2014 Nissan Maxima Problems
Compared with other Nissan Maxima years
Typical for this model
44/100 0.9× a typical year · 50 = typical
- Complaint rate is 0.9× 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.
- 21 of its 96 complaints were filed by the end of 2016.
- Most reported problem: Passenger airbag off light when an adult is seated (19 complaints, median 31,500 mi).
Nearby years with fewer complaints than typical and no open NHTSA investigation: 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
- 96filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 50,400miles, 69 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 2014 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 the passenger airbag warning light showing the air bag is off even when an adult is seated. Other common themes are the CVT transmission slipping, jerking, or failing, low beam headlights that are dim or cut out, and sunroof glass shattering. Airbag and headlight complaints span a wide mileage range, while most CVT complaints come at 50,000 miles or more.
- Air bags
Passenger airbag off light when an adult is seated
- 19 complaints (20%)
- median 31,500 mi at 3.0 yrs old (16 state mileage)
- 1 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2014–2025
Owners describe the passenger airbag warning light showing the air bag is off even when an adult is sitting in the seat, and the light often comes on at random or intermittently. Some say the light appears whether the passenger was seated before or after the car was started, and some worry the air bag would not deploy in a crash. In some complaints the dealer could not duplicate the fault, and an owner says a dealer confirmed the occupant sensor part was no longer in production. Mileage in these complaints ranges from very low to about 80,000 miles, and the light is often described as intermittent or random.
What to check: Ask the dealer to test the passenger occupant sensor with an adult in the seat and to check for stored codes, since the warning can come and go. Ask whether seat covers or trim have been changed, since a service bulletin notes that trim changes can affect the passenger occupant sensor.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Passenger side air bag stays lit indicating that air bag is off and will not deploy in the event of a crash. This occurs when there is an adult passenger in the seat. Because the light is intermittent when taking it to the dealer if the light is off I am told there is no problem. This is a safety issues that needs to be addressed. I do not feel safe driving with a passenger.”
NHTSA complaint #10648635, filed 2014-10, 9,462 miles“When driving the vehicle, a passenger who sits in passenger seat the airbag notification light comes on indicating the airbag is off. We purchased this vehicle on july 29, 2017 with 37000 miles. We had to make videos to show the dealership that we purchased the vehicle. The dealership keeps saying they are unable to find problems bit it's a safety hazard to even drive this vehicle”
NHTSA complaint #11024698, filed 2017-09, 36,756 miles - Transmission and drivetrain
CVT slipping, jerking, or failing
- 15 complaints (16%)
- median 78,789 mi at 5.2 yrs old (11 state mileage)
- 1 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2015–2026
Owners describe the CVT jerking, slipping, hesitating, or failing to accelerate, and some vehicles were towed after losing drive. In some complaints a dealer or independent mechanic diagnosed a transmission control module or step motor fault, and some owners say the problem returned after repairs. An owner says the transmission failed before the first scheduled service and that warranty coverage was limited. Mileage in these complaints ranges from about 1,500 to 155,000 miles.
What to check: Ask whether the transmission has had any fluid service or repairs, and request the repair records, including any control module or step motor replacements. On a test drive, accelerate gently from a stop and up to highway speed to check for slipping, jerking, or hesitation.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“I have had to replace both control arms, rebuild a transmission that went out, my entire AC just went out, I am constantly replacing brakes and disk, ball joints and shocks. I have spent over what I am still paying for this car and have only had it for about 5 years and still owe $18000 and paying everything out of pocket.”
NHTSA complaint #11327976, filed 2020-06, 155,000 miles“My 2014 Nissan Maxima with my family and myself inside were in a near death situation when the car did not have power to cross train tracks that went across the road. We heard the train coming and the only reason we escaped death was because of a man in a pickup truck in back of us observed the situation and quickly pushed the car over the tracks and out of the way just before the train quickly passed through. …”
NHTSA complaint #11121291, filed 2018-08, 94,000 miles - Exterior lighting
Low beam headlights dim or cutting out
- 17 complaints (18%)
- median 90,000 mi at 7.0 yrs old (9 state mileage, few)
- 1 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2019–2025
Owners describe low beam headlights that are dim or fail to light the road adequately at night, and in some cases the headlights cut out or shut off intermittently. In some complaints replacing the bulbs did not help, and the dealer said the headlight assembly had failed or that the sealed lens contained opaque, yellowing material. In some complaints a dealer performed a bulletin procedure and the failure returned. Mileage in these complaints ranges from about 45,000 to 115,000 miles, and some describe the problem at night.
