Problems › Nissan › 2016 Maxima
2016 Nissan Maxima Problems & Owner Complaints
Age-normalised, this year draws ~12.9 complaints per year on the road — ranking 2 of 10 Nissan Maxima years we track (1 = most complaints per year).
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What owners report
Power Train is the most-reported problem area on the 2016 Nissan Maxima, cited in 33 of 142 filed complaints (23%).
Electrical System is next (31 complaints, 22%), followed by Service Brakes (21), Engine (18), Air Bags (14).
Across all complaints, 10 report a crash, 4 report a fire, 12 report injuries.
The most safety-critical cluster is Air Bags: 5 crash, 10 injury report(s).
Complaints by vehicle system
Owner complaints filed with the U.S. NHTSA for the 2016 Nissan Maxima, grouped by the vehicle system each cites. A single complaint can name more than one system, so the group totals can add up to more than 142.
Power Train 33
“The contact owns a 2016 Nissan Maxima. The contact stated that while driving 55 MPH, the vehicle failed to accelerate properly. The vehicle was shifted into neutral, and the RPMs revved up. The vehicle failed to move forward and shut off unintendedly. Several hours later, the vehicle was restarted. The vehicle was shaking abnormally while driving, with an unknown warning light illuminated. Additionally, the vehicle was shaking abnormally while the brake pedal was depressed. The ABS warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to Auto Zone, where it was determined that the failure was a…”
NHTSA complaint #11679050, 2025
“I had been trying to get the transmission changed on several occasions but was unsuccessful and was told to wait until 100,000 miles. So, I complied to suggestion. On 7/3/25 for a scheduled oil and transmission service, it was told that the transmission was throwing a P17F1 code and it would be best no to do anything with the transmission. So, at this point with no knowledge of what the code meant I refused the fluid change until I could get the understanding of what was happening. Researched code finding that this is a common problem that affect this make and model for this brand of vehicle.…”
NHTSA complaint #11671310, 2025
“This is third time this has happened. I already filled out one, but they have already replaced my altenator. My car worked fine for about a month, and then it did the same thing where I can't excelarate and the car limps at 1 MPH till it eventually shuts off and will not start up. If you jump the car it will work again, but not for long until it does the same thing. On the Nissan Forums alot of people are talking about this same issue, but nothing is being done and the only fix is to find an OEM altenator, but Nissan doesn't make one anymore. This is really starting to become a huge problem.”
NHTSA complaint #11608652, 2024
Electrical System 31 3 crash 2 fire
“THE ANTI-LOCK BRAKE PUMP LEAKED BRAKE FLUID ONTO A CIRCUIT BOARD, CAUSING AN ELECTRICAL FIRE WHICH CAUSED MY CAR TO CATCH ON FIRE. THIS RESULTED IN THE VEHICLE BEING TOTALED OUT . THE VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY FOR ABOUT 12 HOURS IN FRONT OF HOME. WHILE ON FIRE THE VEHICLE STARTED ITSELF UP WITHOUT ANYONE BEING IN THE VEHICLE.”
