2014 Nissan Maxima Problems
Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component
Data refreshed
What this page shows
Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2014 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
- Airbags2420.7%
- Powertrain (other)2118.1%
- Exterior lighting1916.4%
- Engine97.8%
- Electrical86.9%
- Suspension65.2%
- Fuel system54.3%
- Visibility43.4%
- Brakes43.4%
- Driver assistance43.4%
- Steering43.4%
- Body & structure32.6%
- Seat belts21.7%
- Interior & seats21.7%
- Other / unspecified10.9%
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
Airbags
Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2014 Nissan Maxima. The contact stated that the passenger’s side air bag warning light was illuminated. The air bag located in the seat failed to activate as designed. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who determined that the passenger’s side seat sensor was inoperable. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed, and it was determined that the occupant sensor was inoperable. The dealer confirmed that the part was no longer in production. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and referred to the dealer for a diagnostic test. The failure mileage was approximately 46,000.
Code B1018 failing Occupant sensor in the passenger seat
Powertrain (other)
Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.
From owner reports, verbatim
While pulling into a parking space, I heard my engine racing. Immediately, I felt the car lurch forward. To avoid misapplying my foot to the gas pedal, I withdrew both my feet to the floor, next to the seat. The car continued forward at a fast rate. The car stopped going forward after it struck s building. However, the tires kept spinning, especially the front left tire. The engine ran briefly, until it stopped spontaneously. A few days previously, while driving at about 40 miles per hour on level ground, I felt the gas pedal to be unresponsive. Then it quickly reengaged. I mentioned this to my husband and he suggested that there may have been an air bubble in the fuel line. I don't know if the two events are related. Also, possibly related, I stopped using cruise control, because the car would surge and lapse during use. My insurance company is pursuing spontaneous acceleration. I visited my primary care physician the afternoon of the accident and was diagnosed with whiplash.
The contact owns a 2014 Nissan Maxima. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle hesitated and displayed symptoms relating to transmission failure. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the CVT. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but did not assist. The failure mileage was 50,400.
Exterior lighting
Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2014 Nissan Maxima. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the headlights became inoperable. The contact stated that the headlights failed to function properly, and the lights were dim. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the headlight assembly had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 107,270.
The dim lights on the vehicle are very dim, the fog lights are brighter than the dim lights. I’ve replaced the bulbs and headlights and neither fixed the issue. You can barely see in front of the car with the dim lights. It’s very unsafe to drive at night.
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
Date(s) of Incident: Multiple incidents from [June 3, 2025] to [July 1, 2025] Summary of Complaint I am filing this complaint against Best Price Transmissions for negligence, non-compliance with automotive repair safety codes, and unprofessional conduct that has resulted in substantial financial loss, vehicle damage, and emotional distress. I have patronized this shop for years, trusting their work, but my vehicles have repeatedly left their care with more problems than they arrived with. The most recent incident involved an air conditioning repair that led to a coolant leak, the recommendation of unnecessary part replacements, and ultimately damage to my vehicle’s performance. Details of Incident 1. Unqualified Workers & Code Non-Compliance Mechanics admitted to not being certified automotive technicians. One employee intentionally released refrigerant from my AC system, claiming there was “too much pressure.” Repairs involving refrigerants must legally be performed by certified personnel; this was not followed. Several workers could not speak English, making communication difficult and contributing to repair errors. 2. Damage to Vehicle My AC and defrost no longer function. Vehicle now runs irregularly, despite having no such issues before their service. Owner previously promised to replace damaged parts caused by their negligence but has not contacted me or honored that agreement. 3. Evidence Collected I recorded both video and audio of conversations, mechanical work, and admissions from employees about their lack of certification. Receipts and photos are available to verify the timeline and repairs. 4. Financial & Emotional Impact I have spent over $2,000 on this matter. I am on a fixed monthly income, making these repeated expenses a severe financial burden. I feel bullied and taken advantage of by the staff, especially since I am disabled and rely on my vehicle for mobility. 5. Attempts at Resolution
Over the last couple months I've noticed my vehicle delay acceleration after coming to a stop. I've also noticed jerking while driving at a constant speed. First I thought it was bad gas but the problem has persisted for several fill ups now. I thought maybe the transmission fluid needed to be replaced so I paid a couple hundred bucks to have it serviced. The problem continued. I took it to a local car shop to get it scanned. There were no codes present at the time. A few weeks later and after nearly being struck by three different vehicles in one day, I decided to try a different car repair shop. At the tune of another $91.00 for the diagnosis, this time it threw 5 codes all for transmission. The mechanic proceeded to tell me about all of the problems people have been having with Nissan's and their CVT Transmissions. It's $5k to fix the issue and I'm outside of the extended warranty timeframe. I read about the recent lawsuits against Nissan for this issue. Would be nice if they extended that warranty a little further.
