2016 Nissan Maxima: problems, recalls and reliability
8 recalls and 142 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is power train (20% of complaints); the 2014 and 2018 model years look more trouble-free.
Data updated weekly · latest recall Nov 2019
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 142 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“I had been trying to get the transmission changed on several occasions but was unsuccessful and was told to wait until 100,000 miles. So, I complied to suggestion. On 7/3/25 for a scheduled oil and transmission service, it was told that the transmission was throwing a P17F1 code and it would be best no to do anything with the transmission. So, at this point with no knowledge of what the code meant I refused the fluid change until I could get the understanding of what was happening. Researched code finding that this is a common problem that affect this make and model for this brand of vehicle. It's the means of transportation I have. How should I proceed?”Owner report · Power Train · Jul 2025
“My vehicle has experienced recurring failures where it will suddenly stop accelerating while driving, placing me in a dangerous situation. The engine remains on, but the car will only coast forward or backward with no throttle response. This has happened multiple times, and I have had to pull over for safety. Restarting the car occasionally works temporarily, but the issue returns within minutes. I understand that Nissan has previously extended warranty coverage for CVT issues in similar models”Owner report · Fuel/Propulsion System · Jul 2025
“Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2016 Nissan Maxima. The contact stated that while the vehicle was at an independent mechanic pending repairs after the contact was involved in a crash, it was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The independent mechanic requested a Carfax report and found the discrepancy, and that the vehicle had been involved in a crash in the past. The vehicle was a dealer sale. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was approximately 78,000 and at the time of registration, it was discovered that the mileage was approximately 118,000.”Owner report · Electrical System · Jun 2025
Show 7 more owner reports
“Battery light keeps turning on and brake light. Replaced alternator and battery after my vehicle stalled on me on the road, but the issue and problem is still on going.”Owner report · Electrical System · Apr 2025
“I can be going at a regular rate of speed and my car would stall completely the abs light comes on and it drains my battery causing my car to shut off.”Owner report · Air Bags · Jan 2025
“On [XXX] approximately around [XXX] My Nissan Maximum was on fire while I was at work. I begin working at 8:30 am and the vehicle was parked two hours later my coworker ran telling me my car was on fire. The police and fire rescue was called to the scene. The police inspected my vehicle and I have the police report. On 12/13/24 at 1:32pm I spoke with Vaibhav the consumer Affairs Representative from Nissan Manufacturer and he confirmed the vehicle has two recalls on the ABS braking system. My vehicle is available for inspection upon request. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)”Owner report · Unknown Or Other · Dec 2024
“There was a thermal combustion that caused a fire. Yes, the caught combusted at a local business. I had just entered the building and was told that my car was on fire. The police and Nissan inspected the car but refused to provide the inspection report. A light came on. I do not know the exact date that it appeared. I just received the recall notice and did not have the opportunity to get the car repaired.”Owner report · Structure · Sep 2024
“The contact owns a 2016 Nissan Maxima. The contact stated while driving 5 MPH and driving over a bump in the roadway, there was an abnormal squeaking sound coming from the vehicle. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who determined that the sway bar bracket was fractured, and the bushing needed to be replaced. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 95,000.”Owner report · Suspension · Sep 2024
“This is third time this has happened. I already filled out one, but they have already replaced my altenator. My car worked fine for about a month, and then it did the same thing where I can't excelarate and the car limps at 1 MPH till it eventually shuts off and will not start up. If you jump the car it will work again, but not for long until it does the same thing. On the Nissan Forums alot of people are talking about this same issue, but nothing is being done and the only fix is to find an OEM altenator, but Nissan doesn't make one anymore. This is really starting to become a huge problem.”Owner report · Power Train · Aug 2024
“No matter what speed you're going it puts itself in false neutral. Abs , traction control comes on battery light flashes. No power steering and will not accelerate. Have almost been ran into and ran over. There is no warning when this happens and not yet find a service department or garage that can fix the problem. Very dangerous especially for a new driver, I bought this car for my daughter. This has happened more than once and now we do not drive the car due to it not being safe. New battery and alternator checks good. Has been scanned for codes several times.”Owner report · Engine · Aug 2024
When filing, owners marked a crash in 10 of these complaints and injuries in 12 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 8 campaigns
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. The Anti-Lock Brake (ABS) actuator pumps may allow brake fluid to leak onto an internal circuit board.
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. Note: When brake fluid has leaked onto the circuit board, the ABS warning lamp will remain illuminated for more than 10 seconds after engine start up. If this occurs, owners are advised to park the vehicle outdoors away from other vehicles or structures and to not drive the vehicle.
