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.
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
What owners reported
2018 Nissan Maxima owner complaints in detail
Owners have reported 1 crash, 1 fire and 1 injury to NHTSA for the 2018 Nissan Maxima. These are unverified owner reports, not confirmed defect rates.
Owner complaints7
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Owners report several issues with the 2018 Nissan Maxima, including problems with the vehicle's electronic systems and mechanical failures. Complaints frequently mention the sudden appearance of warnings related to the front radar and rear obstruction systems, which some owners find difficult to document for service purposes. A notable mechanical issue involves the vehicle unexpectedly going into limp mode after about 30 minutes of driving, with the gas pedal becoming unresponsive and RPMs dropping, posing a safety risk in traffic. Additionally, one owner describes a severe incident involving a steering failure linked to an ABS actuator leak, resulting in a loss of control and a crash. These reports suggest potential safety implications, particularly regarding vehicle control and electronic system reliability.
Owner complaints5
SERVICE BRAKES
Owners of the 2018 Nissan Maxima frequently report issues with the vehicle's brake system, particularly involving the automatic emergency braking and front radar sensors. Common symptoms include dashboard warnings such as "Front Radar Unavailable Due to Obstruction" and failure of the automatic emergency braking system, often noted around 39,000 miles. Additionally, there is a concern related to a potential brake fluid leak that could lead to a fire, as highlighted by one incident where a vehicle caught fire at approximately 51,533 miles. These issues carry significant safety implications, particularly the risk of fire and the failure of critical braking functions, which may affect the suitability of the vehicle for certain drivers or conditions.
Owners of the 2018 Nissan Maxima frequently report issues with the forward collision avoidance system, particularly the automatic emergency braking (AEB) activating without obstruction. Symptoms include the vehicle braking suddenly or slowing down independently, often accompanied by a "Front Radar Obstruction Unavailable" message. These issues are reported to occur at various mileages, with some complaints beginning as early as 4,098 miles and others as late as 94,000 miles. Multiple owners mention the problem persists despite recalibration efforts or dealer visits, and some note it happens consistently during each drive. Safety implications include the potential for unexpected braking, which may pose a risk to vehicle control.
Owner complaints5
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Owners of the 2018 Nissan Maxima frequently report issues with the front radar system, particularly the "UNAVAILABLE FRONT RADAR OBSTRUCTION" alert, which appears randomly during driving. This issue affects the vehicle's safety features, such as the emergency braking system and adaptive cruise control, even in clear road conditions. Complaints indicate that this problem occurs shortly after purchasing the vehicle and persists beyond the warranty period. In addition, one owner describes an intermittent dimming of the instrument panel, which occasionally goes blank, occurring at around 8,434 miles. These issues may affect vehicle safety and functionality, which potential buyers should consider.
Owner complaints2
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
Owners report frequent issues with the electronic stability control system in the 2018 Nissan Maxima, specifically related to the front radar and collision avoidance systems. The most common symptoms include the "front radar obstruction unavailable" warning activating often, lasting from a few minutes to over 15 minutes, and causing the cruise control to disengage unexpectedly. Additionally, the collision avoidance system is reported to disengage continuously. These issues typically occur while the vehicle is in motion, with no specific mileage range noted. The problem can lead to a sudden reduction in speed, which may have safety implications in certain driving conditions. Buyers considering a used 2018 Maxima should be aware of these potential electronic stability control concerns.
Owner complaints2
VISIBILITY/WIPER
Owners of the 2018 Nissan Maxima report two main issues related to visibility and wiper components. One complaint describes a panoramic sunroof that exploded while driving at highway speeds on a hot day, raising safety concerns due to potential glass shattering. The owner mentions this incident occurred despite the vehicle being under warranty, but glass is not covered unless a defect is identified. Another complaint involves the failure of the 360-degree camera system, which the owner notes as a significant safety issue, especially since there is a known recall for similar problems that does not apply to their vehicle. These issues highlight potential safety implications, particularly related to visibility and driver awareness.
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.
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.
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.
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
✓Available 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.