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
While pulling into a parking space, I heard my engine racing. Immediately, I felt the car lurch forward. To avoid misapplying my foot to the gas pedal, I withdrew both my feet to the floor, next to the seat. The car continued forward at a fast rate. The car stopped going forward after it struck s building. However, the tires kept spinning, especially the front left tire. The engine ran briefly, until it stopped spontaneously. A few days previously, while driving at about 40 miles per hour on level ground, I felt the gas pedal to be unresponsive. Then it quickly reengaged. I mentioned this to my husband and he suggested that there may have been an air bubble in the fuel line. I don't know if the two events are related. Also, possibly related, I stopped using cruise control, because the car would surge and lapse during use. My insurance company is pursuing spontaneous acceleration. I visited my primary care physician the afternoon of the accident and was diagnosed with whiplash.
THE PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG LIGHT COMES ON EACH TIME MY MOTHER IS IN THE PASSENGER SEAT. IT STAYS LIGHTS FOR PERIODS OF TIME. AT TIMES THE LIGHT GOES OFF, THEN BACK ON. I HAVE BROUGHT IT TO AN AUTOMOTIVE REPAIR SHOP AND HAVE NOTIFIED FIDELITY WARRANTY SERVICES SINCE WE PURCHASED THE ROYAL PROTECTION PLAN WHICH IS STILL IN EFFECT UNTIL NOVEMBER 2021. I AM AFRAID THAT IF MY MOTHER IS IN THE FRONT SEAT AND THE LIGHT SENSOR IS NOT FIXED AND WE ARE IN A FRONT IMPACT ACCIDENT SHE WILL BE INJURED.
Suspension
Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.
From owner reports, verbatim
Failure of multiple systems upon impact with a pothole causing the vehicle to light up brake warning light, traction control system warning light, and spin out with no steering capability, resulting in a total loss of the car, including the rear passenger tire and wheel to sheer off, snapped the tie rod, ripped off the rear bumper, and bent the vehicle rims. I suffered a closed head injury and whiplash, as well as soft tissue damage to right shoulder and knee. Airbags did deploy.
Purchased in 2015 & driven less than 50,000 miles when a popping noise started during braking or traveling over bumps. Mechanic diagnosed & replaced the right lower control arm. Part should not have failed under low mileage conditions.
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.
From owner reports, verbatim
While pulling into a parking space, I heard my engine racing. Immediately, I felt the car lurch forward. To avoid misapplying my foot to the gas pedal, I withdrew both my feet to the floor, next to the seat. The car continued forward at a fast rate. The car stopped going forward after it struck s building. However, the tires kept spinning, especially the front left tire. The engine ran briefly, until it stopped spontaneously. A few days previously, while driving at about 40 miles per hour on level ground, I felt the gas pedal to be unresponsive. Then it quickly reengaged. I mentioned this to my husband and he suggested that there may have been an air bubble in the fuel line. I don't know if the two events are related. Also, possibly related, I stopped using cruise control, because the car would surge and lapse during use. My insurance company is pursuing spontaneous acceleration. I visited my primary care physician the afternoon of the accident and was diagnosed with whiplash.
