Problems · NHTSA complaints
2017 Nissan Maxima problems
Owners filed 106 complaints about the 2017 Nissan Maxima with NHTSA between Feb 2017 and Oct 2026. The most-cited component is air bags (18).
Complaints
106
Filed with NHTSA
Crashes
8
Reported by owners
Fires
3
Reported by owners
Injuries
7
People reported injured
Deaths
0
Reported to NHTSA
Complaints by component
One complaint can cite several components
- Air bags18
- Structure17
- Electrical system11
- Power train11
- Forward collision avoidance10
- Service brakes10
- Engine8
- Suspension7
- Wheels6
- Steering4
- Vehicle speed control4
- Seat belts4
- Fuel/propulsion system3
- Visibility/wiper3
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Oct 27, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
When complaints were filed
Does it get worse with age? Complaints per calendar year filed
7
10
21
9
12
8
13
7
10
9
View as table
| Model year | Complaints filed per calendar year |
|---|---|
| 2017 | 7 |
| 2018 | 10 |
| 2019 | 21 |
| 2020 | 9 |
| 2021 | 12 |
| 2022 | 8 |
| 2023 | 13 |
| 2024 | 7 |
| 2025 | 10 |
| 2026 | 9 |
Mileage at failure isn’t a structured field in NHTSA complaint data, so we don’t chart it. Some owners mention it in their reports below.
Top problems in owners’ words
Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first
Air bags
18 reports3 crashes1 fire1 related recall
“Went to work and parked. It rained that day, not sure if it’s related. When I went to leave the dash airbag light stayed on. This was December 2023. There are no other issues with the car. No other warning lights. The car has 52,300 miles on it now. I just recently took it to the dealership to see about getting it fixed and was quoted $7k-11k in repairs. They told me “it’s usually the setback assembly. That could possibly fix it.” I was told the lifetime power train warranty that the dealership offers does not apply. I do have the invoice, but for some train the website is not letting me upload.”
Structure
17 reports1 crash1 fire
“The 2 A pillar molding in the front flew off while driving on the highway and the 2 rear pillar moldings in the back are loose. It is available for inspection. This is an EXTREME safety concern as I was going high speeds and part of my car detached - I am thankful that it did not hit the cars near me but that doesn't mean that when I get it replaced with the faulty issue, that the new ones will not fall off. The problem has been confirmed by the dealer. There was no warning that the parts were falling off. The car has zero body damage and has never been in a wreck before. This is a KNOWN issue with the maxima and I am disappointed that nissian knows about this, has a service bulletin (Classification: BT19-011a; Ref: NTB19-079a) on how to fix this KNOWN issue but the manufacturer refuses to take any accountability for their poor design flaws leading to a major safety concern.”
Electrical system
11 reports1 fire
“Car was parked outside husbands work since 7 at 12:15 pm he was advised by a co worker that my car was on fire ! When I ran outside my his workers where trying to put out the fire with the fire extinguishers from the work warehouse ! The fire department ended up finish putting out the fire ! The whole engine compartment was burnt to a crisp and a huge hole was burnt through the hood on the passenger side along side the firewall of car !”
Power train
11 reports1 crash
“The vehicle experienced a no‑start condition and was towed to a dealership. The dealership performed major engine and timing repairs without authorization and kept the vehicle for nearly four months. After the repairs, the vehicle still cranks but will not start, requires jump‑starts, and now has new electrical issues and a nonfunctional A/C system.The safety risk is that the vehicle can fail to start unexpectedly, stall, or lose electrical power, which could leave occupants stranded in unsafe conditions. The issue has been reproduced and confirmed by the dealership, but they were unable to diagnose or repair it. The vehicle has been inspected by the dealership and a warranty company.There were no warning lights before the failure. The symptoms began immediately before the vehicle was towed and have continued after the dealership’s repairs.”
Forward collision avoidance
10 reports1 crash
“Assessment: The driver reported that the vehicle did not provide any alert prior to the collision. The exact cause of the lack of alert is unknown at this time. Possible contributing factors may include system malfunction, sensor obstruction, or limitations in the vehicle’s alert technology.”
Service brakes
10 reports3 crashes1 fire
“My son was driving my car to work and this is his account of the incident On 1/17/2026 on I95 n, the steering wheel abruptly stopped controlling the wheels. It was as if it completely disconnected and he lost control and crashed into the median. It was a terrifying incident for my son. No other cars were involved. This accident has been reported to my insurance company. This car has been a smooth ride since I've had it. It has UNDER 70,000 miles even though it's a 2017 Nissan Maxima. There were no warning or messages on the dash. I have been ill so the process of getting the car appraised or considered for repairs has just begun. I incurred towing charges and rental fees. My son is having headaches and back pain since this incident. What made it extremely scary is that it happened suddenly.”
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Oct 27, 2026
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.