What to check: Ask the dealer to check the headlamp assemblies for internal haze or yellowing, and whether a headlamp fogging bulletin was reviewed. On a night test drive, compare low beam brightness with the high beams and check that the lights do not shut off while driving.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“The low beam headlights on my 2014 Nissan Maxima are so dim it truly is a serious safety concern. I literally cannot see 2 feet in front of my car at any speed. My blinkers emit more lummis than my low beams. Needs to be recalled as I have researched and found hundreds of Nissan owners with the same problem.”
NHTSA complaint #11315425, filed 2020-03, 115,000 miles“The low beam headlights on my 2014 Nissan Maxima s are so dim that I am scared to drive my car at night. The high beams are as bright as the low beams should be. We have replaced with top of the line bulbs & it hasn't helped at all. This is a serious safety issue & Nissan needs to address this before people are injured because they can't see well enough to drive. Another issue with my car is airbags not deploying as they should. My car collided with a 18-wheeler on the interstate. …”
NHTSA complaint #11342861, filed 2020-08, 100,000 miles - Other or unknown
Sunroof glass shattering or exploding
- 8 complaints (8%)
- median 50,000 mi at 2.8 yrs old (7 state mileage, few)
- filed 2015–2021
Owners describe the sunroof glass cracking, shattering, or breaking out without any impact, both while driving at highway speed and while the car was parked. Some say the sunshade was closed when the glass broke, and that the manufacturer offered no assistance or the dealer did not diagnose or repair it. In some complaints the sunroof broke again after a repair or replacement with original parts. Mileage in these complaints ranges from about 26,000 to 106,000 miles, and some describe the glass breaking at highway speed.
What to check: Ask the dealer whether the sunroof glass or panel has been replaced before, and request any records of sunroof repairs. Before buying, look closely at the glass for cracks or chips and confirm the sunroof opens and closes normally.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“2014 Nissan Maxima with 43000 miles. Sunroof exploded twice while driving on the freeway at 70 MPH. Almost exact same of hole left in roof. Once on july 20th 2016 and once on august 15 2016 after being replaced with oem parts. Danger to my children in the car and others on the road. Nissan refused to do anything after calling in and speaking with the compliant department. I have since repaired it a second time and returned it to the dealership - I do not feel safe driving the vehicle.”
NHTSA complaint #10914504, filed 2016-10, 43,000 miles“While driving on a straight, flat, and smooth stretch of highway in nassau county, ny, I heard a sudden loud explosion. I first assumed it was a tire failure, but the car continued straight and true without any vibration, shaking, or erratic movement of any kind. I pulled over onto the shoulder and upon inspection, I saw that the front portion of the panoramic sunroof had a large hole directly in the center and was shattered, with bits of glass from the explosion resting on the still closed sunshade. …”
NHTSA complaint #11138753, filed 2018-10, 26,500 miles - Engine
Stalling or sudden loss of power while driving
- 7 complaints (7%)
- median 31,000 mi at 5.5 yrs old (5 state mileage, few)
- 1 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2016–2026
Owners describe the car stalling or suddenly losing power while driving, sometimes on a highway ramp or at highway speed. In some cases the car could only be restarted by shifting into neutral, and some report a check engine light that repeatedly comes on along with rough idling or stalling. Repairs in some complaints included replacing a crankshaft, camshaft, transmission step motor, or control module, and owners say the problem returned afterward. Mileage in these complaints ranges from very low to about 88,000 miles.
What to check: Ask whether any stall events left stored codes, including camshaft codes or intelligent power distributor module faults, and what repairs were made. On a test drive, check that the engine idles smoothly, accelerates normally, and that no check engine light stays on.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“On august 13, 2016, the car stalled in the middle of the high-speed ramp going onto a highway (long island expressway) without any warning, putting us in extremely dangerous situation. Electrical system was still working, but motor shut off. I couldn't get the car moving after numerous attempts A/C also shut down exposing us to a 100+ degree heat under direct sunlight. Also while waiting for a tow truck, we got hit in the back by the ongoing ford SUV which could not stop on time.”
