Last updated: 2026-07-26

Genesis G80 vs Nissan Maxima: Reliability Compared

Genesis G80 reliability comparison

Genesis G80

69
GoodReliability score: 69 out of 100, rated Good
VS
More ReliableNissan Maxima reliability comparison

Nissan Maxima

76
GoodReliability score: 76 out of 100, rated Good

Choosing between the Genesis G80 and the Nissan Maxima? This page compares their reliability scores, NHTSA recall history, owner-reported complaints, and estimated annual repair costs so you can make a confident long-term ownership decision between these two full-size sedans.

Our reliability scores are based on NHTSA recall and complaint data, independent repair cost estimates, and sales-normalized complaint rates. The Nissan Maxima currently leads with an average score of 76/100 compared to 69/100. Scroll down for the full year-by-year breakdown, common problem areas, and repair cost comparison.

How Do the Genesis G80 and Nissan Maxima Generations Compare?

As of 2026, the Nissan Maxima is in its eighth generation, which began in 2016 and received a facelift in 2020. This generation was mature, suggesting the platform had become well-sorted by the end of its run in 2023, thus likely offering improved reliability due to resolved early issues typical of new designs. Meanwhile, the Genesis G80 is in its second generation, which started in 2021, with a significant facelift revealed in 2024. Being relatively new, the G80 may still be ironing out initial production kinks, though the facelift indicates ongoing improvements. For buyers focused on reliability, the Maxima's mature platform might offer greater peace of mind.

Verdict

The Nissan Maxima is more reliable than the Genesis G80, scoring 76/100 vs 69/100.

The Nissan Maxima demonstrates superior reliability with an average score of 76/100 and a low owner complaint rate of 6.5 per 10,000 sold, compared to the Genesis G80's score of 69/100 and a significantly higher complaint rate of 39.6 per 10,000 sold. Over the past six years, the Maxima has had only four recalls, whereas the G80 has faced 28 recalls over nine years, indicating more frequent issues. While both models have common problems with their electrical systems and service brakes, the Maxima's lower estimated annual repair cost of $540 further solidifies its reliability advantage in the full-size sedan segment.

Key Differences

  1. 1Nissan Maxima has 33.1 fewer complaints per 10k sold
  2. 2Nissan Maxima has 24 fewer total recalls
  3. 3Nissan Maxima scores 7 points higher in reliability

Category Scoreboard

0Genesis G80
—
3Nissan Maxima
Reliability ScoreTotal RecallsComplaint RateSafety Rating

Genesis G80 vs Nissan Maxima: Which Is More Reliable?

Genesis G80 vs Nissan Maxima at-a-glance reliability comparison
MetricGenesis G80Nissan Maxima
Reliability Score69/10076/100
Years Tracked96
Total Recalls284
Complaints per 10k Sold39.66.5
Safety RatingNHTSA overall
2026 NHTSA
2023 NHTSA
Frontal
Side
Rollover
Year Wins06

What Are the Common Problems With the Genesis G80 and Nissan Maxima?

The Nissan Maxima and Genesis G80 display distinct problem profiles, with the G80 experiencing a higher volume of complaints overall. The Genesis G80's most reported issue is the electrical system, with 32 complaints, including one linked to a crash, indicating a potential safety concern. Additionally, the G80 shows significant issues in steering and airbags, with multiple crash-linked complaints, suggesting a focus on safety-related defects. In contrast, the Nissan Maxima's complaints are more evenly distributed across categories, with the most significant being in the unspecified "unknown or other" category, and fewer safety-related concerns compared to the G80.

Genesis G80 vs Nissan Maxima common problem areas comparison
ComponentGenesis G80Nissan Maxima
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM7.7Above Avg0.5Very Low
UNKNOWN OR OTHER5.1Average0.9Very Low
STEERING4.1Average—None
SERVICE BRAKES2.4Low0.7Very Low
ENGINE2.9Low—None
POWER TRAIN1.7Low0.3Very Low
WHEELS1.9Low—None
AIR BAGS1.7Low0.2Very Low
STRUCTURE1Very Low0.3Very Low
TIRES1.2Low—None
FUEL SYSTEM0.7Very Low—None
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING0.7Very Low—None
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL0.5Very Low—None
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE—None0.5Very Low
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES—None0.2Very Low
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)—None0.2Very Low
VISIBILITY/WIPER—None0.2Very Low

Complaints per 10,000 units sold, aggregated across all tracked model years from NHTSA owner reports.

Which Is Cheaper to Maintain: Genesis G80 or Nissan Maxima?

