2016 Nissan Maxima Problems
Compared with other Nissan Maxima years
More complaints than typical for this model
100/100 5.0× a typical year · 50 = typical
- Complaint rate is 5.0× 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.
- 47 of its 142 complaints were filed by the end of 2018.
- Most reported problem: Stalling, no-start and battery or charging faults (37 complaints, median 61,250 mi).
- 8 recall campaigns on record. A VIN search at nhtsa.gov/recalls shows open recalls for a specific vehicle.
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
- 142filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 40,000miles, 73 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 8campaigns on record
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
- NHTSA crash rating
- 5 / 5stars overall
- EPA fuel economy
- 25 mpgcombined, 3.5L 6-cyl FWD · 22 city / 30 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 2016 Nissan Maxima (complaints, recalls, investigations), NHTSA crash tests, EPA fuel economy. Report an error
What owners report
Owners of the 2016 Maxima most often describe the continuously variable transmission hesitating, juddering or losing power, usually toward the 60,000-80,000 mile mark, with several complaints saying a dealer replaced the transmission. Electrical complaints are nearly as common and range from a no-start or dead-battery condition to stalling at speed and warning lights, while sunroof glass shattering and trim pieces separating come up often on the body side.
- Transmission and drivetrain
CVT transmission hesitation, judder and loss of power
- 32 complaints (23%)
- median 62,500 mi at 5.1 yrs old (17 state mileage)
- filed 2016–2025
Complaints describe the car jerking, hesitating or briefly refusing to accelerate from a stop or at low speed, sometimes with the engine revving while road speed stays flat. Several owners say the vehicle lost power on the highway and had to be pulled over and restarted, and some report shaking or a whining noise afterwards. According to complaints, dealers often could not duplicate the fault, but in a number of cases the diagnosis was a failed CVT and the transmission was replaced, sometimes with the owner paying part of the cost. Mostly reported between roughly 40,000 and 100,000 miles, often around 60,000-80,000 miles.
What to check: Ask whether the CVT fluid was serviced and whether any transmission work or replacement has been done, and request the service history. A test drive should include a stop-and-go stretch and a steady-speed pull to feel for judder or delayed engagement.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“My Maxima is only 4 years old and it started jumping and hesitating while driving. The Nissan repair shop said that my transmission is bad and it looks like 'glitter' inside.they have to replace it. Apparently Nissan has a class action lawsuit against them because of these CVT transmissions. They are not acknowledging the problem with the maximas because they said it is not happening as often as in the smaller cars. …”
NHTSA complaint #11326126, filed 2020-05, 10 miles“Vehicle stalls in the middle of traffic it looses power with n warning at all. I took to the vehicle to the Nissan dealership on 11/7/2020 and they could not duplicate what happen and stated they placed it on the computer with no codes showing. On the way home 11/12/20 as I was entering traffic on highway 85 I lost power again I was almost hit by two vehicles. I press the accelerator 3 times before it took off very fast. I will be calling the dealership again today”
NHTSA complaint #11374501, filed 2020-11, 86,000 miles - Electrical system
Stalling, no-start and battery or charging faults
- 37 complaints (26%)
- median 61,250 mi at 4.9 yrs old (16 state mileage)
- 3 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2016–2025
Complaints describe the engine shutting off without warning while driving, sometimes at highway speed, and then restarting or refusing to restart. Other reports describe the car not starting at all, a key fob that is not detected, or a battery that keeps going flat, with owners replacing batteries and alternators. In several cases the dealer could not reproduce the problem or found no stored codes, and in others the alternator or ECM was replaced. Reported across a wide mileage range, from under 20,000 miles up to around 100,000 miles.
What to check: Have the battery and charging system tested and ask whether the 12-volt battery or alternator has been replaced. Check that both key fobs are recognised when starting the car, and ask for any stored diagnostic codes.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“I went in a restaurant and when I came out to start my car it would not start out of now where no warning signs it just made some clicking sound like it was attempting to start but would not catch. I replaced the battery but the engine light was on and it lacked power. It would not accelerate past 60 with it being floored... I had diagnostic done which gave me a could that the ECM (electric control module) shorted..”
