Research · Midsize Cars

2016 Nissan MaximaRecalls, problems, MPG & safety

NHTSA lists 8 safety recalls and 142 owner complaints for the 2016 Nissan Maxima. Most complaints involve power train (33) and electrical system (31). The EPA rates it 25 mpg combined, and NHTSA gives it 5 stars overall.

Combined MPG
25mpg
EPA · 1 version
NHTSA overall
5of 5 stars
NCAP crash tests
Safety recalls
8campaigns
Latest Nov 2019
Owner complaints
142
Top: power train
Fuel cost / yr
$3,200est.
EPA estimate, best version
01 —Recalls

Safety recalls

8 NHTSA campaigns · applies to some vehicles, check your VIN

Service brakes

Park outsideFree remedy

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.

Service brakes, hydraulicReported Nov 8, 2019NHTSA 19V807000

Service brakes

Park outsideFree remedy

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.

Service brakes, hydraulicReported Sep 7, 2018NHTSA 18V601000

Air bags: occupant classification

Free remedy

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.

Air bagsReported Dec 19, 2016NHTSA 16V911000
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Oct 27, 2026 · All recall detailsNHTSA vehicle page
02 —Complaints

Owner complaints by component

142 complaints filed with NHTSA · Oct 2015 – Jun 2026
  1. Power train33
  2. Electrical system31
  3. Service brakes20
  4. Engine18
  5. Air bags14
  6. Vehicle speed control14
  7. Steering9
  8. Structure8
  9. Fuel/propulsion system8

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.

By model year

Complaints for each Maxima model year we’ve synced.

View as table
Model yearNHTSA complaints
1996102
1997110
1998115
1999174
2000376
2001181
2002220
2003206
20041,426
2005948
2006576
2007129
200879
2009339
2010275
2011106
2012107
201362
201496
2016142
2017106
201836
201918
202022
20213
20225
20231
Crashes reported
10
Fires reported
4
Injuries reported
12
Deaths reported
0
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Oct 27, 2026 · Full problem breakdownNHTSA vehicle page
03 —Common problems

What owners report most

Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component

Power train

33 reports
“The contact owns a 2016 Nissan Maxima. The contact stated that while driving 55 MPH, the vehicle failed to accelerate properly. The vehicle was shifted into neutral, and the RPMs revved up. The vehicle failed to move forward and shut off unintendedly. Several hours later, the vehicle was restarted. The vehicle was shaking abnormally while driving, with an unknown warning light illuminated. Additionally, the vehicle was shaking abnormally while the brake pedal was depressed. The ABS warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to Auto Zone, where it was determined that the failure was a CVT failure. The contact called the local dealer, and a diagnostic test was advised. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Aug 7, 2025Power trainODI 11679050

Electrical system

31 reports3 crashes2 fires
“Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2016 Nissan Maxima. The contact stated that while the vehicle was at an independent mechanic pending repairs after the contact was involved in a crash, it was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The independent mechanic requested a Carfax report and found the discrepancy, and that the vehicle had been involved in a crash in the past. The vehicle was a dealer sale. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was approximately 78,000 and at the time of registration, it was discovered that the mileage was approximately 118,000.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jun 27, 2025Electrical systemODI 11669745

Service brakes

20 reports4 crashes1 fire
“Battery light keeps turning on and brake light. Replaced alternator and battery after my vehicle stalled on me on the road, but the issue and problem is still on going.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled May 9, 2025Electrical system, Service brakesODI 11659998
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Oct 27, 2026
04 —Key specs

Engines, transmissions & drive

1 version rated by the EPA
EPA class
Midsize Cars
Engines
3.5L 6-cyl
Transmissions
Automatic (AV-S7)
Drive
Front-Wheel Drive
Fuel
Premium Gasoline

Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.

Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Oct 27, 2026EPA listing
05 —Fuel economy

EPA fuel economy by version

City / highway / combined, annual fuel cost and CO₂
EPA
VersionCityHwyComb.Fuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
Maxima
Auto (AV-S7), 6 cyl, 3.5 L · Front-Wheel Drive
223025$3,200363
  • Maxima
    Auto (AV-S7), 6 cyl, 3.5 L
    22 city · 30 hwy · $3,200/yr
    25
    mpg comb.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Oct 27, 2026 · Fuel cost is EPA’s annual estimate (15,000 mi, 55% city)
06 —Safety

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings

2 tested variants
Overall rating
5/ 5
5 of 5
Nissan Maxima 4 DR FWD Later Release
Frontal crash
5 of 5
Side crash
5 of 5
Side pole
4 of 5
Rollover
5 of 5
Rollover risk
9.5%
Overall
5 / 5
Nissan Maxima 4 DR FWD Early Release
Frontal crash
5 of 5
Side crash
5 of 5
Side pole
4 of 5
Rollover
5 of 5
Rollover risk
9.5%
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Oct 27, 2026Vehicle 10920Vehicle 10823
07 —Maintenance

Maintenance basics

General guidance, not the OEM schedule. Check your owner’s manual.
General guidance
ItemMilesTimeNote
Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi6–12 monthsFollow the oil-life monitor if fitted
Tire rotation5,000–7,500 miEvery oil changeCheck pressure monthly
Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi1–2 yearsSooner in dusty areas
Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi1–2 years
Brake fluid—2–3 yearsAbsorbs moisture over time
Coolant60,000–100,000 mi5–10 yearsLong-life coolants last longer
Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi—Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end
12V battery—3–5 yearsHeat shortens battery life
  • Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi
    6–12 months
  • Tire rotation5,000–7,500 mi
    Every oil change
  • Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi
    1–2 years
  • Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi
    1–2 years
  • Brake fluid—
    2–3 years
  • Coolant60,000–100,000 mi
    5–10 years
  • Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi
    —
  • 12V battery—
    3–5 years
Typical intervals for modern cars. Severe service (towing, short trips, extreme heat or cold) shortens them.
09 —FAQ

2016 Maxima questions

How many recalls does the 2016 Nissan Maxima have?

8 safety recalls as of Oct 27, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.

What are the most common 2016 Nissan Maxima problems?

Owners filed 142 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are power train (33), electrical system (31), service brakes (20). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.

What MPG does the 2016 Nissan Maxima get?

The EPA rates the 2016 Nissan Maxima at 25 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (1 version rated).

How safe is the 2016 Nissan Maxima?

NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gives the 2016 Nissan Maxima 5 out of 5 stars overall.

Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Oct 27, 2026