Hi I just bought a 2012 Maxima s, I was wondering should I have issues with the cvt transmission lasting the fluid has been changed regularly before I bought it. The car has 94,000 miles in it. Wondering what people think anyone have the same car and any issues with the cvt. How many miles you have in it also? Because I'm looking to mod the car just worried about the tranny never had a cvt.
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Also consider external filter replacement on the cvt as well .

 

When my car was my daily driver, I changed my CVT fluid every 50k miles. Then I bought a truck, and it took me 4 yrs to drive 50k miles in the Maxima, so now I change the fluid every 2 yrs, or 50k miles, whichever comes first. I have 196k miles on my car and I haven't had any CVT issues at all. I changed my external CVT filter at 150k miles just to be on the safe side.

 

I am having trouble with my 2012 Maxima cvt as well. I have not changed my transmission fluid ever. I am about to buy another transmission if possible.
I don't know exact mileage but I think about 250k.

 

Your CVT transmission generates an awful lot of heat. Temperatures that the Nissan
designers/engineers did not anticipate.

That is according to a Nissan TSB.
In that TSB it is recommended that
the owners of Maximas 09-14 install
An external Transmission cooler.


If you haven't done so yet. Do it now to avoid potential CVT problems.

I had a Hayden 679 Transmission cooler installed in my 2014 Maxima after the CVT was beginning to act squirrelly while driving in traffic.

Since having the Transmission cooler
installed. Things went back to normal.
haven't had any problems since.

It will cost about $60.00/eBay for the Hayden 679.
Another $100.00 for a mechanic to
Install it. Or. DIY.

I hope that helps.



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external filter, newbie here, what do u mean? what's an example of a brand and model of an external filter?

 

I have the exact same car, i bought mine in April of 2024. I have no idea when the CVT was last changed and they're saying to change it every 30k. *knock on wood* so far no issues, hopefully it stays so *fingers crossed*. New to the CVT world, i did not do my homework thorough or I would not have bought a CVT as I'm new to cars in general. My car has 160k, had about 154 when i got it (6k in 6 months basically).

 

Newbie24

External Transmission cooler.

Not. Filter.

 

Hayden 679, got it, thank you!

 

This is the external filter, its a sealed unit. You can access it by removing the driver side front wheel and remove the splash guard. 2 bolts, 2 hose lines, easy peasy. Not sure where you can buy it other than OEM from your dealer.

 

Congrats on the 2012 Maxima S! As for the CVT, regular fluid changes definitely help extend its life. My experience with CVTs has been mixed, but if yours has been well-maintained, you should be fine for a while. Just keep an eye on it, especially if you're planning to mod the car!