RoadVitals

2013 Nissan Maxima Problems

Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
62
Latest Dec 19, 2025
Components namedHow many of our component categories appear on at least one report for this model year. One report can name several.
11
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
2

What this page shows

Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2013 Nissan Maxima, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

Reports by component

Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Each component in detail

What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words

Powertrain (other)

Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.

24
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

The transmission is failing in my car it doesn't want to go. stalling out shuttering,jerking.

NHTSA ID 11501392 · filed Jan 12, 2023

a recall and class action lawsuit was issued for the 2013 altima but not the 2013 maxima. they have the same cvt transmission, my cvt transmission on my maxima just went out. Both the maxima and the altima should have been included in these recalls if they have the exact same CVT transmission

NHTSA ID 11486654 · filed Sep 27, 2022
All 24 reports naming powertrain (other)

Airbags

Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.

16
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

NO 'TAKATA RECALL' AT THIS MOMENT BUT I WAS INJURED BECAUSE AIRBAG FAILED IN MY CHEST

NHTSA ID 11071660 · filed Feb 7, 2018

WHEN AN ADULT SITS IN THE PASSENGER SEAT (SOME OVER 200LBS) THE "AIRBAG OFF" LIGHT REMAINS ON. THIS IS FROM STARTING THE CAR, DRIVING, UNTIL THE END OF THE TRIP.

NHTSA ID 11051122 · filed Nov 28, 2017
All 16 reports naming airbags

Exterior lighting

Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.

9
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

I have a 2013 Nissan Maxima in my headlights are horrible when they are on dim you cannot see in front of you so bad that it's liable to cause a bad wreck I have to ride with my headlights on bright and it's not much better I have replaced the bulbs in both headlights twice it has not improved anything I think it is a very dangerous thing in could call someone to get hurt because no one can see I've not been pulled over by the police or anything but I have to ride with my headlights on bright and I know it blinds people sometimes I think there needs to be a recall because I have a lot of friends that have Nissans and they have the same problem

NHTSA ID 11706145 · filed Dec 19, 2025

1. Both headlights on dim are so dim that you cannot drive safely, they do not project in front of the car far enough to see at night, dawn or dusk. I am concerned if other cars I meet can even see me approaching. My flashlight shines brighter and farther. I have replaced the bulbs for the dim lights and it did no good. 2. Drove to California and was in west Texas after dark, could not see the road after dark. 3. My relative is a mechanic and he has confirmed the defective illumination with my dim lights. 4. It has not been confirmed by any officials such as insurance or police. 5. I noticed this problem about 1 year ago. I have been having to run bright lights if I must drive after dark. This is dangerous, illegal if meeting another car, etc. This is a seriously dangerous problem. I have researched on the internet for several weeks looking for a solution. I finally ran across your website. I did see that the Nissan Altima had a recall for their defective headlights. This should also be a recall for the Maxima. I have driven Nissan's for many years and never had this defect. I don't know how recalls are initiated but if it is through the nhtsa it should be investigated promptly as this issue could cost someone's life. If this is the agency that initiates a recall this should happen NOW. All of us Maxima drivers who are having this issue of which according to my research are many, would appreciate any help. I'm sure many Maxima drivers are not aware there is a complaint procedure, I didn't. I am going to have to go to an auto parts retailer, buy two headlight assemblies and use a body shop to install and this will be very expensive. Thank you for your help.

NHTSA ID 11555842 · filed Nov 18, 2023
All 9 reports naming exterior lighting

Engine

Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.

4
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

The contact owns a 2013 Nissan Maxima. The contact stated that while accelerating from a stop, the vehicle stalled with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was able to restart on the third attempt however the failure recurred. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the engine, the crankshaft, and the cylinder heads needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired but the failure persisted. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a case was opened. The failure mileage was 7,500. The VIN was not available.

NHTSA ID 11582321 · filed Apr 11, 2024

The transmission is failing in my car it doesn't want to go. stalling out shuttering,jerking.

NHTSA ID 11501392 · filed Jan 12, 2023

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Brakes

Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

MY CAR ALL OF A SUDDEN STOPPED ON IT'S OWN WHILE DRIVING ON THE EXPRESSWAY. I DIDN'T PRESS THE BRAKE PEDAL OR ANYTHING. I HAD TO GET OUT OF MY CAR IN THE MIDDLE OF TRAFFIC & WAIT ON A TOW. THE MECHANIC SHOP SAID THAT IT WAS VERY DANGEROUS FOR THE CAR TO DO THAT.

