Nissan

Maxima (A35)

2009-2014 · Full-Size Sedan · 2 engines
Best Engine ⚠️ Caution (2.7)
979 NHTSA Complaints
1 Recalls
9 Fire Reports
36 Crash Reports
View all 4 generations of the Nissan Maxima → 📋 Inspection checklist

NHTSA Safety Ratings About NHTSA ratings

Overall 4/5
Frontal Crash
3/5
Side Crash
5/5
Rollover
5/5 (10.1% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: No LDW: No
Overall 4/5
Frontal Crash
3/5
Side Crash
5/5
Rollover
5/5 (10.1% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: No LDW: No
Overall 4/5
Frontal Crash
3/5
Side Crash
5/5
Rollover
5/5 (10.1% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: No LDW: No
Overall Not Rated
Frontal Crash
Side Crash
Rollover
5/5 (10.1% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: No LDW: No

Engine Reliability Ratings

Nissan Maxima Unidentified Engine

⚠️ Caution (2.7)
134 complaints 22.3 per year
1 fire report
View details

Complaint Breakdown

steering
56
electrical
33
safety systems
21
engine
14
other
13

Known Issues

Steering Issues (56 complaints)
Electrical System Issues (33 complaints)
Safety Systems Issues (21 complaints)

3.5-V6-Gas

3.5L 6-cyl
Avoid (1.8)
844 complaints 111.0 per year Gasoline
8 fire reports
View details

Complaint Breakdown

steering
293
electrical
173
safety systems
127
transmission
102
other
84

Known Issues

Steering Issues (293 complaints)
Electrical System Issues (173 complaints)
Safety Systems Issues (127 complaints)

Same engine used in

+71 more
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Show 1 additional engine variant with limited data
These engines appear in fewer than 10 owner complaints and aren't included in the main ratings above. Low counts can mean a genuinely clean record, but they can also reflect VIN-decode anomalies in NHTSA data. Treat as informational, not as a confident rating.

VQ30

3.0L 6-cyl
Recommended (4.7)
1 complaint 1.0 per year Gasoline
View details

Complaint Breakdown

safety systems
1

Known Issues

Safety Systems Issues (1 complaints)

Vehicle-Level Issues

These issues affect the Nissan Maxima regardless of engine variant.

Steering Issues (349 complaints)
steering critical
Electrical System Issues (206 complaints)
electrical serious
Safety Systems Issues (149 complaints)
safety_systems serious
Transmission Issues (102 complaints)
transmission serious
Engine Issues (85 complaints)
engine critical

Recalls (1)

09V358000Sep 15, 2009serious
Suspension

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.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common 2009-2014 Nissan Maxima problems?

The 2009-2014 Nissan Maxima has accumulated 979 NHTSA complaints. The most frequently reported problem areas are Steering, Electrical System, Safety Systems. As with any used vehicle, an inspection before buying and a vehicle history report are recommended.

Which Nissan Maxima engine is most reliable?

The 2009-2014 Nissan Maxima was offered with 3 engine options. Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 3.5L 6-cyl has the lowest complaint density and is considered the most reliable choice for buyers.

Is the 2009-2014 Nissan Maxima a good used car?

The 2009-2014 Nissan Maxima can be a sound used car depending on trim, mileage, and maintenance history. With 979 total NHTSA complaints on record, prospective buyers should review the known problem areas and check for open recalls before buying.

How many NHTSA complaints does the 2009-2014 Nissan Maxima have?

The 2009-2014 Nissan Maxima has 979 complaints filed with NHTSA as of our latest data pull. Complaint counts reflect owner-reported issues and do not necessarily indicate defects or safety risks on their own.

What recalls affect the 2009-2014 Nissan Maxima?

There is 1 NHTSA recall affecting some 2009-2014 Nissan Maxima vehicles. Recall status varies by VIN — check the NHTSA recall database at recalls.nhtsa.dot.gov with your specific VIN to confirm which campaigns apply.

What should I check before buying a used Nissan Maxima?

Before buying a used Nissan Maxima, verify all open recalls are completed via the NHTSA VIN lookup tool. Pay particular attention to Steering, Electrical System, Safety Systems, which are the most commonly reported problem areas. Request maintenance records, have an independent mechanic inspect the vehicle, and run a vehicle history report to check for prior accidents or 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. 979 complaints analyzed. Data confidence: high. Last updated: 2026-05-23.

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