2013 Nissan Maxima Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Good The 2013 Nissan Maxima ranks 13th worst of 19 model years with a complaint index of 33 and a Good verdict. NHTSA lists 62 complaints, no recalls, and the top problem area is Transmission & Powertrain (39% of complaints, median mileage 105,544).
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 33/100
- #13 of 19 Maxima years
- Verdict
- Good
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 62
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 0
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 1
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 1
- Injuries
- 1
- Top issue
- Transmission & Powertrain
- NHTSA overall rating
- 4 / 5 ★
- EPA combined MPG
- 22
- 19 city / 26 hwy
- Injuries / deaths
- 1 / 0
Top 2013 Nissan Maxima problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Transmission & Powertrain24 (39%)
- Airbags16 (26%)
- Electrical System11 (18%)
- Other8 (13%)
- Engine4 (6%)
- Brakes3 (5%)
- Structure & Body2 (3%)
- Fuel System1 (2%)
- Steering1 (2%)
- Visibility & Wipers1 (2%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Owners report the CVT transmission suddenly losing power and acceleration while driving, sometimes shifting into a lower gear at highway speed and spiking RPMs.
- Some describe the vehicle stalling or failing to accelerate after coming to a stop, occasionally rolling backward before the brake catches it.
- Several report the passenger airbag warning light illuminating and the airbag deactivating even with an adult of sufficient weight in the seat.
- One owner reported a small explosion and fire coming from the center console area near the shift console shortly after starting to drive.
- One owner reported an airbag failing to activate during a crash, resulting in injury.
2013 Nissan Maxima recalls
No safety recalls on record for this model year.
2013 Nissan Maxima fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 19 MPG
- Highway
- 26 MPG
- Combined
- 22 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $3,650
- 15,000 mi/yr
- Fuel
- Premium
- Current regular gas
- $4.32/gal
- national avg.
EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.
2013 compared with other Maxima years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2013 Nissan Maxima a good year?
- Yes, relative to other Maxima years. It has a complaint index of 33, ranks 13th worst out of 19 model years, and carries a Good verdict with no recalls on file.
- What is the biggest problem with the 2013 Nissan Maxima?
- Transmission & Powertrain issues make up 39% of complaints, the largest category, with a median failure mileage of 105,544 miles.
- Does the 2013 Nissan Maxima have any recalls?
- NHTSA lists 0 recalls for the 2013 Maxima.
- Are there airbag problems on the 2013 Nissan Maxima?
- Airbags account for 26% of complaints, including reports of the passenger airbag light illuminating or the airbag failing to activate, with a median mileage at failure of 4,350 miles.
- How does the 2013 Maxima compare to other Maxima years?
- With a complaint index of 33, the 2013 model rates better than years like 2005 (index 100, Avoid) and 2009 (index 94, Avoid), placing it among the lower-risk Maxima years.