RoadVitals

2017 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.
103
Latest Jul 25, 2026
Components namedHow many of our component categories appear on at least one report for this model year. One report can name several.
17
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.
9

What this page shows

Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2017 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

Airbags

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

18
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

Air Bag sensor keeps turning on. After several resets, and it’s always a different airbag sensor that sets it off.

NHTSA ID 11678954 · filed Aug 7, 2025

Airbag warning light stays on at the dashboard. Passenger air bag light indicates airbag is off when someone is actually in the seat. This is incorrect.

NHTSA ID 11610971 · filed Aug 26, 2024
All 18 reports naming airbags

Driver assistance

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

17
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

N/A

NHTSA ID 11707062 · filed Dec 26, 2025

While driving on I-75 in Atlanta about a month ago, my 2017 Nissan Maxima suddenly stopped accelerating. The engine was revving, but the car wouldn’t respond when I pressed the gas. It was unexpected and dangerous in fast-moving highway traffic. The same issue happened again on July 22, 2024, while I was driving on I-85. Both times, the car lost acceleration without warning in the moment. Before these incidents, I noticed occasional hesitation from a stop and delayed acceleration, but nothing as extreme as losing power at highway speeds. I took the car to a Nissan dealership, and they pulled a P17F1 code related to the CVT transmission. Nissan has acknowledged this issue by extending the warranty for transmission repairs in other models, but they told me my vehicle is not covered. This failure creates a serious safety risk and should not be ignored.

NHTSA ID 11675488 · filed Jul 22, 2025
All 17 reports naming driver assistance

Body & structure

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

17
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

Roof started to show lines that turn into cracks exposing the internal metal frame.

NHTSA ID 11691994 · filed Oct 8, 2025

The 2 A pillar molding in the front flew off while driving on the highway and the 2 rear pillar moldings in the back are loose. It is available for inspection. This is an EXTREME safety concern as I was going high speeds and part of my car detached - I am thankful that it did not hit the cars near me but that doesn't mean that when I get it replaced with the faulty issue, that the new ones will not fall off. The problem has been confirmed by the dealer. There was no warning that the parts were falling off. The car has zero body damage and has never been in a wreck before. This is a KNOWN issue with the maxima and I am disappointed that nissian knows about this, has a service bulletin (Classification: BT19-011a; Ref: NTB19-079a) on how to fix this KNOWN issue but the manufacturer refuses to take any accountability for their poor design flaws leading to a major safety concern.

NHTSA ID 11671780 · filed Jul 7, 2025
All 17 reports naming body & structure

Powertrain (other)

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

11
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

The vehicle experienced a no‑start condition and was towed to a dealership. The dealership performed major engine and timing repairs without authorization and kept the vehicle for nearly four months. After the repairs, the vehicle still cranks but will not start, requires jump‑starts, and now has new electrical issues and a nonfunctional A/C system.The safety risk is that the vehicle can fail to start unexpectedly, stall, or lose electrical power, which could leave occupants stranded in unsafe conditions. The issue has been reproduced and confirmed by the dealership, but they were unable to diagnose or repair it. The vehicle has been inspected by the dealership and a warranty company.There were no warning lights before the failure. The symptoms began immediately before the vehicle was towed and have continued after the dealership’s repairs.

NHTSA ID 11744323 · filed Jun 15, 2026

My vehicle repeatedly loses acceleration/motive power while driving. When I press the accelerator, the pedal may go down but the vehicle does not respond normally and begins to decelerate unexpectedly. This can happen even at low speeds, including around 20 mph, and creates a serious safety risk when entering traffic, turning, or accelerating with other vehicles nearby. Warning lights illuminate afterward as if the vehicle detected a crash or traction/ABS event. The issue resets temporarily after turning the vehicle off and back on, but it continues to happen repeatedly. Nissan advised that the vehicle was part of a CVT-related issue/settlement or warranty extension, but said coverage has expired. I am filing this as a safety complaint because unexpected loss of acceleration/motive power can cause a crash.

NHTSA ID 11740833 · filed May 29, 2026
All 11 reports naming powertrain (other)

Electrical

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

11
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

Car was parked outside husbands work since 7 at 12:15 pm he was advised by a co worker that my car was on fire ! When I ran outside my his workers where trying to put out the fire with the fire extinguishers from the work warehouse ! The fire department ended up finish putting out the fire ! The whole engine compartment was burnt to a crisp and a huge hole was burnt through the hood on the passenger side along side the firewall of car !