Over the last couple months I've noticed my vehicle delay acceleration after coming to a stop. I've also noticed jerking while driving at a constant speed. First I thought it was bad gas but the problem has persisted for several fill ups now. I thought maybe the transmission fluid needed to be replaced so I paid a couple hundred bucks to have it serviced. The problem continued. I took it to a local car shop to get it scanned. There were no codes present at the time. A few weeks later and after nearly being struck by three different vehicles in one day, I decided to try a different car repair shop. At the tune of another $91.00 for the diagnosis, this time it threw 5 codes all for transmission. The mechanic proceeded to tell me about all of the problems people have been having with Nissan's and their CVT Transmissions. It's $5k to fix the issue and I'm outside of the extended warranty timeframe. I read about the recent lawsuits against Nissan for this issue. Would be nice if they extended that warranty a little further.
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.
From owner reports, verbatim
DRIVER SIDE HEADLIGHT INTERMITTENTLY SHUTS OFF AND DIMS WHILE DRIVING AND STATIONARY. SWITCHING LIGHTS FROM "ON" TO "AUTOMATIC" OR VICE-VERSA RELIGHTS THE BULB.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 NISSAN MAXIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL CRASHING NOISE DETECTED AND THE PANORAMIC SUNROOF EXPLODED WITHOUT WARNING OR IMPACT. THE CONTACT CALLED CHARLIE CLARK NISSAN HARLINGEN LOCATED AT (3500 W EXPY 83, HARLINGEN, TX 78552 (956) 734-2490) BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED BUT OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 88,700.
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.
From owner reports, verbatim
Failure of multiple systems upon impact with a pothole causing the vehicle to light up brake warning light, traction control system warning light, and spin out with no steering capability, resulting in a total loss of the car, including the rear passenger tire and wheel to sheer off, snapped the tie rod, ripped off the rear bumper, and bent the vehicle rims. I suffered a closed head injury and whiplash, as well as soft tissue damage to right shoulder and knee. Airbags did deploy.
I HAVE HAD TO REPLACE BOTH CONTROL ARMS, REBUILD A TRANSMISSION THAT WENT OUT, MY ENTIRE AC JUST WENT OUT, I AM CONSTANTLY REPLACING BRAKES AND DISK, BALL JOINTS AND SHOCKS. I HAVE SPENT OVER WHAT I AM STILL PAYING FOR THIS CAR AND HAVE ONLY HAD IT FOR ABOUT 5 YEARS AND STILL OWE $18000 AND PAYING EVERYTHING OUT OF POCKET. *TR
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.
From owner reports, verbatim
My cruise control stopped working. I took it to my Nissan dealer where I purchased the car. They advised me I needed a new transmission. However I had just put a new transmission in 3 years prior. I have never had this issue with any other vehicle. I spoke with Nissan consumer affairs who admitted there was an issue with their CVT. But they refused to do anything about it. They stated there is no recall and it’s my responsibility to fix it. The fix is not cheap as the CVT requires a brand new transmission that must be programmed specifically to your vehicle. They were not taking responsibility for the issue that they know is a problem. It is very frustrating to own a vehicle with a company who refuses to fix something they know is wrong. They are not the only ones who mentioned there is an issue. The dealer themselves have seen this numerous times and advised Nissan won’t do anything to make it right with any consumers. This poses a safety hazard in my eyes. Had this gone out at 60 mph it would not shift and could have been a significant safety risk. I am now out over $5,000 to fix the transmission. This is an unacceptable practice and they should be held responsible for continuing the this do nothing and not be forced to make a change in their production and design.
THE CHECK ENGINE REPEATEDLY COMES ONE AND CAR STALLS OR IDLES WHEN DRIVING. CAN NOT PASS INSPECTION DUE TO P0014 AND P0024 CAMSHAFT CODES REPEATEDLY COMING BACK ON. RESEARCH SHOWS THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THESE MODELS. THIS OCCURS WHEN DRIVING IN THE CITY LIMITS.
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.
From owner reports, verbatim
Failure of multiple systems upon impact with a pothole causing the vehicle to light up brake warning light, traction control system warning light, and spin out with no steering capability, resulting in a total loss of the car, including the rear passenger tire and wheel to sheer off, snapped the tie rod, ripped off the rear bumper, and bent the vehicle rims. I suffered a closed head injury and whiplash, as well as soft tissue damage to right shoulder and knee. Airbags did deploy.