NHTSA complaint #11142696, 2018 · fire
“IN LATE NOVEMBER 2016 THE ABS AND OTHER WARNING LIGHTS ON MY 2016 NISSAN MAXIMA BEGAN INTERMITTENTLY APPEARING ON THE DASHBOARD. I NOTIFIED THE DEALERSHIP AND WAS TOLD TO MENTION IT DURING THE NEXT SERVICE APPOINTMENT WHICH WAS SCHEDULED FOR DECEMBER 27. AT THE APPOINTMENT I WAS NOTIFIED OF SEVERAL RECALLS AND THE VEHICLE WAS KEPT OVERNIGHT. WHEN I PICKED IT UP THE NEXT DAY THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT INDICATED THAT THEY COULD NOT REPRODUCE THE ISSUE. I WAS ALSO NOTIFIED THAT THERE WAS A RECALL ON AN ABS BRAKE ACTUATOR PUMP HOWEVER THE PART WAS BACK ORDERED FROM NISSAN. THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT A…”
NHTSA complaint #10955662, 2017 · fire
“How are ya'll? This is a request to The National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration for vehicle repairs. As mentioned, this is in reference to a vehicle 2016 Nissan Maxima review for vehicle repairs. The mentioned vehicle, 2016 Nissan Maxima (VIN: [XXX] ) is owned by [XXX] II, confirmed by United Services Automobile Association (USAA) in March of 2023. The mentioned vehicle was involved in a weather related collision in July of 2021. The Cause No [XXXXXXXXXXX] went through review in the Bexar County Districts Courts. During which time, there were court ordered mediation: it was confirm…”
NHTSA complaint #11544658, 2021 · crash
Unknown Or Other 27 2 fire 1 injury
“I JUST MERGED ONTO THE HIGHWAY GOING I-55 SOUTH FROM COUNTYLINE RD, WHEN I HEARD A VERY LOUD NOISE SIMILAR TO A GUN SHOT IN CLOSE RANGE AND WAS LITERALLY FRIGHTENING. THEN I HEARD AIR SEEPING THROUGH MY SUNROOF AREA SO I PULLED OVER ON THE SIDE OF THE HIGHWAY BECAUSE I STARTED TO SHAKE UNCONTROLLABLELY AND I HAD MY 7 MONTH OLD IN THE CAR AS WELL. I WAS ABLE TO LOOK ON TOP OF THE CAR AND SAW THAT THE FRONT SUNROOF WAS SHATTERED. I IMMEDIATELY TOOK THE VEHICLE TO GRAY DANIELS NISSAN NORTH IN JACKSON, MS. THEY TOLD ME THAT THIS WILL HAVE TO FALL UNDER MY INSURANCE BUT I DON'T UNDERSTAND WHY. THIS…”
NHTSA complaint #10863699, 2016 · 1 injury(ies)
“On [XXX] approximately around [XXX] My Nissan Maximum was on fire while I was at work. I begin working at 8:30 am and the vehicle was parked two hours later my coworker ran telling me my car was on fire. The police and fire rescue was called to the scene. The police inspected my vehicle and I have the police report. On 12/13/24 at 1:32pm I spoke with Vaibhav the consumer Affairs Representative from Nissan Manufacturer and he confirmed the vehicle has two recalls on the ABS braking system. My vehicle is available for inspection upon request. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFOR…”
NHTSA complaint #11630611, 2024 · fire
“IN LATE NOVEMBER 2016 THE ABS AND OTHER WARNING LIGHTS ON MY 2016 NISSAN MAXIMA BEGAN INTERMITTENTLY APPEARING ON THE DASHBOARD. I NOTIFIED THE DEALERSHIP AND WAS TOLD TO MENTION IT DURING THE NEXT SERVICE APPOINTMENT WHICH WAS SCHEDULED FOR DECEMBER 27. AT THE APPOINTMENT I WAS NOTIFIED OF SEVERAL RECALLS AND THE VEHICLE WAS KEPT OVERNIGHT. WHEN I PICKED IT UP THE NEXT DAY THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT INDICATED THAT THEY COULD NOT REPRODUCE THE ISSUE. I WAS ALSO NOTIFIED THAT THERE WAS A RECALL ON AN ABS BRAKE ACTUATOR PUMP HOWEVER THE PART WAS BACK ORDERED FROM NISSAN. THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT A…”
NHTSA complaint #10955662, 2017 · fire
Service Brakes 21 4 crash 1 fire 2 injury
“WAS DRIVING EAST ON 495 MARYLAND ABOUT 55 MPH. APPROACHING ANOTHER CAR AND PRESSED THE BREAKS TO STOP. MY CAR WOULD NOT STOP. PRESSED THE BREAKS AS HARD AS I COULD AND THE CAR WOULD NOT STOP. I CAUSED A THREE CAR ACCIDENT. MY CAR WAS TOTALLED....UPDATED 03/29/17 *BF *CN”
NHTSA complaint #10950392, 2017 · crash · 1 injury(ies)
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2016 NISSAN MAXIMA. WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH, THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED BUT FAILED TO STOP THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE COLLIDED INTO A CONCRETE BARRIER. THE AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED INJURIES TO THE NECK, HEAD, AND LOWER BACK THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V733000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 16,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10818919, 2015 · crash · 1 injury(ies)
“THE ANTI-LOCK BRAKE PUMP LEAKED BRAKE FLUID ONTO A CIRCUIT BOARD, CAUSING AN ELECTRICAL FIRE WHICH CAUSED MY CAR TO CATCH ON FIRE. THIS RESULTED IN THE VEHICLE BEING TOTALED OUT . THE VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY FOR ABOUT 12 HOURS IN FRONT OF HOME. WHILE ON FIRE THE VEHICLE STARTED ITSELF UP WITHOUT ANYONE BEING IN THE VEHICLE.”