NHTSA ID 11746526 · filed Jun 25, 2026

The vehicle experienced a no‑start condition and was towed to a dealership. The dealership performed major engine and timing repairs without authorization and kept the vehicle for nearly four months. After the repairs, the vehicle still cranks but will not start, requires jump‑starts, and now has new electrical issues and a nonfunctional A/C system.The safety risk is that the vehicle can fail to start unexpectedly, stall, or lose electrical power, which could leave occupants stranded in unsafe conditions. The issue has been reproduced and confirmed by the dealership, but they were unable to diagnose or repair it. The vehicle has been inspected by the dealership and a warranty company.There were no warning lights before the failure. The symptoms began immediately before the vehicle was towed and have continued after the dealership’s repairs.

NHTSA ID 11744323 · filed Jun 15, 2026
All 11 reports naming electrical

Brakes

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

10
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

Car was parked outside husbands work since 7 at 12:15 pm he was advised by a co worker that my car was on fire ! When I ran outside my his workers where trying to put out the fire with the fire extinguishers from the work warehouse ! The fire department ended up finish putting out the fire ! The whole engine compartment was burnt to a crisp and a huge hole was burnt through the hood on the passenger side along side the firewall of car !

NHTSA ID 11746526 · filed Jun 25, 2026

My son was driving my car to work and this is his account of the incident On 1/17/2026 on I95 n, the steering wheel abruptly stopped controlling the wheels. It was as if it completely disconnected and he lost control and crashed into the median. It was a terrifying incident for my son. No other cars were involved. This accident has been reported to my insurance company. This car has been a smooth ride since I've had it. It has UNDER 70,000 miles even though it's a 2017 Nissan Maxima. There were no warning or messages on the dash. I have been ill so the process of getting the car appraised or considered for repairs has just begun. I incurred towing charges and rental fees. My son is having headaches and back pain since this incident. What made it extremely scary is that it happened suddenly.

NHTSA ID 11712925 · filed Jan 23, 2026
All 10 reports naming brakes

Engine

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

8
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

I was approaching an exit on 7/23/2026, and all of a sudden my engine light begans flashing very fast! Once I get to the red light at the exit, the engine light stops flashing and the car begins to shake profusely...... When the light turns green, I get on the accelerator and the shaking gets harder and the engine light begins to flash again.

NHTSA ID 11752845 · filed Jul 25, 2026

The vehicle experienced a no‑start condition and was towed to a dealership. The dealership performed major engine and timing repairs without authorization and kept the vehicle for nearly four months. After the repairs, the vehicle still cranks but will not start, requires jump‑starts, and now has new electrical issues and a nonfunctional A/C system.The safety risk is that the vehicle can fail to start unexpectedly, stall, or lose electrical power, which could leave occupants stranded in unsafe conditions. The issue has been reproduced and confirmed by the dealership, but they were unable to diagnose or repair it. The vehicle has been inspected by the dealership and a warranty company.There were no warning lights before the failure. The symptoms began immediately before the vehicle was towed and have continued after the dealership’s repairs.

NHTSA ID 11744323 · filed Jun 15, 2026
All 8 reports naming engine

Suspension

Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.

7
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

My main issue that has caused major concern is while I was driving down the road.The steering all of a sudden jerked and I was almost in an accident. I immediately took it down to my mechanic and he stated that the control arm of the vehicle was bad. I did replace all four tires and got an alignment prior to this happening. Now,this was the most serious incident. I purchased this vehicle in 2022. I have had nothing but problems with it. The first two months I had it. I had to replace the mass airflow sensor not only once but twice. Then a couple months later the serpentine belt went out, replaced that, then of course it goes out again 6th months later. Replaced again!. In addition to that I have had several electrical issues, I think I replaced more tail lights, fog lights, and headlights on this vehicle than all my previous vehicles put together and I have owned many. The engine makes a funny sound every time I accelerate, I have yet to diagnose that one. The fuel door spring busted which results in my check engine light always on, the visor broke and won't stay up, had to replace that. I have been through 4 sets of tires since I purchased it. I only live a mile from work, I don't put a lot of miles on the vehicle. I have a disabled wife and I need reliable transportation. I have spent thousands of dollars to fix this car and the problems keep coming. I've almost spent more money on it than the car payment and insurance for 3 years. There is definitely something wrong with this vehicle and I think Nissan corporation should be held liable.

NHTSA ID 11678635 · filed Aug 5, 2025

Failure of rear control arms

NHTSA ID 11662400 · filed May 21, 2025

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.

