Research · Midsize Cars

2020 Nissan MaximaRecalls, problems, MPG & safety

NHTSA lists 1 safety recall and 22 owner complaints for the 2020 Nissan Maxima. Most complaints involve forward collision avoidance (4) and structure (4). The EPA rates it 24 mpg combined, and NHTSA gives it 5 stars overall.

Combined MPG
24mpg
EPA · 1 version
NHTSA overall
5of 5 stars
NCAP crash tests
Safety recalls
1campaigns
Latest Sep 2020
Owner complaints
22
Top: forward collision avoidance
Fuel cost / yr
$3,300est.
EPA estimate, best version
01 —Recalls

Safety recalls

1 NHTSA campaign · applies to some vehicles, check your VIN

Visibility: glass, side

Free remedy

Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2020 Altima, Maxima and Leaf vehicles. The rear window glass may not remain properly secured to the vehicle.

VisibilityReported Sep 22, 2020NHTSA 20V570000
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Oct 27, 2026 · All recall detailsNHTSA vehicle page
02 —Complaints

Owner complaints by component

22 complaints filed with NHTSA · Jan 2020 – Sep 2026
  1. Forward collision avoidance4
  2. Structure4
  3. Power train3
  4. Service brakes, hydraulic2
  5. Electrical system2
  6. Latches/locks/linkages2
  7. Air bags2
  8. Service brakes2
  9. Back over prevention2

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
3
Fires reported
0
Injuries reported
3
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

Forward collision avoidance

4 reports
“Forward collision warning turns on about 20 seconds after the car starts. There was no accident or obstructions to the sensors, this apperas to just be equipment failure on a car with only 30k miles on it.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Aug 31, 2024Forward collision avoidanceODI 11611910

Structure

4 reports
“Was getting into the car. As we closed the doors, we heard the sunroof shatter. the edges of the broken glass were pushed up as if the air pressure inside the car broke the glass. If the inside cover was open, we would have been showered in glass. The manufacturer inspected and replaced the glass.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Mar 13, 2024StructureODI 11577099

Power train

3 reports1 crash
“The contact owns a 2020 Nissan Maxima. The contact stated that while her husband was attempting to park and turn off the vehicle, the gear shifter failed to shift into park, the STOP button failed to respond, and the vehicle suddenly accelerated, crashed into a tree in the median strip, knocked down three poles, and the brake pedal was depressed but became unresponsive. The vehicle continued driving and crashed into a sign pole and came to a stop. The contact stated that a tire also exploded during the crash. The contact stated that the air bags failed to deploy. The contact and her husband sustained injuries during the crash. The contact’s husband sustained a fractured left shoulder and had since developed balance issues. The contact sustained balance issues and weakness in the body. Medical attention was provided. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 23,000.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Sep 14, 2026Service brakes, hydraulic, Power train, Vehicle speed controlCrash reportedODI 11764174
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
203024$3,300378
  • Maxima
    Auto (AV-S7), 6 cyl, 3.5 L
    20 city · 30 hwy · $3,300/yr
    24
    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

1 tested variant
Overall rating
5/ 5
5 of 5
Nissan Maxima 4 DR FWD
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 14495
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

2020 Maxima questions

How many recalls does the 2020 Nissan Maxima have?

1 safety recall 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 2020 Nissan Maxima problems?

Owners filed 22 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are forward collision avoidance (4), structure (4), power train (3). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.

What MPG does the 2020 Nissan Maxima get?

The EPA rates the 2020 Nissan Maxima at 24 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (1 version rated).

How safe is the 2020 Nissan Maxima?

NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gives the 2020 Nissan Maxima 5 out of 5 stars overall.

Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Oct 27, 2026