NHTSA complaint #11142696, 2018 · fire
Engine 18 2 crash 1 fire
“There was a thermal combustion that caused a fire. Yes, the caught combusted at a local business. I had just entered the building and was told that my car was on fire. The police and Nissan inspected the car but refused to provide the inspection report. A light came on. I do not know the exact date that it appeared. I just received the recall notice and did not have the opportunity to get the car repaired.”
NHTSA complaint #11673095, 2024 · fire
“driving the vehicle gives no indication it power off car will not start up when you try half an hour later it may start may not start driving it shut off again power shortage code may not come up when it happens it don’t give any warning when you driving on the highway regular roads it just gives no warning sign it just power off completely at is not safety to drive”
NHTSA complaint #11437870, 2021 · crash
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 NISSAN MAXIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH IN THE RAIN, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY SHUT OFF CAUSING THE DRIVER TO LOSE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND CRASH INTO A GUARD RAIL. ADDITIONALLY, AFTER THE CRASH THE 4 DOORS WERE UNABLE TO BE OPENED FROM THE INSIDE OR OUTSIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE POLICE AND FIRE DEPARTMENT WERE CALLED TO THE SCENE AND RESCUED THE DRIVER FROM THE VEHICLE BY BREAKING THE WINDOW. THE CONTACT INDICATED THAT APPROXIMATELY 40 MINUTES AFTER THE CRASH THE DOORS WERE ABLE TO BE OPENED FROM THE OUTSIDE. NO INJURIES WERE REPORTED A…”
NHTSA complaint #11319303, 2020 · crash
Air Bags 14 5 crash 10 injury
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 NISSAN MAXIMA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE. AS A RESULT, THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE WHEEL WAS BENT INWARD AND THE AIR BAG FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE DRIVER SUSTAINED SHOULDER AND BACK INJURIES THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE FRONT PASSENGER SUSTAINED SHOULDER, BACK, AND KNEE INJURIES. THE REAR PASSENGER SUSTAINED HEAD INJURIES THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A TOW LOT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR BODY REPAIRS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALE…”
NHTSA complaint #11156545, 2018 · crash · 4 injury(ies)
“I WAS MAKING A LEFT TURN FROM THE HIGHWAY ON TO A SIDE STREET & WAS T-BONED ON THE PASSENGER SIDE BY A SUV. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT IMPLORE.”
