The Lemon Index2017 Nissan Maxima.
The 2017 Nissan Maxima is better than average by owner complaints: 47 complaints in its first 3 years and a Lemon Index of 56, where 100 is the average car. Owners complain most about airbags, it has 4 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 106 owner complaints, owners reported:
Every Nissan Maxima year. 2017 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 10K to 42K miles on the car (44 complaints listed the miles). This shows when people who had a problem reported it, not the odds that your car will have it.
Recalls 4
- 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.
- 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.
Show all 4 recalls
- 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.
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 215 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- Nissan; dtc p0456 caused by evap leak at vent control valve o-ring if you confirm the mil is…
- ALTIMA AND MAXIMA; NOISE FROM TRUNK AREA IF YOU CONFIRM A ticking, tapping, or popping type…
- 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 | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
Fuel cost and engines
About $3200 a year in fuel (EPA estimate). Engines: 3.5L 6-cyl.
In owners' words
Aeb system stop my car in the middle on the freeway
2017 Nissan Maxima owner · NHTSA complaint 11219732
More owner reports
While driving the forward emergency brake light comes on. After it comes on there is a reduction of power. It disables cruise control. This happens when the vehicle is in motion on a city street or when you go to take off.
NHTSA complaint 11326558
Applied brakes in emergency situation. Abs system failed to operate and all four wheels locked and car slid into other vehicle. Also car equipped with brake assist it to failed to operate.
NHTSA complaint 11113033
Quick answers
Is the 2017 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 2017 Nissan Maxima problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are airbags (17%), brakes (17%) and body structure (13%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2017 Nissan Maxima have?
4 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 2017 Nissan Maxima get?
25 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
Is the 2017 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 2017 Nissan Maxima problems start?
Half of the owners who gave a mileage reported the problem between 10,200 and 42,400 miles. The middle report was at 27,900 miles, from 44 complaints.
Does the 2017 Nissan Maxima have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues aren't among its top 5 complaint areas.
How much does the 2017 Nissan Maxima cost in fuel a year?
About $3200 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2017 Nissan Maxima have?
3.5L 6-cyl.
What Nissan Maxima year is better than the 2017?
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