Understanding P0174 on Your 2022 Nissan Maxima
Your 2022 Nissan Maxima has triggered a P0174 trouble code, meaning Bank 2 of the engine is running lean. The 2022 Maxima is equipped with a 3.5-liter V6 engine (VQ35DE) producing 300 horsepower, mated to a CVT transmission. This is one of the final model years for the Maxima, and the VQ35 V6 has Bank 2 as the rear cylinder bank near the firewall.
When the ECM detects that its fuel corrections on Bank 2 have exceeded normal limits trying to compensate for too much air or too little fuel, it stores P0174 and illuminates the check engine light.
What Symptoms to Expect
- Check engine light on
- Rough or uneven idle
- Reduced acceleration performance from the V6
- Lower fuel economy than the Maxima's rated 20/30 MPG
- Hesitation or stumble during acceleration
- Possible light misfires at idle or low RPM
Most Likely Causes
- Vacuum Leak on Bank 2 (35% likelihood) -- Intake manifold gaskets or vacuum hoses on the rear bank develop leaks with age and heat cycling.
- Dirty MAF Sensor (25% likelihood) -- The mass airflow sensor gets contaminated by oil vapor or a neglected air filter, causing it to underreport airflow.
- Bank 2 Fuel Injector Problem (25% likelihood) -- Carbon deposits or contamination restricts fuel flow through one or more rear bank injectors.
- Exhaust Leak Near Bank 2 Sensor (15% likelihood) -- A crack or loose gasket in the exhaust near the Bank 2 upstream O2 sensor causes false lean readings.
How to Diagnose It
- Scan for all codes -- Check for P0171, misfire codes, and any O2 sensor codes to see the full picture.
- Review fuel trim data -- Bank 2 LTFT above +15% confirms the lean issue. Compare both banks.
- Smoke test the intake -- Pressurize the intake and look for smoke on the rear bank.
- Test the MAF sensor -- Compare readings to VQ35DE specs at idle and 2,500 RPM.
- Check fuel pressure and injectors -- Verify fuel rail pressure and test Bank 2 injector flow rates.
Repair Options
- Fix vacuum leaks -- Replace cracked hoses, gaskets, or loose fittings on Bank 2.
- Service the MAF sensor -- Clean with dedicated spray or replace if faulty.
- Service fuel injectors -- Professional cleaning or replacement of restricted injectors.
- Repair exhaust leaks -- New exhaust gaskets or welding near the Bank 2 O2 sensor.
Estimated Repair Costs
- Vacuum leak repair: $150 - $500
- MAF sensor replacement: $180 - $420
- Fuel injector service/replacement: $300 - $720
- Exhaust leak repair: $200 - $600
The 2022 Maxima may still be under Nissan's 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty depending on mileage. Check your coverage before paying out of pocket.
Prevention Tips
- Change the air filter every 15,000-20,000 miles
- Use premium fuel as Nissan recommends for the Maxima
- Have vacuum hoses inspected during every service visit
- Don't ignore performance changes -- address issues early
- Keep up with scheduled maintenance per the owner's manual