Is the 2018 Nissan Maxima reliable?

Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2018 Nissan Maxima is rated "better than typical".

What are the most common problems with the 2018 Nissan Maxima?

The most-reported component is service brakes, accounting for 22% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2018 Nissan Maxima have?

2 recalls on file for this model year.

2018 Nissan Maxima

▲ Better than typical

2018 Nissan Maxima
RENDERED 2026-11-01T12:39:58.262Z

This year had at least 30% fewer 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.

How is this computed?

Complaints: 36
Recalls: 2
Investigations: 1
Top problem: Service brakes

Complaints per year

2018: 36 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.

Service brakes

22% · 8 reports

Most commonly citing hydraulic.

FIRE

Forward collision avoidance

19% · 7 reports

Most commonly citing automatic emergency braking and adaptive cruise control.

Electrical system

14% · 5 reports

Visibility/wiper

6% · 2 reports

Vehicle speed control

6% · 2 reports

Safety timeline

2 recalls · 1 investigation · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

I
2019-07-29Engineering analysisClosed 2025-06-16 Rear Suspension Control Arm Failure
R

2019-11-11Back over prevention19V654000 Nissan North America, Inc.

Remedy: Nissan will notify owners in phases, having dealers update the back-up camera settings software, free of charge. The recall began November 11, 2019 and all affected VINs should be activated.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2019-12-16Service brakes, hydraulic19V807000 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.

Check if this car was fixed →

Buy-smart checklist

2018 Nissan Maxima — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

Service brakes: 8 reports on file for this year.
Forward collision avoidance: 7 reports on file for this year.
Electrical system: 5 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

Recall 19V654000 · Back over prevention
Recall 19V807000 · Service brakes, hydraulic

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years3 years

Worst years3 years

FAQ

Is the 2018 Nissan Maxima reliable?: Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2018 Nissan Maxima is rated "better than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2018 Nissan Maxima?: The most-reported component is service brakes, accounting for 22% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2018 Nissan Maxima have?: 2 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-10-31 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.