The Lemon Index
20202022Complaints only. Too few sold to score: 16,386 in the U.S. in 2021 (sales source), under the 20,000 a fair per-car score needs. Owners filed 3 complaints in its first 3 years.
3 owner complaints, first 3 years 24 mpg combined, EPA
Similar cars, same year
2021 Toyota Avalon2021 Chrysler 3002021 Dodge Charger 26
Lemon Index: 100 = the average car, lower is better.
When problems show up
No complaints for this year listed a mileage, so we can't say when problems show up.
Questions to ask the seller
- Do all the lights, screens and power features work? Has the battery, alternator or any wiring been replaced?
- Any rust or damage underneath, or doors and hatches that don't close right?
- Any oil burning, leaks or check-engine lights? Ask for oil-change records.
From this year's own recalls, top problems, top repair bills and Nissan's repair notes. Recall repairs are free at any dealer.
How serious. Out of all 3 owner complaints filed so far (every year since it was sold, not just the first 3), owners reported:
“Average car” = what the same number of complaints would include at the rate across every model year we track. Owners report these themselves; NHTSA doesn't confirm the cause.
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.
Transmission problems in every Nissan Maxima year →
Check engine light on? Look up any code →
Fixes owners look up most.
From 200 YouTube videos · 31.8M views · 2016–2023 Nissan Maxima
Prices people quote
- Price when new$36,80017 videos▶ Hear it
Most-watched topics
- Heat, A/C & blend door222K views
2015 - 2018 Nissan Maxima Cabin Air Filter - How To Change Remove Replace Replacement LocationPYR Automotive · 119K views · 3 videos - Infotainment, battery & electrical155K views
2016 - 2021 Nissan Maxima - How To Unlock & Start With Key ID Incorrect - Dead Remote Fob BatteryPYR Automotive · 83K views · 3 videos - Oil changes & service31K views
How to check Oil and fluids Nissan Maxima 2015-2022repairED · 31K views
Before you buy, watch
2023 Nissan Altima SR vs 2023 Nissan Maxima SR Which One Should You Buy?Cars Unlocked · 107K views
2022 Kia Stinger vs Nissan Maxima Which One Should You Buy?Cars Unlocked · 67K views
Nissan Maxima 8th Gen 2015 to 2021 common problems, issues, defects, recalls and complaintsHOWSTUFFINMYCARWORKS · 46K viewsViews show how many people looked up each fix, not how often it breaks. Videos belong to their creators; we link to them. The 2021 is the same generation.
Costs are the middle (median) of the dollar amounts people say out loud in these videos, so one wild number can't swing it. They aren't verified bills or sales; real prices depend on year, miles, condition and where you live. Tap Hear it to jump to the moment.
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.
Canada? See recalls at Transport Canada
Crash test details
| Version | Overall | Front | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nissan Maxima 4 DR FWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
Fuel cost and engines
About $3,300 (USD) a year in fuel (EPA estimate at U.S. prices, 15,000 miles or 24,000 km a year). Engines: 3.5L 6-cyl.
Every Nissan Maxima year. 2021 is highlighted. Lower is better.
Newest year first. Red = worse than average, gray = about average, too new (2023+: a partial score, marked “partial”) or too few complaints to score. #1, #2… = that year's YouTube rank among the 19 Nissan Maxima years with enough videos (#1 = the year owners and reviewers talk about most positively). It is not a reliability rank.
Embed this chart
Put this chart on your site, blog or forum. Free, with the credit line built in; the 2021 bar is highlighted.
<iframe src="https://lemonindex.com/embed/cars/nissan-maxima/?y=2021" title="Nissan Maxima reliability by model year (The Lemon Index)" width="100%" height="652" style="border:0;max-width:720px" loading="lazy"></iframe><p style="font-size:13px;margin:4px 0 0">Data: <a href="https://lemonindex.com/cars/nissan-maxima/2021/">Lemon Index</a> (2021 Nissan Maxima reliability)</p>Quick answers
Is the 2021 Nissan Maxima reliable?
We can't score it: only 16,386 were sold in the U.S. in 2021 (calendar-year sales), under the 20,000 we need for a fair per-car score. Owners filed 3 complaints with NHTSA in its first 3 years.
What are the most common 2021 Nissan Maxima problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are electrical (33%), body structure (33%) and engine (33%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2021 Nissan Maxima have?
None: NHTSA has no safety recalls on record for it.
What gas mileage does the 2021 Nissan Maxima get?
24 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
Is the 2021 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.
Does the 2021 Nissan Maxima have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues aren't among its top 5 complaint areas.
How much does the 2021 Nissan Maxima cost in fuel a year?
About $3,300 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2021 Nissan Maxima have?
3.5L 6-cyl.
What Nissan Maxima year is better than the 2021?
Nearby, the 2019 drew fewer owner complaints per car sold (about a third as many complaints as the average car). Across every year, 2013 drew the fewest.
The Lemon Index counts owner 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 years (100 = average, lower is better). It measures complaints, not crash safety. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect. How it works