The Lemon Index2011 Nissan Maxima.
The 2011 Nissan Maxima is one of the most reliable years by owner complaints: 23 complaints in its first 3 years and a Lemon Index of 32, where 100 is the average car. Owners complain most about airbags, it has 0 recalls, and it gets 22 mpg combined. The best Nissan Maxima year is 2013.
Before you buy. What matters most for this car.
How serious. Out of 106 owner complaints, owners reported:
Every Nissan Maxima year. 2011 is highlighted. Lower is better.
What owners complain about most. From owner complaints to the government.
Share of this year's owner complaints filed with NHTSA, not the share of cars that break. One complaint can name more than one area.
When owners reported problems. From owner complaints to the government.
Most owners who filed a complaint with NHTSA had 35K to 105K miles on the car (64 complaints listed the miles). This shows when people who had a problem reported it, not the odds that your car will have it.
- transmission & drivetrain complaints mostly came at 64K–110K miles
Recalls 0
No safety recalls on record.
Recall repairs are free at any dealer. A recall only matters if it's still open on that exact car, so check its VIN.
Problems Nissan told dealers about
Nissan sent dealers 115 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- CLICKING NOISE FROM FRONT OR REAR AXLE DURING TAKE-OFF/ACCELERATION This bulletin has been…
- Customers concern of a "clicking" noise coming from either left or right front/rear CV-type
Ask a seller or mechanic if these were done. Some are free under warranty or a special program.
Safety
Crash test details
| Version | Overall | Front | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nissan Maxima 4 DR FWD | not rated | not rated | not rated | ★★★★★ |
Fuel cost and engines
About $3600 a year in fuel (EPA estimate). Engines: 3.5L 6-cyl.
In owners' words
Every time there is a passenger in the passenger front seat the air bag off signal comes on. It doesn't detect anyone in the passenger seat.
2011 Nissan Maxima owner · NHTSA complaint 10578385
Quick answers
Is the 2011 Nissan Maxima reliable?
Yes, it is one of the most reliable by government complaints. It drew 3.1× fewer complaints than average filed with NHTSA in its first 3 years, per car sold (Lemon Index 32; 100 is average, lower is better). The best Nissan Maxima year by this measure is 2013.
What are the most common 2011 Nissan Maxima problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are airbags (48%), transmission & drivetrain (13%) and electrical (13%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2011 Nissan Maxima have?
None: NHTSA has no safety recalls on record for it.
What gas mileage does the 2011 Nissan Maxima get?
22 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
At what mileage do 2011 Nissan Maxima problems start?
Half of the owners who gave a mileage reported the problem between 35,200 and 105,400 miles. The middle report was at 67,500 miles, from 64 complaints.
Does the 2011 Nissan Maxima have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues make up 13% of its owner complaints.
How much does the 2011 Nissan Maxima cost in fuel a year?
About $3600 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2011 Nissan Maxima have?
3.5L 6-cyl.
What Nissan Maxima year is better than the 2011?
By owner complaints per car sold, the best recent years are 2013, 2019 and 2011.
Lemon Index = safety complaints filed with the U.S. government (NHTSA) in a car's first 3 years, per car sold, against the average car of the same model year. 100 is average; lower is better. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect. How it works