3.5L V6 DOHC Engine Complete Assembly for 2016-2023 Nissan Maxima - Front
Product Notes Read before buying
This engine fits 2016-2023 Nissan Maxima models with the 3.5L V6 (VQ35DE) engine and front-wheel drive. Please verify that the 4th digit of your vehicle's VIN is 'A' to ensure compatibility.
Voice or type your vehicle details and Wrenchy will confirm fitment in seconds.
Vehicle Fitment Guide
This part fits the following vehicles:
| SubmodelSUB- MODEL |
Body Style | Years | Engine | Attributes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Advance | Sedan | 2016 - 2020 | V6 3.5L | FWD | Automatic CVT |
| Exclusive | Sedan | 2016 - 2020 | V6 3.5L | FWD | Automatic CVT |
| Platinum | Sedan | 2016 - 2023 | V6 3.5L | FWD | Automatic CVT |
| S | Sedan | 2016 - 2020 | V6 3.5L | FWD | Automatic CVT |
| SL | Sedan | 2016 - 2023 | V6 3.5L | FWD | Automatic CVT |
| SR | Sedan | 2016 - 2023 | V6 3.5L | FWD | Automatic CVT |
| SV | Sedan | 2016 - 2023 | V6 3.5L | FWD | Automatic CVT |
| Platinum Reserve | Sedan | 2020 | V6 3.5L | FWD | Automatic CVT |
| 40th Anniversary Edition | Sedan | 2021 | V6 3.5L | FWD | Automatic CVT |
| 2017 - 2019, 2022 |
Know This Engine Before You Buy
The research behind our purchase interview — recalls, bulletins and real install economics for this engine family:
A quick look at your own vehicle makes sure the right engine shows up:
- Confirm the 4th digit of the VIN is 'A'
- Confirm vehicle is Front-Wheel Drive (FWD)
- Confirm vehicle is equipped with Xtronic CVT
What the install really takes — plan and budget with confidence:
Special tools this job needs:
- Engine hoist
- Load leveler
- Subframe support fixture
- Nissan-compatible diagnostic scan tool
Budget for these consumables at install:
- Upper and lower intake manifold gaskets
- Exhaust manifold gaskets
- Thermostat and thermostat housing gasket
- Valve cover gaskets
- Rear main seal
- 5.1 quarts of 0W-20 or 5W-30 synthetic engine oil
- New premium oil filter
- Nissan Blue Long Life Antifreeze/Coolant
- 6 new double-tipped iridium spark plugs
What your vehicle’s computers will need after the swap:
What’s involved: Idle Air Volume Learning, Throttle Valve Closed Position Learning, and NATS Immobilizer Re-marriage
sources differ: Arm 1 states ECU re-marriage is not required but idle relearn is needed; Arm 2 states NATS immobilizer re-marriage is required to start the vehicle. Cautiously selected 'yes' for ECU re-marriage and dealer tool requirement.
Pro tips for a smooth first start-up — hand them to whoever does the install:
- Rear Spark Plug Access (Bank 1): Replace spark plugs on the stand before installing the engine because they are located under the upper intake manifold plenum.
- Subframe Lowering: The engine cannot be easily pulled from the top without lowering the front subframe, steering rack, and suspension.
- A/C Compressor and Alternator Clearance: Alternator is tight against the block; must unbolt A/C compressor to service it.
- Immobilizer (NATS): Failing to reprogram the security system will cause a crank-no-start condition.
- CVT Cooler Lines: Be careful not to damage the lines running to the CVT transmission cooler during removal and installation.
- Sensor Connectors: Plastic connectors can become brittle and break easily.
- Ground Straps: Ensure all engine-to-chassis ground straps are clean and securely reconnected.
Easy to get right once you know them:
- Reusing Old Intake Manifold Gaskets: Causes vacuum leaks, rough idle, and lean codes.
- Assuming a Surging Idle Means a Bad Engine: High or surging idle is a classic symptom of a pending Idle Air Volume Relearn.
- Attempting to Swap into a Non-Maxima Vehicle: The physical block casting, mounting brackets, and wiring harness routing are unique to the Maxima.
