Last updated: 2026-07-25

RELIABILITY SCORE: 72/100 (GOOD)

2018 Nissan Maxima Reliability Report

Name: 2018 Nissan Maxima
Brand: Nissan

The 2018 Nissan Maxima scores 72/100 ("Good"). With 2 recalls and 36 owner complaints, reliability is acceptable but not class-leading.

Full Breakdown Compare Models

Recalls

Complaints

Complaint Rate

8.5per 10,000 sold

Est. Repair Cost

$540

Annual Fuel Cost

$3,000

Detailed Score Breakdown

Complaint Severity70/100

Component-weighted complaints normalized by sales volume

Repair Costs70/100

Independent repair cost ratings

Recall Impact71/100

Recall count weighted by severity

Issue Diversity83/100

Breadth of reported problem categories

The Verdict

Consider

Acceptable reliability — worth considering with a pre-purchase inspection.

Top Issues to Watch

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (5)
SERVICE BRAKES (5)
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE (5)

Generation & Refresh (US)

Post-Redesign (Year 3)

2018 is year 3 of the Eighth generation (A36).

Redesigned for the 2016 model year.
Well-established in its generation — most early issues should be resolved.
A refresh arrives in 2020.
8th generation Maxima (US).

What this means for buyers

Well into the generation cycle — most design and manufacturing issues should be resolved by now.

2016: Eighth generation (A36) Launch

Generation start — new platform.

2018: This Model Year

2018 is year 3 of the Eighth generation (A36).

2020: Mid-Cycle Refresh

Updated features and styling tweaks.

Should You Buy the 2018 Nissan Maxima?

At 72/100, the 2018 Nissan Maxima lands in "Good" territory — acceptable, but not class-leading. 2018 is year 3 of the Eighth generation (A36).

Owners log 36 complaints on this model year — enough to suggest attention is needed, but no single failure mode dominates yet.

Get a pre-purchase inspection on any used example, with extra attention to unknown or other (7). An extended warranty is worth pricing out.

Compared to the 2019 Nissan Maxima, which scored 4 points higher.

Pros

+Acceptable reliability score
+$50 cheaper to maintain than avg fullsize cars
+Infrequent unscheduled repairs
+Low major repair risk (15%)

Cons

−UNKNOWN OR OTHER issues reported (7 complaints)
−SERVICE BRAKES: Automatic emergency braking and front radar sensors (5 complaints)

Compare 2018 Nissan Maxima With

2018 Buick Lacrosse

Reliability: 75/100

Good

2018 Chrysler 300

Reliability: 66/100

Good

2018 Dodge Charger

Reliability: 69/100

Good

2018 Subaru Legacy

Reliability: 70/100

Good

2018 Hyundai Sonata

Reliability: 61/100

Good

Common Problem Categories

Safety

LOW RISK

2 manufacturer recalls issued

Other

HIGH RISK

UNKNOWN OR OTHER (7)
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (5)

See detailed breakdown by component ↓

Recall Overview

recalls on record

Park Outside

The 2018 Nissan Maxima carries 2 recalls — a low count. Authorized dealers repair any open recall free of charge, regardless of warranty status.

NHTSA.gov →

Complaint Breakdown

8.5

per 10,000 sold

Segment avg: 24.4

LowAvgHigh

Low

Safety Incidents

Crashes

Fires

Injuries

Deaths

★★★★★

NHTSA 5/5 Stars

Data sourced from NHTSA complaint filings and manufacturer recall notices. Complaint narratives are owner-reported.

2018 Nissan Maxima Recall Details

2 recalls have been issued for the 2018 Nissan Maxima. All recall repairs are performed free of charge at authorized dealerships.

19V6540002019-09-12

BACK OVER PREVENTION

Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Nissan Altima, Armada, Frontier, Kicks, Leaf, Maxima, Murano, NV, NV200, Pathfinder, Rogue, Rogue Sport, Sentra, Titan, Titan Diesel, Versa Note and Versa Sedan vehicles, as well as Infiniti Q50, Q60, QX30 and QX80 vehicles. Additionally included are 2019 Nissan GT-R and Taxi and Infiniti QX50, QX60, Q70, Q70L vehicles. The back-up camera and display settings can be adjusted such that the rear view image is no longer visible and the system will retain that setting the next time the vehicle is placed in reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rear Visibility."