The Nissan Maxima has an annual repair cost of $540, with an expected 0.3 repair visits per year and a 15% risk of major repairs. For cost-conscious buyers, these figures suggest a relatively predictable maintenance budget. On the other hand, the Genesis G80 lacks specific repair cost data, making it challenging to assess its total ownership costs accurately. Considering the Maxima's data, over five years, owners might expect around $2,700 in repair costs. Its low repair frequency and moderate major repair risk make it a reliable choice for those looking to minimize unexpected expenses. Without comparable data for the Genesis G80, the Maxima emerges as the more transparent and potentially cost-effective option.

How Does Genesis G80 vs Nissan Maxima Reliability Compare by Year?

Genesis G80 vs Nissan Maxima year-by-year reliability scores
YearGenesis G80Nissan MaximaEdge
202370/1004R / 8C77/1000R / 1CNissan Maxima
202270/1004R / 6C77/1000R / 5CNissan Maxima
202170/1004R / 9C77/1000R / 3CNissan Maxima
202070/1002R / 10C74/1001R / 21CNissan Maxima
201966/1003R / 27C76/1001R / 18CNissan Maxima
201855/1006R / 94C72/1002R / 36CNissan Maxima

Best years to cross-shop: The 2023 Genesis G80 scored 70/100 and the 2023 Nissan Maxima scored 77/100 — these represent the strongest model years in our tracking range.

Who Should Buy the Genesis G80 vs the Nissan Maxima?

If you prioritize reliability and lower running costs, the Nissan Maxima is the better choice for you. With a reliability score of 76 out of 100, it outperforms the Genesis G80 in this area. The Maxima has fewer recalls, with only 4 compared to the G80's 28, and fewer owner complaints at 6.5 per 10,000 sold. Additionally, the estimated annual repair cost for the Maxima is $540, with a repair frequency of 0.3 per year, making it a more economical option for maintenance. However, if you are drawn to the luxury and features that the Genesis brand offers, you might still consider the G80, keeping in mind its reliability score of 69 and higher incidence of recalls and complaints. While specific repair cost data isn't available, the higher number of issues such as electrical system and engine problems could lead to more frequent visits to the repair shop. Choose the G80 if the luxury experience outweighs potential reliability concerns for you.

Genesis G80 vs Nissan Maxima: Common Questions

Is the Genesis G80 more reliable than the Nissan Maxima?
Based on our data, the Nissan Maxima is more reliable with an average score of 76/100 compared to 69/100. The difference is modest, so both are reasonable choices.
Which has more recalls, the Genesis G80 or the Nissan Maxima?
The Genesis G80 has more recalls (28) compared to the Nissan Maxima (4). More recalls don't always mean worse reliability — some are minor — but it's worth reviewing what each recall covers.
Which has fewer owner complaints, the Genesis G80 or the Nissan Maxima?
Adjusted for sales volume, the Nissan Maxima has a lower complaint rate at 6.5 per 10,000 vehicles sold versus 39.6 for the Genesis G80. Normalizing by sales gives a fairer comparison than raw totals.
Is the Genesis G80 or Nissan Maxima safer?
Both the Genesis G80 and Nissan Maxima received the same NHTSA overall safety rating of 5/5 stars. Check the frontal, side, and rollover sub-ratings above for a more detailed comparison.

Related Reliability Comparisons

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How We Calculate Reliability Scores

Auto Reliability Index scores are calculated on a 0–100 scale using a weighted formula that combines multiple public data sources. Each factor is weighted based on its predictive value for real-world ownership experience.

Key Ranking Factors

1

Complaint Severity

NHTSA owner complaints weighted by component category (e.g., powertrain, safety systems, electronics, cosmetic) — safety-critical issues carry more weight than cosmetic ones. Adjusted for sales volume so high-volume models aren't unfairly penalized.

2

Repair Costs

Independent reliability ratings based on repair frequency, average repair costs, and severity of typical repairs for each model.

3

Recall Impact

Number of NHTSA recalls weighted by severity. “Stop driving” and fire-risk recalls are penalized more heavily than minor software or labeling recalls.

4

Issue Diversity

Measures how many major vehicle systems (engine, transmission, electrical, braking, etc.) have recorded complaints. A vehicle with issues spread across many systems may indicate systemic quality issues.

Scores are grouped into four tiers:

  • 80–100: Excellent— Top-tier reliability, minimal issues
  • 60–79: Good— Reliable with some minor concerns
  • 40–59: Mixed— Notable issues, research before buying
  • 0–39: Risky— Significant problems, proceed with caution

Data is sourced from NHTSA recall records, owner complaint filings, and independent repair databases. Scores are recalculated as new data becomes available. While the weighting model is proprietary, all underlying data sources are public and traceable.

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