2012 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
- 107
- Recalls
- 0
- Investigations
- 0
- Top problem
- Air bags
None on file
None on file
25% of complaints
Complaints per year
2012: 107 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
25% · 27 reportsMost commonly citing front passenger.
Show complaint excerpts
Had a minor rear end collision. Air bags did not deploy. Car only has 74,000 miles. The air bag light was on after car was repaired. Nissan dealer stated the main air bag control unit was bad and the weight occupant sensor was bad.
NHTSA ODI report, 2018-07-15
Me and my wife were traveling northbound in our 2012 Nissan Maxima around 30MPH on western avenue in chicago when suddenly a Ford focus 2007 that ran a stop sign traveling east bound on rosemont avenue t-boned us on driver's side.
NHTSA ODI report, 2014-03-06
Also filed under Seat belts and structure
Passenger airbag notifi action blinks and will not show it is activated to function in a crash. Airbag has never worked. Also driver seat belt keeps releasing without being pushed to open. Seat belt issue just began Dec…
NHTSA ODI report, 2023-12-31
Electrical system
19% · 20 reportsMost commonly citing speedometer/odometer.
Power train
17% · 18 reportsMost commonly citing automatic transmission.
Show complaint excerpts
2012 Nissan Maxima with 94,000 miles began hesitating upon accelerating and jerking on [XXX]. Vehicle diagnosed at Don Franklin Nissan in Glasgow, KY with bad transmission. Transmission replaced.
NHTSA ODI report, 2025-07-01
Engine
10% · 11 reportsSteering
9% · 10 reportsSafety 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
2012 Nissan Maxima — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Air bags: 27 reports on file for this year.
- Electrical system: 20 reports on file for this year.
- Power train: 18 reports on file for this year.
Other years of this model
See all years ranked →FAQ
- Is the 2012 Nissan Maxima reliable?
- Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2012 Nissan Maxima is rated "typical".
- What are the most common problems with the 2012 Nissan Maxima?
- The most-reported component is air bags, accounting for 25% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 2012 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.