Consequence

The lack of an image in the back-up camera display increases the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Nissan will notify owners in phases, having dealers update the back-up camera settings software, free of charge. The recall began November 11, 2019 and all affected VINs should be activated. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-867-7669 or INFINITI customer service at 1-800-662-6200.

19V8070002019-11-08Park Outside

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2015-2018 Nissan Murano, 2016-2018 Nissan Maxima, and 2017-2019 Nissan Pathfinder and Infiniti QX60 vehicles. These vehicles were previously recalled and unrepaired, or inspected and determined to not need a repair, under recall number 18V-601. In addition, this recall expands the previous population. The Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) actuator pumps may allow brake fluid to leak onto an internal circuit board.

Consequence

A brake fluid leak on the circuit board may result in an electrical short, increasing the risk of a fire.

Remedy

Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will replace the ABS actuator, free of charge. Owners will receive a second notice when remedy parts become available, currently expected to be during summer 2020. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-867-7669. Note: If the ABS warning light remains illuminated for more than 10 seconds after engine start up, owners are advised to park the vehicle outdoors away from other vehicles or structures and to not drive the vehicle.

VIN History Report

Buying a used 2018 Nissan Maxima? Check its history first

Every 2018 Nissan Maxima has a different past. A VIN check reveals hidden accidents, title problems, odometer rollbacks, and open recalls that reliability scores can't show you.

Accidents
Open Recalls
Title History
Odometer Rollback

2018 Nissan Maxima NHTSA Safety Ratings

Overall Safety Rating

Crash Test Results by Configuration (expand)

Gas Powertrain

Driver: 5/5Passenger: 4/5

Rollover risk: 9.5%

Safety Technologies

Dynamic Head Restraints (Not Available)Head Restraint (Driver, Front Passenger, Rear Seat)Advanced Belt Feature (Standard)Adjustable Upper Belt Anchorage (Driver, Front Passenger)Seat Belt Reminder System (Driver, Front Passenger)Frontal Air Bag (Driver, Front Passenger)Curtain (Driver, Front Passenger, Rear Seat)Torso/Pelvis (Driver, Front Passenger)Knee (Not Available)Additional Air Bags (N/A)Meets Side Air Bag Out-of-Position Requirements (Yes)LATCH Locations (Rear Seat)Safety Power Windows (Anti-Pinch) (Standard)Safety Power Windows (Anti-Pinch) locations (Driver, Front Passenger)

View full safety data on NHTSA.gov →

Nissan MaximaRepair Costs & Maintenance

Maintenance Rating

3.5

Based on NHTSA complaint patterns, recall severity, and publicly available cost benchmarks.

Est. Annual Maintenance

$540

vs $590 avg for fullsize cars

vs $652 avg for all vehicles

Repair Frequency

0.3

unscheduled repair visits per year

Severe Repair Probability

15%

chance of a major repair

Annual Cost Comparison

Maxima

$540

Category Avg

$590

All Vehicles

$652

Category-level averages derived from publicly available industry reports (AAA, CarMD). Model-level estimates produced by Auto Reliability Index.

MPG & Annual Running Costs

Gas

25 MPG

Running cost: $3,550/yr

Fuel + repair

21 city / 30 hwy MPG

Running cost includes EPA fuel-cost estimate and independent repair-cost data (repair cost estimated at model level). Excludes routine maintenance, depreciation, and insurance. Data as of 2018 EPA label cycle.

Gas trims

Trim	Drive	Trans.	City	Hwy	Comb	Fuel Cost
Maxima 3.5L 6-cyl	Front-Wheel Drive	Automatic (AV-S7)	21	30	25	$3,000

Used Buying Checklist

Key things to inspect or verify before purchasing a 2018 Nissan Maxima.