NHTSA complaint #11030819, 2017 · crash · 3 injury(ies)
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 NISSAN MAXIMA. WHILE TRYING TO AVOID A DISABLED VEHICLE, THE CONTACT LOST CONTROL DUE TO DEBRIS IN THE ROAD. AS A RESULT, THE VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A FRONT END COLLISION WITH A GUARDRAIL. THE FAILURE OCCURRED WITHOUT WARNING AND THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THERE WAS ONE INJURY THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE; HOWEVER, IT HAD NOT YET BEEN DETERMINED WHETHER IT WAS DESTROYED. THE CONTACT SUFFERED MINOR BRUISING AND BACK PAIN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 25,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10984253, 2017 · crash · 1 injury(ies)
Vehicle Speed Control 14
“The power on the dashboard goes out and I have no way of knowing my speed, the milage, or any other information on how the vehicle is operating. The radio and other dashboard instruments are off the screens are black and I can't receive any information on how the vehicle is operating. Our safety is at risk since when this happens, we don't know if it would stop abruptly and cause an accident. We have not taken it to a dealer yet but are scheduling an appointment. No other parties have inspected the vehicle yet. The Warning that came across the radio screen was this: Check the Map SD Memory Ca…”
NHTSA complaint #11662859, 2025
“The contact owns a 2016 Nissan Maxima. The contact stated that while the vehicle was stopped, the vehicle failed to accelerate while the accelerator pedal was depressed. The ABS warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where it was diagnosed; however, the cause of the failure was not yet determined. The vehicle was taken to another local dealer, Alpine Nissan of Denver (2400 W 104th Ave, Denver, CO 80234) where it was diagnosed and determined that the alternator had stopped routing electricity after overheating. The contact was advised by the local dealer that the…”
NHTSA complaint #11602938, 2024
“The contact owns a 2016 Nissan Maxima. The contact stated that when the vehicle was shifted into drive(D) and the accelerator pedal was depressed, the vehicle failed to move. The vehicle stalled and was restarted. On another occasion, while driving at an unknown speed the vehicle unintendedly decelerated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer however, the failure was not duplicated. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 120,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11541609, 2023
Steering 9
“2016 nissan, noticed while stuck in traffic on highway on rainy day the vehicle seemed to want to loose power and battery light was coming on. I was able to exit highway an make it home. Later that night while at laundry mat headed to get food the car wouldn't accelerate eventually died an wouldn't start. Next day go to get it towed yet started no problem acceleration was fine alternator voltage was normal range. Few weeks later battery was dead which I have replaced. Alternator voltage still reads normal. I get about 20 minutes driving and battery light pops on eventually soon power steering…”
NHTSA complaint #11597107, 2024
“October 25, 2021 At 4:30 PM. After waiting for the light to turn green, I enter the Clear Lake Park making a left a right and left turn into the park. While turning left that’s when I notice a decreased in power, and an exclamation symbo, but the car kept advancing very smooth!! But when I tried to park the vehicle it started shaking, vibrating with a roaring sound, it felt like even the tires ware going to get off the rims!! Making a lot of noice!! I had difficulty steering and parking between two spaces hit the concrete barrier twice or tree times, at that time the steering wheel was to h…”
NHTSA complaint #11438721, 2021
“I was driving and it all of a sudden shut off on me without warning causing safety issues because I was involved the middle of traffic”
NHTSA complaint #11436954, 2021
Fuel/Propulsion System 8 1 fire
“There was a thermal combustion that caused a fire. Yes, the caught combusted at a local business. I had just entered the building and was told that my car was on fire. The police and Nissan inspected the car but refused to provide the inspection report. A light came on. I do not know the exact date that it appeared. I just received the recall notice and did not have the opportunity to get the car repaired.”
NHTSA complaint #11673095, 2024 · fire
“My vehicle has experienced recurring failures where it will suddenly stop accelerating while driving, placing me in a dangerous situation. The engine remains on, but the car will only coast forward or backward with no throttle response. This has happened multiple times, and I have had to pull over for safety. Restarting the car occasionally works temporarily, but the issue returns within minutes. I understand that Nissan has previously extended warranty coverage for CVT issues in similar models”
NHTSA complaint #11672749, 2025
“October 25, 2021 At 4:30 PM. After waiting for the light to turn green, I enter the Clear Lake Park making a left a right and left turn into the park. While turning left that’s when I notice a decreased in power, and an exclamation symbo, but the car kept advancing very smooth!! But when I tried to park the vehicle it started shaking, vibrating with a roaring sound, it felt like even the tires ware going to get off the rims!! Making a lot of noice!! I had difficulty steering and parking between two spaces hit the concrete barrier twice or tree times, at that time the steering wheel was to h…”
NHTSA complaint #11438721, 2021
Structure 8 1 crash 1 fire
“There was a thermal combustion that caused a fire. Yes, the caught combusted at a local business. I had just entered the building and was told that my car was on fire. The police and Nissan inspected the car but refused to provide the inspection report. A light came on. I do not know the exact date that it appeared. I just received the recall notice and did not have the opportunity to get the car repaired.”
