The Lemon Index2018 Nissan Maxima.
The 2018 Nissan Maxima is one of the most reliable years by owner complaints: 22 complaints in its first 3 years and a Lemon Index of 43, where 100 is the average car. Owners complain most about brakes, it has 2 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 36 owner complaints, owners reported:
Every Nissan Maxima year. 2018 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 7K to 44K miles on the car (22 complaints listed the miles). This shows when people who had a problem reported it, not the odds that your car will have it.
Recalls 2
- brakes 2019
These vehicles were previously recalled and unrepaired, or inspected and determined to not need a repair, under recall number 18V-601.
- back over prevention 2019
Additionally included are 2019 Nissan GT-R and Taxi and Infiniti QX50, QX60, Q70, Q70L vehicles.
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 165 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- 2016-2018 MAXIMA; LOW POWER / STOP LAMPS STAY ON IF YOU CONFIRM The customer reports that…
- NISSAN; SERVICE INFORMATION FOR DTCS B2EF0 AND B130C This bulletin applies only to vehicles…
- Security alarm sounds after using mechanical key to unlock driver door service information…
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
Warning: unavailable front radar obstruction appears on th display along with a loud beep.
2018 Nissan Maxima owner · NHTSA complaint 11209488
More owner reports
Dashboard message appears intermittently while driving "unavailable front radar obstruction". The message relates to the system that automatically applies the brakes if it senses a collision danger.
NHTSA complaint 11241918
Brake system sensors are not working properly. Warring light appears on dash and reads: front radar unavailable due to obstruction.
NHTSA complaint 11195893
Quick answers
Is the 2018 Nissan Maxima reliable?
Yes, it is one of the most reliable by government complaints. It drew 2.3× fewer complaints than average filed with NHTSA in its first 3 years, per car sold (Lemon Index 43; 100 is average, lower is better). The best Nissan Maxima year by this measure is 2013.
What are the most common 2018 Nissan Maxima problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are brakes (27%), electrical (18%) and speed control (9%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2018 Nissan Maxima have?
2 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 2018 Nissan Maxima get?
25 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
Is the 2018 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 2018 Nissan Maxima problems start?
Half of the owners who gave a mileage reported the problem between 7,700 and 44,800 miles. The middle report was at 36,500 miles, from 22 complaints.
Does the 2018 Nissan Maxima have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues aren't among its top 5 complaint areas.
How much does the 2018 Nissan Maxima cost in fuel a year?
About $3200 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2018 Nissan Maxima have?
3.5L 6-cyl.
What Nissan Maxima year is better than the 2018?
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