2016 Nissan Maxima
This year had 30% to 100% more complaints than 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 PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1982 | 4 |
| 1983 | 5 |
| 1984 | 30 |
| 1985 | 54 |
| 1986 | 60 |
| 1987 | 176 |
| 1988 | 60 |
| 1989 | 62 |
| 1990 | 106 |
| 1991 | 76 |
| 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 | 1425 |
| 2005 | 948 |
| 2006 | 576 |
| 2007 | 129 |
| 2008 | 78 |
| 2009 | 339 |
| 2010 | 275 |
| 2011 | 106 |
| 2012 | 107 |
| 2013 | 62 |
| 2014 | 95 |
| 2015 | 1 |
| 2016 | 142 |
| 2017 | 102 |
| 2018 | 36 |
| 2019 | 18 |
| 2020 | 21 |
| 2021 | 3 |
| 2022 | 5 |
| 2023 | 1 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
23% of complaints: power train — 33 distinct reports on file.
20% of complaints: electrical system — 28 distinct reports on file.
CRASH FIREShow complaint excerpts
How are ya'll? This is a request to The National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration for vehicle repairs. As mentioned, this is in reference to a vehicle 2016 Nissan Maxima review for vehicle repairs.
NHTSA ODI report, 20230915
TAKATA RECALL I WAS TRAVELING DOWN HIGHWAY 121 AT ABOUT 70 MILES AN HOUR CRUISE CONTROL IS SET THE LADY IN FRONT OF ME SLAMMED ON THE BRAKES I INTERN SLAMMED ON MINE AND MY CAR DID NOT STOP UNTIL HITTING HER THE BRAKES SEEM TO HAVE THAT LIKE THEY...
NHTSA ODI report, 20171124
14% of complaints: service brakes — 20 distinct reports on file.
CRASH FIRE INJURYShow complaint excerpts
TAKATA RECALL I WAS TRAVELING DOWN HIGHWAY 121 AT ABOUT 70 MILES AN HOUR CRUISE CONTROL IS SET THE LADY IN FRONT OF ME SLAMMED ON THE BRAKES I INTERN SLAMMED ON MINE AND MY CAR DID NOT STOP UNTIL HITTING HER THE BRAKES SEEM TO HAVE THAT LIKE THEY...
NHTSA ODI report, 20171124
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2016 NISSAN MAXIMA. WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH, THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED BUT FAILED TO STOP THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE COLLIDED INTO A CONCRETE BARRIER. THE AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED.
NHTSA ODI report, 20160108
13% of complaints: engine — 18 distinct reports on file.
CRASH FIRE9% of complaints: vehicle speed control — 13 distinct reports on file.
SAFETY TIMELINE
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) notified the agency on July 31, 2015, that they are recalling certain model year 2016 Nissan Maxima vehicles manufactured February 10, 2015, to August 18, 2015.
Remedy: Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will install a retainer ring between the fuel tank and the fuel sending unit. The recall began on September 28, 2015. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-647-7261.
Campaign 15V486000 — check if this car was fixed
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain model year 2015 Altima and 2016 Maxima vehicles manufactured October 6, 2015, to October 7, 2015.
Remedy: Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will check the brake caliper mounting bolts, tightening them as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on December 14, 2015. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-647-7261.
Campaign 15V733000 — check if this car was fixed
Nissan North America, Inc.
Remedy: Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the ABS actuator, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on May 16, 2016. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-647-7261.
Campaign 16V193000 — check if this car was fixed
Nissan North America, Inc.
Remedy: Nissan will notify their owners. Chevrolet City Express owners will be notified by General Motors.
Campaign 16V244000 — check if this car was fixed
Nissan North America, Inc.
Remedy: Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the ABS Actuator, replacing it as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on December 12, 2016. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-647-7261.
Campaign 16V636000 — check if this car was fixed
Nissan North America, Inc.
Remedy: Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will replace the ECU and update the OCS software free of charge. The recall began February 13, 2017. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-647-7261.
Campaign 16V911000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
Remedy: Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the serial number on the ABS actuator, replacing it as necessary, free of charge. The recall began October 29, 2018. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-867-7669.
Campaign 18V601000 — check if this car was fixed
Rear Suspension Control Arm Failure
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.
Remedy: Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will replace the ABS actuator, free of charge. Owners will receive a second notice when remedy parts become available, currently expected to be during summer 2020.
Campaign 19V807000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2016 Nissan Maxima — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for power train issues (33 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (28 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for service brakes issues (20 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 15V486000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
- Verify recall 15V733000 (service brakes, hydraulic) has been completed.
- Verify recall 16V193000 (service brakes, hydraulic) has been completed.
- Verify recall 16V244000 (air bags) has been completed.
- Verify recall 16V636000 (service brakes, hydraulic) has been completed.
- Verify recall 16V911000 (air bags) has been completed.
- Verify recall 18V601000 (service brakes, hydraulic) has been completed.
- Verify recall 19V807000 (service brakes, hydraulic) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 2016 Nissan Maxima reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2016 Nissan Maxima is rated "worse than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2016 Nissan Maxima?
The most-reported component is power train, accounting for 23% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2016 Nissan Maxima have?
8 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.