2011 Nissan Maxima Steering Problems
- Complaints
- 9about this part
- Share
- 8%of 106 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 48,700miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 9 complaints about the steering of the 2011 Nissan Maxima, 8% of the 106 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 48,700 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Steering locked..car will not start. I have to paying for getting the car towed to the dealership. Luckily, I am under 36,000 miles so covered by warranty but will not cover expense for towing the car. I read this is very common issue with Nissan Maxima and feel that company should own responsibility for it.”
NHTSA complaint #10556370, filed 2013-12, 34,300 miles“Cvt transmission jerking , engine is always idling hard sometimes wants to even shut off , accelerating sometimes takes a lil while to respond , rack and pinion assembly faulty I would like for nissan to fix my car or get a lump sum check for all faulty errors these cars have”
NHTSA complaint #11520699, filed 2023-05“Vehicle is parked and engine wont start. Had a 2009 Maxima that also had the same issues. Checked battery and it is fine but car wont start. I have jumpstarted it and that has turned the car back on but after a few months I have the same issue. This last time my car did not start , not even with a jump start.”
NHTSA complaint #10947036, filed 2017-01“I have a 2011 Maxima and my family and I keep getting stranded. I unlock the car and then the break is stiff, steering wheel is locked and car won't start. This is the worst feeling when your sitting in a dark parking lot with 2 young kids. This needs to be recalled! I see several other people with the same issue!!”
NHTSA complaint #10782581, filed 2015-10“The contact owns a 2011 Nissan Maxima. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 40 MPH, the steering wheel seized. In addition, the vehicle stalled as all the warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 55,400. Mailed out 01/13/15”
NHTSA complaint #10668289, filed 2014-12, 55,400 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10243708Sep 21, 2023DIAGNOSIS 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…
- 10232652Feb 22, 2023DIAGNOSIS 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…
- 10192597Jul 6, 2015SERVICE INFORMATION When servicing run flat tires or low profile tires: - Special equipment and procedures are required to avoid damage. - Specifically, Tire Pressure Monitor…
- 10192524Feb 6, 2015SERVICE INFORMATION When diagnosing possible power steering gear (rack and pinion steering rack, or steering rack) leak issues, it may appear the steering rack is leaking when…
- 10192217Jul 23, 2013If YOU CONFIRM: A vehicle needs to have the brake rotors resurfaced (front or rear). ACTION: Use the ProCut PFM Series on-car brake lathe to perform brake rotor resurfacing and…
- 10192216Jul 23, 2013SERVICE INFORMATION - This bulletin is to assist you in responding to customer questions about brake operation, and provides diagnostic and repair information for each item…
- 10192198Jun 17, 2013SERVICE INFORMATION If you confirm there is a need to replace the steering wheel switches on an Applied Vehicle for any reason: - Do not replace the driver air bag module. The…
- 10052396Jun 17, 2013Nissan: on certain vehicles, the steering wheel switches may need replacing but not the driver air bag module. Models 2009-13 maxima.
- 10043774Mar 22, 2012Nissan: altima, maxima; power steering hose service part change. The hose now comes without the pressure sensor. Do not damage pressure sensor upon removal or installation. If…
Steering: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 1 | 5% |
| 2019 | 1 | 6% |
| 2017 | 4 | 4% |
| 2016 | 9 | 6% |
| 2014 | 4 | 4% |
| 2013 | 1 | 2% |
| 2012 | 10 | 9% |
| 2011 | 9 | 8% |
| 2010 | 158 | 57% |
| 2009 | 168 | 50% |
| 2008 | 4 | 5% |
| 2007 | 7 | 5% |
| 2006 | 17 | 3% |
| 2005 | 17 | 2% |
| 2004 | 37 | 3% |
| 2003 | 3 | 1% |
| 2002 | 11 | 5% |
| 2001 | 6 | 3% |
| 2000 | 8 | 2% |
| 1999 | 2 | 1% |
| 1998 | 4 | 4% |
| 1997 | 6 | 6% |
| 1996 | 7 | 7% |
| 1995 | 8 | 5% |
| 1993 | 1 | 1% |
| 1992 | 2 | 2% |
| 1991 | 2 | 3% |
| 1990 | 3 | 3% |
| 1989 | 4 | 6% |
| 1988 | 3 | 5% |
| 1987 | 2 | 1% |
| 1986 | 2 | 3% |
| 1985 | 1 | 2% |
| 1983 | 1 | 20% |
Other parts of the 2011 Nissan Maxima
23 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
22 complaintsOther or unknown
15 complaintsElectrical system
12 complaintsEngine
12 complaintsBody and structure
9 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
7 complaintsVehicle speed control
5 complaintsElectronic stability control
4 complaintsBrakes
3 complaintsSeats
3 complaintsSuspension
3 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2011 Nissan Maxima
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 28, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology