks he can knock it out he doesn’t sound really eager to do this I don’t blame him. I’m pretty livid about it as well. Considering the car isn’t that old. Just make me wonder if I pump out this money if something else substantial will fail. I’m little paranoid love the car a lot but makes me stressed. Saddest thing is I just spend $3000 on new wheels and tires like 2 months ago and all of the sudden it started blowing hot 🥵
Last edited by Glazeblack16maxima; Aug 14, 2024 at 05:49 PM.
I called world car Nissan on i35 near 1604 today and they said it would be 1500 labor like close to 2500$ total. my mechanic Can do it for less than that so I will have him do it but he’s busy so hopefully in the next couple weeks he can knock it out he doesn’t sound really eager to do this I don’t blame him. I’m pretty livid about it as well. Considering the car isn’t that old. Just make me wonder if I pump out this money if something else substantial will fail. I’m little paranoid love the car a lot but makes me stressed. Saddest thing is I just spend $3000 on new wheels and tires like 2 months ago and all of the sudden it started blowing hot 🥵
The cost for this is very stressful. I only went with Gunn Nissan since I've used them for 2 past Maxima's since 2007. Never really had any issues until this HVAC box. Just wish for the second time, I wish I had an extended warranty. I understand there are some bad OEM parts, but I don't trust any parts at this point. I only had mine done at the dealer since I know the mechanics were very familiar with removing and replacing the dash, minus the hic-up with the Security Indicator Light that has since been plugged back in with no problem. Taking out the whole dash by a generic auto repair store in San Antonio I was not comfortable with, but it all comes down to cost, so I hope your mechanic pays attention to detail to ensure everything is put back together right, but like I said previously, check all functions of your dash, infotainment center, center console switches, etc. Further, what is the warranty for parts/labor does your mechanic offer? Good luck and let us know how it goes.
My parents own a used car dealership family owned for 50plus years And also run and own the mechanic shop I have known the mechanic for over 20 years he’s totally capable of gettin it done he’s very meticulous and he knows how I am about my cars anyways.
Thanks for posting. My 2016 Nissan Maxima, oddly enough also purchased from Gunn Nissan, has the same problem. 78K miles. I noticed a bad smell suddenly coming from the vents on startup a few months ago, thought maybe the coils needed cleaning or something died in there. Nope, that was the smell of refrigerant (probably not healthy…). Now that it’s hot it’s obvious the A/C isn’t cooling adequately. Car is in the shop right now.
Have you all had any luck with Nissan warrantying the replacement parts for a more reasonable amount of time? I don’t want to be paying for this repair on an annual basis.
Originally Posted by lgoldman
I own a 2016 Maxima Platinum (purchased new) with total of 62K miles and curious as to whether anyone has experienced AC evaporator issues with their 2016 Maxima? Mine was replaced in December 2021 after a freon smell took over the interior cabin. Two years later, noticed the same smell and, sure enough, had to have the AC evaporator replaced again! First time was under extended warranty. Not so lucky the second time. Neither dealer nor Nissan Consumer Affairs would budge on 12 month/12K warranty of first repair. Judging by how often I replace an AC coil in my home (average 10 years), I have to wonder whether the first repair may have used a defective part or whether the Maxima may have issues causing this problem to repeat. Also, any suggestions for filing a complaint with Nissan? AC coils should not go bad after two years and roughly 10K miles! Thank you.
Thanks for posting. My 2016 Nissan Maxima, oddly enough also purchased from Gunn Nissan, has the same problem. 78K miles. I noticed a bad smell suddenly coming from the vents on startup a few months ago, thought maybe the coils needed cleaning or something died in there. Nope, that was the smell of refrigerant (probably not healthy…). Now that it’s hot it’s obvious the A/C isn’t cooling adequately. Car is in the shop right now.
Have you all had any luck with Nissan warrantying the replacement parts for a more reasonable amount of time? I don’t want to be paying for this repair on an annual basis.
I called Nissan to see how much they were charging to do the work my maxima sr has 63k miles they told me it’s like 1500 labor around 2500$ total to do it’s with a 12 month warranty or 10k miles which ever comes first
Thanks for posting. My 2016 Nissan Maxima, oddly enough also purchased from Gunn Nissan, has the same problem. 78K miles. I noticed a bad smell suddenly coming from the vents on startup a few months ago, thought maybe the coils needed cleaning or something died in there. Nope, that was the smell of refrigerant (probably not healthy…). Now that it’s hot it’s obvious the A/C isn’t cooling adequately. Car is in the shop right now.
Have you all had any luck with Nissan warrantying the replacement parts for a more reasonable amount of time? I don’t want to be paying for this repair on an annual basis.