NHTSA complaint #10909451, filed 2016-09, 17,500 miles“My car transmission is unstable. I have a 2014 Nissan Maxima with 88k miles and check engine soon sensor came up. My car on streets was not shifting properly and eventually would stall. Ran diagnostic, p1778 code for transmission step motor replacement. Replaced this part and transmission still giving issues. My car has stalled on me several times on the highway with my family in the car, very hazardous. The transmission will not shift into gear properly, wont pick up on speed until late , causing rpms to rise dramatically. …”
NHTSA complaint #11153761, filed 2018-11, 88,440 miles
Buying note. For someone considering this model year, check the passenger airbag warning light with an adult seated, and test the CVT with gentle acceleration from a stop before buying. Ask for transmission and headlamp repair records, since some complaints describe repairs that did not resolve the problem.
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 96 consumer complaints for the 2014 Nissan Maxima. 69 of the complaints include a mileage, and 48% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 50,400 miles. Of all complaints, 10 involved a crash, 1 a fire, 4 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 0 recall campaigns and 90 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 44 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 bags24 25%
- Exterior lighting19 20%
- Other or unknown10 10%
- Engine9 9.4%
- Electrical system8 8.3%
- Suspension6 6.3%
- Fuel system5 5.2%
- Brakes4 4.2%
- Steering4 4.2%
Also reported: Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) (4), Body and structure (3), Electronic stability control (2), Seat belts (2), Seats (2), Forward collision avoidance (1), Vehicle speed control (1), Wheels (1).
Example complaints
Air bags: “When an adult sits in the passenger seat the passenger side airbag turns off. The passenger side airbag light comes on and it states the air bag is off. It happens anytime someone sits in the passenger seat. It is a major health hazard and if its not addressed and replaced. I will have no choice but to get my lawyer involved if an accident ever occurs and it doesn't deploy due to the faulty technology.”
NHTSA complaint #11185616, filed 2019-03, 80,000 milesTransmission and drivetrain: “Nissan CVT transmission on 12/05/2018, about 10:00am- took my vehicle in for oil change and vibrating and shaking of car. Paid about $350.00 for oil change and transmission flush and change (which the service dept. Said I needed for transmission). That same day about 5:00pm while on the freeway my car stopped accelerating, starting shaking and I was able to pull over gradually to the side of the freeway. I got it towed back to the same Nissan service center for them to evaluate. On the next day the service representative says the car needs a new transmission and the warranty has expired. …”
NHTSA complaint #11156849, filed 2018-12, 78,789 milesExterior lighting: “Recently bought a used 2014 Nissan Maxima. The low beam headlights are so dim that the car is dangerous to drive at night. Took it to the dealer and they said this is a common problem for this car; opaque and yellowing material inside the sealed headlight assembly which cannot be accessed. Both headlight assemblies will have to be changed out, which requires removing the bumper.”
NHTSA complaint #11170345, filed 2019-01, 90,000 milesOther or unknown: “I purchased a 2014 Nissan Maxima in january 2015 experienced problems with the electrical system in march of 2015 where the console screen (radio, heat/AC controls, gas mileage, etc.) constantly blacked out/vertical and horizontal lines appeared. The screen was completely replaced and the repair was fixed by a local Nissan dealer. After receiving an oil change in early july 2015 (first free oil change) I noticed that my vehicle had a ticking and knocking noise/sound that was rather loud coming from the engine. …”
NHTSA complaint #10735668, filed 2015-07, 5,103 milesMileage when problems were reported
48% of the 69 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 26,500 and 85,000 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 2014 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: 2013: 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 2014 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 2014 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. 90 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 2014 Nissan Maxima?
Owners of this model year most often describe the passenger airbag warning light showing the air bag is off even when an adult is seated. The issues reported most often: Passenger airbag off light when an adult is seated; CVT slipping, jerking, or failing; Low beam headlights dim or cutting out.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2014 Nissan Maxima have?
NHTSA recorded 96 consumer complaints for the 2014 Nissan Maxima as of Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 2014 Nissan Maxima is reported most often?
Air bags is named most often, in 24 complaints (25% of the total), followed by transmission and drivetrain with 22.
Has the 2014 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 2014 Nissan Maxima do in NHTSA crash tests?
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings give the 2014 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 2014 Nissan Maxima get?
The EPA rates the 2014 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 2014 Nissan Maxima reported?
Among the 69 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 50,400 miles and the middle half falls between 26,500 and 85,000 miles; 48% 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.