2017 Nissan Maxima: Reliability, Recalls, Known Issues & Cost to Own

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

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. 5 known issue patterns are documented below, with frequency and the mileage windows where they typically appear. New, the 2017 Nissan Maxima ranged from $32,610 to $40,340 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

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.

commonly reported · 47 NHTSA complaints · typically 40k–100k miles · transmission
Electrical faults: sudden stalling/loss of power while driving, alternator and charging failures, and Around-View-Monitor glitches.

commonly reported · 38 NHTSA complaints · electrical
Brake/ABS actuator pump fluid-leak concerns (subject to recall) and related brake-warning faults.

occasional · 12 NHTSA complaints · brake
Forward-emergency-braking 'phantom braking' and recurring 'front radar obstruction' warnings causing unwanted braking and cruise-control dropout.

commonly reported · 10 NHTSA complaints · brake
Panoramic sunroof spontaneously shattering/exploding while driving, described as a loud bang.

occasional · 9 NHTSA complaints · body

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

Upscale, near-luxury interior with comfortable Zero-Gravity seats.
Sporty, planted handling and a stiff chassis for a front-drive sedan.
Generous standard equipment, including Bose audio and driver-assist tech.
Standard 300-hp 3.5L VQ35 V6, strong, proven and free of turbo complexity.
Strong used value, near-luxury content and V6 power at a mainstream price.

Cons

Firm ride from the sport-tuned suspension.
Front-wheel drive only, with no all-wheel-drive option and some torque steer.
Discontinued after 2023, adding long-term parts and resale uncertainty.
Sloping coupe-like roofline cuts rear headroom and rear visibility.
CVT remains the long-term reliability and cost asterisk; expensive to replace if it fails.

Trims & original pricing

Trim	Original base MSRP	New today	Engine	MPG
S	$32,610	discontinued	—	—
SV	$34,590	discontinued	—	—
SL	$37,250	discontinued	—	—
SR	$38,030	discontinued	—	—
Platinum	$40,340	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/2017-nissan-maxima-price

Cost to own

Repairs (rises with mileage)	≈ $500–550/yr
Insurance (medium tier)	≈ $1,800–1,900/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 2017 Nissan Maxima have?

Documented issue patterns include: 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; Forward-emergency-braking 'phantom braking' and recurring 'front radar obstruction' warnings causing unwanted braking and cruise-control dropout. Frequency is based on public NHTSA complaint data: patterns, not guarantees.

Is the 2017 Nissan Maxima reliable?

How much did the 2017 Nissan Maxima cost new?

Between $32,610 and $40,340 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.