2013 Nissan Maxima Problems
Compared with other Nissan Maxima years
Fewer complaints than typical for this model
17/100 0.5× a typical year · 50 = typical
- Complaint rate is 0.5× 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.
- 13 of its 62 complaints were filed by the end of 2015.
- Most reported problem: CVT loses power or fails to accelerate (23 complaints, median 106,034 mi).
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
- 62filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 62,000miles, 51 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
- 4 / 5stars overall
- EPA fuel economy
- 22 mpgcombined, 3.5L 6-cyl FWD · 19 city / 26 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 2013 Nissan Maxima (complaints, recalls, investigations), NHTSA crash tests, EPA fuel economy. Report an error
What owners report
Owners of this model year most often describe transmission trouble: loss of power, hesitation, shuddering and jerking, often with the check engine light on. A separate group of complaints concerns the front passenger airbag indicator staying off with an adult seated there, and several owners report low-beam headlamps that are too dim for night driving.
- Transmission and drivetrain
CVT loses power or fails to accelerate
- 23 complaints (37%)
- median 106,034 mi at 6.3 yrs old (21 state mileage)
- filed 2015–2023
Owners describe the car dropping speed or refusing to accelerate even with the pedal pressed down, sometimes with the RPMs climbing and the check engine light coming on. Some report jerking, shuddering, or a sudden lurch forward when the transmission catches. Complaints say dealers and independent mechanics diagnosed a failed continuously variable transmission needing replacement, and some diagnostic codes pointed to a transmission circuit fault. Mostly reported between about 60,000 and 110,000 miles, often during highway or stop-and-go driving.
What to check: Ask for transmission service records and whether the fluid was changed, and have a mechanic scan for stored transmission codes during a test drive that includes highway speeds.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“As I was driving on highway from arkansas to texas my car started making this really loud noise as I was accelerating. I was only at 60 MPH and the car was still making the noise but as I was increasing my speed to pass and switch lanes my car seem like it became stuck and wouldn't let me accelerate or go any faster and my RPM jumped to 5. …”
NHTSA complaint #11252832, filed 2019-09, 10,320 miles“I was driving my 2013 Nissan Maxima as I normally do every day. Then without any warning it would not accelerate. Thank god I had enough momentum to get it to a safe place and out of the highway. I almost got hit in the back to because I had the make a quick turn to get it out of the street and into a parking lot. And after I stopped the check engine light came on.”
NHTSA complaint #11414048, filed 2021-04, 168,000 miles - Air bags
Passenger airbag shows off with adult seated
- 15 complaints (24%)
- median 3,254 mi at 1.3 yrs old (12 state mileage)
- filed 2013–2017
Owners report the passenger airbag indicator showing the airbag as off while an adult is sitting in the front passenger seat, sometimes intermittently during a drive. Several say a dealer could not reproduce the condition or had no fix, and a few mention the light staying on for the whole trip regardless of passenger weight. Often reported at very low mileage, in some cases under a few thousand miles.
What to check: With an adult seated, check that the passenger airbag status reads on before buying; if it reads off, ask whether the occupant sensor has been inspected.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Passenger side airbag light comes on (which means the airbag will not deploy) when my son (over 120 lbs) sits in passenger seat. When no one is in the seat or just my purse the light stays off (meaning it would deploy).”
NHTSA complaint #10864322, filed 2016-05, 50,000 miles“When transporting some adult passengers in the front passenger seat, the passenger airbag off light remains on throughout the trip. This would seem to me to indicate that in the event of a front-end collision, the airbag would fail to deploy because it is off. I brought my car in to the dealer, who was unable to replicate the situation (perhaps because the mechanics weigh more than my wife); no problem could be found. I remain concerned because the light still remains on with other light adult passengers.”
NHTSA complaint #11043403, filed 2017-11, 28,700 miles - Exterior lighting
Low-beam headlights too dim at night
- 9 complaints (15%)
- median 60,000 mi at 6.5 yrs old (5 state mileage, few)
- filed 2018–2025
Owners describe low beams that put very little light on the road, making night driving difficult even after replacing the bulbs. Some say they drive with high beams instead, and one owner was quoted for replacing an entire headlamp assembly. Reported from roughly 40,000 to 120,000 miles, generally during night or early-morning driving.