NHTSA complaint #11222753, filed 2019-06, 47,600 miles“Tuesday, dec. 22 my 2016 Nissan Maxima just shut off while driving in hayward, ca near industrial rd. Called triple aaa who jumped the battery and a short distance later on hwy 880 the car shut off again, I was towed off the freeway by caltrans. On january 4, it shut off again while on a city streets. A co-workers husband replaced the battery and I was able to safely drive it home. Jan. 30 a mechanic looked at ran diagnostics and found nothing wrong. I drove it without issue several times from el cerrito to san rafael the week. On feb. …”
NHTSA complaint #11395106, filed 2021-02, 80,000 miles - Other or unknown
Sunroof and rear window glass or trim separating
- 12 complaints (8%)
- median 50,491 mi at 2.9 yrs old (9 state mileage, few)
- 1 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2016–2025
Owners describe the sunroof or moonroof glass shattering or blowing out with a loud bang while driving, with glass landing on the roof and trunk. Separate complaints describe the black trim pieces along the front and rear window edges coming loose and flying off, and one report says the whole sunroof assembly separated from the roof. According to complaints, repairs were often declined as outside warranty or the owner was asked to contribute to the cost. Reported from as little as a few thousand miles up to around 118,000 miles, with several at highway speeds.
What to check: Look closely at the sunroof glass for chips or stress marks and check that the window trim and headliner edges sit flush. Ask whether the sunroof has been replaced or resealed, and whether the car is kept under cover.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Driving on the interstate and my sunroof exploded. Nothing hit it. Sounded like a shotgun blast and then I started hearing little chunks of glass flying off my car - hitting the trunk and also coming through the material cover into my car. Washing my hair later I had chunks of glass in my hair bun.”
NHTSA complaint #11311329, filed 2020-02, 61,000 miles“The black plastic pieces that attach on the sides of the large front window and the large rear window they come off with ease. Mine have come off three times just simply driving. This is a known issue especially with the 2016 Nissan Maxima.”
NHTSA complaint #11269992, filed 2019-10, 91,000 miles - Air bags
Air bag warning light and non-deployment in a crash
- 11 complaints (8%)
- median 23,862 mi at 2.8 yrs old (9 state mileage, few)
- 6 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2016–2025
Complaints describe the air bag warning light staying on, often traced by dealers to the front passenger occupant classification sensor, and in one case the light returned after codes were cleared. Other owners report that air bags did not deploy in a front impact, and one complaint describes the side air bags deploying without a crash. Some owners were told their vehicle was not covered by the occupant classification recalls. Mostly reported between roughly 5,000 and 25,000 miles, with the warning-light complaints continuing up past 80,000 miles.
Recall 16V244000Recall 16V911000
What to check: Confirm that the air bag warning light goes out after the bulb check on startup, and ask whether the occupant classification sensor recalls were performed on this vehicle by VIN.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“While traveling down a road at 40+ MPH, avoided hitting a deer that jumped out, applied the brakes to no avail and impacted a tree that was off center of the hood on initial impact and no airbags inflated anywhere within the vehicle.”
NHTSA complaint #11113524, filed 2018-07, 11,500 miles“The contact owns a 2016 Nissan Maxima. The contact stated that the air bag warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the codes were cleared; however, two days later the warning light returned. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer but was not yet diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 59,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11449679, filed 2022-02, 59,000 miles - Brakes
Brake squeal and loss of brake pressure
- 15 complaints (11%)
- median 15,000 mi at 1.7 yrs old (11 state mileage)
- 3 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2016–2025
Owners describe squealing or squeaking brakes at both low and highway speeds, with repeated dealer visits, rotor resurfacing and pad sanding that did not stop the noise. Other complaints describe a loss of brake pressure or a pedal that went to the floor, with dealers replacing the master cylinder and ABS actuator. Some of these reports mention earlier ABS actuator recall work on the same vehicle. Mostly reported under about 35,000 miles, with the pressure-loss reports spread from very low mileage up to around 50,000 miles.
