Last updated: 2026-07-25

2019 Nissan Maxima
RELIABILITY SCORE: 76/100 (GOOD)

2019 Nissan Maxima Reliability Report

The 2019 Nissan Maxima scores 76/100 ("Good"). With 1 recall and 18 owner complaints, reliability is acceptable but not class-leading.

Recalls

1

Complaints

18

Complaint Rate

5.1per 10,000 sold

Est. Repair Cost

$540

Annual Fuel Cost

$3,100

Detailed Score Breakdown

Complaint Severity72/100

Component-weighted complaints normalized by sales volume

Repair Costs70/100

Independent repair cost ratings

Recall Impact88/100

Recall count weighted by severity

Issue Diversity80/100

Breadth of reported problem categories

The Verdict

Consider

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

Top Issues to Watch

  • ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (2)
  • POWER TRAIN (2)
  • SERVICE BRAKES (2)

Generation & Refresh (US)

Post-Redesign (Year 4)

2019 is year 4 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.

2019: This Model Year

2019 is year 4 of the Eighth generation (A36).

2020: Mid-Cycle Refresh

Updated features and styling tweaks.

Should You Buy the 2019 Nissan Maxima?

At 76/100, the 2019 Nissan Maxima lands in "Good" territory — acceptable, but not class-leading. 2019 is year 4 of the Eighth generation (A36).

Owners log 18 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 (5). An extended warranty is worth pricing out.

Compared to the 2020 Nissan Maxima, which scored 2 points lower. See also the 2018 Nissan Maxima for an earlier comparison.

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 (5 complaints)
  • SERVICE BRAKES issues reported (2 complaints)

Compare 2019 Nissan Maxima With

Common Problem Categories

Safety

LOW RISK
  • 1 manufacturer recall issued

Other

HIGH RISK
  • UNKNOWN OR OTHER (5)
  • ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (2)

See detailed breakdown by component ↓

Recall Overview

1

recall on record

The 2019 Nissan Maxima carries 1 recall — a low count. Authorized dealers repair any open recall free of charge, regardless of warranty status.

NHTSA.gov →

Complaint Breakdown

5.1

per 10,000 sold

Segment avg: 19

LowAvgHigh
Low

Safety Incidents

2

Crashes

0

Fires

2

Injuries

0

Deaths

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

2019 Nissan Maxima Recall Details

1 recall has been issued for the 2019 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.

VIN History Report

Buying a used 2019 Nissan Maxima? Check its history first

Every 2019 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.

Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no cost to you. No VIN? Just hit “Check VIN” to look one up.

  • Accidents
  • Open Recalls
  • Title History
  • Odometer Rollback

2019 Nissan Maxima NHTSA Safety Ratings

Crash Test Results by Configuration (expand)

Gas Powertrain

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, Rear Seat)Knee (Driver, Front Passenger)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

3.5Maintenance rating: 3.5 out of 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

24 MPG

Running cost: $3,650/yr

Fuel + repair

20 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 2019 EPA label cycle.

Gas trims
TrimDriveTrans.CityHwyCombFuel Cost
Maxima 3.5L 6-cylFront-Wheel DriveAutomatic (AV-S7)203024$3,100

Used Buying Checklist

Key things to inspect or verify before purchasing a 2019 Nissan Maxima.

  • Inspect headlight assemblies for condensation and flickering

  • Test infotainment system for random reboots and audio issues

  • Check for unexpected automatic braking during test drive

  • Listen for unusual noises from the engine or transmission

  • Verify sunroof and sunshade operation for any defects

  • Ensure tires are not part of a recalled batch

2019 Nissan Maxima Common Problems by Component

18 owner complaints grouped by vehicle system.