NHTSA complaint #11673095, 2024 · fire
“How are ya'll? This is a request to The National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration for vehicle repairs. As mentioned, this is in reference to a vehicle 2016 Nissan Maxima review for vehicle repairs. The mentioned vehicle, 2016 Nissan Maxima (VIN: [XXX] ) is owned by [XXX] II, confirmed by United Services Automobile Association (USAA) in March of 2023. The mentioned vehicle was involved in a weather related collision in July of 2021. The Cause No [XXXXXXXXXXX] went through review in the Bexar County Districts Courts. During which time, there were court ordered mediation: it was confirm…”
NHTSA complaint #11544658, 2021 · crash
“I was driving on I75 driving around 75 mph when all of a sudden the sunroof exploded. It sounded like a shotgun went off over my head and glass started pouring down on top of me. The sunroof malfunctioned without any warning whatsoever. This was a very jarring event to occur on the interstate of all places. Thankfully, I was able to maintain control of the vehicle and exit the interstate using the first available exit and called my insurance company to report the incident.”
NHTSA complaint #11555217, 2023
Exterior Lighting 7
“The power on the dashboard goes out and I have no way of knowing my speed, the milage, or any other information on how the vehicle is operating. The radio and other dashboard instruments are off the screens are black and I can't receive any information on how the vehicle is operating. Our safety is at risk since when this happens, we don't know if it would stop abruptly and cause an accident. We have not taken it to a dealer yet but are scheduling an appointment. No other parties have inspected the vehicle yet. The Warning that came across the radio screen was this: Check the Map SD Memory Ca…”
NHTSA complaint #11662859, 2025
“The headlights are dim. I have replaced them with brighter H11 bulbs but I still cannot see. Others who have driven my car have indicated that the headlights are noticeably dimmer than normal. I literally cannot see the roadway. Also, I started having problems with the CVT shortly before 60,000miles. The problem was diagnosed as rudder codes. I was not financially able to replace the CVT at the time although I did ultimately replace it. The headliner inside the car has been falling down for years and I keep re gluing it around the rear view window. The panoramic sunroof has a seal…”
NHTSA complaint #11654299, 2022
“PASSENGER HEADLAMP FAIL, TOOK TO NISSAN, THEY CLAIM THEY HAVE NEVER SEEN ONE FAIL. I FEEL LIKE MY FAMILIES LIFE IS NOW AT STAKE.”
NHTSA complaint #11164978, 2018
Electronic Stability Control (Esc) 5
“AFTER A RECALL SERVICE FOR AN ABS ACTUATOR, THE F.E.B. LIGHT ACTIVATES FOR NO REASON WHATSOEVER. VEHICLE WILL DISENGAGE CRUISE CONTROL.”
