Last updated: 2026-07-25

Nissan Maxima

0 Nissan Maxima Years to Avoid

Years that score significantly below the Nissan Maxima average of 76/100

All Nissan Maxima years score consistently around the model average of 76/100 — no years are statistical outliers. The best year is 2023 77/100 and the weakest is 2018 72/100.

Verdict

All Nissan Maxima years score consistently around the model average of 76/100 (72–77 range) — no years are statistical outliers. The best is 2023 77/100 and the weakest is 2018 72/100.

See best year ↓See all years ranked ↓

What Are Common Nissan Maxima Problems?

Top reported issues across all Nissan Maxima model years, based on NHTSA owner complaints.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

12 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019

SERVICE BRAKES

9 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2020

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE

7 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2020

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

7 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019

STRUCTURE

4 complaints

Most reported in 2020

POWER TRAIN

4 complaints

Most reported in 2019, 2020

Best Nissan Maxima Year to Buy Instead

76
GoodReliability score: 76 out of 100, rated Good

2019 Nissan Maxima

The 2019 Nissan Maxima has good reliability. There are 1 recall and 18 owner complaints on file for the 2019 Nissan Maxima. Severity signals include 2 crash-related complaints. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Unknown Or Other (5), Electrical System (2), Power Train (2).

Score: 76/100 (Good)1 recalls18 complaints
View full 2019reliability report →
VIN History Report

Found a Safe Year? Check the Specific Car

Even the best Nissan Maxima year can have hidden problems. A VIN check reveals past accidents, title issues, and service gaps for the exact car you're considering.

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  • Accidents
  • Open Recalls
  • Title History
  • Odometer Rollback

All Nissan Maxima Years by Generation

All model years ranked by reliability score, grouped by generation.

Nissan Maxima Reliability Scores by Year

Excellent Good Mixed Risky

Our data covers 2018–2023 model years.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Nissan Maxima years should you avoid?
All Nissan Maxima years in our database score consistently around the model average of 76/100. No years are statistical outliers, though some are stronger than others.
What is the best year for the Nissan Maxima?
The best year for the Nissan Maxima is 2023, with a reliability score of 77/100 ("Good"). It has 0 recalls and 1 owner complaints.
How many recalls does the Nissan Maxima have?
Across all years in our database, the Nissan Maxima has a total of 4 recalls. Recall counts vary by year — check individual model year reports for details.
Is a used Nissan Maxima worth buying?
Yes, especially the 2023 model year, which scores 77/100. Stick to years at or above the model average of 76/100 for the best ownership experience.
What are common Nissan Maxima problems?
The most common Nissan Maxima problems are unknown or other (12 complaints), service brakes (9 complaints), forward collision avoidance (7 complaints). These issues are reported across multiple model years based on NHTSA owner complaint data.
Is the Nissan Maxima reliable long-term?
The Nissan Maxima has an average reliability score of 76/100 across all model years in our database, rated "good". Overall, it is a reliable vehicle, though some model years perform better than others.
Which Nissan Maxima generation is most reliable?
The most reliable Nissan Maxima generation is the Eighth generation (A36) with an average score of 76/100. Compare generations in our all-years-by-generation section above.
How much does it cost to maintain a Nissan Maxima?
The estimated annual maintenance cost for the Nissan Maxima is $540 based on independent repair cost databases. This is below the category average, making it relatively affordable to maintain.
Is the 2023 Nissan Maxima a good used buy?
Yes, the 2023 Nissan Maxima is the highest-scoring model year with a reliability score of 77/100 ("Good"). It has 0 recalls and 1 owner complaints, making it a solid used buy.

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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