I WAS APPROACHING A RED LIGHT GOING BETWEEN 5-15MPH WHEN I HEARD A 1-2 SECOND DEEP SCREECHING NOISE FROM THE PASSENGER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. I HAD FULLY MADE MY STOP AT THE RED LIGHT, AND I NOTICED WHEN ACCELERATING TO MAKE A LEFT TURN THE STEERING HAD BECOME STIFF LIKE I WAS DRIVING WITHOUT POWER STEERING. I FOUND A PLACE TO PULL OVER TO CHECK MY POWER STEERING LEVELS, AND THE FLUID WAS AT THE CORRECT LEVEL. I TURNED THE CAR BACK ON, AND EVERYTHING STARTS FINE, BUT THE VEHICLE CONTINUES TO HAVE STEERING ISSUES. I'M QUESTIONING IF THE PUMP FAILED AND THE FLUIDS NOT MOVING THROUGHOUT THE SYSTEM. MY 2014 NISSAN MAXIMA IS ONLY AT 33K MILES, AND I FIND IT VERY CONCERNING IF A STEERING COMPONENT FAILED THIS QUICKLY IN ITS LIFETIME. IM PLANNING ON HAVING NISSAN INSPECT THIS AS I OWN A 5 YEAR CERTIFIED PREOWNED WARRANTY.
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.
From owner reports, verbatim
DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY AND HEARD A LOUD GUNSHOT SOUNDING NOISE. PULLED OVER WHEN IT WAS SAFE. I DISCOVERED THE SUNROOF HAD EXPLODED. SAW A BIG HOLE IN THE SUNROOF WITH GLASS EVERYWHERE INCLUDING INSIDE THE SPACE BETWEEN THE SUNROOF AND THE ROOF OF THE CAR.
WHILE DRIVING ON A STRAIGHT, FLAT, AND SMOOTH STRETCH OF HIGHWAY IN NASSAU COUNTY, NY, I HEARD A SUDDEN LOUD EXPLOSION. I FIRST ASSUMED IT WAS A TIRE FAILURE, BUT THE CAR CONTINUED STRAIGHT AND TRUE WITHOUT ANY VIBRATION, SHAKING, OR ERRATIC MOVEMENT OF ANY KIND. I PULLED OVER ONTO THE SHOULDER AND UPON INSPECTION, I SAW THAT THE FRONT PORTION OF THE PANORAMIC SUNROOF HAD A LARGE HOLE DIRECTLY IN THE CENTER AND WAS SHATTERED, WITH BITS OF GLASS FROM THE EXPLOSION RESTING ON THE STILL CLOSED SUNSHADE. THE INCIDENT OCCURRED ON A PARKWAY WHERE NO COMMERCIAL TRAFFIC IS ALLOWED, AND IT WAS JUST AFTER 7:30AM ON SATURDAY, OCTOBER 6TH, 2018 SO TRAFFIC VOLUME WAS EXTREMELY LIGHT, ALMOST NONEXISTENT IN EITHER DIRECTION. THERE WERE NO OTHER VEHICLES TRAVELING AHEAD OF ME, NEXT TO ME, OR BEHIND ME WITHIN ANY CLOSE PROXIMITY. I WAS TRAVELING EASTBOUND AT OR BELOW THE POSTED SPEED LIMIT OF 55 MPH. *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Seat belts
Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.