NHTSA complaint #11350235, 2020
“CAR IDLING, JERKING AND HESITATING AT 30MPH. WHEN ACCELERATING IT DOES NOT. THE CAR IS GOING BUT FROM A SLOW SPEED GOING TO A HIGHER MPH, IT WILL STAY STUCK AND IF YOU FLOOR IT, IT JUST WON'T MOVE. THIS IS DANGEROUS. IT'S HAPPENED ON THE FREEWAY THREE TIMES. NOW THE BRAKE FLUID IS LEAKING EVERYWHERE. THIS IS A SECOND ISSUE. TRANSMISSION. ENGINE. CVT, ECM ISSUE AND MASS AIR FLOW SENSOR AND PVC SENSOR MUST NOT BE ON CORRECTLY. I HAVE VIDEOS. THE SERVICE DEPT HAS SEEN THEM BUT THEY CAN'T SEEM TO DUPLICATE THE ISSUE. *TR”
NHTSA complaint #11325995, 2020
“I WAS DRIVING MY VEHICLE ON THE INTERSTATE 485 AND WAS PRESSING THE GAS GOING 70 MPH AND THE CAR SLOWED DOWN ON ITS OWN TO 30 MPH WHICH ALMOST CAUSED ME TO HAVE AN ACCIDENT. MY FOOT WAS ALL THE DOWN ON THE GAS PETAL TOUCHING THE FLOOR. I WAS ABLE TO PULL OFF TO THE SIDE, THANK GOODNESS. I HAVE NEVER BEEN SO SCARED IN MY LIFE. I DO HAVE A VIDEO OF IT HAPPENING,”
NHTSA complaint #11299207, 2020
Wheels 5 1 crash
“How are ya'll? This is a request to The National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration for vehicle repairs. As mentioned, this is in reference to a vehicle 2016 Nissan Maxima review for vehicle repairs. The mentioned vehicle, 2016 Nissan Maxima (VIN: [XXX] ) is owned by [XXX] II, confirmed by United Services Automobile Association (USAA) in March of 2023. The mentioned vehicle was involved in a weather related collision in July of 2021. The Cause No [XXXXXXXXXXX] went through review in the Bexar County Districts Courts. During which time, there were court ordered mediation: it was confirm…”
NHTSA complaint #11544658, 2021 · crash
“The contact owns a 2016 Nissan Maxima. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the front collision detection sensor light illuminated and warned that the system was not functional. Additionally, the contact stated that the lug nuts on all four wheels were swollen and could not be removed without damaging them. The contact also stated that the oil pan was leaking. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer, where the contact was informed that the failure was a known issue. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mile…”
NHTSA complaint #11512016, 2022
“THE TIRE MAINTENANCE NOTIFICATION STAYS ON AFTER THE TIRES HAVE BEEN PROPERLY ROTATED BY A TIRE SHOP AND RESET ON DASHBOARD AND IT PULLS TO THE RIGHT BEEN DOING THIS COMPLAINT MADE TO DEALERSHIP NO RESPONSE AND NOW RECEIVED NOTIFICATION THAT THERE WAS A SAFETY RECALL ON MY CAR. IT DOES IT WHILE DRIVING THE PULLING TO THE RIGHT AND THE TIRE MAINTENANCE STAYS ON. *TR”
NHTSA complaint #11326956, 2020
Seat Belts 4
“DRIVER SEAT, SEAT BELT LIGHT WILL NOT ILLUMINATE IF NOT BUCKLED UP SEAT DOESN'T DETECT WHEN THERE IS SOMEONE IN IT AND THEY AREN'T BUCKLED. *TR”
NHTSA complaint #11331644, 2019
“I HAVE TWO 2016 NISSAN MAXIMAS. ON BOTH CARS THERE ISN'T ANY SIGNAL THAT THE SEAT BELT IS LATCHED. THE LIGHT ONLY COMES ON IF THE PASSENGER SEAT IS NOT ON. I TOOK THE CARS TO NISSAN, BUT THEY TRYING TO CHARGE ME OVER $1000 TO HAVE IT FIXED AND CLEARLY ITS A NISSAN ISSUE. I HAVE READ OTHER PEOPLE HAVING THE SAME ISSUE.”
NHTSA complaint #11110657, 2018
“BACK SEAT SEATBELT CAME FROM FRAME OF CARE AND HANGING.”
NHTSA complaint #11047208, 2017
Suspension 4
“The contact owns a 2016 Nissan Maxima. The contact stated while driving 5 MPH and driving over a bump in the roadway, there was an abnormal squeaking sound coming from the vehicle. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who determined that the sway bar bracket was fractured, and the bushing needed to be replaced. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 95,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11640789, 2024
“Nissan has a extended warranty on rear lower control links and my car is under that warranty , but nissan usa requests that rear lower links be cracked or broken in order for a nissan dealer to change them , and my car is having misalignment on rear cause of the rear lower links you can give me a call to discuss this matter at [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)”
NHTSA complaint #11570371, 2024
“I was driving at 25 MPH when I heard and felt a clunk. The car drove strangely and each small bump in the road was noisy. I pulled over and did not see anything obvious. I put on my flashers and drove the car to my mechanic. He discovered a broken rear wheel control arm. He said I was lucky this happened at a low speed rate. Nissan has refused and coverage. I was told by my mechanic that this is not a part that should fail on a 2016 car and could have resulted is a serious accident at a higher rate of speed.”
