2018 Nissan Maxima
Vehicle Specs & Maintenance Data
The 2018 Nissan Maxima maintenance specs on this page cover the key fluids, torque values, and wear items you need for routine service. Use these numbers as a quick reference when performing oil changes, tire rotations, brake jobs, and other scheduled maintenance on your Nissan Maxima.
For oil changes, the 2018 Nissan Maxima takes 5W-30 Full Synthetic motor oil with a capacity of 4.6 quarts. Brake fluid type is DOT 3, the recommended coolant is Blue Long Life Coolant (OAT), and transmission fluid is Nissan Matic S. Always use the manufacturer-recommended fluids to maintain warranty coverage and engine longevity.
When mounting wheels on the Nissan Maxima, torque the lug nuts to 83 ft-lbs using a calibrated torque wrench. Over- or under-torquing can lead to warped brake rotors or loose wheels. Re-torque after 50 to 100 miles on newly installed wheels.
Owners of the 2018 Nissan Maxima have reported 5 common issues including "CVT Transmission Judder and Slippage", "Automatic Emergency Braking False Warnings" and "Brake Switch Misadjustment Causing DTC Codes". Scroll down to the Diagnostics tab for detailed descriptions, solutions, and estimated repair costs.
There are 2 NHTSA safety recalls on file for the 2018 Nissan Maxima. Check the Recalls tab below for full details.
Specifications on this page are compiled from multiple publicly available sources including manufacturer documentation, NHTSA data, and automotive databases. Always cross-reference with your owner's manual or official factory documentation before purchasing parts or performing any service.
The 2018 Nissan Maxima uses 5W-30 Full Synthetic motor oil (4.6 qt capacity), requires lug nuts torqued to 83 ft-lbs, takes DOT 3 brake fluid.
Manufacturer-recommended maintenance schedule for the 2018 Nissan Maxima. Always verify intervals against your owner's manual.
Enter a diagnostic trouble code to see causes, symptoms, and fixes for the 2018 Nissan Maxima.
Common problems reported by 2018 Nissan Maxima owners, with recommended fixes and estimated repair costs.
CVT Transmission Judder and Slippage
The CVT exhibits shuddering during acceleration, rubber-band effect throttle response, and occasional slippage at highway speeds. Some owners report a delay between pressing the accelerator and the vehicle responding, typical of CVT belt wear.
CVT fluid replacement with NS-3 specification fluid and TCM reprogramming. TSB NTB14-012G provides CVT service procedures. If slippage is severe, the CVT assembly may require replacement.
Est. Cost: $200 - $5,000Automatic Emergency Braking False Warnings
The forward collision warning system issues false alerts and the AEB applies brakes when no obstacle is present. The issue is more prevalent in rain, near guardrails, and when approaching vehicles in adjacent lanes.
Front radar sensor recalibration and AEB system software update at the dealer. Ensure the sensor window on the front grille is clean and undamaged. Sensor replacement if recalibration does not resolve the issue.
Est. Cost: $0 - $600Brake Switch Misadjustment Causing DTC Codes
The stop lamp switch and/or brake pedal position switch may go out of adjustment, causing DTC C1142 and/or C1116 to store. This can affect cruise control, AEB function, and cause the brake lights to remain on or not illuminate properly.
TSB provides a procedure for brake switch adjustment and recalibration. The stop lamp switch position is adjusted and the system is reset. This is a straightforward service-bay repair.
Est. Cost: $100 - $250Infotainment Screen Lag and Connectivity Loss
The touchscreen infotainment system experiences significant lag when navigating menus, frequent Bluetooth disconnections, and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto connection drops. The system may also freeze and require a vehicle restart.
Update to the latest infotainment software version at the dealer. Performing a factory reset and re-pairing all devices. Replacing the USB cable with an OEM-approved cable for CarPlay/Android Auto.
Est. Cost: $0 - $200Steering Column Nut Loosening and Clunking
A clunking or creaking noise emanates from the steering column while turning or driving over bumps. The noise is caused by the steering column nut loosening from vibration and road impacts, creating play in the column assembly.
Retorquing the steering column nut to specification and applying thread-locking compound. If the nut or column components are worn, replacement of the affected parts may be necessary.
Est. Cost: $100 - $4002 NHTSA safety recalls for the 2018 Nissan Maxima. Check your VIN at NHTSA.gov
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP
Park OutsideNissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2015-2018 Nissan Murano, 2016-2018 Nissan Maxima, and 2017-2019 Nissan Pathfinder and Infiniti QX60 vehicles. These vehicles were previously recalled and unrepaired, or inspected and determined to not need a repair, under recall number 18V-601. In addition, this recall expands the previous population. The Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) actuator pumps may allow brake fluid to leak onto an internal circuit board.
A brake fluid leak on the circuit board may result in an electrical short, increasing the risk of a fire.
Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will replace the ABS actuator, free of charge. Owners will receive a second notice when remedy parts become available, currently expected to be during summer 2020. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-867-7669. Note: If the ABS warning light remains illuminated for more than 10 seconds after engine start up, owners are advised to park the vehicle outdoors away from other vehicles or structures and to not drive the vehicle.
BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Nissan Altima, Armada, Frontier, Kicks, Leaf, Maxima, Murano, NV, NV200, Pathfinder, Rogue, Rogue Sport, Sentra, Titan, Titan Diesel, Versa Note and Versa Sedan vehicles, as well as Infiniti Q50, Q60, QX30 and QX80 vehicles. Additionally included are 2019 Nissan GT-R and Taxi and Infiniti QX50, QX60, Q70, Q70L vehicles. The back-up camera and display settings can be adjusted such that the rear view image is no longer visible and the system will retain that setting the next time the vehicle is placed in reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rear Visibility."
The lack of an image in the back-up camera display increases the risk of a crash.
Nissan will notify owners in phases, having dealers update the back-up camera settings software, free of charge. The recall began November 11, 2019 and all affected VINs should be activated. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-867-7669 or INFINITI customer service at 1-800-662-6200.