NHTSA ID 11160752 · filed Dec 11, 2018

IN DECEMBER OF 2016 I WAS DRIVING MY CAR OUT OF MY DRIVEWAY, AND THE CAR WOULD NOT STOP WHEN BRAKES WERE APPLIED. THIS OCCURRED OVER THE COURSE OF 3 DAYS, AND I TOOK THE CAR TO THE DEALERSHIP WHERE IT HAS A SERVICE HISTORY RECORD. THEY INDICATED THAT THE BRAKE BOOSTER AND THE MASTER CYLINDER WERE BOTH LEAKING, AND THEY WERE GOING TO BE REPLACED. THE CAR WAS RELEASED TO ME APPROXIMATELY 1 WEEK LATER. UPON DRIVING THE CAR THE NEXT MORNING AT MY HOME THE SAME PROBLEM CONTINUED TO HAPPEN. I TOOK THE CAR BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP WHERE THEY KEPT THE CAR FOR 1 WEEK AND DROVE IT 300 MILES, AND THEY SAID THE CAR HAS NO PROBLEM. I DETERMINED THAT THIS PROBLEM OCCURS IN COLD WEATHER. THEY ASKED ME TO COME AND GET THE CAR. IN APPROXIMATELY DECEMBER OF 2017 I WAS BACKING OUT OF MY DRIVEWAY AND I COULD NOT STOP THE CAR AND ROLLED DOWN THE HILL INTO A DITCH. THE CAR WOULD NOT STOP. I PUT ON THE EMERGENCY BRAKE AND WAS ABLE TO GET THE CAR BACK INTO THE DRIVEWAY. OVER THE NEXT TWO DAYS, AS A TEST I WOULD START THE CAR TO SEE IF I COULD BACK THE CAR OUT OF THE DRIVEWAY, AND AGAIN NO BRAKES TO STOP THE CAR. I CALLED THE DEALERSHIP AND TOOK THE CAR BACK, WHERE THE INDICATED THAT THE BRAKE BOOSTER WAS LEAKING AND NEEDED TO BE REPAIRED. THEY REPAIRED IT AND A FEW DAYS LATER ASKED ME TO PICK UP THE CAR. WHEN PICKING UP THE CAR AT THE DEALERSHIP, I PLACED MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE TO START THE CAR, AND THE CAR WOULD NOT START. THE SENIOR SERVICE TECHNICIAN CAME OUT TO EVALUATE AND IT TOOK HIM 4 ATTEMPTS WHILE VIGOROUSLY STOMPING ON THE BRAKE TO START THE CAR. THE CAR WAS LEFT AT THE DEALERSHIP FOR FURTHER EVALUATION. THEY CLAIMED A MALFUNCTION WITH THE BRAKE SWITCH, AND KEPT THE CAR FOR SEVERAL DAYS. NOW I HAVE RECEIVED THE CAR BACK, AND I AM STILL HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM. I BACKED OUT OF MY DRIVEWAY ON 01/29/2018, AND THE CAR WOULD NOT COME TO A COMPLETE STOP.

NHTSA ID 11067229 · filed Feb 6, 2018

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Electrical

Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

S10 APPROPRIATE HANDLING- LETTER FROM CONSTITUENT RE COPY OF LETTER ADDRESSED TO CARLOS GHOSN, CHAIRMAN AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER OF NISSAN MOTOR COMPANY, LTD NOTIFYING THE COMPANY OF A MAJOR AUTOMOTIVE DEFECT WITH NISSAN'S 2013 MAXIMA. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED WHILE DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY LOST ALL POWER AND STALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER. THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE CONTINUED TO HESITATE, AS IF IT WERE GOING TO LOSE POWER, AFTER RETRIEVING IT FROM THE DEALER. THE DEALER REPLACED THE AIR FLOW METER AND ENGINE AIR FILTER. *JB

NHTSA ID 10805747 · filed Oct 5, 2015

AFTER ABOUT 1 MILE OF DRIVING, THERE WAS A SMALL EXPLOSION HEARD UNDER THE CENTER CONSOLE DIRECTLY UNDER THE SHIFT CONSOLE. FIRE STARTED COMING OUT FROM THE SHIFT CONSOLE. BURNED UP CENTER SHIFTER CONSOLE AND CARPET SURROUNDING AREA. *TR

NHTSA ID 10577460 · filed Apr 4, 2014

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Body & structure

Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

WATER BUILD UP AND SWISHING BACK AND FORTH IN MY REAR DOOR, HAVE TO KEEP REMOVING THE RUBBER SEAL AND DRAINING THE WATER....WILL CAUSE EROSION, POOR GAS MILEAGE DUE TO WEIGHT OF THE WATER...

NHTSA ID 11208952 · filed May 21, 2019

I WAS SITTING IN MY CAR MOTOR OFF DURING LUNCH. I HEARD A HUGE EXPLOSION LIKE A GUNSHOT AND I THOUGHT I GOT SHOT. I WAS SHOCKED AND STARTLED I RAN OUT OF THE CAR. I INSPECTED MYSELF AND I LOOKED AROUND AND I WALKED UP TO MY CAR AND NOTICED THAT MY SUNROOF WAS HEAVILY DAMAGED. I CALLED NINE-ONE-ONE A POLICE OFFICER ARRIVED AND THE POLICE OFFICER SAID THAT MY SUNROOF EXPLODED.

