Nissan Maxima: best & worst years

Based on CarVitals reliability verdicts, the Nissan Maxima years to approach with the most caution are 2005 and 2009. The strongest years in our data are 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, and 2023. Below is every model year we cover (2005–2023), ranked, with the owner-reported problems behind each call.

Every Nissan Maxima year, ranked

YearVerdictScoreTop owner-reported problems
2023 Recommended 7 CVT judder/shudder and sudden loss of acceleration (code P17F1), sometimes requiring full transmission replacement; more robust than other Nissan CVTs but still a cost risk.; Electrical faults: sudden stalling/loss of power while driving, alternator and charging failures, and Around-View-Monitor glitches.; Panoramic sunroof spontaneously shattering/exploding while driving, described as a loud bang. Full report ↗
2022 Recommended 7 CVT judder/shudder and sudden loss of acceleration (code P17F1), sometimes requiring full transmission replacement; more robust than other Nissan CVTs but still a cost risk.; Electrical faults: sudden stalling/loss of power while driving, alternator and charging failures, and Around-View-Monitor glitches.; Panoramic sunroof spontaneously shattering/exploding while driving, described as a loud bang. Full report ↗
2021 Recommended 7 CVT judder/shudder and sudden loss of acceleration (code P17F1), sometimes requiring full transmission replacement; more robust than other Nissan CVTs but still a cost risk.; Electrical faults: sudden stalling/loss of power while driving, alternator and charging failures, and Around-View-Monitor glitches.; Panoramic sunroof spontaneously shattering/exploding while driving, described as a loud bang. Full report ↗
2020 Recommended 7 CVT judder/shudder and sudden loss of acceleration (code P17F1), sometimes requiring full transmission replacement; more robust than other Nissan CVTs but still a cost risk.; Electrical faults: sudden stalling/loss of power while driving, alternator and charging failures, and Around-View-Monitor glitches.; Panoramic sunroof spontaneously shattering/exploding while driving, described as a loud bang. Full report ↗
2019 Recommended 7 CVT judder/shudder and sudden loss of acceleration (code P17F1), sometimes requiring full transmission replacement; more robust than other Nissan CVTs but still a cost risk.; Electrical faults: sudden stalling/loss of power while driving, alternator and charging failures, and Around-View-Monitor glitches.; Panoramic sunroof spontaneously shattering/exploding while driving, described as a loud bang. Full report ↗
2018 Caution 6 CVT judder/shudder and sudden loss of acceleration (code P17F1), sometimes requiring full transmission replacement; more robust than other Nissan CVTs but still a cost risk.; Electrical faults: sudden stalling/loss of power while driving, alternator and charging failures, and Around-View-Monitor glitches.; Brake/ABS actuator pump fluid-leak concerns (subject to recall) and related brake-warning faults. Full report ↗
2014 Caution 6 CVT transmission whining, slipping and power loss, often progressing to failure; replacement is costly.; Dashboard surface melting/cracking and becoming sticky in hot climates, producing windshield glare.; Dim low-beam headlights from reflector/lens degradation; full headlamp-assembly replacement often needed for safe night visibility. Full report ↗
2013 Caution 6 CVT transmission whining, slipping and power loss, often progressing to failure; replacement is costly.; Occupant-classification-system (passenger seat) sensor fault leaves the airbag-off light on with an adult seated; fix often requires a seat replacement.; Dashboard surface melting/cracking and becoming sticky in hot climates, producing windshield glare. Full report ↗
2012 Caution 6 CVT transmission whining, slipping and power loss, often progressing to failure; replacement is costly.; Occupant-classification-system (passenger seat) sensor fault leaves the airbag-off light on with an adult seated; fix often requires a seat replacement.; Dashboard surface melting/cracking and becoming sticky in hot climates, producing windshield glare. Full report ↗
2008 Caution 6 5-speed automatic transmission harsh/jerky shifting, slipping and eventual failure, commonly around 90k-120k miles; replacement runs into the thousands.; Floor-pan and subframe rust-through corrosion in salt-belt climates, compromising structural integrity and failing inspections.; Timing-chain guide and tensioner wear on the VQ35 V6 causing rattle and stalling; repair is labor-intensive. Full report ↗
2017 Caution 5 CVT judder/shudder and sudden loss of acceleration (code P17F1), sometimes requiring full transmission replacement; more robust than other Nissan CVTs but still a cost risk.; Electrical faults: sudden stalling/loss of power while driving, alternator and charging failures, and Around-View-Monitor glitches.; Brake/ABS actuator pump fluid-leak concerns (subject to recall) and related brake-warning faults. Full report ↗
2016 Caution 5 CVT judder/shudder and sudden loss of acceleration (code P17F1), sometimes requiring full transmission replacement; more robust than other Nissan CVTs but still a cost risk.; Electrical faults: sudden stalling/loss of power while driving, alternator and charging failures, and Around-View-Monitor glitches.; Brake/ABS actuator pump fluid-leak concerns (subject to recall) and related brake-warning faults. Full report ↗
2011 Caution 5 CVT transmission whining, slipping and power loss, often progressing to failure; replacement is costly.; Occupant-classification-system (passenger seat) sensor fault leaves the airbag-off light on with an adult seated; fix often requires a seat replacement.; Dashboard surface melting/cracking and becoming sticky in hot climates, producing windshield glare. Full report ↗
2007 Caution 5 5-speed automatic transmission harsh/jerky shifting, slipping and eventual failure, commonly around 90k-120k miles; replacement runs into the thousands.; Floor-pan and subframe rust-through corrosion in salt-belt climates, compromising structural integrity and failing inspections.; Timing-chain guide and tensioner wear on the VQ35 V6 causing rattle and stalling; repair is labor-intensive. Full report ↗
2010 Caution 4 Electronic steering-column-lock (ESCL) failure: car will not start and the steering locks, stranding the vehicle. Nissan issued a free service campaign for affected cars.; CVT transmission whining, slipping and power loss, often progressing to failure; replacement is costly.; Occupant-classification-system (passenger seat) sensor fault leaves the airbag-off light on with an adult seated; fix often requires a seat replacement. Full report ↗
2009 Avoid 4 Electronic steering-column-lock (ESCL) failure: car will not start and the steering locks, stranding the vehicle. Nissan issued a free service campaign for affected cars.; CVT transmission whining, slipping and power loss, often progressing to failure; replacement is costly.; Occupant-classification-system (passenger seat) sensor fault leaves the airbag-off light on with an adult seated; fix often requires a seat replacement. Full report ↗
2006 Caution 4 5-speed automatic transmission harsh/jerky shifting, slipping and eventual failure, commonly around 90k-120k miles; replacement runs into the thousands.; Floor-pan and subframe rust-through corrosion in salt-belt climates, compromising structural integrity and failing inspections.; Timing-chain guide and tensioner wear on the VQ35 V6 causing rattle and stalling; repair is labor-intensive. Full report ↗
2005 Avoid 4 5-speed automatic transmission harsh/jerky shifting, slipping and eventual failure, commonly around 90k-120k miles; replacement runs into the thousands.; Floor-pan and subframe rust-through corrosion in salt-belt climates, compromising structural integrity and failing inspections.; Timing-chain guide and tensioner wear on the VQ35 V6 causing rattle and stalling; repair is labor-intensive. Full report ↗

