Nissan Maxima years to avoid (and the best years)
967 NHTSA owner complaints and 11 recalls across 10 model years, 2010 to 2020. Built from NHTSA owner complaints and recalls, generated October 26, 2026.
- 967complaints
- 11recalls
- 52reported crashes
- 14reported fires
- 63reported injuries
Which Nissan Maxima years should you avoid?
By NHTSA owner complaints, the Nissan Maxima year to avoid is 2010. The typical Nissan Maxima year has 100 complaints on file.
- 2010: 275 complaints, 2.8 times the typical year. Most complaints name the steering (57% of complaints) and the electrical system (29% of complaints).
What are the best Nissan Maxima years?
The Nissan Maxima years with the fewest complaints on file are the 2019 (18), 2020 (22) and 2018 (36). Model years after 2023 are left out: they have not been on the road long enough to compare.
NHTSA does not publish sales figures, so these are complaint counts, not a rate per car on the road. A year that sold more cars collects more complaints, and older years have had longer to collect them.
Every model year
| Year | Complaints | vs typical year | Recalls | Crashes | Injuries | Our read | Most reported |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 22 | 0.2× | 1 | 3 | 3 | Few red flags | Brakes |
| 2019 | 18 | 0.2× | 1 | 2 | 2 | Few red flags | Engine |
| 2018 | 36 | 0.4× | 2 | 1 | 1 | Few red flags | Brakes |
| 2017 | 103 | 1.0× | 4 | 7 | 7 | Few red flags | Airbags |
| 2016 | 142 | 1.4× | 8 | 10 | 12 | Few red flags | Transmission and drivetrain |
| 2014 | 96 | 1.0× | 0 | 10 | 4 | Some concerns to check | Airbags |
| 2013 | 62 | 0.6× | 0 | 1 | 1 | Few red flags | Transmission and drivetrain |
| 2012 | 107 | 1.1× | 0 | 6 | 7 | Few red flags | Airbags |
| 2011 | 106 | 1.1× | 0 | 5 | 15 | Few red flags | Airbags |
| 2010 | 275 | 2.8× | 1 | 7 | 11 | Approach with caution | Steering |
Most reported problem areas
Share of the 407 complaints sorted by system, all years together.
- Steering, suspension & tires176 (43%)
- Engine & powertrain74 (18%)
- Electrical & infotainment51 (13%)
- Airbags & seat belts37 (9%)
- Structure & body34 (8%)
Recalls (11)
Body & glass · 20V570000 · Sep 2020 · model year 2020
Rear window glass that separates from the vehicle can increase the risk of a crash.
Brakes · 19V807000 · Nov 2019 · model years 2016, 2017, 2018
A brake fluid leak on the circuit board may result in an electrical short, increasing the risk of a fire.
Safety · 19V654000 · Sep 2019 · model years 2018, 2019
The lack of an image in the back-up camera display increases the risk of a crash.
Brakes · 18V601000 · Sep 2018 · model years 2016, 2017
A brake fluid leak on the circuit board may result in an electrical short, increasing the risk of a fire.
Airbags · 16V911000 · Dec 2016 · model year 2016
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.
Brakes · 16V636000 · Sep 2016 · model years 2016, 2017
A brake fluid leak onto the circuit board may result in an electrical short, increasing the risk of a fire.
Airbags · 16V244000 · Apr 2016 · model years 2016, 2017
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.
Brakes · 16V193000 · Apr 2016 · model year 2016
Insufficient brake fluid pressure may lengthen the distance needed to stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Brakes · 15V733000 · Nov 2015 · model year 2016
If the bolts were not properly tightened, the caliper may detach and reduce braking ability, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fuel system · 15V486000 · Aug 2015 · model year 2016
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.
Suspension · 09V358000 · Sep 2009 · model year 2010
IF THE STRUT INSULATOR IS CRACKED, THERE IS A POTENTIAL FOR THE STRUT ROD TO COME OUT OF ITS MOUNTING POSITION, WHICH COULD AFFECT VEHICLE STABILITY AND INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH.