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2020 Nissan Maxima
Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data
Data refreshed
Overview
Our database contains 21 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2020 Nissan Maxima, most frequently naming the driver assistance, body & structure and brakes categories. 1 safety recall has been issued covering this model year; and 99 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.
Complaint activity over time
When owners filed reports about this model year
View as table
| Month | Complaints filed | Cumulative |
|---|---|---|
| Jan 2020 | 1 | 1 |
| Feb 2020 | 1 | 2 |
| Aug 2020 | 1 | 3 |
| Dec 2020 | 1 | 4 |
| Jun 2021 | 1 | 5 |
| Jul 2021 | 1 | 6 |
| Aug 2021 | 1 | 7 |
| Sep 2021 | 1 | 8 |
| Jul 2022 | 1 | 9 |
| Nov 2022 | 1 | 10 |
| Jun 2023 | 1 | 11 |
| Feb 2024 | 1 | 12 |
| Mar 2024 | 1 | 13 |
| Apr 2024 | 3 | 16 |
| Aug 2024 | 1 | 17 |
| Feb 2025 | 1 | 18 |
| May 2025 | 1 | 19 |
| Aug 2025 | 1 | 20 |
| May 2026 | 1 | 21 |
What owners report
Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded
- Driver assistance520.0%
- Body & structure416.0%
- Brakes416.0%
- Electrical28.0%
- Airbags28.0%
- Powertrain (other)28.0%
- Interior & seats28.0%
- Visibility14.0%
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
1 campaign 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.govRecent owner complaints
Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words
2020 Nissan Maxima SR is experiencing CVT transmission issues that appear substantially similar to the defects described in the Nissan CVT Martinez Class Action involving prior Nissan model years.
- NHTSA ID
- 11740781
- Incident
- May 22, 2026
The contact owns a 2020 Nissan Maxima. The contact stated that while driving at 30 MPH, there was an abnormal sound coming from the engine. The vehicle jerked before stalling in the middle of the road. No warning lights were illuminated. The Police were called to block traffic. The vehicle was towed. The tow truck driver had issues while attempting to tow the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the transmission had failed and needed to be replaced. The contact stated that on a separate occasion, the vehicle failed to start. The contact would turn on the engine, and several minutes later, the vehicle stalled. The failure had occurred on several occasions. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. It was unknown if the contact's husband had replaced the battery. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but offered no assistance. The contact was informed that the vehicle warranty had expired. The failure mileage was approximately 106,000.
- NHTSA ID
- 11682977
- Incident
- Aug 1, 2025
- Mileage
- 106,000 mi
When I start driving the front collision light comes on and off and then they'll stay on
- NHTSA ID
- 11663524
- Incident
- May 28, 2025
Nissan dealership said the front control arms are cracking and recommended having them replaced.
- NHTSA ID
- 11645171
- Incident
- Feb 11, 2025
Forward collision warning turns on about 20 seconds after the car starts. There was no accident or obstructions to the sensors, this apperas to just be equipment failure on a car with only 30k miles on it.
- NHTSA ID
- 11611910
- Incident
- Aug 19, 2024
The sunroof inexplicably blew out while driving on a 3-lane interstate normally taken to work every day in the morning, windows were up. This movable portion of the sunroof is part of the panoramic sun roof. The sun shade was open, it is normally left open. Some small pieces of the glass fell onto me and seats but most was sucked up and away from the car. Thankfully, no glass hit me in the face and no cars were around me. I have rear cam footage of the glass flying out behind the car. Front footage shows nothing hit the car, no one was near enough to suspect otherwise. A picture is attached of what is left.
- NHTSA ID
- 11584583
- Incident
- Apr 22, 2024
When I start driving, sometimes I randomly see Key System Error and DAS Malfunction. All other warnings such as emergency brake, traction control, blind spot detection light up. Engine RPM meter keeps going to 0 and back and forth (see video in the link below). When this happens, driver assistance features like forward collision warning, blind spot warning and lane departure warning stops working. Sometimes, I cannot turn off the engine by pressing the Stop Engine button. I have to hold the button for about 5 seconds to stop the engine. Sometimes there's a Chasis Control System error (Attached a picture from last year). This started happening about a year ago and has occurred at least a dozen times so far. I have taken this to different dealerships, and none have been able to identify the issue. I haven't had any accidents on collisions on this vehicle. Please see link below for a video of the behavior. You can see different warnings coming on and off in the video. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
- NHTSA ID
- 11583788
- Incident
- Mar 28, 2024
The contact owns a 2020 Nissan Maxima. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH and changing lanes, the hood unlatched, flew open and struck the windshield. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer and was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 84,214.
- NHTSA ID
- 11582542
- Incident
- Apr 11, 2024
- Mileage
- 84,214 mi
Manufacturer communications
A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.
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).
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).
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
TELEMATICS SERVICE INFORMATION HINT: This bulletin applies to vehicles equipped with a 4G network compatible TCU. TCUs compatible with 3G network only are no longer supported. SERVICE INFORMATION The APPLIED VEHICLES that come equipped with a factory installed SOS switch, located near the overhead map lamp, also come equipped with a wireless communication device called a Telematics Communication Unit (TCU). With an active NissanConnect® Services subscription, the TCU communicates with the NissanConnect® Services Data Center to provide various security and convenience services. This bulletin contains important service procedures that must be performed properly in order to set-up and maintain the telematics system for the APPLIED VEHICLES. · A table has been provided on the next page that lists the steps required to successfully configure a TCU after it has been replaced. · A CHECK-OFF SHEET has been provided on page 20 to print and check off steps as they are performed. Staple the completed CHECK-OFF SHEET to the repair order.
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.
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
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; LANE DEPARTURE: ASSIST; LANE DEPARTURE: WARNING
LANE CAMERA AIMING VEHICLE REFERENCE VALUES NOT IN ESM SERVICE INFORMATION If the lane camera requires aiming, the values in Table A on page 4 must be used. For all other models/model years, consult the Electronic Service Manual (ESM).
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
| Year | Complaints | Recalls | Investigations | Issue Index |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 1 | 0 | 0 | — |
| 2022 | 5 | 0 | 0 | — |
| 2021 | 3 | 0 | 0 | — |
| 2020Viewing | 21 | 1 | 0 | 44.5 |
| 2019 | 18 | 1 | 0 | 50.4 |
| 2018 | 36 | 2 | 1 | 55.1 |
| 2017 | 103 | 4 | 1 | 62.5 |
| 2016 | 142 | 8 | 1 | 59.4 |
| 2015 | 1 | 0 | 0 | — |
| 2014 | 95 | 0 | 0 | 40.1 |
| 2013 | 62 | 0 | 0 | 34.2 |
| 2012 | 107 | 0 | 0 | 36.8 |
| 2011 | 106 | 0 | 0 | 36.5 |
| 2010 | 275 | 1 | 0 | 38.8 |
| 2009 | 339 | 1 | 0 | 38.4 |
| 2008 | 78 | 0 | 1 | 40.7 |
| 2007 | 129 | 1 | 1 | 40.9 |
| 2006 | 576 | 2 | 0 | 44.8 |
| 2005 | 948 | 2 | 0 | 45.1 |
| 2004 | 1,425 | 2 | 1 | 49.3 |
| 2003 | 206 | 4 | 1 | 53.8 |
| 2002 | 205 | 9 | 1 | 59.5 |
| 2001 | 172 | 7 | 1 | 54.2 |
| 2000 | 360 | 3 | 0 | 51.0 |
| 1999 | 165 | 4 | 0 | 50.3 |
| 1998 | 113 | 6 | 0 | 57.5 |
| 1997 | 102 | 6 | 1 | 63.2 |
| 1996 | 96 | 5 | 0 | 54.9 |
| 1995 | 152 | 5 | 3 | 63.1 |
| 1994 | 89 | 5 | 0 | 52.5 |
| 1993 | 78 | 6 | 1 | 61.1 |
| 1992 | 110 | 5 | 2 | 62.7 |
| 1991 | 76 | 4 | 0 | 54.0 |
| 1990 | 106 | 4 | 0 | 53.2 |
| 1989 | 62 | 4 | 0 | 55.9 |
| 1988 | 60 | 1 | 2 | 63.3 |
| 1987 | 176 | 1 | 2 | 65.2 |
| 1986 | 60 | 2 | 2 | 70.7 |
| 1985 | 54 | 2 | 2 | 71.4 |
| 1984 | 30 | 0 | 2 | 51.1 |
| 1983 | 5 | 0 | 2 | — |
| 1982 | 4 | 0 | 2 | — |
| 1981 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — |
| 1980 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — |
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.