Nissan Maxima problems by year

2023 Nissan Maxima Recommended

Final Maxima model year: low complaints and a fully-developed package, with the CVT the main long-term watch-item. Premium interior, sporty 300-hp V6 and strong value. As the last of the nameplate, weigh long-term resale and parts.

  • CVT judder/shudder and sudden loss of acceleration (code P17F1), sometimes requiring full transmission replacement; more robust than other Nissan CVTs but still a cost risk.
  • Electrical faults: sudden stalling/loss of power while driving, alternator and charging failures, and Around-View-Monitor glitches.
  • Panoramic sunroof spontaneously shattering/exploding while driving, described as a loud bang.

2022 Nissan Maxima Recommended

Late eighth-gen with minimal complaint volume; CVT durability is the chief long-term consideration. Upscale, well-equipped cabin and a strong 300-hp V6 make it a good used buy. Discontinued line, so factor resale and parts.

  • CVT judder/shudder and sudden loss of acceleration (code P17F1), sometimes requiring full transmission replacement; more robust than other Nissan CVTs but still a cost risk.
  • Electrical faults: sudden stalling/loss of power while driving, alternator and charging failures, and Around-View-Monitor glitches.
  • Panoramic sunroof spontaneously shattering/exploding while driving, described as a loud bang.

2021 Nissan Maxima Recommended

Well-sorted eighth-gen with low complaints and strong standard equipment; CVT longevity is the main watch-item. Near-luxury interior, sporty 300-hp V6 and good used value. Now a discontinued nameplate, so weigh resale.

  • CVT judder/shudder and sudden loss of acceleration (code P17F1), sometimes requiring full transmission replacement; more robust than other Nissan CVTs but still a cost risk.
  • Electrical faults: sudden stalling/loss of power while driving, alternator and charging failures, and Around-View-Monitor glitches.
  • Panoramic sunroof spontaneously shattering/exploding while driving, described as a loud bang.

