Maxima (A35)
Reliability Score
Complaints by Engine Code
3.5-V6-Gas
3.5L 6-cylView details
Complaint Breakdown
Nissan Maxima Unidentified Engine
View details
Complaint Breakdown
Show 1 additional engine variant with limited data
VQ30
3.0L 6-cylView details
Complaint Breakdown
Owner Complaints by System
Complaints owners filed with NHTSA about the Nissan Maxima, counted across every engine. A complaint can name more than one system.
What to check on a used 2009-2014 Nissan Maxima
On a used 2009-2014 Nissan Maxima, the systems with the most NHTSA owner complaints are the steering (349), the electrical system (206) and the airbags and driver-assist systems (149). Each one has an inspection step below, with counts as of 2026-10-12. A complaint is an owner report, not a confirmed defect, and counts rise with sales.
- Turn the wheel from lock to lock while parked, then drive straight on a level road with a light grip.Safety. NHTSA has 349 owner complaints on the 2009-2014 Nissan Maxima about the steering.
- Switch on every electrical item in turn: lights, windows, locks, wipers, climate fan, screen and power outlets.Costly repair. NHTSA has 206 owner complaints on the 2009-2014 Nissan Maxima about the electrical system.
- Switch the ignition on and watch the airbag light. On the drive, check the backup camera and any collision or lane warning.Safety. NHTSA has 149 owner complaints on the 2009-2014 Nissan Maxima about the airbags and driver-assist systems.
- Accelerate gently through every gear, then once at full throttle. Shift into Reverse and back to Drive.Costly repair. NHTSA has 111 owner complaints on the 2009-2014 Nissan Maxima about the transmission and drivetrain.
- Start the engine cold and listen for the first 30 seconds, then again at idle once it is warm.Costly repair. NHTSA has 85 owner complaints on the 2009-2014 Nissan Maxima about the engine.
Recalls (1)
NISSAN IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2009 AND 2010 ALTIMA AND MAXIMA PASSENGER CARS. THE UPPER FRONT STRUT INSULATORS MAY HAVE BEEN MANUFACTURED OUT OF SPECIFICATION RESULTING IN A POTENTIAL FOR THE STRUT INSULATOR TO CRACK.
NHTSA Safety Ratings About NHTSA ratings
All Generations
Alternatives in Full-Size Sedan
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common 2009-2014 Nissan Maxima complaints?
Owners have filed 980 complaints with NHTSA about the 2009-2014 Nissan Maxima. The systems they name most often are the steering, the electrical system and the safety systems.
Is the 2009-2014 Nissan Maxima a good used car?
That depends on the model year, the mileage and the maintenance history of the car in front of you. Owners have filed 980 complaints with NHTSA about the 2009-2014 Nissan Maxima. Check which systems they name most often and whether a recall is still open on that car.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2009-2014 Nissan Maxima have?
NHTSA has 980 owner complaints on file for the 2009-2014 Nissan Maxima as of the latest data pull. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect, and counts rise with sales.
What recalls affect the 2009-2014 Nissan Maxima?
NHTSA lists 1 recall covering some 2009-2014 Nissan Maxima vehicles. Which ones apply depends on the VIN: enter it at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see the open campaigns on a specific car.
What should I check before buying a used Nissan Maxima?
Run the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and confirm every open recall has been done. Look hardest at the steering, the electrical system and the safety systems, the systems owners complain about most. Ask for maintenance records, have an independent mechanic inspect the car and run a vehicle history report for prior accidents and title issues.
What are the NHTSA crash test ratings for the Maxima?
The 2014 Nissan Maxima received an overall 4-star safety rating from NHTSA. Frontal crash: 3 stars. Side crash: 5 stars. Rollover: 5 stars (10.1% rollover probability). Electronic Stability Control: Standard. Forward Collision Warning: No. Lane Departure Warning: No. These ratings are based on standardized crash tests conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Data from NHTSA federal complaints database. 980 complaints analyzed. Data confidence: high. Last updated: 2026-10-12.