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain model year 2016-2017 Nissan Maxima vehicles manufactured February 10, 2015, to August 19, 2016 and equipped with Intelligent Cruise Control, 2015-2017 Murano vehicles manufactured August 22, 2014, to August 19, 2016 and equipped with Intelligent Cruise Control, and 2015-2016 Murano Hybrid vehicles manufactured August 22, 2014, to July 19, 2016. The affected vehicles have Anti-Lock Brake (ABS) actuator pumps that may allow brake fluid to leak onto an internal electrical circuit board.
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. Note: When brake fluid has leaked onto the circuit board, the ABS warning lamp will remain illuminated for more than 10 seconds after engine start up. If this occurs, owners are advised to park the vehicle outdoors away from other vehicles or structures and to not drive the vehicle.
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. These vehicles were previously recalled and unrepaired, or inspected and determined to not need a repair, under recall number 18V-601. In addition, this recall expands the previous population. The Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) actuator pumps may allow brake fluid to leak onto an internal circuit board.
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. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-867-7669. Note: If the ABS warning light remains illuminated for more than 10 seconds after engine start up, owners are advised to park the vehicle outdoors away from other vehicles or structures and to not drive the vehicle.
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain model year 2015 Altima and 2016 Maxima vehicles manufactured October 6, 2015, to October 7, 2015. The affected vehicles have front brake calipers whose mounting bolts may not be properly tightened.
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.
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain model year 2013-2015 Altima vehicles manufactured January 3, 2013, to July 29, 2013, 2015-2016 Rogue vehicles manufactured October 14, 2014, to August 12, 2016, and 2016 Maxima vehicles manufactured June 4, 2015, to August 19, 2015. An incorrect Occupant Classification System (OCS) Electronic Control Unit (ECU) may have been installed in the front passenger seat. The incorrect ECU and seat combination may misclassify the front passenger seat occupant.
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.
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. On October 14, 2015, Nissan expanded the recall to cover an additional 41,388 vehicles, including certain model year 2013-2015 Altima 3.5 vehicles equipped with a V6 engine manufactured March 30, 2012, to August 18, 2015 as well as the vehicles covered by the July 31, 2015 notification. In the affected vehicles, due to an improperly installed o-ring that may not have been seated correctly at the time of assembly, fuel may leak during a crash from the area where the fuel sending unit attaches to the fuel tank.
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.
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain model year 2016-2017 Nissan Maxima, 2013-2016 Nissan Altima, NV200, LEAF, Sentra, and Pathfinder, 2014-2016 Nissan NV200 Taxi, Infiniti QX60, QX60 Hybrid, and Q50 Hybrid, 2014-2017 Nissan Rogue and Infiniti Q50, 2015-2016 Nissan Murano, Murano Hybrid, and Chevrolet City Express, 2014-2015 Nissan Pathfinder Hybrid, and 2013 Infiniti JX35 vehicles. In these vehicles, the front seat passenger Occupant Classification System (OCS) may incorrectly classify an adult passenger as a child or classify the seat as empty despite it being occupied. As a result, the passenger frontal air bag may be turned off and not deploy in the event of a crash.
Remedy: Nissan will notify their owners. Chevrolet City Express owners will be notified by General Motors. Dealers will reprogram the Air Bag Control Unit (ACU) and OCS Electronic Control Unit (ECU) in Altima, Maxima, Murano, Rogue, and Sentra vehicles, and replace the OCS ECU in LEAF, NV200, NV200 Taxi, Pathfinder, Infiniti Q50, JX35, and QX60 and Chevrolet City Express vehicles, free of charge. Interim notices were sent to owners on May 31, 2016. Owners will receive a second notice when remedy parts become available. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-867-7669, Infiniti customer service at 1-888-833-3216 or Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020.
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain model year 2016 Murano vehicles manufactured December 17, 2015, to February 11, 2016, and 2016 Maxima vehicles manufactured November 25, 2015, to February 12, 2016 and equipped with an antilock braking system (ABS) and Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC). The ABS actuator may have a damaged O-ring that may result in a lack of brake fluid pressure.
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.
Specifications
Factory options offered for the 2016 model year, decoded from the NHTSA vPIC database. Individual vehicles have one of each.
How other years compare
Check your exact Maxima by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 2016 Nissan Maxima reliable?
NHTSA has 142 owner complaints and 8 recall campaigns on record for the 2016 Nissan Maxima. The most complained-about area is power train (20% of complaints).
At what mileage do 2016 Nissan Maxima problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 42,847 miles or less.
Does the 2016 Nissan Maxima have open recalls?
8 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning service brakes, hydraulic:antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.