The Lemon Index2016 Nissan Maxima.
The 2016 Nissan Maxima is better than average by owner complaints: 58 complaints in its first 3 years and a Lemon Index of 56, where 100 is the average car. Owners complain most about brakes, it has 8 recalls, and it gets 25 mpg combined. The best Nissan Maxima year is 2013.
Before you buy. What matters most for this car.
How serious. Out of 142 owner complaints, owners reported:
Every Nissan Maxima year. 2016 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 11K to 72K miles on the car (73 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 18K–86K miles
Recalls 8
- brakes 2019
These vehicles were previously recalled and unrepaired, or inspected and determined to not need a repair, under recall number 18V-601.
- brakes 2018
The Anti-Lock Brake (ABS) actuator pumps may allow brake fluid to leak onto an internal circuit board.
- airbags 2016
An incorrect Occupant Classification System (OCS) Electronic Control Unit (ECU) may have been installed in the front passenger seat.
Show all 8 recalls
- brakes 2016
The affected vehicles have Anti-Lock Brake (ABS) actuator pumps that may allow brake fluid to leak onto an internal electrical circuit board.
- airbags 2016
In these vehicles, the front seat passenger Occupant Classification System (OCS) may incorrectly classify an adult passenger as a child or classify the seat as empty despite it being occupied.
- brakes 2016
The ABS actuator may have a damaged O-ring that may result in a lack of brake fluid pressure.
- brakes 2015
The affected vehicles have front brake calipers whose mounting bolts may not be properly tightened.
- fuel system, gasoline 2015
On October 14, 2015, Nissan expanded the recall to cover an additional 41,388 vehicles, including certain model year 2013-2015 Altima 3.5 vehicles equipped with a V6 engine manufactured March 30, 2012, to August 18, 2015…
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 278 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- "nissan; signal tech-ii intelligent key battery test and signal check this bulletin has been…
- Theft alarm sounds when vehicle is locked, unlocked, or door/trunk opened if you confirm…
- 2016-2018 MAXIMA; LOW POWER / STOP LAMPS STAY ON IF YOU CONFIRM The customer reports that…
Ask a seller or mechanic if these were done. Some are free under warranty or a special program.
Government investigations
- ClosedRear suspension control arm failure2019–2025
NHTSA looks into a problem when enough owners report it. Many end in a recall.
Safety
Crash test details
| Version | Overall | Front | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nissan Maxima 4 DR FWD Later Release | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Nissan Maxima 4 DR FWD Early Release | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
Fuel cost and engines
About $3200 a year in fuel (EPA estimate). Engines: 3.5L 6-cyl.
In owners' words
I was making a left turn from the highway on to a side street & was t-boned on the passenger side by a suv. The air bags did not implore.
2016 Nissan Maxima owner · NHTSA complaint 11030819
More owner reports
The brakes have been squealing at higher speeds as well as at lower speeds. It doesn't matter if you are going straight or turning, the squeaks don't seem to stop.
NHTSA complaint 11000421
Quick answers
Is the 2016 Nissan Maxima reliable?
Yes, better than average by government complaints. It drew 1.8× fewer complaints than average filed with NHTSA in its first 3 years, per car sold (Lemon Index 56; 100 is average, lower is better). The best Nissan Maxima year by this measure is 2013.
What are the most common 2016 Nissan Maxima problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are brakes (21%), airbags (14%) and electrical (12%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2016 Nissan Maxima have?
8 safety recalls (latest: brakes). Recall repairs are free at any dealer; check a specific car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2016 Nissan Maxima get?
25 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
Is the 2016 Nissan Maxima safe?
NHTSA gave it 5 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 2016 Nissan Maxima problems start?
Half of the owners who gave a mileage reported the problem between 11,300 and 72,000 miles. The middle report was at 40,000 miles, from 73 complaints.
Does the 2016 Nissan Maxima have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues aren't among its top 5 complaint areas.
How much does the 2016 Nissan Maxima cost in fuel a year?
About $3200 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2016 Nissan Maxima have?
3.5L 6-cyl.
What Nissan Maxima year is better than the 2016?
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