Nissan Maxima problems by model year

Updated from NHTSA data · How we count

NHTSA has 409 owner complaints and 10 recalls on file for the Nissan Maxima (2005–2023). The 2016 Maxima has the most serious complaints, most often about transmission & drivetrain.

Complaints
409
Recalls
10
Model years
18
Worst year
2016

Complaints by model year

72005772007435200929252011221320134384201666202018162220203520221
NHTSA complaints per Nissan Maxima model year. Click a bar for details.

Newer model years have had less time on the road, so they naturally have fewer complaints. Compare a year against its neighbors rather than against brand-new models.

Worst Nissan Maxima years to buy

Ranked by our severity-weighted complaint score (crashes, fires and injuries count extra — how it works).

  1. 2016 Nissan Maxima — 84 complaints, 3 crashes, 2 fires; top problem: Transmission & Drivetrain
  2. 2017 Nissan Maxima — 66 complaints, 2 crashes, 2 fires; top problem: Body & Structure
  3. 2014 Nissan Maxima — 43 complaints, 4 crashes, 1 fire; top problem: Lighting
  4. 2009 Nissan Maxima — 35 complaints, 2 crashes; top problem: Steering
  5. 2010 Nissan Maxima — 29 complaints, 2 crashes; top problem: Suspension

Fewest serious complaints among years at least 3 years old: 2023 (1 complaints).

Every Nissan Maxima model year

YearComplaintsCrashesFiresInjuriesRecallsTop problem
2023 Maxima10000Electrical System
2022 Maxima51120Body & Structure
2021 Maxima30000Body & Structure
2020 Maxima223031Body & Structure
2019 Maxima162021Engine
2018 Maxima201112Driver Assistance & Safety Tech
2017 Maxima662224Body & Structure
2016 Maxima843208Transmission & Drivetrain
2014 Maxima434120Lighting
2013 Maxima130000Lighting
2012 Maxima220100Engine
2011 Maxima250000Transmission & Drivetrain
2010 Maxima292010Suspension
2009 Maxima352020Steering
2008 Maxima40000Airbags
2007 Maxima70000Acceleration & Cruise Control
2006 Maxima71010Transmission & Drivetrain
2005 Maxima71160Engine

Most common Nissan Maxima problem areas (all years)

  • Transmission & Drivetrain
    89 complaints
  • Engine
    62 complaints
  • Electrical System
    62 complaints
  • Body & Structure
    45 complaints
  • Airbags
    44 complaints
  • Suspension
    31 complaints
  • Driver Assistance & Safety Tech
    30 complaints
  • Brakes
    30 complaints
  • Lighting
    29 complaints
  • Steering
    29 complaints

Complaint trend

2020202120222023202420252026
Complaints about the Nissan Maxima received by NHTSA each month.

Nissan Maxima recalls

  • Recall 20V570000Sep 22, 2020150 vehiclesModel years 2020

    Risk: Rear window glass that separates from the vehicle can increase the risk of a crash.

  • Recall 19V807000Nov 8, 2019391,479 vehiclesModel years 2016–2018

    Risk: A brake fluid leak on the circuit board may result in an electrical short, increasing the risk of a fire.

  • Recall 19V654000Sep 12, 20191,228,830 vehiclesModel years 2018–2019

    Risk: The lack of an image in the back-up camera display increases the risk of a crash.

  • Recall 18V601000Sep 7, 2018215,124 vehiclesModel years 2016–2017

    Risk: A brake fluid leak on the circuit board may result in an electrical short, increasing the risk of a fire.

  • Recall 16V911000Dec 19, 2016757 vehiclesModel years 2016

    Risk: If the front passenger seat occupant is misclassified, the air bag may deploy incorrectly in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of injury.

  • Recall 16V636000Sep 2, 2016120,329 vehiclesModel years 2016–2017

    Risk: A brake fluid leak onto the circuit board may result in an electrical short, increasing the risk of a fire.

  • Recall 16V244000Apr 26, 20163,296,947 vehiclesModel years 2016–2017

    Risk: If the passenger frontal air bag does not deploy as intended in the event of a crash, the passenger is at an increased risk of injury.

  • Recall 16V193000Apr 7, 201612,616 vehiclesModel years 2016

    Risk: Insufficient brake fluid pressure may lengthen the distance needed to stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

  • Recall 15V733000Nov 5, 2015119 vehiclesModel years 2016

    Risk: If the bolts were not properly tightened, the caliper may detach and reduce braking ability, increasing the risk of a crash.

  • Recall 15V486000Aug 4, 201546,846 vehiclesModel years 2016

    Risk: If fuel leaks from between the fuel sending unit and the tank, it may increase the risk of a fire in the event of a crash.

Other Nissan models

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. Methodology