Nissan Maxima Common Problems

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.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Owners of the 2019 Nissan Maxima report frequent issues with the infotainment and navigation systems, including problems with the audio system turning on at high volumes, CarPlay starting and stopping unexpectedly, and USB ports malfunctioning or shorting out. Complaints also describe the radio head unit cutting out randomly and requiring multiple reboots to function properly. Additionally, some owners mention problems with the panoramic sunroof, including reports of the sunshade snapping unexpectedly and the sunroof itself exploding while driving. These issues are reported without specific mileage ranges but highlight potential safety implications, such as driver distraction and sudden loud noises that could startle drivers.

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.

Severity signals: 0 crash, 1 fire, 0 injury reports

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE

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.

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.

STRUCTURE

Owners of the 2020 Nissan Maxima report several structural issues, primarily involving the windshield, A-pillar molding, and grill clips. Multiple complaints describe windshields cracking without impact, suggesting stress fractures potentially related to the vehicle's frame. Additionally, some owners experience A-pillar moldings detaching in windy conditions, posing a risk to other drivers. There are also reports of front grill and quarter panel clips breaking, leading to loose body parts and a compromised front camera. These issues often occur at relatively low mileages, such as under 12,000 miles, and may have safety implications due to parts detaching while driving.

LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES

Owners of the 2020 Nissan Maxima report issues related to latches and locks, specifically involving the hood and gas cap door. One complaint describes the hood unexpectedly unlatching and striking the windshield while driving at highway speeds, with no warning lights activated, at approximately 84,214 miles. Another complaint mentions concerns about the gas cap door lock function. These issues suggest potential safety implications, particularly with the hood latch failure posing a risk of obstructed visibility and potential loss of vehicle control. Buyers should be aware of these reported problems, especially when considering vehicles with higher mileage.

SERVICE BRAKES

Owners of the 2020 Nissan Maxima report issues related to the braking system, specifically involving warning lights and a perceived loss of power. Common symptoms include the illumination of the Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) System, Slip indicator, Rear Automatic Braking warning lights, and the emergency park brake light. These issues often coincide with the vehicle acting as if it loses motive power. Complaints frequently occur at relatively low mileages, around 8,296 miles. While no crashes or fires are reported, the perceived loss of power and activation of multiple warning lights could imply potential safety concerns.