Recall 19V807000Recall 18V601000Recall 16V636000Recall 16V193000Recall 15V733000
What to check: Ask whether the ABS actuator recalls were completed and whether the brake fluid has been flushed on schedule. Test the pedal for a firm feel and listen for squeal during a slow stop.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“I experienced a loss of brake pressure when starting my car and was able to stop the car only from a low speed. The car was towed to the closest dealer, martin Nissan in skokie il. The dealer reported a fluid leak and that the master cylinder had failed. The dealer replaced the master cylinder but still observed that there was still a loss of brake pressure. The dealer then replaced the ABS brake actuator which resolved the brake pressure issue. …”
NHTSA complaint #11064508, filed 2018-01, 15,000 miles“2016 Nissan Maxima breaks squeak on every stop. Dealer, hears the noise, claims resurfaced rotors, sanded break pads however the noise persists. Concern over the reliability of the breaking system. Had dealer look at the breaks 5 separate appointments. They now say the noise is associated with the pads and I have to live with it. My concern is there may be a deeper issue that they are not addressing. I commute 100 miles daily on a major highway. I am expressing this concern for someone to look into the safety of this issue. …”
NHTSA complaint #10955559, filed 2017-02, 33,000 miles
Buying note. Give the transmission the most attention: check for any CVT replacement or fluid service records and drive the car in stop-and-go traffic before buying. Also confirm the open brake and air bag recalls were completed by VIN, and check the sunroof glass and window trim for cracks or looseness.
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 142 consumer complaints for the 2016 Nissan Maxima. 73 of the complaints include a mileage, and 59% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 40,000 miles. Of all complaints, 10 involved a crash, 4 a fire, 12 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 8 recall campaigns and 278 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 100 out of 100, where 50 is a typical year for the model (more 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.
- Electrical system31 22%
- Other or unknown27 19%
- Brakes21 15%
- Engine18 13%
- Air bags14 9.9%
- Vehicle speed control14 9.9%
- Fuel system10 7.0%
- Steering9 6.3%
- Body and structure8 5.6%
Also reported: Exterior lighting (7), Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) (6), Electronic stability control (5), Wheels (5), Seat belts (4), Suspension (4), Seats (3), Engine cooling (2), Forward collision avoidance (2).
Example complaints
Transmission and drivetrain: “While driving my son and I to the store the car stopped accelerating on a major highway with cars coming. We we almost hit by a truck. When I applied the accelerator the car stayed on 0 MPH but the RPM moved. After about 5 seconds the car began accelerating again. It also made a loud whining noise afterward. The Nissan dealer said the CVT transmission needs to be replaced. The car just hit 80,000 miles.”
NHTSA complaint #11341736, filed 2020-07, 80,000 milesElectrical system: “On april 26, 2019 when making a left turn the car did not accelerate as I entered into traffic and instead lost power and would go no more than 9 MPH as I applied maximum pressure to the gas pedal. At the same time the car became hard to steer and I was able to pull off onto the side of the road. I immediately turned off the car and restarted it. The car started but without power to accelerate and I shut down the vehicle again. I waited and restarted a few more times and it eventually restarted. I took my car to the Nissan dealership for service and they performed a recall. …”
NHTSA complaint #11209611, filed 2019-05, 68,500 milesOther or unknown: “So I have had my Nissan for a year now and I have never hit anyone and no one has ever hit me. So as I was driving home from work my mirror on the passenger side, the one outside, just came off and went flying.”
NHTSA complaint #11093543, filed 2018-05, 43,615 milesBrakes: “Was driving east on 495 maryland about 55 MPH. Approaching another car and pressed the breaks to stop. My car would not stop. Pressed the breaks as hard as I could and the car would not stop. I caused a three car accident. My car was totalled....updated 03/29/17”
NHTSA complaint #10950392, filed 2017-02, 21,000 milesMileage when problems were reported
59% of the 73 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 11,500 and 70,000 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Trend: stable. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2016 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 | ★★★★★ | 5 / 4 | 5 | 4 | 5 · 9.5% risk |
Driver aids listed by NHTSA for the 2016 model year: forward collision warning optional, lane departure warning not available, automatic emergency braking not available.
