2011 Nissan Maxima Problems
Compared with other Nissan Maxima years
Typical for this model
40/100 0.8× a typical year · 50 = typical
- Complaint rate is 0.8× that of a typical Nissan Maxima year, weighted for crashes, fires, injuries, recalls and mileage, and allowing for the era and for how long each year has had to collect complaints.
- 11 of its 106 complaints were filed by the end of 2013.
- Most reported problem: CVT transmission slipping, whining or failing (19 complaints, median 99,258 mi).
Nearby years with fewer complaints than typical and no open NHTSA investigation: 2008, 2013
Based only on NHTSA complaints, recalls and investigations. Not adjusted for how many vehicles were sold, and not a reliability rating. How this is calculated
- Complaints
- 106filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 67,500miles, 64 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 0campaigns on record
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
- NHTSA crash rating
- —no overall rating published
- EPA fuel economy
- 22 mpgcombined, 3.5L 6-cyl FWD · 19 city / 26 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 2011 Nissan Maxima (complaints, recalls, investigations), NHTSA crash tests, EPA fuel economy. Report an error
What owners report
Owners of the 2011 Maxima most often describe two things: the front passenger airbag turning itself off with an adult in the seat, and CVT transmission trouble that usually shows up past 80,000 miles as slipping, hesitation or a whining noise. A smaller but recurring group reports the dashboard coating going sticky and glossy, and the panoramic sunroof glass shattering while driving.
- Transmission and drivetrain
CVT transmission slipping, whining or failing
- 19 complaints (18%)
- median 99,258 mi at 7.0 yrs old (13 state mileage)
- owner-quoted repair $4,544 (median of 6 quotes)
- filed 2011–2024
Owners describe the car hesitating or refusing to accelerate, high rpm with little forward motion, whining or rough noises on acceleration, and jerking when pulling away from a stop. Several complaints say a dealer diagnosed the CVT belt or the whole transmission as needing replacement, with quoted costs in the thousands of dollars. A few owners report the transmission was on back order or that repairs were not covered once the extended warranty expired. Mostly reported between roughly 60,000 and 115,000 miles, with a few at much lower mileage.
What to check: Test drive at highway speed and from a stop; listen for whining or clicking and watch for hesitation or rpm flare. Ask for transmission service records and whether the CVT fluid was ever changed.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“My car has less than 113,500 miles and started losing power and coasting, the speed would fluctuate and something sounds loose in the engine. I took it to lithia Nissan in fresno ca on blackstone and they told me the CVT belt needs to be replaced thereby causing the car to need a whole new transmission at $5738.96. The car was in motion.”
NHTSA complaint #11399057, filed 2021-03, 113,000 miles“Intermittent high RPM's with no control of speed. Would happen then not happen for days. Would not go at stop signs/stop lights then surge forward when the transmission (we later learned) finally engaged. On a day it wasn't acting up we took it to where we bought it (dealership) and they immediately notified us that we needed a brand new transmission $5,500. 2,053 miles outside of warranty. …”
NHTSA complaint #10680772, filed 2015-02, 62,053 miles - Air bags
Passenger airbag light on with an adult seated (occupant
- 17 complaints (16%)
- median 26,022 mi at 3.8 yrs old (9 state mileage, few)
- 1 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2011–2024
Owners describe the passenger airbag status light staying on or flickering while an adult is sitting in the front passenger seat, so the airbag is shown as off. Some say it happens intermittently, others say it never recognizes the passenger at all. Complaints mention dealers telling owners the seat needed to be broken in, replacing the seat cushion, or finding no fault, and several owners report the condition came back. Reported from very low mileage up to about 40,000 miles, including within the first months of ownership.
What to check: With the engine running, sit in the front passenger seat and confirm the airbag status shows ON; ask whether the occupant sensor or seat cushion has been replaced.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“The passenger occupant sensor failed, I was in a auto accident that required my front bumper, AC condesor and radiator to br replaced. After getting it fixed I noticed my seatbelt light was blinking, I thought maybe it would go away. I got it scanned turns out the passenger occupant sensor went out and caused all the airbags to turn off.”
