RoadVitals

2016 Nissan Maxima

Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data

Data refreshed

NHTSA has issued a “park outside” advisory affecting this model year.

Campaign 19V807000. Confirm whether your specific vehicle is covered using its VIN before acting on this.

Check your VIN on NHTSA.gov
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.
142
Latest Jun 26, 2026
Safety recallsA safety recall is issued when a manufacturer or NHTSA determines that a vehicle has a safety-related defect or does not comply with a federal motor vehicle safety standard. Recall repairs are free. Whether a specific vehicle is covered depends on its VIN — a recall listed for a model year does not necessarily apply to every vehicle of that year.
8
Latest Nov 8, 2019
InvestigationsNHTSA opens an investigation to examine whether a safety defect may exist. An open investigation is not a determination that a defect exists, and many investigations close without a recall. Investigations can, however, lead to one.
1
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.
14
12 injuries, 0 deaths reported

Overview

Our database contains 142 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2016 Nissan Maxima, most frequently naming the powertrain (other), electrical and brakes categories. 8 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; 1 NHTSA investigation names it; and 278 manufacturer communications are on file.

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

What owners report

Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded

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

Safety recalls

8 campaigns cover this model year

Recalls apply to specific vehicles, not to every vehicle of a model year. Check your VIN with NHTSA or your manufacturer's dealer to confirm whether a recall affects your vehicle.

Check a VIN on NHTSA.gov
19V807000NHTSA advisory: park outside

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP

Nov 8, 2019
391,479 units potentially affected
The defect: 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.
The risk: A brake fluid leak on the circuit board may result in an electrical short, increasing the risk of a fire.
The 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.View on NHTSA.gov
18V601000NHTSA advisory: park outside

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP

Sep 7, 2018
215,124 units potentially affected
The defect: 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.
The risk: A brake fluid leak on the circuit board may result in an electrical short, increasing the risk of a fire.
The 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.View on NHTSA.gov

AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION

Dec 19, 2016
757 units potentially affected
The defect: 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.
The 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.
The 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.View on NHTSA.gov

Safety investigations

NHTSA inquiries naming this vehicle. An investigation is not a finding of a defect.

EA19002ClosedEngineering Analysis

Rear Suspension Control Arm Failure

Opened Jul 29, 2019
Closed Jun 16, 2025

On July 29, 2019, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened EA19002 to investigate instances of alleged rear lower control arm failures in 2013-2018 Nissan Altima and 2016-2018 Nissan Maxima vehicles. At the time the investigation was opened ODI had 91 consumer complaints alleging rear lower control arm failures in the subject vehicles.ODI was concerned about these complaints because many of them alleged an increased steering effort or loss of vehicle control.At the time these complaints were received, ODI was also aware of a proactive service campaign addressing 2013 Nissan Altima in salt-belt states for a similar concern. Since opening the investigation, ODI has confirmed, based on consumer complaints, warranty data, and testing conducted by Nissan and ODI, that owners of the subject vehicles are experiencing a corroded bushing at one of three mounting points of the control arm to the rear subframe.ODI has also confirmed that drivers become aware of the problem because of sound and abnormal vibrations. In addition, the failure mileage is typically over 113,000 miles at the time of failure.In conjunction with Nissan and VRTC, ODI participated in testing to assess the potential safety consequence of a bushing failure.It was found the Vehicle Dynamic Control system allows the driver to maintain vehicle control in the event of a bushing failure.With between 7 to 13 years of field exposure, ODI is aware of only one low speed crash allegation describing minor contact with another vehicle’s trailer hitch. Nissan acknowledges that a crack can develop in affected control arms due to stress loading from normal use and that salts commonly used for roadway snow and ice treatment may result in corrosion that exacerbates the progression of the crack.Nissan implemented a design change in January of 2018 to improve the durability of the lower control arm.Affected vehicles have either been repaired with the countermeasure part under a customer satisfaction campaign or been provided a warranty extension from 3 years/36,000 miles to 10 year/unlimited mileage. Through testing and analysis of the information obtained to date, ODI has not identified a defect representing an unreasonable risk to motor vehicle safety involving corrosion of the subject rear lower control arm at this time.With a declining trend of reports and Nissan’s actions to implement a countermeasure and extended warranty coverage, further investigation of the issue does not appear to be warranted at this time.The closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by NHTSA that a safety-related defect does not exist. The Agency reserves the right to take additional action if warranted by future circumstances. To review the ODI reports cited in the Closing Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov. A detailed discussion of the investigation and related complaint numbers can be viewed in the attached closing report.