2020 Nissan Maxima Recommended

Mature, refreshed eighth-gen with very low complaint volume; the CVT remains the long-term cost consideration. Premium cabin, strong 300-hp V6 and good handling make it a solid value used. Discontinued line, so factor parts and resale.

  • CVT judder/shudder and sudden loss of acceleration (code P17F1), sometimes requiring full transmission replacement; more robust than other Nissan CVTs but still a cost risk.
  • Electrical faults: sudden stalling/loss of power while driving, alternator and charging failures, and Around-View-Monitor glitches.
  • Panoramic sunroof spontaneously shattering/exploding while driving, described as a loud bang.

2019 Nissan Maxima Recommended

Refreshed eighth-gen and a strong used pick: complaint volume drops sharply, with the CVT the main long-term watch-item. Upscale interior, 300-hp V6 and sporty handling at near-luxury value. Discontinued nameplate, so factor resale.

  • CVT judder/shudder and sudden loss of acceleration (code P17F1), sometimes requiring full transmission replacement; more robust than other Nissan CVTs but still a cost risk.
  • Electrical faults: sudden stalling/loss of power while driving, alternator and charging failures, and Around-View-Monitor glitches.
  • Panoramic sunroof spontaneously shattering/exploding while driving, described as a loud bang.

2018 Nissan Maxima Caution

Eighth-gen with forward-emergency-braking 'phantom braking'/front-radar complaints as the headline, plus occasional sunroof and electrical issues. Refined, well-equipped 300-hp V6 sedan; a solid pick once the AEB behavior is checked.

  • CVT judder/shudder and sudden loss of acceleration (code P17F1), sometimes requiring full transmission replacement; more robust than other Nissan CVTs but still a cost risk.
  • Electrical faults: sudden stalling/loss of power while driving, alternator and charging failures, and Around-View-Monitor glitches.
  • Brake/ABS actuator pump fluid-leak concerns (subject to recall) and related brake-warning faults.

2017 Nissan Maxima Caution

Early eighth-gen with lingering brake/ABS recalls and CVT/electrical complaints, though fewer than 2016. Premium cabin, sporty 300-hp V6 and good value used; confirm recall completion and CVT health before buying.

  • CVT judder/shudder and sudden loss of acceleration (code P17F1), sometimes requiring full transmission replacement; more robust than other Nissan CVTs but still a cost risk.
  • Electrical faults: sudden stalling/loss of power while driving, alternator and charging failures, and Around-View-Monitor glitches.
  • Brake/ABS actuator pump fluid-leak concerns (subject to recall) and related brake-warning faults.

2016 Nissan Maxima Caution

Eighth-gen launch year: the most complaints of the generation, centered on CVT judder/power-loss, electrical stalling and several brake/ABS recalls. Upscale interior and strong 300-hp V6, but the new design's teething issues warrant a careful inspection.

  • CVT judder/shudder and sudden loss of acceleration (code P17F1), sometimes requiring full transmission replacement; more robust than other Nissan CVTs but still a cost risk.
  • Electrical faults: sudden stalling/loss of power while driving, alternator and charging failures, and Around-View-Monitor glitches.
  • Brake/ABS actuator pump fluid-leak concerns (subject to recall) and related brake-warning faults.

2014 Nissan Maxima Caution

Final seventh-gen year and one of the better ones: few complaints beyond CVT longevity and occasional shift noise. Strong V6, comfortable cabin and attractive used pricing. Verify CVT maintenance before buying.

  • CVT transmission whining, slipping and power loss, often progressing to failure; replacement is costly.
  • Dashboard surface melting/cracking and becoming sticky in hot climates, producing windshield glare.
  • Dim low-beam headlights from reflector/lens degradation; full headlamp-assembly replacement often needed for safe night visibility.

2013 Nissan Maxima Caution

A solid later seventh-gen year with low complaint volume; main items are CVT durability and dim low-beam headlights. Refined V6, comfortable and good value used. Check CVT service history before buying.

  • CVT transmission whining, slipping and power loss, often progressing to failure; replacement is costly.
  • Occupant-classification-system (passenger seat) sensor fault leaves the airbag-off light on with an adult seated; fix often requires a seat replacement.
  • Dashboard surface melting/cracking and becoming sticky in hot climates, producing windshield glare.

2012 Nissan Maxima Caution

One of the stronger seventh-gen years: ESCL no-start largely behind it and fewer complaints, though CVT longevity remains the main asterisk. Powerful V6, well-equipped and affordable used. Confirm CVT maintenance.

  • CVT transmission whining, slipping and power loss, often progressing to failure; replacement is costly.
  • Occupant-classification-system (passenger seat) sensor fault leaves the airbag-off light on with an adult seated; fix often requires a seat replacement.
  • Dashboard surface melting/cracking and becoming sticky in hot climates, producing windshield glare.

