The Lemon Index2012 Nissan Maxima.
The 2012 Nissan Maxima is one of the most reliable years by owner complaints: 31 complaints in its first 3 years and a Lemon Index of 47, 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 107 owner complaints, owners reported:
Every Nissan Maxima year. 2012 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 30K to 82K miles on the car (85 complaints listed the miles). This shows when people who had a problem reported it, not the odds that your car will have it.
- airbags complaints mostly came at 10K–53K miles
- electrical complaints mostly came at 42K–78K miles
- transmission & drivetrain complaints mostly came at 67K–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:
- SERVICE INFORMATION When diagnosing possible power steering gear (rack and pinion steering…
- SERVICE INFORMATION - This bulletin is to assist you in responding to customer questions about…
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 | ★★★★☆ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
Fuel cost and engines
About $3600 a year in fuel (EPA estimate). Engines: 3.5L 6-cyl.
In owners' words
Lost control of vehicle and spun around and hit the freeway center divider directly head on at 60mph without any airbags deploying.
2012 Nissan Maxima owner · NHTSA complaint 10662228
More owner reports
Total and abrupt failure and loss of steering while driving.
NHTSA complaint 10564549
When any adult sits in the passenger seat who is not heavy will not enable the airbag. I took it to the dealership and they said that is how it is suppose to be but this has never happened in any other car.
NHTSA complaint 10510978
Quick answers
Is the 2012 Nissan Maxima reliable?
Yes, it is one of the most reliable by government complaints. It drew 2.1× fewer complaints than average filed with NHTSA in its first 3 years, per car sold (Lemon Index 47; 100 is average, lower is better). The best Nissan Maxima year by this measure is 2013.
What are the most common 2012 Nissan Maxima problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are airbags (42%), steering (19%) and electrical (13%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2012 Nissan Maxima have?
None: NHTSA has no safety recalls on record for it.
What gas mileage does the 2012 Nissan Maxima get?
22 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
Is the 2012 Nissan Maxima safe?
NHTSA gave it 4 out of 5 stars overall in its best tested version. Ratings differ by body style, and the full table is on the advanced page.
At what mileage do 2012 Nissan Maxima problems start?
Half of the owners who gave a mileage reported the problem between 30,500 and 82,800 miles. The middle report was at 55,000 miles, from 85 complaints.
Does the 2012 Nissan Maxima have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues aren't among its top 5 complaint areas.
How much does the 2012 Nissan Maxima cost in fuel a year?
About $3600 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2012 Nissan Maxima have?
3.5L 6-cyl.
What Nissan Maxima year is better than the 2012?
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