Avoid: 2016, 2009, 2006, 2005, 2004, 2003, 2002, 2001, 2000 (lowest Year Scores on complaints per year on the road, crash reports and recalls)
Best: 2023 (few owner reports)
23 model years of NHTSA owner complaints and recalls · How we grade
Across 25 model years, the Nissan Maxima has 5,966 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 69 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are power train and electrical system. 2004 drew the most complaints (1,426), 2022 the fewest (5).
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for Nissan Maxima vehicles (US, public record). Typical used asking price $13,900–$20,796.
Complaint volume by model year. Raw NHTSA totals, not adjusted for sales volume or time on the road, so older and higher-selling years accumulate more. Every year links to its full breakdown.
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2022 | 5 |
| 2020 | 22 |
| 2019 | 18 |
| 2018 | 36 |
| 2017 | 104 |
| 2016 | 142 |
| 2014 | 96 |
| 2013 | 62 |
| 2012 | 107 |
| 2011 | 106 |
| 2010 | 275 |
| 2009 | 339 |
| 2008 | 79 |
| 2007 | 129 |
| 2006 | 576 |
| 2005 | 948 |
| 2004 | 1,426 |
| 2003 | 206 |
| 2002 | 220 |
| 2001 | 181 |
| 2000 | 377 |
| 1999 | 176 |
| 1998 | 118 |
| 1997 | 112 |
| 1996 | 106 |
Highest: 2004 (1,426 complaints). Lowest: 2022 (5).
Sentiment is sharply divided by generation, with a clear consensus that reliability and owner satisfaction declined significantly after the early 2000s.
Premature failure often before 100,000 miles, characterized by slipping, jerking, loss of power, and high operating temperatures. Considered a severe safety risk.
General anxiety about long-term durability, transmission "whine," and expensive repair costs ($6,000+ for a rebuild).
Especially noted in 2016 and 2022 models, with stuttering during gear simulation and unresponsive throttle.
Intermittent no-start conditions where accessories power on but the starter does not engage, potentially related to faulty sensors or corroded battery terminals.
Includes wheel bearings, motor mounts, CV axles, and alternator failures, typical for older vehicles.
Owner insights cover all generations of the Maxima. Individual model years are broken down above.
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