2011 Nissan Maxima Caution

Past the worst ESCL years but CVT durability, airbag-occupant-sensor and dashboard-melt issues linger. Strong V6 and comfortable cabin; the line is generally considered better from 2012 on. Verify CVT service history.

  • CVT transmission whining, slipping and power loss, often progressing to failure; replacement is costly.
  • Occupant-classification-system (passenger seat) sensor fault leaves the airbag-off light on with an adult seated; fix often requires a seat replacement.
  • Dashboard surface melting/cracking and becoming sticky in hot climates, producing windshield glare.

2010 Nissan Maxima Caution

Carries the 2009-2010 ESCL no-start defect (free service campaign) along with CVT longevity, airbag-sensor and dashboard-cracking complaints. Refined, powerful V6 sedan, but confirm the ESCL fix and CVT health before buying.

  • Electronic steering-column-lock (ESCL) failure: car will not start and the steering locks, stranding the vehicle. Nissan issued a free service campaign for affected cars.
  • CVT transmission whining, slipping and power loss, often progressing to failure; replacement is costly.
  • Occupant-classification-system (passenger seat) sensor fault leaves the airbag-off light on with an adult seated; fix often requires a seat replacement.

2009 Nissan Maxima Avoid

Seventh-gen launch year to approach with caution: widespread electronic steering-column-lock (ESCL) no-start failures (service campaign) plus CVT durability and dashboard-melt complaints. Quick V6 but the highest complaint count of the generation.

  • Electronic steering-column-lock (ESCL) failure: car will not start and the steering locks, stranding the vehicle. Nissan issued a free service campaign for affected cars.
  • CVT transmission whining, slipping and power loss, often progressing to failure; replacement is costly.
  • Occupant-classification-system (passenger seat) sensor fault leaves the airbag-off light on with an adult seated; fix often requires a seat replacement.

2008 Nissan Maxima Caution

Best of the sixth gen and a reasonable older-Maxima pick: lower complaint volume as the line matured, though the 5-speed automatic and floor-pan rust remain the items to inspect. Strong V6, comfortable and affordable.

  • 5-speed automatic transmission harsh/jerky shifting, slipping and eventual failure, commonly around 90k-120k miles; replacement runs into the thousands.
  • Floor-pan and subframe rust-through corrosion in salt-belt climates, compromising structural integrity and failing inspections.
  • Timing-chain guide and tensioner wear on the VQ35 V6 causing rattle and stalling; repair is labor-intensive.

2007 Nissan Maxima Caution

Mid sixth-gen: automatic-transmission and timing-chain complaints ease somewhat but rust-through and aging electronics persist. Comfortable, powerful V6 sedan at a low used price; a pre-purchase transmission and underbody check is essential.

  • 5-speed automatic transmission harsh/jerky shifting, slipping and eventual failure, commonly around 90k-120k miles; replacement runs into the thousands.
  • Floor-pan and subframe rust-through corrosion in salt-belt climates, compromising structural integrity and failing inspections.
  • Timing-chain guide and tensioner wear on the VQ35 V6 causing rattle and stalling; repair is labor-intensive.

2006 Nissan Maxima Caution

Still in the 2004-2006 trouble window: 5-speed automatic shift/failure risk, salt-belt floor rust and timing-chain guide wear. Punchy V6 and roomy cabin, but verify a healthy transmission and rust-free underbody before buying.

  • 5-speed automatic transmission harsh/jerky shifting, slipping and eventual failure, commonly around 90k-120k miles; replacement runs into the thousands.
  • Floor-pan and subframe rust-through corrosion in salt-belt climates, compromising structural integrity and failing inspections.
  • Timing-chain guide and tensioner wear on the VQ35 V6 causing rattle and stalling; repair is labor-intensive.

2005 Nissan Maxima Avoid

Sixth-gen Maxima's weakest year: the 5-speed automatic is prone to harsh shifting and failure near 100k, plus floor-pan rust and timing-chain wear. Strong V6 but high complaint volume and costly repairs. Inspect transmission and underbody before buying.

  • 5-speed automatic transmission harsh/jerky shifting, slipping and eventual failure, commonly around 90k-120k miles; replacement runs into the thousands.
  • Floor-pan and subframe rust-through corrosion in salt-belt climates, compromising structural integrity and failing inspections.
  • Timing-chain guide and tensioner wear on the VQ35 V6 causing rattle and stalling; repair is labor-intensive.

Rankings come from CarVitals reliability verdicts, built on public NHTSA complaint and recall data. See how we build these reports, the most reliable used cars overall, browse all Nissan models, or check any listing free with the CarVitals extension.