What to check: Test the low beams after dark on the test drive, and ask whether the headlamp lenses or assemblies have been serviced for moisture or clouding.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“The dim headlight setting is so dim that car can not be safely operated after dark without turning on the bright light setting. It is a safety hazzard! I have been a mechanic for 30 years and have never seen such poor headlights. I have changed the bulbs but it has made no difference. I have read several foums about the altima model having this same problem. They should be recalled by the manufacturer. They are dangerous.”
NHTSA complaint #11130814, filed 2018-09, 41,000 miles“The dim headlight setting is so dim that car can not be safely operated after dark without turning on the bright light setting. It is a safety hazzard! I have been a mechanic for 30 years and have never seen such poor headlights. I have changed the bulbs but it has made no difference. I have read several foums about the altima model having this same problem. They should be recalled by the manufacturer. They are dangerous.”
NHTSA complaint #11254981, filed 2019-09, 60,000 miles - Other or unknown
Moonroof glass shatters while driving
Mentioned in 4 of 57 sampled complaints
Owners report a loud pop followed by the sunroof or moonroof glass breaking into pieces, sometimes while driving at highway speed and once while the car was parked. Complaints describe glass falling into the cabin and, in one case, the panel caving in afterward. Reported between roughly 50,000 and 145,000 miles, often at highway speeds.
What to check: Inspect the moonroof glass and frame for chips, cracks or previous replacement, and ask whether the panel has ever been replaced.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“I was sitting in my car motor off during lunch. I heard a huge explosion like a gunshot and I thought I got shot. I was shocked and startled I ran out of the car. I inspected myself and I looked around and I walked up to my car and noticed that my sunroof was heavily damaged. I called nine-one-one a police officer arrived and the police officer said that my sunroof exploded.”
NHTSA complaint #11065411, filed 2018-01, 55,000 miles“My son and I were driving down the road around 45 MPH when when heard what sounded like a gun shot. I noticed tiny pieces of glass on my console and looked up to see my sunroof was shattered into a million pieces. There were no objects around the sunroof or coming up from the roads that would have caused this.”
NHTSA complaint #11066686, filed 2018-02, 144,000 miles - Engine
Engine stalls or cuts out while accelerating
Mentioned in 4 of 57 sampled complaints
A few owners describe the engine stalling or losing all power during acceleration, with the check engine light on afterward. Complaints mention towing to a shop and diagnoses involving the engine, crankshaft and cylinder head, and in one case a coolant-related leak diagnosis. Reported at low and moderate mileage, from about 7,500 to 56,000 miles.
What to check: Have a mechanic check for stored engine and evaporative-emissions codes, and ask about any prior stalling or hard-starting repairs.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Vehicle has approximately 91k miles on it and the CVT transmission has failed. Vehicle has only been serviced by the dealership and never received any type of notification of change of fluid levels or the need to add fluids. Was driving down the street and vehicle was pretty much stuck. Eventually vehicle pulled itself through and wall accelerator very fast as if you floored it. I have looked on web and this has been a problem for many. I believe Nissan is aware of this ctv failure. …”
NHTSA complaint #10983320, filed 2017-05, 91,000 miles“I purchased the vehicle in 2017 with 39997 miles on it. When I took it to the gas station the pump shut off every 6 cents. The place I purchased the vehicle at wouldn't do anything because the car was sold as is' and a week had passed. I didn't take the car in for repairs because I didn't have the money . I refinanced the vehicle in 2018. Shortly after that I received I letter in the mail from Nissan of a warranty policy enhancement which was for complete evap tube blockage. Reading further the letter described exactly what my car was doing. …”
NHTSA complaint #11185531, filed 2019-03, 39,997 miles
Buying note. Given the volume of transmission complaints, a pre-purchase inspection that includes a transmission code scan and a highway test drive matters more than cosmetics on this model year. Confirming the passenger airbag indicator and the low beams work as expected is also worth doing before you commit.
