Nissan Maxima common problems
Owners of 2015–2023 Nissan Maxima vehicles have filed 329 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported system is engine & cooling (52% of categorised reports). Below is every reported problem area, ranked by real complaint volume, with recall and crash context — useful if you're researching this model before buying used.
- 329
- Owner complaints
- 16
- Recall campaigns
- 24
- Crash-related reports
- 27
- Injury reports
Most reported problem areas
By share of categorised NHTSA complaints across all 9 model years. Each links to what that system covers and its recall history.
How to read this before buying
Complaint volume is not the same as failure rate. A model that sold in large numbers, or one that has been on sale for many years, accumulates more complaints without necessarily being less reliable. Use these figures to learn which systems to inspect, not to rank one model against another.
The single most useful next step is to check the specific vehicle's recalls by VIN — a recall repair is free at any franchised dealer, but only if it has actually been done.
Recent safety events
Full timeline- Investigation closed2016 maxima
NHTSA closed investigation EA19002
Rear Suspension Control Arm Failure
- Investigation closed2017 maxima
NHTSA closed investigation EA19002
Rear Suspension Control Arm Failure
- Investigation closed2018 maxima
NHTSA closed investigation EA19002
Rear Suspension Control Arm Failure
- Recall2020 maxima
Rear window glass that separates from the vehicle can increase the risk of a crash.
- Recall2016 maxima
A brake fluid leak on the circuit board may result in an electrical short, increasing the risk of a fire.
- Recall2017 maxima
A brake fluid leak on the circuit board may result in an electrical short, increasing the risk of a fire.
Frequently asked
- What are the most common Nissan Maxima problems?
- Across 329 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for 2015–2023 Nissan Maxima vehicles, the most reported systems are engine & cooling (52%), airbags (29%), body & structure (16%).
- Which Nissan Maxima model year has the most complaints?
- In our index, the 2016 Nissan Maxima has the most owner complaints, with 142 filed.
- Are Nissan Maxima problems dangerous?
- Of the 329 complaints on record, 24 mention a crash, 8 mention a fire and 27 mention an injury. Complaint counts are not a failure rate — check the specific vehicle's open recalls by VIN.
Problems by model year
The 2016 accounts for the most complaints (142). Open any year for its full complaint and recall report.
Where this comes from
Every figure is aggregated from consumer complaints filed directly with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration — not forums, reviews or estimates. Component grouping uses our published taxonomy.