NHTSA complaint #11343681, filed 2020-08, 138,000 miles“Since the purchase of my Nissan Maxima, the front passenger air bag sensor has been sensitive. It lights up indicating that the air bag is not engaged when I sit in the seat. I am a 125 lb woman. There is no indication of minimum weight to activate the airbag in the manual. This has been an ongoing problem since we purchased the car 2 1/2 years ago. We have taken it to 2 different dealers to check out the problem. They say there is no problem but I can't believe the car wasn't designed for a grown woman to sit in the front seat.”
NHTSA complaint #10567269, filed 2014-03, 50 miles - Other or unknown
Panoramic sunroof glass shatters while driving
- 9 complaints (8%)
- median 51,000 mi at 5.3 yrs old (7 state mileage, few)
- 2 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2014–2019
Owners describe the panoramic roof or moon roof glass breaking with a loud bang while driving at highway speed, with no impact or debris involved. Glass shards scatter into the cabin in some accounts. Complaints say dealers generally declined to cover the repair as a warranty item, and owners report paying for it themselves. Mostly reported between about 50,000 and 107,000 miles, several in cool weather around 45-50 degrees.
What to check: Inspect the glass panels and surrounding trim for chips, cracks or prior replacement, and ask whether the roof has ever been replaced or repaired.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“While driving home from work tonight on a remote stretch of highway my panoramic sunroof suddenly exploded out of nowhere. I was driving about 50 MPH and the outside temperature was about 45-50 degrees so I also had the heater on inside. I had the sunshade open but the tilting portion of the roof closed. Nothing out of the ordinary and there was no traffic near me that could have caused any debris to hit the roof. …”
NHTSA complaint #10819168, filed 2016-01, 88,700 miles“I was driving down 240 in memphis and my sun roof exploded . It's the panorama sunroof. I wasn't near an over pass or near anything that could have hit it . It was extremely loud. It sounded like a shot gun blast or something . I swerved and almost wrecked but thankfully did not . I have done research and seen where over a hundred people have complained of the same thing happening with their nissans and apparently it's because of the tempered glass they use and the amount of pressure .”
NHTSA complaint #11220933, filed 2019-06, 100,400 miles - Body and structure
Dashboard coating melts, turns sticky and reflects glare
- 14 complaints (13%)
- median 70,000 mi at 8.0 yrs old (7 state mileage, few)
- filed 2016–2023
Owners describe the dashboard surface becoming soft, sticky and shiny, with sunlight reflecting off it onto the inside of the windshield and making forward vision difficult. Some also report a strong odor from the material. Complaints say dealers confirmed the condition but that the manufacturer declined help or offered only partial cost assistance because the vehicle was out of warranty. Reported from about 50,000 miles upward, often in warm-weather states.
What to check: Look across the dash in daylight for a glossy or tacky patch, and check for reflection on the windshield from the driver's seat.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“My dashboard has been melted for some time now and it’s a safety hazard. When I drive at night, the light reflects on the dashboard and it makes it difficult to see, which is very dangerous with my kids in the car. I thought I could clean the dashboard but it’s very sticky. Apparently this is a common issue with certain models of cars because I saw a news report on it.”
NHTSA complaint #11463933, filed 2022-05“The dashboard is melting, becoming sticky and emitting terrible odor; surely that is probably hazardous to health as it is a sickening smell. Would like to have this issue addressed as it is an odor that in unbearable for driving long distance.”
NHTSA complaint #11413217, filed 2021-04, 40,000 miles
Buying note. Check the passenger airbag status light with someone seated before buying, and have the CVT inspected or at least road tested at highway speed, since transmission complaints are the costliest category here. Budget for possible dashboard or sunroof glass repairs, which owners often report paying for themselves.
Summary written with AI from a sample of 60 NHTSA complaints for this model year (picked at random, with complaints that state a mileage and recent ones taken first), then checked automatically against the source records. Where a problem shows a complaint count, every complaint for this model year was matched with fixed keyword rules (written with AI and tested against the sample), and the mileage, age and repair figures are calculated from those complaints; owners' figures are as stated, not verified. Other counts refer to the sample. The excerpts come from NHTSA's public complaint records and are unverified; capitalisation is normalised, NHTSA staff notes are removed, and shortened text ends with “…”. Something wrong? Request a correction.