SUSPENSION:REAR

Recent owner complaints

Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words

Filed Jun 26, 2026

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 car is close to 61000 miles and a car with this mileage should not have a transmission problem. According to the independent mechanic who inspected the car it might be a problem related to the design of the transmission. I had several incidents when the car really slows down and this has the potential to cause a fatality. This car had episodes of loss of acceleration, power loss and unpredictable driving behavior. One time my car was towed on 05/03/26 due loss of acceleration on a highway and i had to pull over and the police helped staying behind my car to prevent an accident. As i mentioned before the problem was hard to identify and I had to take my car several times to the shop to find out what has been wrong

NHTSA ID
11746819
Incident
May 3, 2026
Filed Mar 11, 2026

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 miles. It didn’t even reach the recommended 30000 CVTs fluid change yet but already they notice the first code of CVT failure and the second one can appear soon too. I’ve seen many complaints about Nissan cvt issues while my car has yet to give me any dashboard notification I’m very concerned how this can happen at such a low mileage. Monroe Nissan said is because of not using the car frequently but I’ve researched online and it said that can’t be the direct cause of it as there is a well known issue with Nissan CVT with many complaints

NHTSA ID
11723652
Incident
Mar 10, 2026
Airbags
Filed Dec 9, 2025

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 replacement or repair. The vehicle was sold to me in this unsafe condition without disclosure. Driving the vehicle presents a serious safety risk because no airbags will deploy in a collision. Nissan and the selling dealer did not repair or disclose this federally required safety equipment failure (49 U.S.C. §30122). Safety Risk: This defect puts me at severe risk of injury or death in a crash. The airbag system is nonfunctional, and the vehicle is being operated on public roads without any airbags installed. This vehicle should not have been sold or financed in this condition. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID
11704034
Incident
Oct 24, 2025
Powertrain (other)
Filed Aug 7, 2025

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. The vehicle was shaking abnormally while driving, with an unknown warning light illuminated. Additionally, the vehicle was shaking abnormally while the brake pedal was depressed. The ABS warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to Auto Zone, where it was determined that the failure was a CVT failure. The contact called the local dealer, and a diagnostic test was advised. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.

NHTSA ID
11679050
Incident
Jul 17, 2025
Mileage
100,000 mi
Body & structureEngineFuel system
Filed Jul 12, 2025
Fire reported

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.

NHTSA ID
11673095
Incident
Sep 12, 2024
Fuel system
Filed Jul 11, 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

NHTSA ID
11672749
Incident
Jul 1, 2025
Powertrain (other)
Filed Jul 5, 2025

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?

NHTSA ID
11671310
Incident
Jul 3, 2025
Filed Jul 3, 2025

We started noticing the speed gauge losing speed while driving at around the first of May through June gradually getting worse. When in the last week in June, if you tried to go 70 MPH, on the highway, the vehicle would lose power, everything would shut down. Yes it could be harmful on the highway to the passengers and other cars passengers, if it just stalled in the middle of the highway. We have taken the car to a local transmission shop last week. It is at the transmission shop. It was determined that the CVT transmission would have to be replaced. The shop is repairing it now. I thought it was a wonderful car, that would last longer than 3 years. Therefore, I am extremely worried about the cost to fix it. I still owe around $7,200 on it.. I turned [XXX] this year and [XXX]. I would not have bought it if I knew this would happen. Nissan knew about the problem before I bought it. Then I read about them fixing the problem as of July 3. I did report this to Nissan about us having something going wrong with the car. I have not received any word back from Nissan. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID
11670966
Incident
Jul 3, 2025

Manufacturer communications

A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.