Selz, I've had zero luck with Nissan Consumer Affairs. Apparently in the past, probably 3 or more years ago, they would work with the customer and dealer on such a repair that is just outside the 12 months/12,000 mile warranty, but not so much recently. They didn't even want to come close to helping and kept discussing the overall car warranty that ended, but the discussion was about the HVAC box replacement warranty. I was only out of the warranty for about 6 months. Now Gunn Service Manager is still working with his higher authority (not Consumer Affairs) to work the situation, but I assume he won't get anywhere. Apparently, from what I'm hearing from Gunn is that there is serious problems with Nissan at the Corporate level as far as the lack of consumer care they used to have. Unfortunately, they said this all started when the new CEO came on board years ago. Feel your pain on this HVAC box. The first one was covered by my extended warranty that expired early this year, the second, came out of my pocket, but have zero faith in the part, so looking at another extended warranty.
Selz, I've had zero luck with Nissan Consumer Affairs. Apparently in the past, probably 3 or more years ago, they would work with the customer and dealer on such a repair that is just outside the 12 months/12,000 mile warranty, but not so much recently. They didn't even want to come close to helping and kept discussing the overall car warranty that ended, but the discussion was about the HVAC box replacement warranty. I was only out of the warranty for about 6 months. Now Gunn Service Manager is still working with his higher authority (not Consumer Affairs) to work the situation, but I assume he won't get anywhere. Apparently, from what I'm hearing from Gunn is that there is serious problems with Nissan at the Corporate level as far as the lack of consumer care they used to have. Unfortunately, they said this all started when the new CEO came on board years ago. Feel your pain on this HVAC box. The first one was covered by my extended warranty that expired early this year, the second, came out of my pocket, but have zero faith in the part, so looking at another extended warranty.
at this point I don’t have any warranty on. The vehicle was that I’m aware of. So I’m completely out of pocket. If this happens again I will be selling it and going with another automotive manufacturer company I love my maxima sr it’s a nice vehicle and drives nice does great in gas and is a pretty peppy vehicle. And fun to drive. It if this happens again. Won’t hesitate to sell it and get something else I was looking at getting the 2023 Acura tlx aspec with technology package. Just couldn’t find one for a good price I found the 2016maxima sr last November with 62k miles it now has 64k miles I paid 18500 has every option you can get on The maxima for it though it was a good deal. But like I Said if it happens again I won’t be spending almost 3k on it it will be sold and spend as a new down payment on a Acura. Fingers crossed because I really like this car and don’t want to go through all that hassle.
at this point I don’t have any warranty on. The vehicle was that I’m aware of. So I’m completely out of pocket. If this happens again I will be selling it and going with another automotive manufacturer company I love my maxima sr it’s a nice vehicle and drives nice does great in gas and is a pretty peppy vehicle. And fun to drive. It if this happens again. Won’t hesitate to sell it and get something else I was looking at getting the 2023 Acura tlx aspec with technology package. Just couldn’t find one for a good price I found the 2016maxima sr last November with 62k miles it now has 64k miles I paid 18500 has every option you can get on The maxima for it though it was a good deal. But like I Said if it happens again I won’t be spending almost 3k on it it will be sold and spend as a new down payment on a Acura. Fingers crossed because I really like this car and don’t want to go through all that hassle.
I was looking at the same Acura as a potential replacement, but since I've had this car paid off since about 2019, and it appears an extended warranty would be around 3K, I might go with the extended warranty versus having a 35-40K car loan, after trade-in, monthly payments with the full amount not going to the principle, etc. Been evaluating the numbers. Sure, keeping my Max Platinum which I like a lot, with an extended warranty, may give me a headache if something or the same thing happens again, but it will be covered. Additionally, I'm finding out that Nissan has two parts lines; Nissan OE (Original Equipment) and Nissan Value Advantage OEM. Not sure I mentioned this before, but I see that Value Advantage, even though they are meeting the OEM specifications, may be the problem with some of these parts Not sure if the HVAC box replacement was Value Advantage or Nissan OE. I want original equipment, not third-party parts that meet Nissan OEM specifications. Not sure if anyone else knows about Value Advantage. I heard this from the folks at the dealership. In either case, this particular HVAC box problem is frustrating, and more frustrating is the quality of the parts.
This is just me but I sell my cars outright I never trade them in you won’t get what your cars worth on a trade in ever. I haven’t had a problem selling any of my cars privately. Ya I’m getting it fixed I love the car my sr is pretty clean just pray 🙏 I don’t have any other issues I just got new wheels and tires out on it in may too so they’re tires are waaaay better that the Goodyears that were on here
Scary to see this but it’s the only way to repair it it smh thanks Nissan….. I feel these manufacturers design these vehicles on purpose in a way to make it more expensive on the customers for repairs this is how it looked yesterday morning I hope should get it back this week but🤞🏼
Well just got her back and she’s blowing ice cold now 😀 she’s super dirty goin to do a full detail tomorrow morning. No vibrating noises or rattling noises seems tight and well done thanks to my mechanic I’m happy to have it back. Time to start saving money on gas again 🥹 driving this vs my f150. Glad I didn’t take it to Nissan. They wanted to charge me almost 3000$. To do the job. Total price I paid was $600. For everything the coil was 80 bucks plus the Freon and labor was 425$
i have known my mechanic for 20 years. Really reliable. Here’s a pic of the coil lots of dye on the left bottom corner. Hope all of yal are doing well Nissan peeps. Just updating the situation.