NHTSA recorded 106 consumer complaints for the 2011 Nissan Maxima. 64 of the complaints include a mileage, and 36% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 67,500 miles. Of all complaints, 5 involved a crash, 1 a fire, 15 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 0 recall campaigns and 115 technical service bulletins for this model year. Compared with the other 9 Nissan Maxima model years that have at least 25 complaints and are old enough to compare, this one scores 40 out of 100, where 50 is a typical year for the model (typical for this model). The comparison allows for the era and for how long each year has had to collect complaints, but not for how many vehicles were sold.
Which parts are reported most
Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.
- Air bags23 22%
- Other or unknown15 14%
- Electrical system12 11%
- Engine12 11%
- Steering9 8.5%
- Body and structure9 8.5%
- Vehicle speed control5 4.7%
Also reported: Brakes (3), Seats (3), Suspension (3), Engine cooling (2), Equipment (2), Exterior lighting (2), Seat belts (2), Wheels (2), Fuel system (1).
Example complaints
Air bags: “I hit a deer going 65 MPH. None of my air bags deployed. My car sustained $12,600 in damage. I sustained a sprained neck and a sprained shoulder requiring a splint for comfort. I also sustained a possible pinched nerve in my neck and severe back pain.”
NHTSA complaint #10606607, filed 2014-06, 34,000 milesTransmission and drivetrain: “On the night of february 16, my teenage daughter was driving my 2011 Nissan Maxima when she came to a stop at a traffic light. When the light turned green, she moved her foot off the brake and began to accelerate when the vehicle all of a sudden would not move. She applied her foot to the accelerator several times but the vehicle still would not move. After several more attempts, the vehicle jerked forward in a violent manner but luckily, there was no other car ahead of her or I'm afraid a more serious event would have occurred. …”
NHTSA complaint #11405810, filed 2021-03, 106,000 milesOther or unknown: “My dash has been starting to melt the last two years and now the shine from the melting dash on the windshield makes it very hard to see thur windshield with the shine that is on it”
NHTSA complaint #11340582, filed 2020-07, 51,000 milesElectrical system: “My transmission messed up on me with 114,000 miles! Brand new almost and when it would go over 45 it won't catch my gears the RPM would go stay put and make a loud whining noise!!”
NHTSA complaint #11193488, filed 2019-04, 114,000 milesMileage when problems were reported
36% of the 64 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 38,000 and 103,756 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Trend: falling. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2011 Nissan Maxima. Frontal results are shown driver / passenger; rollover shows the star rating and NHTSA's estimated risk of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash.
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Side | Side pole | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Maxima · sedan FWD | not rated | — | — | — | 5 · 10.1% risk |
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (5-Star Safety Ratings), nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 2011 Nissan Maxima version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).
| Version | Engine | Transmission | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Maxima FWD | 3.5L 6-cyl | CVT | 19 | 26 | 22 | $3,750 |
Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.
Recalls and investigations
NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for the 2011 Nissan Maxima in the data used here. A recall can apply to some vehicles of a model year and not others, so check a specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Technical service bulletins
TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 115 on record; the latest 10 are shown.
