2011 Nissan Maxima
This year's complaint volume is within 30% of this model's typical year.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
- Complaints
- 106
- Recalls
- 0
- Investigations
- 0
- Top problem
- Air bags
None on file
None on file
22% of complaints
Complaints per year
2011: 106 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1982 | 4 |
| 1983 | 5 |
| 1984 | 30 |
| 1985 | 54 |
| 1986 | 63 |
| 1987 | 178 |
| 1988 | 60 |
| 1989 | 64 |
| 1990 | 106 |
| 1991 | 77 |
| 1992 | 110 |
| 1993 | 78 |
| 1994 | 89 |
| 1995 | 152 |
| 1996 | 96 |
| 1997 | 102 |
| 1998 | 113 |
| 1999 | 165 |
| 2000 | 360 |
| 2001 | 172 |
| 2002 | 205 |
| 2003 | 206 |
| 2004 | 1,425 |
| 2005 | 948 |
| 2006 | 576 |
| 2007 | 129 |
| 2008 | 79 |
| 2009 | 339 |
| 2010 | 275 |
| 2011 | 106 |
| 2012 | 107 |
| 2013 | 62 |
| 2014 | 96 |
| 2015 | 1 |
| 2016 | 142 |
| 2017 | 106 |
| 2018 | 36 |
| 2019 | 18 |
| 2020 | 21 |
| 2021 | 3 |
| 2022 | 5 |
| 2023 | 1 |
Known problem areas
Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.
Air bags
22% · 23 reportsShow complaint excerpts
Tl* the contact owned a 2011 Nissan Maxima. While driving 35 MPH, another vehicle stopped suddenly in front of the contact's vehicle. The incident caused the contact's vehicle to crash into a pole.
NHTSA ODI report, 2014-07-30
I hit a deer going 65 MPH. None of my air bags deployed. My car sustained $12,600 in damage. I sustained a sprained neck and a sprained shoulder requiring a splint for comfort.
NHTSA ODI report, 2014-06-28
Airbag warning came on. I took to dealership for diagnostic. There was malfunction with the passenger airbag. Seat coushin needed to be replaced so the ânormalâ wear and tear airbag would no longer be an issue.
NHTSA ODI report, 2024-07-15
Power train
21% · 22 reportsMost commonly citing automatic transmission.
Show complaint excerpts
The transmission is slipping itâs a cvt and theyâre known for being the worst transmissions.
NHTSA ODI report, 2024-06-29
Tl*the contact owns 2011 Nissan Maxima. The contact stated the check engine light began to illuminate on the instrument panel. The vehicle also would not shift out of first gear.
NHTSA ODI report, 2011-05-09
Engine
11% · 12 reportsElectrical system
11% · 12 reportsShow complaint excerpts
S10 direct reply - letter expressing safety concerns with the 2011 Nissan Maxima safety, defect, and compliance. *ld the consumer stated the vehicle was involved in a crash. Controlling the speed and direction of the vehicle became difficult.
NHTSA ODI report, 2018-09-21
Also filed under Steering
Steering
8% · 9 reportsShow complaint excerpts
My steering failed completely while driving, making it nearly impossible to turn.
NHTSA ODI report, 2026-01-07
Safety timeline
No recalls on file for this model year.
0 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
Buy-smart checklist
2011 Nissan Maxima — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Air bags: 23 reports on file for this year.
- Power train: 22 reports on file for this year.
- Engine: 12 reports on file for this year.
Other years of this model
See all years ranked →FAQ
- Is the 2011 Nissan Maxima reliable?
- Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2011 Nissan Maxima is rated "typical".
- What are the most common problems with the 2011 Nissan Maxima?
- The most-reported component is air bags, accounting for 22% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 2011 Nissan Maxima have?
- No recalls are on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-10-31 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.