The best and worst Nissan Maxima years, by the numbers
Short answer: among Nissan Maximas old enough to judge (2005–2021), the 2015, 2018–2019 and 2021 have the fewest owner complaints per 10,000 sold. The 2005–2006 and 2009–2010 have the most.
We counted every owner complaint filed with the federal government (NHTSA) for each model year and divided by how many were sold that year, so a year that sold more doesn’t look worse just for being popular. Years newer than 2021 are shown but not ranked — they haven’t been on the road long enough. How this is calculated.
Years with the most complaints
2005 Nissan Maxima · 110.7 per 10,000 sold (6.8× this model’s typical year)
Most-reported: Harsh, delayed or erratic shifting, typically around 89,000 miles; then automatic transmission internals.
2006 Nissan Maxima · 75.3 per 10,000 sold (4.6× this model’s typical year)
Most-reported: Harsh, delayed or erratic shifting, typically around 86,000 miles; then abs module and wheel speed sensors.
2009 Nissan Maxima · 62.0 per 10,000 sold (3.8× this model’s typical year)
Most-reported: Body control and other modules, typically around 71,162 miles; then tie rods, linkage, shaft and column.
2010 Nissan Maxima · 45.4 per 10,000 sold (2.8× this model’s typical year)
Most-reported: Body control and other modules, typically around 67,000 miles; then tie rods, linkage, shaft and column.
Years with the fewest complaints
2015 Nissan Maxima · 0.2 per 10,000 sold (0.0× this model’s typical year)
Most-reported, even so: Airbags, seatbelts and restraints.
2018 Nissan Maxima · 8.5 per 10,000 sold (0.5× this model’s typical year)
Most-reported, even so: Driver-assist cameras, radar and calibration, typically around 36,500 miles.
2019 Nissan Maxima · 5.1 per 10,000 sold (0.3× this model’s typical year)
Most-reported, even so: Body control and other modules.
2021 Nissan Maxima · 1.8 per 10,000 sold (0.1× this model’s typical year)
Most-reported, even so: Sunroof and panoramic roof.
Every year: complaints per 10,000 sold
Typical Nissan Maxima year: 16.2 per 10,000 sold.
Complaints are counted once each, even when an owner lists several parts. Sales are US units sold in the calendar year, a close stand-in for the model year.
Common questions
What is the worst year for the Nissan Maxima?
Among Nissan Maximas old enough to judge (2005–2021), the 2005 has the most owner complaints per 10,000 sold: 110.7, about 6.8× a typical Nissan Maxima year. The 2006 and 2009–2010 also stand out.
What is the best year for the Nissan Maxima?
The 2015 has the fewest owner complaints per 10,000 sold among Nissan Maximas from 2005–2021: 0.2, against 16.2 for a typical year. The 2018–2019 and 2021 are also well below typical.
What goes wrong on the 2005 Nissan Maxima?
The most-reported problem on the 2005 Nissan Maxima is harsh, delayed or erratic shifting, typically around 89,000 miles.
Why aren't the newest Nissan Maxima years ranked?
The 2022–2023 haven't been on the road long enough. Newer cars have fewer complaints mainly because they're newer, so ranking them would flatter them.
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Source: NHTSA owner complaints and recalls; US sales from public industry figures. Complaints are self-reported and not independently verified. This is not an inspection and not a recommendation to buy or avoid any vehicle.