NTB09-131C

STRUCTURE:BODY

CERTIFICATION LABEL AND VIN PLATE REPLACEMENT SERVICE INFORMATION Because of collision damage or other vehicle repair, a replacement “Certification Label” or “VIN Plate/Label” may be needed. HINT: Certification Label = FMVSS (Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards) label. These items may be available from Nissan by request if certain criteria are met. This bulletin lists the criteria and provides an application form for such replacements. · The “VIN Plate/Label” (metal plate or vinyl label) is attached to the instrument panel or body on the driver side at the base of the windshield (see Figure 1). · The “Certification Label” (vinyl adhesive label) is located on the lower area of the driver side B-Pillar (see Figure 1).

NTB09-131C

STRUCTURE:BODY

CERTIFICATION LABEL AND VIN PLATE REPLACEMENT SERVICE INFORMATION Because of collision damage or other vehicle repair, a replacement “Certification Label” or “VIN Plate/Label” may be needed. HINT: Certification Label = FMVSS (Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards) label. These items may be available from Nissan by request if certain criteria are met. This bulletin lists the criteria and provides an application form for such replacements. · The “VIN Plate/Label” (metal plate or vinyl label) is attached to the instrument panel or body on the driver side at the base of the windshield (see Figure 1). · The “Certification Label” (vinyl adhesive label) is located on the lower area of the driver side B-Pillar (see Figure 1).

WBI/21-002

POWER TRAIN

CAMPAIGN BULLETIN CVT Warranty Extension In an effort to assure customer satisfaction, demonstrate our confidence in continuously variable transmissions (CVTs), and to address customer concerns including those expressed by customers in a class action, Nissan will extend the warranty coverage on the CVT. The warranty extension includes the CVT assembly and internal CVT components, gaskets, and seals, CVT control valve body, torque converter, cooler kit (if applicable), Automatic Transmission Control Unit (ATCU) and reprogramming of the Transmission Control Module (TCM), on the vehicles listed in this announcement. The warranty is being extended from its original duration of 60 months/60,000 miles to 84 months/84,000 miles (whichever occurs first). Coverage of other vehicle components remains unchanged, and all other terms, conditions, limitations and exclusions of Nissan’s New Vehicle Limited Warranty continue to apply. ***** What Dealers Should Do ***** 1. If an owner contacts a dealer with a CVT concern in an owned or leased vehicle, verify warranty coverage for the specific VIN and then inform the customer of any diagnostic charges. NOTE: Some owners may have opted out of the warranty extension by excluding themselves from the class action settlement, thus it is important to check the VIN for each vehicle to verify coverage. 2. Use the appropriate Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) and/or Electronic Service Manual (ESM) to diagnose the root cause of the customer concern and identify the correct repair to resolve the customer concerns. NOTE: Dealers will need to follow the warranty process and obtain pre-approval using the VCAT tool. Please reference WBI/21-002. Control valves and CVT belt and pulley kits do not require pre-authorization for repairs made under warranty if they are within the dealer’s DCAL limit. 3. CVT warranty coverage can be confirmed using the warranty extensions/customer service initiatives page in Service Comm or DBS National Service History. 4. If the vehicle is no longer covered by a powertrain or parts warranty, provide owners a repair estimate for a test drive, diagnosis, and repair. If an owner requests assistance, be sure to consult goodwill guidelines available in the Assurance Products Resources Manual (APRM) section 2.2 and obtain the necessary approvals before proceeding.