6
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

My son was driving my car to work and this is his account of the incident On 1/17/2026 on I95 n, the steering wheel abruptly stopped controlling the wheels. It was as if it completely disconnected and he lost control and crashed into the median. It was a terrifying incident for my son. No other cars were involved. This accident has been reported to my insurance company. This car has been a smooth ride since I've had it. It has UNDER 70,000 miles even though it's a 2017 Nissan Maxima. There were no warning or messages on the dash. I have been ill so the process of getting the car appraised or considered for repairs has just begun. I incurred towing charges and rental fees. My son is having headaches and back pain since this incident. What made it extremely scary is that it happened suddenly.

NHTSA ID 11712925 · filed Jan 23, 2026

My main issue that has caused major concern is while I was driving down the road.The steering all of a sudden jerked and I was almost in an accident. I immediately took it down to my mechanic and he stated that the control arm of the vehicle was bad. I did replace all four tires and got an alignment prior to this happening. Now,this was the most serious incident. I purchased this vehicle in 2022. I have had nothing but problems with it. The first two months I had it. I had to replace the mass airflow sensor not only once but twice. Then a couple months later the serpentine belt went out, replaced that, then of course it goes out again 6th months later. Replaced again!. In addition to that I have had several electrical issues, I think I replaced more tail lights, fog lights, and headlights on this vehicle than all my previous vehicles put together and I have owned many. The engine makes a funny sound every time I accelerate, I have yet to diagnose that one. The fuel door spring busted which results in my check engine light always on, the visor broke and won't stay up, had to replace that. I have been through 4 sets of tires since I purchased it. I only live a mile from work, I don't put a lot of miles on the vehicle. I have a disabled wife and I need reliable transportation. I have spent thousands of dollars to fix this car and the problems keep coming. I've almost spent more money on it than the car payment and insurance for 3 years. There is definitely something wrong with this vehicle and I think Nissan corporation should be held liable.

NHTSA ID 11678635 · filed Aug 5, 2025

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.

4
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

I bought the vehicle in question new and it has less than 10,000 miles. The low beam headlights have a definite line where there is no light above the line and very dim light directly in front of the vehicle( photos attached). I took the car to the dealer and was informed that this is “normal” for the Maxima and that there is no adjustment that can be made. I then sent photos to Nissan Customer Service (Case # 48013453 ) and was informed again that this is normal for that model. When driven on an unlit road, one has to run bright lights at all times to be able to safely see. I have included photos of the light pattern. The sequence is backing out of the garage and then on a dark street. Please note photo 2 where I am standing barely to the right and I am not visible above my belt line. In my opinion, If this is typical of all 2017 Nissan Maxima’s; there is a safety issue.

NHTSA ID 11502843 · filed Jan 20, 2023

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 NISSAN MAXIMA. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 70 MPH, THE REAR PANORAMIC MOON ROOF EXPLODED WITHOUT IMPACT. STARTLED BY THE FAILURE, THE CONTACT PULLED THE VEHICLE OFF TO THE SHOULDER OF THE HIGHWAY TO INSPECT THE DAMAGE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO VALLEY NISSAN OF LONGMONT (1005 KEN PRATT BLVD, LONGMONT, CO 80501) WHERE HE WAS INFORMED THAT THERE WAS NO EVIDENCE THAT AN IMPACT HAD CAUSED THE MOON ROOF TO EXPLODE. THERE WAS NO ADDITIONAL ASSISTANCE PROVIDED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NO LONGER UNDER WARRANTY. THERE WAS NO ADDITIONAL ASSISTANCE PROVIDED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 42,800.

NHTSA ID 11415390 · filed May 6, 2021

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.

4
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

I have been taken my vehicle back and forth for the airbag lights coming on and staying on. They have changed the driver side seatbelt in which they installed in wrong and I had to take it back. Every time they say they fixed the problem, within a few weeks the airbag lights come back on. They have told my husband to check the wiring under the passenger seat, and when I took it back due to the airbag lights still staying on. They say they fixed the problem. This last time I took it back, now they are saying I need to replace the whole driver side seat. Saying something in the seat cushion is faulty, which is why the airbag light stays on.

NHTSA ID 11458874 · filed Mar 29, 2022

DRIVER SEATBELT INDICATOR DOES NOT CHIME OR DISPLAY WHEN BELT IS UNBUCKLED. ONLY WORKS FOR THE PASSENGER.

NHTSA ID 11268113 · filed Oct 12, 2019

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.

4
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

My son was driving my car to work and this is his account of the incident On 1/17/2026 on I95 n, the steering wheel abruptly stopped controlling the wheels. It was as if it completely disconnected and he lost control and crashed into the median. It was a terrifying incident for my son. No other cars were involved. This accident has been reported to my insurance company. This car has been a smooth ride since I've had it. It has UNDER 70,000 miles even though it's a 2017 Nissan Maxima. There were no warning or messages on the dash. I have been ill so the process of getting the car appraised or considered for repairs has just begun. I incurred towing charges and rental fees. My son is having headaches and back pain since this incident. What made it extremely scary is that it happened suddenly.

