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2018 Nissan Maxima VIN Check, Recalls & Reliability

The 2018 Nissan Maxima has good reliability. There are 2 recalls and 36 owner complaints on file for the 2018 Nissan Maxima. Severity signals include 1 crash-related complaint and 1 fire-related complaint. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Unknown Or Other (7), Electrical System (5), Forward Collision Avoidance (5).

Maxima reliability snapshot

72/100
Latest model-year reliability score
3.5/5
RepairPal rating (medium)
$540
Avg annual repair cost vs $590 category avg
#9/12
Ranking in fullsize cars · better than 25% of peers

Data sourced from Auto Reliability Index, aggregating NHTSA recalls, owner complaints, and RepairPal repair-cost records.

Used-car research

Research the Nissan Maxima before checking the VIN

Compare model years, recurring problems, safety campaigns and market value first. Then use the VIN to verify the history of the individual car.

Most-reported 2018 Nissan Maxima issues

Owner-reported problem categories from NHTSA complaint filings. Counts reflect complaints per category for the most-recent model year on file.

  • Unknown Or Other7
  • Electrical System5
  • Forward Collision Avoidance5
  • Service Brakes4
  • Visibility Wiper2
  • Electronic Stability Control (esc)2

Pre-purchase inspection checklist for the 2018 Nissan Maxima

Hands-on checks distilled from real NHTSA complaint patterns and recall histories. Bring this list to a test drive or mechanic inspection.

  • Check for 'Front Radar Obstruction' warnings on the dashboard
  • Test automatic emergency braking system for unexpected activation
  • Inspect sunroof for any signs of stress or damage
  • Verify transmission operation for smooth gear shifts
  • Ensure 360-degree camera system is functioning properly

2018 Maxima recalls (2)

Every NHTSA safety recall logged against the 2018 Maxima. A VIN check confirms whether any recall remains unrepaired on a specific vehicle.

  1. BACK OVER PREVENTIONNHTSA 19V654000Sep 12, 2019

    Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Nissan Altima, Armada, Frontier, Kicks, Leaf, Maxima, Murano, NV, NV200, Pathfinder, Rogue, Rogue Sport, Sentra, Titan, Titan Diesel, Versa Note and Versa Sedan vehicles, as well as Infiniti Q50, Q60, QX30 and QX80 vehicles. Additionally included are 2019 Nissan GT-R and Taxi and Infiniti QX50, QX60, Q70, Q70L vehicles. The back-up camera and display settings can be adjusted such that the rear view image is no longer visible and the system will retain that setting the next time the vehicle is placed in reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rear Visibility."

    Consequence: The lack of an image in the back-up camera display increases the risk of a crash.

    Remedy

    Nissan will notify owners in phases, having dealers update the back-up camera settings software, free of charge. The recall began November 11, 2019 and all affected VINs should be activated. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-867-7669 or INFINITI customer service at 1-800-662-6200.

  2. SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULICNHTSA 19V807000Nov 8, 2019
    Park outside until repaired

    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.

    Consequence: A brake fluid leak on the circuit board may result in an electrical short, increasing the risk of a fire.

    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.

Used-market value

2018 Nissan Maxima resale snapshot

$22,990median asking price from 20 listings

Listing benchmarks establish a market range; trim, mileage, condition, title history and prior damage determine what one vehicle is worth.

2018 Nissan Maxima on the road

42,337 2018 Nissan Maxima units were sold new in the US — a key signal for the size of today's used-market inventory.

How the 2018 Nissan Maxima stacks up against rivals

The most-shopped alternatives in the same segment. Each link opens a side-by-side reliability and cost comparison.

Reliability verdict for the 2018 Nissan Maxima

The 2018 Nissan Maxima demonstrates a mixed reliability profile, scoring slightly above the segment average. With two recalls, the recall count is limited, suggesting that widespread systemic issues are not a primary concern. However, the distribution of complaints across various systems indicates a need for attention in multiple areas.

The complaints are broadly distributed, with notable mentions in electrical systems, service brakes, and forward collision avoidance, each contributing to the overall reliability picture. This spread suggests that while no single issue dominates, potential buyers should be mindful of these areas.

Given its score and complaint distribution, the 2018 Maxima presents a moderate reliability risk. Buyers should weigh these factors when considering this model.

What you get in a 2018 Nissan Maxima report

NMVTIS title brand history
Odometer readings & rollback detection
Accident & damage records
Auction sales with photos
Open safety recalls
Theft & stolen vehicle check

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2018 Nissan Maxima — Frequently asked questions

Is the 2018 Nissan Maxima reliable?

The 2018 Nissan Maxima demonstrates a mixed reliability profile, scoring slightly above the segment average. With two recalls, the recall count is limited, suggesting that widespread systemic issues are not a primary concern. However, the distribution of complaints across various systems indicates a need for attention in multiple areas.

How many recalls does the 2018 Nissan Maxima have?

2 NHTSA safety recalls have been issued for the 2018 Nissan Maxima. A VIN check confirms whether any remain unrepaired on a specific vehicle.

What are the most common 2018 Nissan Maxima problems?

The most-reported 2018 Nissan Maxima problem areas are: Unknown Or Other (7), Electrical System (5), Forward Collision Avoidance (5).

Should I run a VIN check on a 2018 Nissan Maxima?

Yes. A VIN report verifies title brands, odometer history, accident records, and recall completion on a specific 2018 Nissan Maxima, complementing the model-year reliability data on this page.