Powered byNHTSA|EPA|Community Reports
HomeNissanMaximaYears to Avoid

Nissan Maxima — Years to Avoid

Reliability breakdown of every Nissan Maxima model year. Based on NHTSA owner complaints, federal recalls, and safety investigations.

Model Years
42
Years to Avoid
2016, 2006, 2005, 2004
Best Years
2023, 2022, 2015, 1991, 1989, 1988, 1986, 1985, 1984, 1983, 1982
2023Best Year
2 complaints0 recalls50 TSBs
2022Best Year
6 complaints0 recalls72 TSBs
2021
4 complaints0 recalls93 TSBs
2020
32 complaints1 recalls96 TSBs
2019
24 complaints1 recalls129 TSBs
2018
43 complaints2 recalls1 invest.162 TSBs
2017
146 complaints4 recalls1 invest.213 TSBs
2016Avoid
222 complaints8 recalls1 invest.276 TSBs
2015Best Year
2 complaints0 recalls44 TSBs
2014
126 complaints0 recalls88 TSBs
2013
71 complaints0 recalls104 TSBs
2012
137 complaints0 recalls113 TSBs
2011
138 complaints0 recalls113 TSBs
2010
399 complaints1 recalls115 TSBs
2009
460 complaints1 recalls98 TSBs
2008
99 complaints0 recalls1 invest.80 TSBs
2007
169 complaints1 recalls1 invest.78 TSBs
2006Avoid
733 complaints2 recalls79 TSBs
2005Avoid
1,152 complaints2 recalls92 TSBs
2004Avoid
1,725 complaints2 recalls1 invest.112 TSBs
2003
249 complaints4 recalls1 invest.64 TSBs
2002
278 complaints9 recalls1 invest.80 TSBs
2001
225 complaints7 recalls1 invest.105 TSBs
2000
467 complaints3 recalls116 TSBs
1999
215 complaints4 recalls64 TSBs
1998
133 complaints6 recalls74 TSBs
1997
123 complaints6 recalls1 invest.75 TSBs
1996
117 complaints5 recalls74 TSBs
1995
195 complaints5 recalls3 invest.81 TSBs
1994
128 complaints5 recalls27 TSBs
1993
102 complaints6 recalls1 invest.27 TSBs
1992
140 complaints5 recalls2 invest.29 TSBs
1991Best Year
99 complaints4 recalls25 TSBs
1990
138 complaints4 recalls24 TSBs
1989Best Year
78 complaints4 recalls7 TSBs
1988Best Year
73 complaints1 recalls2 invest.2 TSBs
1987
194 complaints1 recalls2 invest.3 TSBs
1986Best Year
74 complaints2 recalls2 invest.3 TSBs
1985Best Year
64 complaints2 recalls2 invest.3 TSBs
1984Best Year
40 complaints0 recalls2 invest.3 TSBs
1983Best Year
8 complaints0 recalls2 invest.3 TSBs
1982Best Year
4 complaints0 recalls2 invest.2 TSBs

How we calculate this

Each year receives a composite risk score based on NHTSA owner complaints, federal recalls, safety investigations, and technical service bulletins. Years scoring more than 2x the model's average are flagged as “years to avoid.” Years in the lowest risk bracket are marked as “best years.” All data is sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

Which Nissan Maxima Years Should You Avoid?

Based on federal safety data, the 2016, 2006, 2005, 2004 Nissan Maxima are the most problematic years, with significantly higher rates of owner complaints, recalls, and safety investigations compared to other model years.

If you're shopping for a used Nissan Maxima, consider the 2023, 2022, 2015, 1991, 1989, 1988, 1986, 1985, 1984, 1983, 1982 model years — these have the fewest reported issues relative to other years.

42 model years analyzed