MYRModel Year Report

2011 Nissan Maxima

● Typical for this model
2011 Nissan Maxima
RENDERED 2026-08-02T12:05:38.910Z

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.

How is this computed?

COMPLAINTS PER YEAR

Complaints per year, Nissan Maxima Bar chart of distinct NHTSA complaints filed per model year, 2011 highlighted. 1982: 4 complaints 1982 1983: 5 complaints 1984: 30 complaints 1985: 54 complaints 1986: 60 complaints 1987: 176 complaints 1988: 60 complaints 1988 1989: 62 complaints 1990: 106 complaints 1991: 76 complaints 1992: 110 complaints 1993: 78 complaints 1994: 89 complaints 1994 1995: 152 complaints 1996: 96 complaints 1997: 102 complaints 1998: 113 complaints 1999: 165 complaints 2000: 360 complaints 2000 2001: 172 complaints 2002: 205 complaints 2003: 206 complaints 2004: 1425 complaints 2005: 948 complaints 2006: 576 complaints 2006 2007: 129 complaints 2008: 78 complaints 2009: 339 complaints 2010: 275 complaints 2011: 106 complaints 2011 2012: 107 complaints 2012 2013: 62 complaints 2014: 95 complaints 2015: 1 complaints 2016: 142 complaints 2017: 102 complaints 2018: 36 complaints 2018 2019: 18 complaints 2020: 21 complaints 2021: 3 complaints 2022: 5 complaints 2023: 1 complaints 2023
2011: 106 complaints
View as data table
YearComplaints
19824
19835
198430
198554
198660
1987176
198860
198962
1990106
199176
1992110
199378
199489
1995152
199696
1997102
1998113
1999165
2000360
2001172
2002205
2003206
20041425
2005948
2006576
2007129
200878
2009339
2010275
2011106
2012107
201362
201495
20151
2016142
2017102
201836
201918
202021
20213
20225
20231

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

AIR BAGS 22%

22% of complaints: air bags — 23 distinct reports on file.

CRASH INJURY
Show 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, 20140730

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, 20140628

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 “normal” wear and tear airbag would no longer be an issue.

NHTSA ODI report, 20240715

POWER TRAIN 20%

20% of complaints: power train — 21 distinct reports on file.

Show complaint excerpts

The transmission is slipping it’s a cvt and they’re known for being the worst transmissions.

NHTSA ODI report, 20240629

ENGINE 11%

11% of complaints: engine — 12 distinct reports on file.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 11%

11% of complaints: electrical system — 12 distinct reports on file.

CRASH INJURY
Show 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, 20180921

STEERING 8%

8% of complaints: steering — 9 distinct reports on file.

CRASH INJURY
Show 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, 20180921

My steering failed completely while driving, making it nearly impossible to turn.

NHTSA ODI report, 20260107

SAFETY TIMELINE

No recalls on file for this model year.

BUY-SMART CHECKLIST

2011 Nissan Maxima — pre-purchase inspection

  • Test/inspect for air bags issues (23 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for power train issues (21 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for engine issues (12 reports on file for this year).
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL

BEST YEARS

▲ 1984 ▲ 2018 ▲ 1985

WORST YEARS

■ 2004 ■ 2005 ■ 2006

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 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.