P0780 on NISSAN MAXIMA — Shift Error

Q: "What does P0780 mean on a NISSAN MAXIMA?"

"P0780 indicates: Shift Error. This is a transmission code. 2 NISSAN MAXIMA owners have reported this to NHTSA."

Q: "What are the most common causes of P0780 on NISSAN MAXIMA?"

"Based on 2 NHTSA reports, the most commonly cited components are: Power Train. These percentages are based on the component field in owner complaints."

Q: "Is P0780 serious on my NISSAN MAXIMA?"

"Of 2 NHTSA reports for this code on NISSAN MAXIMA, none involved a crash or fire. However, any diagnostic code should be evaluated by a qualified mechanic."

Q: "What should I do if my NISSAN MAXIMA shows P0780?"

"1) Check for recalls on your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 2) Get a professional diagnosis — a code alone doesn't identify the exact failed part. 3) Get 2-3 repair estimates to compare."

What P0780 Means on Your NISSAN MAXIMA

P0780 is a diagnostic trouble code indicating: Shift Error. This code relates to the transmission system. The vehicle's computer detected a condition outside normal operating parameters and stored this code.

2 NISSAN MAXIMA owners have reported this issue to NHTSA across model years 2005-2006. Most reports come from the 2005, 2006 model years. The most commonly reported component is Power Train (100.0% of reports).

Real NISSAN MAXIMA Owner Reports

Source: NHTSA Complaints Database

"When in low gears 1-2, 2-3 gears jerks. high rev then strong jerk. felt like gears slipped. car then became sluggish and would not power of 5mph. check engine light came on. had car checked code p0780 showed. shift malfunction. this seems to be on going with maxima 04-06."

— 2005 NISSAN MAXIMA owner · POWER TRAIN · Filed 03/16/2013

"I would like to add to the growing number of concerned consumers that are experiencing the same problem that i'm having with my 2006 nissan maxima sl transmission. i purchased this vehicle in august 09. i currently have 64,000 miles and had the vehicle less than 2yrs."

— 2006 NISSAN MAXIMA owner · POWER TRAIN · Filed 05/31/2011

All reports filed by vehicle owners directly with the U.S. Department of Transportation.

📊 Complaint Trend by Model Year

1

'05

1

'06

Common Causes on NISSAN MAXIMA

Based on NHTSA complaint component analysis for this vehicle.

POWER TRAIN 100%

What To Do Next

1
Check for recalls on YOUR VIN
Go to nhtsa.gov/recalls and enter your VIN. If your vehicle is covered, repairs are free.
2
Get a proper diagnosis
A code alone doesn't tell you the exact failed part. A diagnostic at a shop ($50–$150) pinpoints the root cause before you spend money on parts.
3
Compare repair quotes
Get 2–3 quotes. Dealer vs. independent shop prices often differ 30–50% for the same repair.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does P0780 mean on a NISSAN MAXIMA? ▾

P0780 indicates: Shift Error. This is a transmission code. 2 NISSAN MAXIMA owners have reported this to NHTSA.

What are the most common causes of P0780 on NISSAN MAXIMA? ▾

Based on 2 NHTSA reports, the most commonly cited components are: Power Train. These percentages are based on the component field in owner complaints.

Is P0780 serious on my NISSAN MAXIMA? ▾

Of 2 NHTSA reports for this code on NISSAN MAXIMA, none involved a crash or fire. However, any diagnostic code should be evaluated by a qualified mechanic.

What should I do if my NISSAN MAXIMA shows P0780? ▾

1) Check for recalls on your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 2) Get a professional diagnosis — a code alone doesn't identify the exact failed part. 3) Get 2-3 repair estimates to compare.

P0780 on Other Vehicles

→ All codes reported on NISSAN MAXIMA