5
2
2
2
3
UNKNOWN OR OTHER (5)ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (2)POWER TRAIN (2)SERVICE BRAKES (2)VISIBILITY/WIPER (1)ENGINE (1)WHEELS (1)STRUCTURE (1)Other (3)

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

5 complaints

Owners of the 2019 Nissan Maxima report frequent issues with the infotainment and navigation systems, including problems with the audio system turning on at high volumes, CarPlay starting and stopping unexpectedly, and USB ports malfunctioning or shorting out. Complaints also describe the radio head unit cutting out randomly and requiring multiple reboots to function properly. Additionally, some owners mention problems with the panoramic sunroof, including reports of the sunshade snapping unexpectedly and the sunroof itself exploding while driving. These issues are reported without specific mileage ranges but highlight potential safety implications, such as driver distraction and sudden loud noises that could startle drivers.

5 complaints total

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

2 complaints

Owners of the 2019 Nissan Maxima report issues with the electrical system, including headlight failures and vehicle stalling. One complaint describes a driver-side headlight flickering and turning off intermittently due to significant condensation within the headlight assembly, which may indicate a sealing defect. Another complaint details unexplained stalling at approximately 70,000 miles, with the vehicle unable to be repaired after an extended period at a dealership. Both issues pose potential safety risks, as the headlight failure can impair nighttime visibility and the stalling may lead to loss of vehicle control. These problems could be of concern to potential buyers considering a used 2019 Maxima.

2 complaints total

POWER TRAIN

2 complaints

Owners of the 2019 Nissan Maxima report issues related to the power train, specifically involving noises and potential transmission problems. Complaints frequently mention a persistent noise from under the hood, described as a thumping or whining sound, particularly noticeable when the vehicle is idling or when the gas pedal is pressed. One owner notes a sales representative disclosed a transmission issue during a test drive, which was initially not acknowledged by the dealership. These issues are reported shortly after purchase, suggesting they may be present at lower mileages. No reports of crashes, fires, or loss of control are mentioned, but potential buyers should be aware of these noise and transmission concerns when considering a used 2019 Nissan Maxima.

2 complaints total
SERVICE BRAKES (2 complaints)

SERVICE BRAKES

2 complaints

Owners of the 2019 Nissan Maxima report issues with the vehicle's service brakes, specifically related to unexpected automatic braking. Complaints frequently mention the vehicle stopping abruptly without any apparent external cause, such as obstacles or nearby vehicles. These incidents often occur shortly after purchase, with one owner noting occurrences within six months. Safety implications are significant, as the sudden braking could lead to potential collisions, although no crashes are reported in these complaints. This pattern of spontaneous braking and associated warning lights, like the ABS light, is a key consideration for potential buyers of this model year.

2 complaints total
VISIBILITY/WIPER (1 complaints)

VISIBILITY/WIPER

1 complaint
2025-12-10

I recently purchased a 2019 Nissan Maxima in November of 2025 from the Nissan dealership, with in the matter of 2 weeks after getting the car as I was driving the sunroof just exploded sounding like a gunshot. My son was in the car and luckily, I had the shade up, so no glass got all over us. The issue almost caused a wreck due to me having to swerve after thinking someone was shooting and or something fell out of the sky. I have a panoramic sunroof, and the insurance company say they do not cover sunroofs.

ENGINE (1 complaints)

ENGINE

1 complaint
2022-05-03

The contact owns a 2019 Nissan Maxima. The contact stated while driving 60 MPH, the oil level warning light illuminated and the vehicle started smoking under the hood. The contact checked the oil level and notice there was no oil in the engine. The contact added engine oil however, the smoking continued. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed. The contact stated that the spark plugs and intake gasket were replaced; however, the vehicle continued to smoke and the oil level remained low. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was contacted and confirmed that the engine needed to be replaced. The failure mileage was 70,000.

WHEELS (1 complaints)

WHEELS

1 complaint
2022-05-01

The lug nuts on this vehicle are covered with a thin stainless "cap". This cap can, and was, easily damaged and deformed when attempting to remove it to change a tire. The stainless steel "cap" was able to rotate without rotating the lug nut it was covering. This made it impossible to remove the wheel. This is a very poor and dangerous design as a driver can be stranded with a flat tire and no way to remove the lug nuts holding the wheel to the vehicle. The vehicle had to be towed to a mechanic who had to cut away the cap and remove it from the covered lug nut before the lug not could be removed.

