2016 Nissan Maxima Problems, Recalls & Reliability
Verdict
AvoidComplaint Index
92/100
#2 most-complained of 14 Maxima years
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
The 2016 Nissan Maxima ranks 2nd worst out of 14 model years, with a Complaint Index of 92 and 142 complaints tied to 8 recalls. Electrical System issues (25% of complaints) and brake failures tied to ABS actuator recalls stand out as the biggest concerns.
- Complaints
- 142
- Recalls
- 8
- Crashes / fires
- 10 / 4
- Injuries / deaths
- 12 / 0
- NHTSA overall rating
- 5 / 5 ★
- EPA combined MPG
- 25
- 22 city / 30 hwy
Top 2016 Nissan Maxima problems
NHTSA owner complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Electrical System36 (25%)
- Engine34 (24%)
- Transmission & Powertrain33 (23%)
- Other27 (19%)
- Brakes25 (18%)
- Airbags14 (10%)
- Structure & Body11 (8%)
- Fuel System10 (7%)
- Steering9 (6%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires9 (6%)
What owners report
- Airbags fail to deploy during moderate-speed frontal or side-impact crashes, sometimes leading to injuries.
- Brakes reportedly fail to stop the vehicle even with hard pedal pressure, resulting in multi-car collisions.
- Owners describe sudden vehicle shutdown while driving, including one case where the car shut off in the rain and crashed into a guard rail.
- An ABS brake fluid leak onto a circuit board was reported to cause an electrical fire, later reigniting on its own while parked.
- Some owners report the vehicle intermittently loses power on the highway with no warning light or code.
2016 Nissan Maxima recalls
8 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.
- NHTSA 19V807000Nov 8, 2019Brakes391,479 vehiclesPark Outside
Service brakes, hydraulic:antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2015-2018 Nissan Murano, 2016-2018 Nissan Maxima, and 2017-2019 Nissan Pathfinder and Infiniti QX60 vehicles. These vehicles were previously recalled and unrepaired, or inspected and determined to not need a repair, under recall number 18V-601. In addition, this recall expands the previous population. The Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) actuator pumps may allow brake fluid to leak onto an internal circuit board.
Risk: A brake fluid leak on the circuit board may result in an electrical short, increasing the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will replace the ABS actuator, free of charge. Owners will receive a second notice when remedy parts become available, currently expected to be during summer 2020. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-867-7669. Note: If the ABS warning light remains illuminated for more than 10 seconds after engine start up, owners are advised to park the vehicle outdoors away from other vehicles or structures and to not drive the vehicle.
- NHTSA 18V601000Sep 7, 2018Brakes215,124 vehiclesPark Outside
Service brakes, hydraulic:antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2015-2017 Nissan Murano, 2016-2017 Nissan Maxima, 2017-2018 Nissan Pathfinder, and 2017 Infiniti QX60 vehicles. The Anti-Lock Brake (ABS) actuator pumps may allow brake fluid to leak onto an internal circuit board.
Risk: A brake fluid leak on the circuit board may result in an electrical short, increasing the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the serial number on the ABS actuator, replacing it as necessary, free of charge. The recall began October 29, 2018. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-867-7669. Note: When brake fluid has leaked onto the circuit board, the ABS warning lamp will remain illuminated for more than 10 seconds after engine start up. If this occurs, owners are advised to park the vehicle outdoors away from other vehicles or structures and to not drive the vehicle.
- NHTSA 16V911000Dec 19, 2016Airbags757 vehicles
Air bags:sensor:occupant classification
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain model year 2013-2015 Altima vehicles manufactured January 3, 2013, to July 29, 2013, 2015-2016 Rogue vehicles manufactured October 14, 2014, to August 12, 2016, and 2016 Maxima vehicles manufactured June 4, 2015, to August 19, 2015. An incorrect Occupant Classification System (OCS) Electronic Control Unit (ECU) may have been installed in the front passenger seat. The incorrect ECU and seat combination may misclassify the front passenger seat occupant.
Risk: If the front passenger seat occupant is misclassified, the air bag may deploy incorrectly in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will replace the ECU and update the OCS software free of charge. The recall began February 13, 2017. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-647-7261.
2016 Nissan Maxima fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 22 MPG
- Highway
- 30 MPG
- Combined
- 25 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $3,200
- 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.
2016 compared with other Maxima years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2016 Nissan Maxima reliable?
- Among 14 model years of the Maxima, 2016 ranks 2nd worst with a Complaint Index of 92 and 142 NHTSA complaints, so it carries an Avoid verdict relative to other Maxima years.
- What problems does the 2016 Nissan Maxima have?
- NHTSA data shows the top problem areas are Electrical System (36 complaints, 25% share), Engine (34 complaints, 24%), Transmission & Powertrain (33 complaints, 23%), and Brakes (25 complaints, 18%).
- Does the 2016 Nissan Maxima have brake recalls?
- Yes. NHTSA lists multiple brake-related recalls for the 2016 Maxima covering the ABS actuator (campaigns 19V807000, 18V601000, 16V636000, 16V193000) and front brake caliper mounting bolts (15V733000).
- How many recalls does the 2016 Nissan Maxima have?
- NHTSA lists 8 recalls for the 2016 Nissan Maxima, covering brakes, airbags, and the fuel system, with none classified as do-not-drive.
- What is the fuel economy of the 2016 Nissan Maxima?
- EPA rates the 2016 Maxima at 25 mpg combined (22 city / 30 highway), with an estimated annual fuel cost of $3,200.