Sell your 2012 Nissan Maxima for cash
The 2012 Nissan Maxima is a midsize car that came with a 3.5L 6-cyl engine. At 14 years old, many are reaching the point where repairs cost more than the car is worth. Running or not, we'll make you an offer and tow it away for free.
- Free offer for your 2012 Maxima in about 30 seconds
- Free towing, running or not
- Paid at pickup
2012 Nissan Maxima at a glance
| Body style | Midsize Cars |
|---|---|
| Engines | 3.5L 6-cyl |
| Transmissions | Automatic (AV-S6) |
| Drive | Front-Wheel Drive |
| Fuel | Premium Gasoline |
| Fuel economy | 19 city / 26 highway / 22 combined MPG |
| EPA annual fuel cost | $3,750 a year (EPA estimate at current fuel prices, 15,000 miles) |
| Tailpipe CO₂ | 404 grams per mile |
| Curb weight (NHTSA test vehicle) | 3,546 lb |
| Gross vehicle weight rating | 4,698 lb |
| Versions tested by EPA | 1 configuration |
| Age | 14 years |
Specs, fuel cost and emissions from the EPA's fueleconomy.gov data; weights from NHTSA crash-test records. Your car's exact equipment may differ.
What affects its junk value
- Age: at 14 years old, most of a 2012 Maxima's value comes from reusable parts and scrap metal, not resale.
- Weight: NHTSA's crash-test 2012 Maxima weighed 3,546 lb at curb weight. Scrap value is largely priced by weight, so this is a good starting point. See how scrap prices by weight work.
- Catalytic converter: like all gas and diesel cars, it has a catalytic converter containing precious metals, one of the most valuable parts on a junk car. An offer assumes it's still in place. More on catalytic converters.
- Known problems: owners reported the most issues with the air bags, typically around 30,000 miles. If that's what failed on yours, it can still be sold as-is.
2012 Nissan Maxima recalls
NHTSA lists no recalls for the 2012 Nissan Maxima. You can confirm with your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Common 2012 Maxima problems
Owners have filed 107 complaints about the 2012 Nissan Maxima with NHTSA. 6 reports involved a crash and 2 reports involved a fire. Owners reported 7 injuries.
Complaints are reports from owners and aren't verified by NHTSA. One complaint can list several components. Mileage is the median odometer reading owners reported for that component.
Most-reported components
Typical mileage when problems were reported
- Air Bags30,000 mi
- Unknown or Other61,000 mi
- Electrical System51,000 mi
- Power Train92,000 mi
- Engine43,000 mi
- Steering43,000 mi
2012 Nissan Maxima crash test ratings
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2012 Nissan Maxima.
| Version | Overall | Frontal crash | Side crash | Rollover | Rollover risk |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 Dr, FWD | ★★★★☆ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 10.1% |
Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (NCAP). Ratings from different model years or rating systems aren't directly comparable.
2012 Nissan Maxima service bulletins
Manufacturers have filed 115 technical service bulletins and communications with NHTSA covering the 2012 Nissan Maxima. These are repair instructions for known issues, not recalls.
Most common bulletin topics
Recent bulletins
CERTIFICATION LABEL AND VIN PLATE REPLACEMENT SERVICE INFORMATION Because of collision damage or other vehicle repair, a replacement "Certification Label" or "VIN Plate/L
CERTIFICATION LABEL AND VIN PLATE REPLACEMENT SERVICE INFORMATION Because of collision damage or other vehicle repair, a replacement "Certification Label" or "VIN Plate/L
CAN COMMUNICATION CODES - DIAGNOSTIC TIPS AND GUIDELINES This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this
CAN COMMUNICATION - NETWORK DIAGNOSTIC FLOW CHART This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulleti
Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications (technical service bulletins).
Selling a 2012 Maxima: questions
How much is a 2012 Nissan Maxima worth for junk?
It depends on its condition, whether major parts like the engine, transmission and catalytic converter are still there, and current scrap and parts prices where you live. Its parts make up much of its value. Enter your ZIP code above for a free offer on your specific car.
Can I junk a 2012 Maxima that doesn't run?
Yes. We buy 2012 Maximas that don't start, were in an accident, failed inspection or have a blown engine or transmission. Towing is always free.
What paperwork do I need to sell my 2012 Maxima?
Usually the title and a photo ID. Rules differ by state, including what to do with your plates and whether to file a notice of sale. Check our state-by-state car title guides for the official forms.
Before you sell
Sources
- EPA fuel economy data (specs and MPG)fueleconomy.gov
- NHTSA recallsnhtsa.gov
- NHTSA complaints, service bulletins and investigationsnhtsa.gov
- NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratingsnhtsa.gov
Data retrieved October 2026.
Get cash for your 2012 Maxima today
Get a free offer in minutes. Towing is always free and you get paid at pickup.