NHTSA ID 11065411 · filed Jan 27, 2018

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Steering

Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

MY SON WAS DRIVING HOME 09/21/18 WHEN THE PASSENGER SIDE TIE ROD BROKE. THE PIECE THAT BROKE SCREWS INTO THE RACK AND HAS A BALL SWIVEL IN IT AND THEN SCREWS INTO THE ACTUAL TIE ROD END. THE PIECE AT THE BREAK LOOKS AS IF IT WAS BROKEN PART WAY THROUGH DUE TO THE METAL BEING DARKER IN THAT AREA. THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION AND HAD JUST COMPLETED A LEFT HAND TURN ON A RUAL BLACKTOP ROAD. I AM CONCERNED BECAUSE THIS IS A PART THAT JUST SHOULD NOT FAIL AS IT IS MY UNDERSTANDING THAT THEY ARE MADE FROM A CHROME VANADIUM ALLOY WHICH MAKES THEM JUST ABOUT INDESTRUCTIBLE UNDER NORMAL USE AND CONDITIONS. I HAVE TRIED TO FURNISH A PICTURE AND AM NOT SURE IF IT WAS SUCCESSFULLY UPLOADED TO YOU. IF NOT PLEASE CONTACT ME BY EMAIL AND I CAN ATTACH IT TO A RETURN EMAIL TO YOU. THE PICTURE SHOWS THE BROKEN PART STILL ON THE CAR. I REPAIRED THE CAR MYSELF AND HAVE THE BROKEN PART IN MY POSSESSION IF YOU NEED IT.

NHTSA ID 11130858 · filed Sep 23, 2018

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Visibility

Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

EXPLODING SUNROOF. WHILE DRIVING (ABOUT 65 MPH) ON INTERSTATE IN HOUSTON, SUNROOF/MOONROOF EXPLODED. 6:45AM ON FRIDAY NOV 17, 2017

NHTSA ID 11046956 · filed Nov 17, 2017

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Driver assistance

Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

WATER BUILD UP AND SWISHING BACK AND FORTH IN MY REAR DOOR, HAVE TO KEEP REMOVING THE RUBBER SEAL AND DRAINING THE WATER....WILL CAUSE EROSION, POOR GAS MILEAGE DUE TO WEIGHT OF THE WATER...

NHTSA ID 11208952 · filed May 21, 2019

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Fuel system

Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE IN 2017 WITH 39997 MILES ON IT. WHEN I TOOK IT TO THE GAS STATION THE PUMP SHUT OFF EVERY 6 CENTS. THE PLACE I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE AT WOULDN'T DO ANYTHING BECAUSE THE CAR WAS SOLD "AS IS' AND A WEEK HAD PASSED. I DIDN'T TAKE THE CAR IN FOR REPAIRS BECAUSE I DIDN'T HAVE THE MONEY . I REFINANCED THE VEHICLE IN 2018. SHORTLY AFTER THAT I RECEIVED I LETTER IN THE MAIL FROM NISSAN OF A WARRANTY POLICY ENHANCEMENT WHICH WAS FOR COMPLETE EVAP TUBE BLOCKAGE. READING FURTHER THE LETTER DESCRIBED EXACTLY WHAT MY CAR WAS DOING. SO I TAKE THE CAR TO PISCHKE MOTORS NISSAN FOR REPAIRS. THE CAR HAD 69978 MILES ON IT AT THAT TIME. THEY TOLD ME THAT IT HAD TO BE A COMPLETE EVAP TUBE BLOCKAGE TO BE COVERED BY THE WARRANTY. I WAS THINKING THAT THATS WHAT IT HAD TO BE BECAUSE THAT IS EXACTLY WHAT MY CAR WAS DONG. WELL THE TECH GUY STATES THAT HE CAN GET SMOKE TO RUN THROUGH THE EVAP SYSTEM, VENT VALVE WORKING, FOUND AIR TO PASS THROUGH THE FUEL FILTER AND BYPASS LINE AND HE STATES THAT ITS ACTING LIKE THE FUEL TANK IS HAVING AN INTERNAL OBSTRUCTION. I HAD TO PAY $116.05 FOR THE DIAGNOSTICS AND THEY TRIED TO SELL ME A NEW GAS TANK FOR $ 1200.00. NISSAN SENT ME THE LETTER BECAUSE THEY KNEW THE VEHICLES HAD ISSUES. WHY SHOULDN'T THEY HAVE TO COVER A PARTIAL BLOCKAGE? I'M VERY UPSET THAT I HAD TO PAY OUT MONEY AND NOTHING WAS FIXED. SEEMED LIKE A SCAM TO ME.

NHTSA ID 11185531 · filed Mar 9, 2019

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.

Elsewhere on this vehicle

Data sources

Data on this page last refreshed .