2016 Nissan Maxima Problems, Complaints & Recalls

Source: NHTSA · Updated Jun 26, 2026 · 142 owner complaints analyzed

Compared with other Maxima years
More complaints than other years 12th of 29 for complaints
NHTSA crash rating
5 out of 5 stars

Owners have filed 142 complaints with NHTSA about the 2016 Nissan Maxima. That ranks 12th out of 29 Maxima model years for complaints. The most reported problem area is power train (33 complaints, 23%), typically at around 62,500 miles. Complaints mention 10 crashes, 4 fires, 12 injuries. There are 8 safety recalls covering this model year. NHTSA has opened 1 defect investigation involving it.

Nissan Maxima
2009 Nissan Maxima photographed in College Park, Maryland , USA.. Representative photo; appearance varies by model year. Photo: IFCAR, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons.

Complaints are unverified owner reports and are not adjusted for sales volume.

Compare with another car

Most common 2016 Nissan Maxima problems

Complaints grouped by the part of the car owners reported, with the median mileage when the problem happened.

Power Train33 · ~62,500 mi
Electrical System31 · ~55,900 mi
Unknown or Other27 · ~38,000 mi
Service Brakes20 · ~18,500 mi
Engine18 · ~29,066 mi
Air Bags14 · ~23,862 mi
Vehicle Speed Control14 · ~57,800 mi
Steering9 · ~11,066 mi
Fuel/propulsion System8 · ~12,267 mi
Structure8 · ~66,500 mi
Problem areaComplaintsShareMedian milesOwners mention mostTypical repair cost
Power Train3323%62,500——
Electrical System3122%55,900——
Unknown or Other2719%38,000——
Service Brakes2014%18,500——
Engine1813%29,066——
Air Bags1410%23,862——
Vehicle Speed Control1410%57,800——
Steering96%11,066——
Fuel/propulsion System86%12,267——
Structure86%66,500——
Exterior Lighting75%39,700——
Electronic Stability Control (esc)54%49,300——
Wheels54%8,000——
Seat Belts43%———
Suspension43%95,000——
Visibility/wiper43%35,120——
Seats32%70,000——
Engine and Engine Cooling21%133,870——
Forward Collision Avoidance21%167,334——
Fuel System, Gasoline21%1,500——
Visibility21%36,246——
Service Brakes, Hydraulic11%11,000——

One complaint can list several problem areas, so shares can add up to more than 100%.

Complaints by year received

Peak: 2017, with 19 complaints
2015: 6201562016: 9201692017: 192017192018: 132018132019: 112019112020: 162020162021: 172021172022: 9202292023: 142023142024: 122024122025: 142025142026: 220262

n = 142 complaints · Source: NHTSA

2016 Nissan Maxima recalls (8)

Tap a recall to see the problem, the risk and the fix.

Service brakes, hydraulic:antilock/traction control/electronic limited slipPark outsideNov 8, 2019 · NHTSA campaign 19V807000 · 391,479 vehicles

Problem: 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.

Risk: A brake fluid leak on the circuit board may result in an electrical short, increasing the risk of a fire.

Fix: 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.

Service brakes, hydraulic:antilock/traction control/electronic limited slipPark outsideSep 7, 2018 · NHTSA campaign 18V601000 · 215,124 vehicles

Problem: 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.

Risk: A brake fluid leak on the circuit board may result in an electrical short, increasing the risk of a fire.

Fix: 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.

Air bags:sensor:occupant classificationDec 19, 2016 · NHTSA campaign 16V911000 · 757 vehicles

Problem: 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.

Risk: If the front passenger seat occupant is misclassified, the air bag may deploy incorrectly in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of injury.

Fix: 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.

Service brakes, hydraulic:antilock/traction control/electronic limited slipSep 2, 2016 · NHTSA campaign 16V636000 · 120,329 vehicles

Problem: 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.

Risk: A brake fluid leak onto the circuit board may result in an electrical short, increasing the risk of a fire.