- 11031705Apr 13, 2026Body and structure. CERTIFICATION LABEL AND VIN PLATE REPLACEMENT SERVICE INFORMATION Because of collision damage or other vehicle repair, a replacement “Certification Label” or “VIN Plate/Label” may be needed. HINT…
- 11031704Apr 13, 2026Body and structure. CERTIFICATION LABEL AND VIN PLATE REPLACEMENT SERVICE INFORMATION Because of collision damage or other vehicle repair, a replacement “Certification Label” or “VIN Plate/Label” may be needed. HINT…
- 11004962May 21, 2024Electrical system. VEHICLE KEY NOT DETECTED / AUTHENTICATED, ENGINE WILL NOT START This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
- 11004961May 21, 2024Electrical system. CAN COMMUNICATION – NETWORK DIAGNOSTIC FLOW CHART This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
- 11004960May 21, 2024Electrical system. CAN COMMUNICATION CODES – DIAGNOSTIC TIPS AND GUIDELINES This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
- 11001201Apr 30, 2024Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors). WINDOW GLASS WARRANTY INFORMATION This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
- 11001194Apr 30, 2024Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors). REMOVING FOREIGN MATERIAL FROM THE WINDOW GLASS This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
- 11001191Apr 30, 2024Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors). WINDSHIELD CRACKING This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
- 10243708Sep 21, 2023Steering. DIAGNOSIS OF VEHICLE PULL (DRIFT) AND/OR STEERING WHEEL OFF-CENTER This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
- 10239062Jun 16, 2023Electrical system. SILICONE-BASED LUBRICANT OR GREASE CAN DAMAGE ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS SERVICE INFORMATION Do not apply Silicone-based lubricants or grease to, or around, any interior electrical components. To avoid…
Other model years of the Nissan Maxima
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 5 | 2,700 | 0 | 5 | 24 | — | Not enough data |
| 2020 | 22 | 23,000 | 1 | 5 | 24 | — | Stable |
| 2019 | 18 | 12,500 | 1 | — | 24 | — | Falling |
| 2018 | 36 | 36,500 | 2 | 5 | 25 | 44 · Typical | Falling |
| 2017 | 106 | 27,908 | 4 | 5 | 25 | 100 · More | Stable |
| 2016 | 142 | 40,000 | 8 | 5 | 25 | 100 · More | Stable |
| 2014 | 96 | 50,400 | 0 | 4 | 22 | 44 · Typical | Falling |
| 2013 | 62 | 62,000 | 0 | 4 | 22 | 17 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2012 | 107 | 55,000 | 0 | 4 | 22 | 55 · Typical | Falling |
| 2011 | 106 | 67,500 | 0 | — | 22 | 40 · Typical | Falling |
| 2010 | 275 | 65,000 | 1 | — | 22 | 87 · More | Falling |
| 2009 | 339 | 70,500 | 1 | — | 22 | 100 · More | Falling |
| 2008 | 79 | 75,000 | 0 | — | 21 | 30 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2007 | 129 | 85,000 | 1 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2006 | 576 | 83,500 | 2 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2005 | 948 | 85,000 | 2 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2004 | 1,426 | 80,000 | 2 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2003 | 206 | 86,600 | 3 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2002 | 205 | 64,200 | 6 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2001 | 172 | 72,000 | 3 | — | 22 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2000 | 360 | 60,000 | 0 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1999 | 165 | 79,000 | 0 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1998 | 113 | 110,000 | 1 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1997 | 102 | 85,696 | 1 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1996 | 96 | 100,300 | 0 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1995 | 152 | 129,000 | 0 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1994 | 89 | 114,500 | 2 | — | 19 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1993 | 78 | 108,000 | 3 | — | 19 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1992 | 110 | 134,500 | 2 | — | 20 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1991 | 76 | 173,922 | 1 | — | 20 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1990 | 106 | 130,000 | 1 | — | 20 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1989 | 62 | 146,945 | 1 | — | 20 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1988 | 60 | — | 0 | — | 18 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1987 | 176 | 152,500 | 0 | — | 18 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1986 | 60 | — | 1 | — | 18 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1985 | 54 | 90,000 | 1 | — | 19 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1984 | 30 | — | 0 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1983 | 5 | — | 0 | — | — | — | Not enough data |
All Nissan Maxima model years · Best and worst years by complaints
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 2011 Nissan Maxima?
Owners of the 2011 Maxima most often describe two things: the front passenger airbag turning itself off with an adult in the seat, and CVT transmission trouble that usually shows up past 80,000 miles as slipping, hesitation or a whining noise. The issues reported most often: CVT transmission slipping, whining or failing; Passenger airbag light on with an adult seated (occupant; Panoramic sunroof glass shatters while driving.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2011 Nissan Maxima have?
NHTSA recorded 106 consumer complaints for the 2011 Nissan Maxima as of Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 2011 Nissan Maxima is reported most often?
Air bags is named most often, in 23 complaints (22% of the total), followed by transmission and drivetrain with 22.
Has the 2011 Nissan Maxima been recalled?
NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for this model year in the data used here. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2011 Nissan Maxima get?
The EPA rates the 2011 Nissan Maxima (Maxima, 3.5L 6-cyl) at 22 mpg combined, 19 city and 26 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $3,750 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 2011 Nissan Maxima reported?
Among the 64 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 67,500 miles and the middle half falls between 38,000 and 103,756 miles; 36% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Crash ratings are from NHTSA’s New Car Assessment Program. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).
Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.