2019 Nissan Maxima Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Best The 2019 Nissan Maxima ranks 15th of 19 model years with a complaint index of 22, earning a Best verdict relative to other Maxima years. It has 18 complaints, 1 recall, and no do-not-drive recalls, with engine issues the top problem area.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 22/100
- #15 of 19 Maxima years
- Verdict
- Best
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 18
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 1
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 2
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 0
- Injuries
- 2
- Top issue
- Engine
- NHTSA overall rating
- Not rated
- EPA combined MPG
- 24
- 20 city / 30 hwy
- Injuries / deaths
- 2 / 0
Top 2019 Nissan Maxima problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Other5 (28%)
- Engine4 (22%)
- Brakes3 (17%)
- Electrical System3 (17%)
- Transmission & Powertrain3 (17%)
- Structure & Body2 (11%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires2 (11%)
- Visibility & Wipers2 (11%)
- Collision Avoidance & Cameras1 (6%)
- Steering1 (6%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Automatic emergency braking activates unexpectedly at highway speed with no obstacle present, causing abrupt stops.
- ABS warning light stays on after phantom braking events, sometimes requiring a sensor replacement.
- Steering pulls sharply to one side, in one case leading to a crash and airbag deployment.
- Engine oil level drops with no visible leak, followed by smoke from under the hood while driving.
- A tire failed suddenly on the highway with shaking, warning lights, and loud noise before it went flat.
- The hood latch's secondary catch was the only thing preventing the hood from flying open at highway speed.
2019 Nissan Maxima recalls
1 NHTSA recall campaign list this model year.
- NHTSA 19V654000Sep 12, 2019Collision Avoidance & Cameras1,228,830 vehicles
Back over prevention: sensing system: camera
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Nissan Altima, Armada, Frontier, Kicks, Leaf, Maxima, Murano, NV, NV200, Pathfinder, Rogue, Rogue Sport, Sentra, Titan, Titan Diesel, Versa Note and Versa Sedan vehicles, as well as Infiniti Q50, Q60, QX30 and QX80 vehicles. Additionally included are 2019 Nissan GT-R and Taxi and Infiniti QX50, QX60, Q70, Q70L vehicles. The back-up camera and display settings can be adjusted such that the rear view image is no longer visible and the system will retain that setting the next time the vehicle is placed in reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rear Visibility."
Risk: The lack of an image in the back-up camera display increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Nissan will notify owners in phases, having dealers update the back-up camera settings software, free of charge. The recall began November 11, 2019 and all affected VINs should be activated. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-867-7669 or INFINITI customer service at 1-800-662-6200.
2019 Nissan Maxima fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 20 MPG
- Highway
- 30 MPG
- Combined
- 24 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $3,300
- 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.
2019 compared with other Maxima years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2019 Nissan Maxima reliable?
- Among 19 Maxima model years, 2019 has a complaint index of 22 and ranks 15th worst (meaning it's among the better years), earning a Best verdict relative to other Maxima years.
- What problems does the 2019 Nissan Maxima have?
- NHTSA complaints point to engine issues as the top problem area (4 complaints, 22% share), followed by brakes, electrical system, and transmission & powertrain, each with 3 complaints.
- Does the 2019 Nissan Maxima have any recalls?
- NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2019 Maxima, covering a back-up camera software update; it is not a do-not-drive recall.
- What is the median mileage for reported failures on the 2019 Maxima?
- Across all reported problems, the median mileage at failure is 12,500 miles, though this varies by component, for example 43,500 miles for engine complaints and 8,000 miles for brake complaints.
- How does the 2019 Maxima compare to other years like 2016?
- The 2016 Maxima has a much higher complaint index of 78 and 8 recalls, rated Avoid, while the 2019 model has a lower index of 22 and only 1 recall, rated Best.