Fix: 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.

Air bags:sensor:occupant classificationApr 26, 2016 · NHTSA campaign 16V244000 · 3,296,947 vehicles

Problem: 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.

Risk: If the passenger frontal air bag does not deploy as intended in the event of a crash, the passenger is at an increased risk of injury.

Fix: 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.

Service brakes, hydraulic:antilock/traction control/electronic limited slipApr 7, 2016 · NHTSA campaign 16V193000 · 12,616 vehicles

Problem: 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.

Risk: Insufficient brake fluid pressure may lengthen the distance needed to stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: 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.

Service brakes, hydraulic:foundation components:disc:caliperNov 5, 2015 · NHTSA campaign 15V733000 · 119 vehicles

Problem: 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.

Risk: If the bolts were not properly tightened, the caliper may detach and reduce braking ability, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: 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.

Fuel system, gasolineAug 4, 2015 · NHTSA campaign 15V486000 · 46,846 vehicles

Problem: 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.

Risk: If fuel leaks from between the fuel sending unit and the tank, it may increase the risk of a fire in the event of a crash.

Fix: 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.

To see whether a specific car still has an open recall, enter its VIN on NHTSA's official recall lookup. You can also decode a VIN here.

NHTSA defect investigations

  • Rear Suspension Control Arm Failure (EA19002) — opened Jul 29, 2019, closed Jun 16, 2025.

Recent owner reports

Short excerpts of the latest complaints filed with NHTSA, with personal details removed. Full reports can be searched on NHTSA.gov.

The car has been diagnosed with a CVT transmission problem which the mechanic stated was hard to diagnose. The car sometimes slow down to only 30 miles or less being unpredictable when driving and could cause an accident in a busy street or highway as the problem comes at unpredictable times. The…

Unknown or Other · received Jun 26, 2026 · NHTSA complaint 11746819

I took my vehicle yesterday to Monroe Nissan to check on hvac job done last May 2025 as ac was blowing hot air again I was told the ac compressor needs replacement along with that they recommended transmission replacement at a cost of 8000 plus. My Nissan is out of warranty but it only has 20000…

Unknown or Other · received Mar 11, 2026 · NHTSA complaint 11723652

The 2016 Nissan Maxima (VIN: [XXX] ) I purchased in January 2025 has been confirmed by a certified mechanic to have no driver airbag installed and no passenger side curtain airbag installed, despite a previous airbag deployment shown on the vehicle history report. There is no record of any airbag…

Air Bags · received Dec 9, 2025 · NHTSA complaint 11704034

The contact owns a 2016 Nissan Maxima. The contact stated that while driving 55 MPH, the vehicle failed to accelerate properly. The vehicle was shifted into neutral, and the RPMs revved up. The vehicle failed to move forward and shut off unintendedly. Several hours later, the vehicle was restarted…

Power Train · received Aug 7, 2025 · NHTSA complaint 11679050

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…

Engine · received Jul 12, 2025 · NHTSA complaint 11673095

Other Nissan Maxima years

← 2015 Maxima · 2017 Maxima →

See all Nissan Maxima problems by year, every Nissan model, or the Nissan VIN decoder.

Similar Nissan models

Embed this 2016 Nissan Maxima badge on your site

Copy this code into your blog or forum post. It shows live complaint and recall counts and links back here.

Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 2016 Nissan Maxima?

Owners most often report power train, electrical system, unknown or other problems. The top one, power train, accounts for 33 complaints.

Was there a recall on the 2016 Nissan Maxima?

Yes, 8 safety recalls. Enter your VIN at NHTSA.gov to check whether the repairs were done on your car.

Was the 2016 Nissan Maxima a good year?

Complaint data can't fully answer that, because counts aren't adjusted for sales. Compared with other Maxima model years, the 2016 has more complaints than most years, and NHTSA rates it 5 out of 5 stars overall in crash tests. Always get a pre-purchase inspection and check the VIN for open recalls.