NTB19-033G

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL; FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING; SERVICE BRAKES

INTELLIGENT CRUISE CONTROL INOPERATIVE AND AEB/FEB WARNING LIGHT ON OR RADAR OBSTRUCTION MESSAGE DISPLAYED WITH DTC C1A16 OR C2582 IF YOU CONFIRM IMPORTANT: The purpose of ACTION (on the next page) is to give you a quick idea of the work you will be performing. You MUST closely follow the entire SERVICE PROCEDURE as it contains information that is essential to successfully completing this repair. Nissan Bulletins are intended for use by qualified technicians, not 'do-it-yourselfers'. Qualified technicians are properly trained individuals who have the equipment, tools, safety instruction, and know-how to do a job properly and safely. NOTE: If you believe that a described condition may apply to a particular vehicle, DO NOT assume that it does. See your Nissan dealer to determine if this applies to your vehicle. The customer states that the ICC stopped working while driving, OR The customer states that the AEB/FEB warning light is ON, or turned ON, while driving (Figure 1), OR The message “Unavailable Front Radar Obstruction” or “Forward Driving Aids Temporarily Disabled Front Sensor Blocked See Owner's Manual” has displayed while driving (Figure 2). AND DTC C1A16, C1A16-97, C2582, or C2582-97 is the ONLY DTC stored. Figure 1 Figure 2 This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin. Forward Driving Aids Temporarily Disabled Front Sensor Blocked See Owner’s Manual

NTB19-042F

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING; SERVICE BRAKES

AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING WARNING LIGHT BLINKING APPLIED SYSTEMS: Vehicles equipped with a lane camera (see Figure 1) SERVICE INFORMATION If the Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) warning light or is blinking (but not illuminated steadily) or the customer states it is blinking, and there are no related DTCs, inspect the windshield. A blinking AEB warning light may occur under the following conditions:  When contamination or foreign material adhere to the lane camera viewing window on the windshield.  When driving while it is snowing or when frost forms on the lane camera viewing window on the windshield.  When the lane camera viewing window on the windshield is temporarily fogged up. Figure 1 Nissan Bulletins are intended for use by qualified technicians, not 'do-it-yourselfers'. Qualified technicians are properly trained individuals who have the equipment, tools, safety instruction, and know-how to do a job properly and safely. NOTE: If you believe that a described condition may apply to a particular vehicle, DO NOT assume that it does. See your Nissan dealer to determine if this applies to your vehicle. HINT: o Refer to the applicable ESM for diagnosis if DTCs are present in the Laser/Radar, ICC/ADAS, or Lane Camera systems. o For further information:  Refer to the following pages.  Use the search keyword “blinking” in the ESM.

NTB19-071D

AIR BAGS

DTC B00A0-00 STORED This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin. IF YOU CONFIRM DTC B00A0-00 (OCCUPANT DETECTION SENSOR UNIT) is stored, AND OCS zero point reset cannot be performed, (continued on the next page)

Manufacturers file copies of the bulletins they send to dealers with NHTSA. These often describe diagnostic or repair procedures for a known condition. They are not recalls: repairs described in a bulletin are usually only free if the vehicle is still under warranty or the manufacturer has extended coverage.

Compare model years

Complaint and recall counts across every year of this model

Nissan Maxima by model year
YearComplaintsRecallsInvestigationsIssue Index
2023100
2022500
2021300
2020211044.5
2019181050.4
2018362155.1
20171034162.5
2016Viewing1428159.4
2015100
2014950040.1
2013620034.2
20121070036.8
20111060036.5
20102751038.8
20093391038.4
2008780140.7
20071291140.9
20065762044.8
20059482045.1
20041,4252149.3
20032064153.8
20022059159.5
20011727154.2
20003603051.0
19991654050.3
19981136057.5
19971026163.2
1996965054.9
19951525363.1
1994895052.5
1993786161.1
19921105262.7
1991764054.0
19901064053.2
1989624055.9
1988601263.3
19871761265.2
1986602270.7
1985542271.4
1984300251.1
1983502
1982402
1981000
1980000

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. Older model years have had longer for reports to accumulate.