NHTSA complaint #11471172, 2022
Visibility/Wiper 4
“- Front windshield; internal bubbles/separation of glass at top edge of front windshield as it meets the seal. - The glass appears to be separating internally, compromising the safety aspect and will start to spread downward over time. - The factory front windshield was already replaced once a few years back by Nissan dealership for this exact same problem (can provide exact dates/information later); and the same exact problem is happening again. Nissan dealership knows about it, but has not officially inspected/documented for their records, but I can get this completed. - No warning/symptom…”
NHTSA complaint #11585474, 2024
“The headlights are dim. I have replaced them with brighter H11 bulbs but I still cannot see. Others who have driven my car have indicated that the headlights are noticeably dimmer than normal. I literally cannot see the roadway. Also, I started having problems with the CVT shortly before 60,000miles. The problem was diagnosed as rudder codes. I was not financially able to replace the CVT at the time although I did ultimately replace it. The headliner inside the car has been falling down for years and I keep re gluing it around the rear view window. The panoramic sunroof has a seal…”
NHTSA complaint #11654299, 2022
“NOVEMBER 11, 2019 DRIVING TO WORK GOING 65 ON A HIGHWAY WITH NO OTHER CARS AROUND THE MOONROOF EXPLODED FOR NO APPARENT REASON. SOUNDED LIKE A GUN SHOT.”
NHTSA complaint #11279746, 2019
Seats 3
“SEAT WILL NOT LET UP BUT WILL GO BACKWARDS.”
NHTSA complaint #11385183, 2020
“DRIVER SEAT "ROCKS" UNDER HARD BRAKING OR LEANING INTO THE SEAT.”
NHTSA complaint #10955540, 2015
“TAKATA RECALL.I BROUGHT MY 2016 MAXIMA IN JUNE 2015. PLASTIC BOTTLES MELTS AND EXPLODES IN MY CAR. AND EYE GLASS CLASS MELTS. FRONT RIGHT BUMBER CLAMPS BROKE OFF. MONTHS LATER CAT STARTED MAKING A CHRUCHING SOUND WHEN I HIT A BUMP. REPLACE BUSHINGS. 3 DAYS LATER THE NOSE CAME BACK. WENT BACK TO NISSAN THEY SAID THE STRUT NEEDED TO BE REPLACE. WENT BACK 2 MONTHS LATER THE PART IS STILL ON BACK ORDER. FRONT DRIVER SEAT BROKE IN THE 1ST 2 WEEKS OF OWNING IT. GOT A NEW SEAT. AND THE DOOR JAMS WAS POORLY PAINTED. TOOK ALMOST 7 WEEKS TO GET A NEW SEAT AND PAINT FOR THE CAR. DRIVER SEAT BE…”
NHTSA complaint #10928590, 2015
Engine And Engine Cooling 2
“The contact owns a 2016 Nissan Maxima. The contact stated while approaching a stop light, the vehicle started jerking. The contact pulled over and the vehicle lost motive power and stalled. The contact was unable to restart the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic and the crank shaft was replaced. On another occasion while at a stop light, the contact became aware of smoke coming from the rear of the vehicle. The contact attempted to accelerate; however, the vehicle failed to respond. There was no warning light illuminated. While driving back to the residence, there was sm…”
NHTSA complaint #11521512, 2023
“The contact owns a 2016 Nissan Maxima. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the front collision detection sensor light illuminated and warned that the system was not functional. Additionally, the contact stated that the lug nuts on all four wheels were swollen and could not be removed without damaging them. The contact also stated that the oil pan was leaking. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer, where the contact was informed that the failure was a known issue. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mile…”
NHTSA complaint #11512016, 2022
Forward Collision Avoidance 2
“The contact owns a 2016 Nissan Maxima. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the front collision detection sensor light illuminated and warned that the system was not functional. Additionally, the contact stated that the lug nuts on all four wheels were swollen and could not be removed without damaging them. The contact also stated that the oil pan was leaking. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer, where the contact was informed that the failure was a known issue. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mile…”