STRUCTURE (1 complaints)

STRUCTURE

1 complaint
2022-03-25

While driving on a windy day at approximately 55 mph, the hood popped up on the Maxima. The secondary latch prevented the hood from rising more than a couple of inches so no damage occurred, but had the hood come completely open it could have been a disaster. The car was pulled to the side of the road and the hood was closed tight. The hood was last opened when being serviced by my Nissan dealer. This is the first time this has happened and the car was driven home (approx 15 miles), under the same windy conditions, without incident. It has not been inspected by the dealer yet.

TIRES (1 complaints)

TIRES

1 complaint
2021-06-06

We were traveling on a lightly crowded highway when all at once the car shuddered, tire and warning lights came on, noise and vibration levels increased dramatically. I managed to pull over and then off the highway in order to replace the damaged tire with the donut spare. The roadway was clear, and we did not run over any objects. The tire was utterly flat. It had failed instantly, as opposed to a leak. The attached photo shows that the inner sidewall of the tire failed simultaneously, in multiple places. NOTE!!! Earlier batches of this same brand/make/model tire have already been RECALLED! The tires on my car were made 3 weeks after the listed DOT batch week end. The recall period needs to be extended.

EXTERIOR LIGHTING (1 complaints)

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

1 complaintSafety-related
2020-01-04Crash reported1 injury

DRIVING NORTH ON BISCAYNE BLVD 167TH ST NORTH MIAMI FL CAR DRASTICALLY WENT TO RIGHT AND WENT ON RISKING AND HIT POLES AND AIR BAGS CAME OUT I HAD NO CONTROL OF VEHICLE IT WAS MECHANICAL DEFECT I CALLED PRIOR TO RENTAL SAYING SOMETHING IS WRONG BUT NO ONE LISTENED.*DT*JB*DT CONSUMER RECEIVED A LETTER STATING VEHICLE WAS SOLD AS A SALVAGE.*JB

When Do 2019 Nissan Maxima Problems Start?

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

70,000 milesElectrical system failures

Best & Worst Nissan Maxima Years

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

Best Nissan Maxima Years to Buy

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).

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.

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
YearScoreRating
201872/100Good
201976/100Good
202074/100Good
202177/100Good
202277/100Good
202377/100Good

Nissan Maxima Reliability Compared to Other Years

Reliability scores compared across model years
YearScorevs Prior YearRatingRecallsComplaints
202377/1000Good01
202277/1000Good05
202177/100+3Good03
202074/100-2Good121
2019(selected)76/100+4Good118
201872/100Good236

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the 2019 Nissan Maxima reliable?
The 2019 Nissan Maxima has a "Good" reliability rating with a score of 76/100. It is reasonably reliable with 1 recall and 18 owner complaints, though some issues have been reported.
What are the most common problems with the 2019 Nissan Maxima?
The most commonly reported problems with the 2019 Nissan Maxima include: UNKNOWN OR OTHER (5 complaints), ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (2 complaints), POWER TRAIN (2 complaints), SERVICE BRAKES (2 complaints), VISIBILITY/WIPER (1 complaints). These issues were identified from owner complaints analyzed by Auto Reliability Index.
How many recalls does the 2019 Nissan Maxima have?
The 2019 Nissan Maxima has 1 recall on record. Recalls are safety or compliance fixes issued by the manufacturer and repaired at no cost at authorized dealerships.
Is the 2019 Nissan Maxima expensive to maintain?
The 2019 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 76/100, some repairs may be needed, but overall ownership costs are manageable.

Don’t buy a 2019 Nissan Maxima without checking its VIN first — hidden accidents, title issues, and open recalls could cost you thousands.

Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no cost to you.

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

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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