The Lemon Index2013 Nissan Maxima.
The 2013 Nissan Maxima is one of the most reliable years by owner complaints: 17 complaints in its first 3 years and a Lemon Index of 25, where 100 is the average car. Owners complain most about airbags, it has 0 recalls, and it gets 22 mpg combined. It's the best Nissan Maxima year we track.
One of the most reliable. 4× fewer complaints than average.
Worst year 2004
Before you buy. What matters most for this car.
How serious. Out of 62 owner complaints, owners reported:
Every Nissan Maxima year. 2013 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 28K to 106K miles on the car (51 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 77K–114K 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 106 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…
- ABNORMAL NOISE FROM FRONT ENGINE MOUNT SERVICE INFORMATION A two-piece design front engine…
- 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 | ★★★★☆ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
Fuel cost and engines
About $3600 a year in fuel (EPA estimate). Engines: 3.5L 6-cyl.
In owners' words
When an adult is in the front passenger seat, the passenger airbag light will occasionally light up indicating that the airbag has turned itself off.
2013 Nissan Maxima owner · NHTSA complaint 10575570
More owner reports
The air bag light on passenger side displays with a person weighing 120 pounds, indicating air bag will not be functional in a crash. Dealer said they haven't been notified of a recall.
NHTSA complaint 10588834
When I sit in the passenger seat the airbag light is illuminated, about 90% of the time....it may go off at some point, but even with 110 adult it is on so that the airbag is not active.
NHTSA complaint 10558725
Quick answers
Is the 2013 Nissan Maxima reliable?
Yes, it is one of the most reliable by government complaints. It drew 4× fewer complaints than average filed with NHTSA in its first 3 years, per car sold (Lemon Index 25; 100 is average, lower is better).
What are the most common 2013 Nissan Maxima problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are airbags (71%), electrical (12%) and transmission & drivetrain (12%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2013 Nissan Maxima have?
None: NHTSA has no safety recalls on record for it.
What gas mileage does the 2013 Nissan Maxima get?
22 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
Is the 2013 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 2013 Nissan Maxima problems start?
Half of the owners who gave a mileage reported the problem between 28,700 and 106,000 miles. The middle report was at 62,000 miles, from 51 complaints.
Does the 2013 Nissan Maxima have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues make up 12% of its owner complaints.
How much does the 2013 Nissan Maxima cost in fuel a year?
About $3600 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2013 Nissan Maxima have?
3.5L 6-cyl.
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