NHTSA complaint #11512016, 2022
“I would have my cruise control set and it would detect I was too close to another vehicle (which there was no other vehicle anywhere). The cruise would shut off, and I would be unable to reset my cruise due to the radar sensor problems. This has not yet evolved a collision or other accidents. I know that this is dangerous to the point of relying on something and then it just stop whenever it wants. I do not wish any accidents, but it sounds as though if no one has been seriously injured or even death that this would be a continuing thing and somehow cost the owner money to fix a Nissan proble…”
NHTSA complaint #11443606, 2021
Fuel System 2
“2016 NISSAN MAXIMA. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO FUEL TANK ASSEMBLY RECALL. *SMD THE CONSUMER HAS BEEN UNSUCCESSFUL AT THE GETTING THE RECALL PERFORMED. THE DEALER INFORMED THE CONSUMER THE PARTS NEEDED TO BE ORDERED, DESPITE HIM HAVING AN APPOINTMENT. *JB”
NHTSA complaint #10806901, 2015
“NHTSA CAMPAIGN #15V486000 & NNA FILE #19808586. NEW FUEL TANK HAS BEEN INSTALLED BY DEALER. I'M NOT COMFORTABLE THAT DEALER INSTALLATION SATISFIES THE SAFETY ISSUE OF A REAR END COLLISION. HAS NHTSA RE-TESTED OR OTHERWISE IS SATISFIED THAT THE FUEL TANK INSTALLED AT DEALER LEVEL (VERSUS BY MANUFACTURER) ELIMINATES THE SAFETY ISSUE? THE CONSUMER WOULD LIKE THE FUEL TANK RE-TESTED. UPDATED 01/20/16.*JB”
NHTSA complaint #10779248, 2015
Visibility 2
“The contact owns a 2016 Nissan Maxima. The contact stated while driving 20-25 MPH, the sunroof assembly completely separated from the vehicle, struck the front of the roof, struck the passenger's side of the vehicle, and flew underneath the vehicle. The contact pulled over to the side of the road and inspected the vehicle. There was no injury sustained. The vehicle was taken to Gerber Collision and Glass, where it was determined that the sunroof and the bracket had separated from the vehicle. The mechanic provided an estimate for the sunroof repair and collateral damages repair. The dealer was…”
NHTSA complaint #11646081, 2025
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 NISSAN MAXIMA. WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THE SUN ROOF EXPLODED WITHOUT WARNING. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE CONTACT CALLED JONES NISSAN (1260 WAYNE RD, SAVANNAH, TN 38372, (731) 925-0367) AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE GLASS WAS NOT COVERED UNDER WARRANTY EVEN AFTER THE SUN ROOF WAS PREVIOUSLY REPLACED FOR LEAKING. THE MANUFACTURER ALSO STATED THAT THE GLASS WAS NOT COVERED BY WARRANTY. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 22,000. *TT”
NHTSA complaint #11113655, 2018
How we read this (methodology)
How to read this: raw complaint totals are not a clean reliability score — a model year with more cars sold, or simply more years on the road, accumulates more complaints regardless of how good it is. So this page leans on two signals that are not distorted by sales volume: the share of complaints falling on each vehicle system (the breakdown above) and NHTSA's own crash / fire / injury / death flags. When we compare model years of the same model, we normalise by years on the road (complaints ÷ vehicle age) rather than comparing raw totals. Age-normalised, the 2016 Nissan Maxima draws about 12.9 complaints per year on the road, ranking 2 of 10 among the Nissan Maxima model years we have ingested (1 = most complaints per year on road).
Before you buy this Nissan Maxima
Don't buy on the strength of a problems page alone. Check the exact VIN of the car you're looking at. The open recalls are free, and the full $19 safety report pulls every complaint, safety rating and a downloadable PDF for that one vehicle.
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Data source: U.S. NHTSA (nhtsa.gov). SaveVIN surfaces public recall data and is not affiliated with or endorsed by NHTSA.