Neighbouring years: 2017: 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 2016 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 | 22 | 30 | 25 | $3,300 |
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
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slipCovers: Nissan Maxima 2016–2018, Murano 2015–2018, Pathfinder 2017–2019 +1 more
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2015-2018 Nissan Murano, 2016-2018 Nissan Maxima, and 2017-2019 Nissan Pathfinder and Infiniti QX60 vehicles. These vehicles were previously recalled and unrepaired, or inspected and determined to not…
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slipCovers: Nissan Maxima 2016–2017, Murano 2015–2017, Pathfinder 2017–2018 +1 more
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2015-2017 Nissan Murano, 2016-2017 Nissan Maxima, 2017-2018 Nissan Pathfinder, and 2017 Infiniti QX60 vehicles. The Anti-Lock Brake (ABS) actuator pumps may allow brake fluid to leak onto an internal…
- 16V911000Dec 19, 2016Air bags › Sensor › Occupant classificationCovers: Nissan Maxima 2016, Altima 2013–2015, Rogue 2015–2016
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain model year 2013-2015 Altima vehicles manufactured January 3, 2013, to July 29, 2013, 2015-2016 Rogue vehicles manufactured October 14, 2014, to August 12, 2016, and 2016 Maxima vehicles manufactured…
- 16V636000Sep 2, 2016Service brakes, hydraulic › Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slipCovers: Nissan Maxima 2016–2017, Murano 2015–2017, Murano Hybrid 2015–2016
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain model year 2016-2017 Nissan Maxima vehicles manufactured February 10, 2015, to August 19, 2016 and equipped with Intelligent Cruise Control, 2015-2017 Murano vehicles manufactured August 22, 2014, to…
- 16V244000Apr 26, 2016Air bags › Sensor › Occupant classificationCovers: Nissan Maxima 2016–2017, Altima 2013–2016, Sentra 2013–2016 +14 more
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain model year 2016-2017 Nissan Maxima, 2013-2016 Nissan Altima, NV200, LEAF, Sentra, and Pathfinder, 2014-2016 Nissan NV200 Taxi, Infiniti QX60, QX60 Hybrid, and Q50 Hybrid, 2014-2017 Nissan Rogue and…
- 16V193000Apr 7, 2016Service brakes, hydraulic › Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slipCovers: Nissan Maxima 2016, Murano 2016
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain model year 2016 Murano vehicles manufactured December 17, 2015, to February 11, 2016, and 2016 Maxima vehicles manufactured November 25, 2015, to February 12, 2016 and equipped with an antilock braking…
See all 8 recalls for the 2016 Nissan Maxima → · Check a 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. 278 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…
- 11024393Oct 3, 2025Transmission and drivetrain. CAMPAIGN BULLETIN CVT Warranty Extension In an effort to assure customer satisfaction, demonstrate our confidence in continuously variable transmissions (CVTs), and to address customer concerns…
- 11014472Feb 20, 2025Brakes, Forward collision avoidance, Electrical system. AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING WARNING LIGHT BLINKING APPLIED SYSTEMS: Vehicles equipped with a lane camera (see Figure 1) SERVICE INFORMATION If the Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) warning light or…
- 11014471Feb 20, 2025Forward collision avoidance, Electrical system, Brakes. INTELLIGENT CRUISE CONTROL INOPERATIVE AND AEB/FEB WARNING LIGHT ON OR RADAR OBSTRUCTION MESSAGE DISPLAYED WITH DTC C1A16 OR C2582 IF YOU CONFIRM IMPORTANT: The purpose of ACTION (on the next page)…
- 11009068Sep 19, 2024Air bags. DTC B00A0-00 STORED This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin. IF YOU CONFIRM DTC B00A0-00 (OCCUPANT DETECTION SENSOR…
- 11001192Jun 7, 2024Transmission and drivetrain. CVT/TCM CALIBRATION DATA “WRITE” PROCEDURE This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
- 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.
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 2016 Nissan Maxima?
Owners of the 2016 Maxima most often describe the continuously variable transmission hesitating, juddering or losing power, usually toward the 60,000-80,000 mile mark, with several complaints saying a dealer replaced the transmission. The issues reported most often: CVT transmission hesitation, judder and loss of power; Stalling, no-start and battery or charging faults; Sunroof and rear window glass or trim separating.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2016 Nissan Maxima have?
NHTSA recorded 142 consumer complaints for the 2016 Nissan Maxima as of Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 2016 Nissan Maxima is reported most often?
Transmission and drivetrain is named most often, in 33 complaints (23% of the total), followed by electrical system with 31.
Has the 2016 Nissan Maxima been recalled?
NHTSA lists 8 recall campaigns for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
How did the 2016 Nissan Maxima do in NHTSA crash tests?
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings give the 2016 Nissan Maxima 5 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 2016 Nissan Maxima get?
The EPA rates the 2016 Nissan Maxima (Maxima, 3.5L 6-cyl) at 25 mpg combined, 22 city and 30 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $3,300 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 2016 Nissan Maxima reported?
Among the 73 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 40,000 miles and the middle half falls between 11,500 and 70,000 miles; 59% 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.