Is the 2013 Nissan Maxima reliable?

It can be a dependable used sedan when well maintained, especially with documented service history, but long-term reliability concerns center on the CVT transmission more than the V6 engine.

What are the most common 2013 Nissan Maxima problems?

The most reported issues include CVT shudder/hesitation or failure, front suspension clunks and uneven tire wear, intermittent electrical/convenience faults, and oil seepage from aging gaskets on higher-mileage cars.

Are maintenance costs high for a 2013 Maxima?

Costs are usually moderate for routine items like brakes, tires, and fluids, but they can become high if the CVT needs major repair or replacement, which is why preventive service and inspection are so important.

What are the best years of Nissan Maxima to buy?

Many shoppers prefer well-documented examples within the 2009–2014 generation, focusing less on the exact year and more on service records, CVT condition, and how the car was driven and maintained.

What should I check before buying a used 2013 Nissan Maxima?

Test-drive it from cold and fully warm, watching for CVT shudder, RPM flare, whining, or delayed engagement; scan for stored codes; check for suspension noise and uneven tire wear; look for oil leaks; and confirm maintenance records, especially any CVT fluid service. For deeper details, get a complete owner’s guide with full specs, trim information, and the recommended maintenance schedules to help you buy and maintain a 2013 Nissan Maxima with confidence.

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Reliability AnalysisBased on known issue patterns, repair cost data, and ownership trends · How we score

2013 Nissan Maxima Reliability ReportKeepScore 68/100 · top failure points · buy or avoid

68/ 100

KeepScore

MODERATE RISK

Grade: C+

A powerful and comfortable sedan with a significant transmission liability that can quickly turn a bargain into a money pit.

Full system breakdown + what I would do

Quick Facts · 2013 Nissan Maxima

Scores 10 points below the strongest nearby year — the 2014 Nissan Maxima earns a 78.
The system most likely to surface first: continuously variable transmission (cvt) (critical severity).
No active NHTSA safety recalls on record — a clean recall slate for the 2013 model year.

2013 Nissan Maxima: Buy or Avoid?

The 2013 Nissan Maxima offers a potent V6 engine and a comfortable, near-luxury experience for its class. However, its Achilles' heel, the Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT), introduces a significant reliability concern that demands vigilant pre-purchase inspection and ongoing maintenance. This can be a compelling used car value if you are prepared for potential transmission repair.

Biggest Strengths

Robust VQ35DE V6 engine provides strong performance
Comfortable and spacious interior with good feature set for the price
Generally solid build quality outside of powertrain issues

2013 Nissan Maxima — Known Trouble Spots

The systems that break first on the 2013 Nissan Maxima. Mileage windows, repair costs, and fix-before-you-buy notes are in the full report.

Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT)critical

Electrical Systemmoderate

Suspension Componentsmoderate

Typical mileage, cost ranges, and the exact what-to-check list are in the full report.

Safety Recalls on the 2013 Nissan Maxima

No active NHTSA safety recalls on file for the 2013 Nissan Maxima. Always verify with your VIN atnhtsa.gov.

What breaks on the 2013 Nissan Maxima?

Full reliability breakdown — engine, transmission, rust, electrical. With repair costs and mileage danger zones.

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Nissan Maxima — Year-by-Year Comparison

Compare KeepScores across nearby years of the Nissan Maxima. Click any year for its full report.

All Nissan Maxima years ranked →Nissan Maxima years to avoid →Nissan Maxima common problems →

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Similar class, similar year range — ranked by KeepScore.

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Frequently Asked Questions

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