Car Defect Radar
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Built from NHTSA complaints and recalls collected for this model, generated October 26, 2026. Totals reflect what has been collected, not every complaint ever filed.
Confirm 1 recall before you buy.

Ask the seller for proof the repair was completed, or run the free VIN check. Recall repairs are done at no cost by a dealer.

Recalls

1 total · 1 to confirm

Safety issues the manufacturer must repair for free. A recall means confirm the fix was done, not walk away.

Suspension recall

Confirm it was repairedRecall 09V358000 · Sep 2009

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.

Remedy
NISSAN WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND DEALERS WILL REPLACE BOTH LEFT AND RIGHT SIDE FRONT STRUT INSULATORS FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN OCTOBER 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT NISSAN AT 1-800-NISSAN1 (1-800-647-7261).
Status
Remedy available. Confirm by VIN that this repair was completed.
What to do
Enter the VIN on NHTSA's recall lookup to confirm this car was repaired.

Owner complaints by system

275 total

Unverified reports owners filed with NHTSA, grouped by the part of the car. Useful for spotting patterns. Open a group to read recent examples.

Engine & powertrain

Worth reading
34

Most reports here involve transmission slipping. Of these, 2 mention a crash, 3 mention an injury.

transmission slipping 11sudden stalling 7unintended acceleration 6
A recent report: The contact owns a 2010 Nissan Maxima. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle decelerated while the accelerator pedal was depressed. The contact then stated that…
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The contact owns a 2010 Nissan Maxima. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle decelerated while the accelerator pedal was depressed. The contact then stated that the RPM’s failed to increase. Additionally, the contact stated that while shifted into reverse, he heard a whining sound then the vehicle half shifted. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the transmission failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle remained at the dealer and had not yet been repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed that the Extended Warranty had expired. The failure mileage was approximately 157,000.

Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11543366 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov

Electrical & infotainment

Worth reading
37

Most reports here involve software faults.

software faults 15sudden stalling 6
A recent report: I bought this vehicle used and with the dash being defective from the heat and humidity, it puts off a glare on the windshield which makes it extremely difficult to see through.

Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11429443 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov

Brakes

Minor
1

Most reports here involve corrosion.

corrosion 1
A recent report: EVAP RECALL; SEVERE RUST; POWER STEERING IS WEAKENING; MOTOR HAS EXTREMELY LOUD START; NOT SAFE TO DRIVE MORE THAN 2 MILES - STOPPED DRIVING TODAY AFTER THE CAR'S BRAKES AND ROTORS WERE CHANGED DUE…
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EVAP RECALL; SEVERE RUST; POWER STEERING IS WEAKENING; MOTOR HAS EXTREMELY LOUD START; NOT SAFE TO DRIVE MORE THAN 2 MILES - STOPPED DRIVING TODAY AFTER THE CAR'S BRAKES AND ROTORS WERE CHANGED DUE TO HORRIBLE RUST ISSUE

Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11141516 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov

Steering, suspension & tires

Worth reading
163

Most reports here involve software faults. Of these, 1 mention a crash.

software faults 39loss of steering 35
A recent report: Yes the tire sensor light is on and the suspension has gone out and I have been advised that it needs struts and sway bar links and that I can not drive it or it will cause a wreck/collision.. Nissan…
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Yes the tire sensor light is on and the suspension has gone out and I have been advised that it needs struts and sway bar links and that I can not drive it or it will cause a wreck/collision.. Nissan has a recall on Nissan maximas for suspension but said my model is not included and what is recalled on other maximas is exactly what’s wrong with mine! My car sounds like it’s about to fall apart.

Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11578189 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov

Airbags & seat belts

Worth reading
14

Most reports here involve airbags not deploying. Of these, 4 mention a crash, 5 mention an injury.

airbags not deploying 10software faults 2
A recent report: The contact owns a 2010 Nissan Maxima. The contact stated that after starting the vehicle, the air bag sensor light illuminated. The vehicle was diagnosed by the dealer and the mechanic retrieved…
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The contact owns a 2010 Nissan Maxima. The contact stated that after starting the vehicle, the air bag sensor light illuminated. The vehicle was diagnosed by the dealer and the mechanic retrieved DTC: B10180CS (Passenger Side Air Bags sensor). The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 6,247.

Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11524424 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov

Structure & body

Worth reading
14

Most reports here involve premature wear. Of these, 2 mention an injury.

premature wear 1corrosion 1
A recent report: The contact owns a 2010 Nissan Maxima. The contact stated while attempting to open their front driver side door, but it would not open all the way locking in a place where there is a small space from…
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The contact owns a 2010 Nissan Maxima. The contact stated while attempting to open their front driver side door, but it would not open all the way locking in a place where there is a small space from the door and frame. The contact had to force and push the door back closed and attempt to reopen the door, but it would not open at all. The contact had to enter the vehicle from the front passenger side door. The failure was intermittent. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer who diagnosed the failure latch assembly was disconnected and repaired the latch assembly, however, the failure occurred again. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000.

Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11444852 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov

Other systems

Worth reading
12

Most reports here involve premature wear. Of these, 1 mention an injury.

premature wear 4sudden stalling 1
A recent report: Dash becomes very sticky from sun and heat shining on it and produces a glare that causes blind spots and makes difficult to see out front window. Can't see what is out there depending on direction…
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Dash becomes very sticky from sun and heat shining on it and produces a glare that causes blind spots and makes difficult to see out front window. Can't see what is out there depending on direction sun hits dash. If sun is coming from straight ahead makes a glare that is very difficult to see anything in front of you. Makes it difficult to see traffic lights or pedestrians which could cause dangerous harm to pedestrians, other drivers, or myself and passengers. Went to local Nissan dealer and was told the only fix would be to replace dashboard at my expense even though it is a common problem because there are no recalls on this issue. I purchased the vehicle used from another owner and was not aware of the problem and just thought it was something sticky that could be wiped off but found out it is a known problem when I went to dealer with issue.

Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11513409 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov

Is 275 complaints a lot? They were filed between 2010 and 2024, roughly 20 a year, which is more than the typical model in this dataset. We do not have sales figures for this model, so treat this as a rough volume, not a rate per car on the road. Popular, high-volume models naturally collect more complaints over time.

How does it compare with other years? The 2010 has 275 complaints on file, more than the 2011 (106). That is the most of the 10 model years of the Nissan Maxima we cover. Older model years have had longer to collect complaints.