2007 Nissan Maxima: Reliability, Recalls, Known Issues & Cost to Own

Data last updated 2026-07-04 · sources listed throughout · based on public NHTSA data

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. 4 known issue patterns are documented below, with frequency and the mileage windows where they typically appear. New, the 2007 Nissan Maxima ranged from $28,665 to $30,915 depending on trim (base MSRP, before options and destination).

5/10

Mixed track record

Sources (3)

api.nhtsa.govhttps://api.nhtsa.gov/complaints/complaintsByVehicle?make=nissan&model=maxima…
repairpal.comhttps://repairpal.com/reliability/nissan/maxima
slashgear.comhttps://www.slashgear.com/1801945/nissan-maxima-best-years-some-avoid/

Known issues

5-speed automatic transmission harsh/jerky shifting, slipping and eventual failure, commonly around 90k-120k miles; replacement runs into the thousands.

widespread · 287 NHTSA complaints · typically 90k–120k miles · transmission
Floor-pan and subframe rust-through corrosion in salt-belt climates, compromising structural integrity and failing inspections.

commonly reported · 18 NHTSA complaints · body
Timing-chain guide and tensioner wear on the VQ35 V6 causing rattle and stalling; repair is labor-intensive.

occasional · 8 NHTSA complaints · typically 100k–135k miles · engine
Air-conditioning condenser/crimped hose refrigerant leaks leading to loss of cooling.

occasional · hvac

Based on public NHTSA complaint data and AI synthesis: patterns, not guarantees.

Sources (2)

api.nhtsa.govhttps://api.nhtsa.gov/complaints/complaintsByVehicle?make=nissan&model=maxima…
carparts.comhttps://www.carparts.com/blog/nissan-maxima-reliability-and-common-problems/

Recalls & safety

Recall history hasn't been loaded for this model year yet.

Whether a recall is still open on a specific car depends on its VIN. Check it free at NHTSA's VIN lookup (nhtsa.gov/recalls), or ask the seller for proof the repair was done.

Pros & cons

Pros

Roomy, comfortable interior with the sporty "4-Door Sports Car" character.
Powerful 3.5L VQ35 V6 with strong straight-line performance for the era.
Plentiful and affordable on the used market.

Cons

Floor-pan and subframe rust-through in salt-belt states is a structural-safety concern.
Front-wheel drive only, with noticeable torque steer under hard acceleration.
5-speed automatic prone to harsh shifting and failure near 100k miles, with expensive repairs.
Timing-chain guide wear can cause stalling; aging A/C and electronics add upkeep.

Trims & original pricing

Trim	Original base MSRP	New today	Engine	MPG
SE	$28,665	discontinued	—	—
SL	$30,915	discontinued	—	—

Prices are base MSRP for each trim's standard configuration. Options, packages, and destination charges added to what original buyers actually paid.

Sources (1)

iseecars.comhttps://www.iseecars.com/car/2007-nissan-maxima-price

Cost to own

Repairs (rises with mileage)	≈ $500–550/yr
Insurance (medium tier)	≈ $1,500–1,600/yr
Expected lifespan	~200k miles

National-average estimates based on public data. Your costs vary by region, driver, and condition.

Sources (2)

repairpal.comhttps://repairpal.com/reliability/nissan/maxima
moneygeek.comhttps://moneygeek.com/insurance/auto/nissan-maxima-insurance/

Frequently asked questions

What problems does the 2007 Nissan Maxima have?

Documented issue patterns include: 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; Air-conditioning condenser/crimped hose refrigerant leaks leading to loss of cooling. Frequency is based on public NHTSA complaint data: patterns, not guarantees.

Is the 2007 Nissan Maxima reliable?

How much did the 2007 Nissan Maxima cost new?

Between $28,665 and $30,915 depending on trim. Those are base MSRPs for each trim's standard configuration; options, packages, and destination charges added to what original buyers actually paid.

Is the Nissan Maxima expensive to maintain?

Estimated repairs run roughly $500–550/year as mileage climbs.

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Estimates are based on public data: patterns, not guarantees. CarVitals is not affiliated with NHTSA, CarMax, AutoTrader, or Cars.com. Issue frequencies come from public NHTSA complaint data, which has no denominator, so they describe reporting patterns, not failure probabilities. Always have a used car inspected before buying. How we build these reports.