From owner reports, verbatim
THE DRIVER SIDE SEAT BELT IS STUCK FOR SOME REASON AND I CANNOT ADJUST THE LOCK PART TO FASTEN OR WEAR MY SEATBELT WHICH MEAN I CAN'T FOLLOW TEXAS SEAT BELT LAW AND COULD BE HURT OR KILLED DUE TO THIS ISSUE. I HAVE NOT DONE ANYTHING THAT WOULD HAVE CREATED THIS ISSUE SO I AM CONFIDENT THAT IT IS A DESIGN ISSUE OR MAYBE A FLAW IN JUST MY 1 CAR......I DON'T WANT TO BE STOPPED AND GIVEN A $200 TICKET WHICH TEXAS LAW AND POLICE ARE STRICKED AND I KNOW FROM EXPERIENCE THAT IF I DO NOT PULL THE BELT OVER MY CHEST I WILL BE STOPPED BECAUSE I WAS GIVEN A $200 TICKET ON A SUNDAY MORNING AND I PULLED OUT OF MY NEIGHBORHOOD AND REALIZED WHEN A SAW A STATE TROOPER THAT WAS HEADING TOWARD ME I INSTANTLY REALIZED THAT I HAD FORGOT TO FASTEN MY SEATBELT AND HE SAW ME PUT MY SEATBELT ON AND HE PAST ME AND TURNED AROUND WITH LIGHTS AND AND GAVE ME A $200 TICKET WHILE I WAS WEARING THE BEALT
2014 NISSAN MAXIMA SEAT BELTS HAVE A DESIGN FLAW THAT I DO NOT BELIEVE WAS THE DESIGN INTENT. THE AUTOMATIC LOCKING RESTRAINT OR ALR LOCKS ON ACCELERATION AND ON DESCENDING STEEPER HILLS AT CONSTANT SPEED. THIS PINS THE DRIVER TO THE SEAT, MAKING IT IMPOSSIBLE TO LOOK OVER HIS SHOULDER, FOR INSTANCE, DURING MERGING ONTO A HIGHWAY. THE OWNER'S MANUAL STATES CLEARLY THAT THE ALR DEPLOYS ON RAPID DECELERATION AS IT SHOULD; AS EVERY OTHER CAR DOES. HOWEVER, THE NISSAN MAXIMA ALR ALSO DEPLOYS ON ACCELERATION IN A STRAIGHT LINE ACCELERATION AND LATERAL ACCELERATION. I HAVE NEVER HAD A CAR THAT BEHAVES IN THIS WAY. WE HAVE A 2014 NISSAN ALTIMA THAT DOES NOT BEHAVE IN THIS WAY. I HAVE DRIVEN TWO 2014 MAXIMA'S THAT EXHIBIT THIS BEHAVIOR AND THE DEALER SAYS THERE IS NOTHING THEY CAN DO TO CORRECT THIS. AS YOU LOWER THE HEIGHT OF HUGE SEATBELT ANCHOR ON THE FRONT SEATS, IT BECOMES MORE AGGRESSIVE. ALL FOUR SEAT BELTS EXHIBIT THIS BEHAVIOR. RESTRICTING THE DRIVER'S MOVEMENT UNNECESSARILY IS UNSAFE. THE DEALER SAID THEY HAD OTHER COMPLAINTS FROM OWNERS FOR THE SAME REASON. *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Interior & seats
Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.
From owner reports, verbatim
Code B1018 failing Occupant sensor in the passenger seat
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 NISSAN MAXIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE HEATED SEATS WOULD NOT HEAT IN THE BOTTOM PORTION OF THE SEAT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THE SEATS WERE PERFORMING TO SPECIFICATIONS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 800.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Other / unspecified
Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.
From owner reports, verbatim
BRAND NEW LEASE, HAD VEHICLE 2 DAYS. DRIVING HOME FROM WORK, THANK GOD THERE WAS SLIGHT TRAFFIC CONGESTION. OUT OF NOWHERE THE CAR STARTED TO PULL TO THE LEFT, I COULD NOT GAIN CONTROL OF VEHICLE. THE CAR SUDDENLY STOPPED HARSH, AS IF I WERE STUCK ON SOMETHING. CARS BEHIND ME HAS TO SLAM BREAKS AND SWERVE OUT OF WAY. WHEN TOW TRUCK CAME THEY SAID STABILIZER BAR WAS BROKEN AND THIS COULD HAVE BEEN A FATAL ACCIDENT HAD I BEEN GOING FASTER. AFTER MANY COMPLAINTS AND CONVERSATIONS NISSAN IS FORCING ME TO TAKE THE "REPAIRED" CAR. I DO NOT FEEL SAFE AND SHOULD NOT HAVE TO TAKE A CAR THAT WAS BROKEN STRAIGHT FROM THE FACTORY. *TR
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
- NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation — owner-reported complaints and the components recorded on them
Data on this page last refreshed .