Summary written with AI from a sample of 57 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 62 consumer complaints for the 2013 Nissan Maxima. 51 of the complaints include a mileage, and 33% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 62,000 miles. Of all complaints, 1 involved a crash, 1 a fire, 1 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 0 recall campaigns and 106 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 17 out of 100, where 50 is a typical year for the model (fewer complaints than 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 bags16 26%
- Exterior lighting9 15%
- Other or unknown8 13%
- Engine4 6.5%
- Brakes2 3.2%
- Electrical system2 3.2%
- Body and structure2 3.2%
- Fuel system1 1.6%
Also reported: Steering (1), Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) (1).
Example complaints
Transmission and drivetrain: “My 2013 Nissan Maxima slowed down while on the highway doing 60 MPH then a sputtering noise follows with a large boom and winding noise, check engine light came on. Took my car to autozone code stated CVT transmission problem. This car is only 6 years old why would I need an transmission. I'm so disappointed with Nissan”
NHTSA complaint #11269802, filed 2019-10, 156,000 milesAir bags: “Passenger side airbag turns on and off with a passenger (weighing over 120 lbs.) seated with the seat belt fastened and the vehicle is in motion. The airbag shows off at times when the vehicle is first started if the passenger is already seated with their seatbelt fastened. Even taking the seatbelt off and getting up does not seem to make the light go off. Our Nissan service center explained to me that Nissan north america is aware of this particular problem, but since no resolution/fix has been determined, there is nothing they can do. …”
NHTSA complaint #10692323, filed 2015-03, 6,033 milesExterior lighting: “The low beam head lights do not reflect hardly any light on the road at night. It is dangerous as you can not see the road at night. My fog lights give off more light then my low beams. I have replaced the lights and it makes no differnce. I have tried 4 different low beam lights and it makes no difference in the light output. This should be a recall by Nissan, there are many other complaints online regarding this same issue! It's very disappointing that the dealer ship wants 1000 dollars to change the whole light assembly. No other car needs this done, you change a light bulb. …”
NHTSA complaint #11311632, filed 2020-02, 60,000 milesOther or unknown: “Car would accelerate to maximum throttle when sitting at red light or at stop I would have to apply brake real hard to hold it from taking off, shifting into neutral would just cause it to rev uncontrollably, I would have to turn the car off and on a few times to get it to stop. I took car to dealer and the claimed they could not reproduce the same symptom. I finally took it to another dealer and they said it was a software clich. And had to reload the software again at my cost of course. …”
NHTSA complaint #11080098, filed 2018-03, 62,000 milesMileage when problems were reported
33% of the 51 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 28,700 and 106,034 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 2013 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 | ★★★★☆ | 4 / 2 | 5 | 5 | 5 · 10.1% risk |
Neighbouring years: 2012: same overall rating; 2014: same overall rating. A redesign between years can change both the car and the test.
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (5-Star Safety Ratings), nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 2013 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 2013 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. 106 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 2013 Nissan Maxima?
Owners of this model year most often describe transmission trouble: loss of power, hesitation, shuddering and jerking, often with the check engine light on. The issues reported most often: CVT loses power or fails to accelerate; Passenger airbag shows off with adult seated; Low-beam headlights too dim at night.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2013 Nissan Maxima have?
NHTSA recorded 62 consumer complaints for the 2013 Nissan Maxima as of Oct 28, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 2013 Nissan Maxima is reported most often?
Transmission and drivetrain is named most often, in 24 complaints (39% of the total), followed by air bags with 16.
Has the 2013 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.
How did the 2013 Nissan Maxima do in NHTSA crash tests?
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings give the 2013 Nissan Maxima 4 out of 5 stars overall. Ratings from different model years are only comparable when the vehicle was not redesigned in between.
What gas mileage does the 2013 Nissan Maxima get?
The EPA rates the 2013 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 2013 Nissan Maxima reported?
Among the 51 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 62,000 miles and the middle half falls between 28,700 and 106,034 miles; 33% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
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. 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.