2017 Nissan Maxima Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Caution The 2017 Nissan Maxima has a complaint index of 67, ranking 7th worst out of 19 model years, with a Caution verdict. Airbags are the top problem area (18 complaints, 17% share), and NHTSA lists 4 recalls, including three separate ABS actuator brake recalls.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 67/100
- #7 of 19 Maxima years
- Verdict
- Caution
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 103
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 4
- 2 Park Outside
- Crashes
- 7
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 2
- Injuries
- 7
- Top issue
- Airbags
- NHTSA overall rating
- 5 / 5 ★
- EPA combined MPG
- 25
- 21 city / 30 hwy
- Injuries / deaths
- 7 / 0
Top 2017 Nissan Maxima problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Other25 (24%)
- Airbags18 (17%)
- Structure & Body18 (17%)
- Electrical System13 (13%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires13 (13%)
- Brakes12 (12%)
- Transmission & Powertrain11 (11%)
- Engine10 (10%)
- Collision Avoidance & Cameras10 (10%)
- Seat Belts4 (4%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Airbags failed to deploy in low-speed crashes, sometimes causing facial and neck injuries.
- ABS actuator brake fluid leaks were linked to fires, including one case where the car ignited while parked outside.
- Sudden loss of braking control occurred when the ABS system engaged and all four wheels locked during emergency stops.
- A steering arm reportedly snapped while driving at low speed, leaving the vehicle uncontrollable.
- The automatic remote starter allegedly caused the car to roll backward into another vehicle while supposedly in park.
- Chrome trim near the dashboard vents was reported to create glare that obstructed the side mirror view.
2017 Nissan Maxima recalls
4 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 16V636000Sep 2, 2016Brakes120,329 vehicles
Service brakes, hydraulic:antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain model year 2016-2017 Nissan Maxima vehicles manufactured February 10, 2015, to August 19, 2016 and equipped with Intelligent Cruise Control, 2015-2017 Murano vehicles manufactured August 22, 2014, to August 19, 2016 and equipped with Intelligent Cruise Control, and 2015-2016 Murano Hybrid vehicles manufactured August 22, 2014, to July 19, 2016. The affected vehicles have Anti-Lock Brake (ABS) actuator pumps that may allow brake fluid to leak onto an internal electrical circuit board.
Risk: A brake fluid leak onto 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 ABS Actuator, replacing it as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on December 12, 2016. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-647-7261. 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.
2017 Nissan Maxima fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 21 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.
2017 compared with other Maxima years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2017 Nissan Maxima reliable?
- NHTSA data gives the 2017 Maxima a complaint index of 67 and a Caution verdict, ranking 7th worst among 19 model years of the Maxima. Airbags, structure/body, and electrical issues are the top reported problem areas.
- What are the most common problems with the 2017 Nissan Maxima?
- Owners most often reported issues with airbags (18 complaints, 17% share) and structure/body concerns (18 complaints, 17% share), followed by electrical system and suspension problems, each at 13%.
- Does the 2017 Nissan Maxima have any recalls?
- NHTSA lists 4 recalls for the 2017 Maxima, three involving the ABS actuator in the brake system and one involving airbag control unit reprogramming. None are do-not-drive recalls.
- How does the 2017 Maxima compare to other Maxima years?
- With a complaint index of 67, the 2017 model ranks worse than most other years; only 2005, 2006, 2009, 2010, and 2016 score higher. Years like 2013, 2019, and 2022 score much lower and carry Good or Best verdicts.
- At what mileage do 2017 Maxima problems typically appear?
- Median mileage at failure varies by system: airbags around 28,000 miles, suspension around 16,436 miles, and transmission concerns around 61,000 miles.