- Over-Torquing the Plastic Valve Covers: Composite plastic covers can easily crack if over-tightened.
- Ignoring Immobilizer Programming: Assuming the engine is plug-and-play without budgeting for security relearn procedures.
- Coolant System Bleeding: Improper bleeding of the VQ engine can cause persistent overheating; use a vacuum-lift refiller.
Not issues with the units on this page — the manufacturer documented these for every engine of this family, wherever you buy one. Handy for your installer:
🔎 Recommended at install: Inspect CVT and perform fresh fluid exchange during engine replacement. TSB NTB17-039L / NTB15-044B.
🔎 Recommended at install: Replace failing O-ring at the vapor canister vent control valve. TSB NTB17-082b.
🔎 Recommended at install: Clean sensor or update ECU software. TSB NTB12-051 / NTB15-049.
🔎 Recommended at install: Replace gaskets and seals.
🔎 Recommended at install: Replace sensors to resolve stalling or no-start conditions.
🔎 Recommended at install: Inspect and replace timing chain components if worn.
Researched from factory recalls, TSBs and OEM service data (reference unit 300-10093-5499948). Unit-specific details — mileage, condition, warranty, freight — are covered in the checkout interview.
Policies, in plain English.
Shipping & Handling
- Ships by LTL freight on a pallet — a real freight truck, not a parcel van
- Your checkout freight quote covers delivery to your door (liftgate service included for residential addresses)
- The carrier calls ahead to schedule a delivery window — someone must be present to receive it
- Typically palletized and picked up within 2–3 business days; transit time depends on distance
120-Day Warranty
This part includes a 120-day warranty.
- If the part fails within the warranty window, we'll replace it or refund per the coverage terms
- Coverage is parts-only — installation labor is not included
- Warranty covers defects — not installation errors, misuse, or damage after installation
Your pre-purchase interview reviews these exact terms with you before anything is charged.
Returns (30 Days)
We accept returns of uninstalled parts within 30 days of delivery for this part.
- Defective parts: We will replace the part or issue a refund at our discretion
- Programming: "Needs to be programmed to my vehicle" is not a valid return reason. Many modules require dealer programming — we're happy to help connect you with resources if your dealer says it's not programmable
- Return shipping: This part ships by freight (LTL) — the part price is refundable per the terms above, but shipping costs are non-refundable and return freight follows the seller's return terms. Your pre-purchase interview walks through the exact numbers before you buy
- Parts must be returned in original packaging and unmodified condition
- Poorly packaged returns that arrive damaged will not be credited
Damaged in Shipping?
Freight damage is rare — and you're fully protected when you do two things at delivery:
- Inspect before you sign — you're allowed time to look the pallet over while the driver waits
- Write any damage on the delivery receipt before signing — that one line is what makes a freight claim succeed
- Severe damage? Refuse the delivery — it goes back at no cost to you and we make it right
- Photograph the pallet before unwrapping; report concealed damage within 24 hours of delivery
We handle the carrier claim — you just help document it. Your pre-purchase interview walks through this checklist too.
Order Cancellation
Cancel before shipment for a full refund. Once the pallet has been built, a preparation charge may apply — and once the freight carrier picks it up, shipping costs are non-refundable and standard return terms apply. Your pre-purchase interview shows the exact numbers before you pay.
Expert Guides
2016-2023 Nissan Maxima 3.5L VQ35DE V6: Problems, Identification, and Used Replacement
Identify the exact VQ35DE variant for your Maxima, learn what causes timing chain or oil seal failures, and know when replacing with a used OEM engine is the smartest financial move.
Read Full Guide →Related Trouble Codes (OBD-II)
2 matching guidesIf your scan tool is showing one of these trouble codes, this part is a common fix. Each guide explains the code, how to diagnose it, and exactly what to replace.
Miscellaneous Information
OEM Part Numbers:
Nissan: 101024RMAX, 391212C000
Fits Years: 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023
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This unit ships with the selling yard's 120-day warranty. Longer plans can be requested during checkout.
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