NHTSA ID 11712925 · filed Jan 23, 2026

My main issue that has caused major concern is while I was driving down the road.The steering all of a sudden jerked and I was almost in an accident. I immediately took it down to my mechanic and he stated that the control arm of the vehicle was bad. I did replace all four tires and got an alignment prior to this happening. Now,this was the most serious incident. I purchased this vehicle in 2022. I have had nothing but problems with it. The first two months I had it. I had to replace the mass airflow sensor not only once but twice. Then a couple months later the serpentine belt went out, replaced that, then of course it goes out again 6th months later. Replaced again!. In addition to that I have had several electrical issues, I think I replaced more tail lights, fog lights, and headlights on this vehicle than all my previous vehicles put together and I have owned many. The engine makes a funny sound every time I accelerate, I have yet to diagnose that one. The fuel door spring busted which results in my check engine light always on, the visor broke and won't stay up, had to replace that. I have been through 4 sets of tires since I purchased it. I only live a mile from work, I don't put a lot of miles on the vehicle. I have a disabled wife and I need reliable transportation. I have spent thousands of dollars to fix this car and the problems keep coming. I've almost spent more money on it than the car payment and insurance for 3 years. There is definitely something wrong with this vehicle and I think Nissan corporation should be held liable.

NHTSA ID 11678635 · filed Aug 5, 2025

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.

3
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

My car has been "losing power" while driving. While driving and pressing the gas pedal, the car will stop accelerating and kind of goes into an idle state. Highly dangerous! It happened the other day while I was attempting to enter traffic. It has been happening off and on for the last 2 weeks and has been happening more frequently, meaning several times a day. It seems to happen more often when the temperature outside is hot (90+ degrees). Also, with the last few times, after it happens and I regain power, the ABS light comes on and remains on until I shut off the engine.

NHTSA ID 11678496 · filed Aug 5, 2025

I HAVE AN OBD READING OF P0171 P0174 P219B AFTER I CHANGED THE BATTERY ON IT.

NHTSA ID 11270065 · filed Oct 21, 2019

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

Exterior lighting

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

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

The airbag light does not go out once the vehicle has been started and while driving.

NHTSA ID 11549562 · filed Oct 12, 2023

My headlights are clouded on the inside from condensation getting inside the light. Nissan says the lights are vented and the water should drain. Water drains but condensation from water has clouded my headlights.

NHTSA ID 11487378 · filed Oct 1, 2022

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.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

I purchased my car brand new and the leather is cracking insanely. I have met others with the same model and the leather has torn on the seats and arm rest. The leather isn't durable. It's a insult to have such a new car that has these defects. The interrupted leather causes damage to your body whenever you utilize the affected areas which will result in other problems in the near future

NHTSA ID 11434342 · filed Sep 25, 2021

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

Tires & wheels

Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

The contact's mother owns a 2017 Nissan Maxima equipped with Continental Tires, Tire Line: Pro Contact TX, Tire Size: 245/45/R18, DOT Number: (N/A). The contact stated that while starting the vehicle, the TPMS warning light was illuminated. The owner noticed that the passenger's side front tire was flat. The tire was replaced with the spare tire. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was confirmed that the tire tread had separated, and all four tires needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the owner to the local dealer for assistance. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 21T001000 (Tires) and 20T018000 (Tires). The DOT number was not available. The tire mileage was approximately 16,000. The vehicle failure mileage was approximately 63,458.

NHTSA ID 11593686 · filed Jun 11, 2024

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

Transmission

Reports naming the automatic or manual transmission, including shifting behaviour, shudder, slipping and transmission control modules.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

My vehicle repeatedly loses acceleration/motive power while driving. When I press the accelerator, the pedal may go down but the vehicle does not respond normally and begins to decelerate unexpectedly. This can happen even at low speeds, including around 20 mph, and creates a serious safety risk when entering traffic, turning, or accelerating with other vehicles nearby. Warning lights illuminate afterward as if the vehicle detected a crash or traction/ABS event. The issue resets temporarily after turning the vehicle off and back on, but it continues to happen repeatedly. Nissan advised that the vehicle was part of a CVT-related issue/settlement or warranty extension, but said coverage has expired. I am filing this as a safety complaint because unexpected loss of acceleration/motive power can cause a crash.

NHTSA ID 11740833 · filed May 29, 2026

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 .