Check for 'Front Radar Obstruction' warnings on the dashboard
Test automatic emergency braking system for unexpected activation
Inspect sunroof for any signs of stress or damage
Verify transmission operation for smooth gear shifts
Ensure 360-degree camera system is functioning properly

2018 Nissan Maxima Common Problems by Component

36 owner complaints grouped by vehicle system.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER (7)ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (5)SERVICE BRAKES (5)FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE (5)ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC) (2)VISIBILITY/WIPER (2)SUSPENSION (1)LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES (1)Other (8)

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

7 complaints

Owners report several issues with the 2018 Nissan Maxima, including problems with the vehicle's electronic systems and mechanical failures. Complaints frequently mention the sudden appearance of warnings related to the front radar and rear obstruction systems, which some owners find difficult to document for service purposes. A notable mechanical issue involves the vehicle unexpectedly going into limp mode after about 30 minutes of driving, with the gas pedal becoming unresponsive and RPMs dropping, posing a safety risk in traffic. Additionally, one owner describes a severe incident involving a steering failure linked to an ABS actuator leak, resulting in a loss of control and a crash. These reports suggest potential safety implications, particularly regarding vehicle control and electronic system reliability.

7 complaints total

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

5 complaints

Owners of the 2018 Nissan Maxima frequently report issues with the front radar system, particularly the "UNAVAILABLE FRONT RADAR OBSTRUCTION" alert, which appears randomly during driving. This issue affects the vehicle's safety features, such as the emergency braking system and adaptive cruise control, even in clear road conditions. Complaints indicate that this problem occurs shortly after purchasing the vehicle and persists beyond the warranty period. In addition, one owner describes an intermittent dimming of the instrument panel, which occasionally goes blank, occurring at around 8,434 miles. These issues may affect vehicle safety and functionality, which potential buyers should consider.

5 complaints total

SERVICE BRAKES

5 complaintsSafety-related

Owners of the 2018 Nissan Maxima frequently report issues with the vehicle's brake system, particularly involving the automatic emergency braking and front radar sensors. Common symptoms include dashboard warnings such as "Front Radar Unavailable Due to Obstruction" and failure of the automatic emergency braking system, often noted around 39,000 miles. Additionally, there is a concern related to a potential brake fluid leak that could lead to a fire, as highlighted by one incident where a vehicle caught fire at approximately 51,533 miles. These issues carry significant safety implications, particularly the risk of fire and the failure of critical braking functions, which may affect the suitability of the vehicle for certain drivers or conditions.

5 complaints total1 fire

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE (5 complaints)

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE

5 complaints

Owners of the 2018 Nissan Maxima frequently report issues with the forward collision avoidance system, particularly the automatic emergency braking (AEB) activating without obstruction. Symptoms include the vehicle braking suddenly or slowing down independently, often accompanied by a "Front Radar Obstruction Unavailable" message. These issues are reported to occur at various mileages, with some complaints beginning as early as 4,098 miles and others as late as 94,000 miles. Multiple owners mention the problem persists despite recalibration efforts or dealer visits, and some note it happens consistently during each drive. Safety implications include the potential for unexpected braking, which may pose a risk to vehicle control.

5 complaints total

ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC) (2 complaints)

ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)

2 complaints

Owners report frequent issues with the electronic stability control system in the 2018 Nissan Maxima, specifically related to the front radar and collision avoidance systems. The most common symptoms include the "front radar obstruction unavailable" warning activating often, lasting from a few minutes to over 15 minutes, and causing the cruise control to disengage unexpectedly. Additionally, the collision avoidance system is reported to disengage continuously. These issues typically occur while the vehicle is in motion, with no specific mileage range noted. The problem can lead to a sudden reduction in speed, which may have safety implications in certain driving conditions. Buyers considering a used 2018 Maxima should be aware of these potential electronic stability control concerns.

2 complaints total

VISIBILITY/WIPER (2 complaints)

VISIBILITY/WIPER

2 complaints

Owners of the 2018 Nissan Maxima report two main issues related to visibility and wiper components. One complaint describes a panoramic sunroof that exploded while driving at highway speeds on a hot day, raising safety concerns due to potential glass shattering. The owner mentions this incident occurred despite the vehicle being under warranty, but glass is not covered unless a defect is identified. Another complaint involves the failure of the 360-degree camera system, which the owner notes as a significant safety issue, especially since there is a known recall for similar problems that does not apply to their vehicle. These issues highlight potential safety implications, particularly related to visibility and driver awareness.

2 complaints total

SUSPENSION (1 complaints)

SUSPENSION

1 complaint

2026-01-31

My rear passenger side coil spring broke. This is a dealer only item. I contacted the dealer and the item is on back order. It is my only means for transportation. I didn’t cause this break, and now I can’t even get it fixed until it comes in whenever that may be. The dealership doesn’t have an estimated time for delivery. I am financing my car and can’t even drive it.

LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES (1 complaints)

LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES

1 complaint

2022-08-01

The contact owns a 2018 Nissan Maxima. The contact stated that the power door functions on the front driver’s door failed to operate on two separate occasions. Due to the failure, the contact had to enter the vehicle from the front passenger’s side before crawling over into the driver’s seat. The vehicle was initially taken to the dealer, and the front driver’s side door actuator was replaced. And on the second visit, the contact was informed that both the front driver’s side and rear passenger’s side door actuators were defective and needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle remained in the possession of the dealer unrepaired. The failure mileage was unknown.

WHEELS (1 complaints)

WHEELS

1 complaint

2024-09-12

The contact owns a 2018 Nissan Maxima. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact started losing control of the vehicle. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed and determined that the lug nuts needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 40,000. The VIN was not available.

TIRES (1 complaints)

TIRES

1 complaint

2024-03-12

Four tires size 245/45/18 failed after 9 months and 6,500 miles. Tires were rotated after 5,000 miles. Dealer checked alignment at 6,500 miles all was ok. Two rear tires were bald, no tread, two front tires were worn to wear bar. Dealer sent tires for warranty 3/12/24 to date 4/22/24 Warranty information not received.

When Do 2018 Nissan Maxima Problems Start?

Based on owner complaint patterns, here's when common issues tend to appear.

4,000–94,000 milesForward collision avoidance failures

39,000–51,000 milesService brakes failures

90,000 milesTransmission shudder

Best & Worst Nissan Maxima Years

Comprehensive reliability analysis based on NHTSA data, owner complaints, and historical performance.

Best Nissan Maxima Years to Buy

Based on reliability index score

The best Nissan Maxima year is 2023 with a reliability score of 77/100, rated good. Other strong picks include 2022 (77/100) and 2021 (77/100).

Top Pick

Good

Nissan Maxima Years to Avoid

No Nissan Maxima years are statistical outliers in our data.

All model years score consistently well. The Nissan Maxima maintains one of the highest industry standards for long-term durability across its entire production span.

See full Nissan Maxima years-to-avoid analysis

Nissan Maxima Reliability Score Trend

Nissan Maxima reliability has remained consistent across model years, averaging 76/100.

Scores 0–100. Higher is better. Current year highlighted.

Nissan Maxima reliability scores by year
Year	Score	Rating
2018	72/100	Good
2019	76/100	Good
2020	74/100	Good
2021	77/100	Good
2022	77/100	Good
2023	77/100	Good

Nissan Maxima Reliability Compared to Other Years

Reliability scores compared across model years
Year	Score	vs Prior Year	Rating	Recalls	Complaints
2023	77/100	0	Good	0	1
2022	77/100	0	Good	0	5
2021	77/100	+3	Good	0	3
2020	74/100	-2	Good	1	21
2019	76/100	+4	Good	1	18
2018(selected)	72/100	—	Good	2	36

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the 2018 Nissan Maxima reliable?

The 2018 Nissan Maxima has a "Good" reliability rating with a score of 72/100. It is reasonably reliable with 2 recalls and 36 owner complaints, though some issues have been reported.

What are the most common problems with the 2018 Nissan Maxima?

The most commonly reported problems with the 2018 Nissan Maxima include: UNKNOWN OR OTHER (7 complaints), ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (5 complaints), SERVICE BRAKES (5 complaints), FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE (5 complaints), ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC) (2 complaints). These issues were identified from owner complaints analyzed by Auto Reliability Index.

How many recalls does the 2018 Nissan Maxima have?

The 2018 Nissan Maxima has 2 recalls on record. Recalls are safety or compliance fixes issued by the manufacturer and repaired at no cost at authorized dealerships.

Is the 2018 Nissan Maxima expensive to maintain?

The 2018 Nissan Maxima has estimated annual repair costs of $540/year, which is $50 less than the fullsize cars average of $590. With a reliability score of 72/100, some repairs may be needed, but overall ownership costs are manageable.

Don’t buy a 2018 Nissan Maxima without checking its VIN first — hidden accidents, title issues, and open recalls could cost you thousands.

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Look Up a VIN →

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

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.

Repair Costs

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

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.

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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