CarBrief

NHTSA has 96 owner complaints on file for the 1996 Nissan Maxima[1]. Engine and air bag reports lead the list[2][3].

96owner complaints[1]
21MPG combined (EPA)[4]

Most reported problems

Here are the complaint groups owners filed, biggest first.

Recalls

NHTSA's records show 0 recalls for the 1996 Maxima[11].

Fuel economy

EPA ratings depend on the engine and drive. Annual fuel cost uses EPA's current fuel price assumptions, not prices when the car was new.

Version City / highway / combined MPG Annual fuel cost
Maxima, 3.0L 6-cyl, Automatic 4-spd, Premium, Front-Wheel Drive[4] 18 / 26 / 21 $3,900
Maxima, 3.0L 6-cyl, Manual 5-spd, Premium, Front-Wheel Drive[12] 19 / 25 / 21 $3,900

Safety ratings

NHTSA lists these versions as not rated: 4 DR None[13].

How 1996 compares with other years

1995: 152 complaints, 0 recalls19951996: 96 complaints, 0 recalls9619961997: 102 complaints, 1 recalls1998: 113 complaints, 1 recalls19981999: 165 complaints, 0 recalls2000: 360 complaints, 0 recalls2001: 172 complaints, 3 recalls20012002: 205 complaints, 6 recalls2003: 206 complaints, 3 recalls2004: 1,426 complaints, 2 recalls20042005: 948 complaints, 2 recalls2006: 576 complaints, 2 recalls2007: 129 complaints, 1 recalls20072008: 79 complaints, 0 recalls2009: 339 complaints, 1 recalls2010: 275 complaints, 1 recalls20102011: 106 complaints, 0 recalls2012: 107 complaints, 0 recalls2013: 62 complaints, 0 recalls20132014: 96 complaints, 0 recalls2016: 142 complaints, 8 recalls2017: 106 complaints, 4 recalls20172018: 36 complaints, 2 recalls2019: 18 complaints, 1 recalls2020: 22 complaints, 1 recalls20202021: 3 complaints, 0 recalls2022: 5 complaints, 0 recalls2023: 1 complaints, 0 recalls2023
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA for each Maxima model year. The 1996 is highlighted[11].
Show the numbers
Model yearComplaintsRecalls
19951520
1996960
19971021
19981131
19991650
20003600
20011723
20022056
20032063
20041,4262
20059482
20065762
20071291
2008790
20093391
20102751
20111060
20121070
2013620
2014960
20161428
20171064
2018362
2019181
2020221
202130
202250
202310

NHTSA's counts for the Maxima show 96 complaints and 0 recalls for 1996[11]. Among the 28 model years listed, 8 have fewer complaints than 1996 and 18 have more[11]. The fewest complaints are for 2023 (1) and the most are for 2004 (1,426)[11]. These counts are not adjusted for sales, so treat them as a rough guide. The chart above shows every year.

Should you buy a used 1996 Maxima?

These are unverified owner reports, so they show patterns and not proof[1]. Engine and air bag groups have the most complaints[2][3]. The air bag group also carries most of the crash and injury mentions[3]. Check the engine and shifter closely on any car you look at, and have the air bags inspected. Complaint counts are not adjusted for sales.

Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 1996 Nissan Maxima?
Owners filed 18 engine complaints and 16 air bag complaints, the two biggest groups[2][3].
Does the 1996 Nissan Maxima have recalls?
See the Recalls section on this page for the list. The by-year count is 0[11].
Is the 1996 Nissan Maxima reliable?
NHTSA has 96 owner complaints for this year[1]. Engine reports lead, with a median mileage at failure of 115,000[2].
What is the gas mileage of the 1996 Nissan Maxima?
See the Fuel economy section on this page.
Which year of the Nissan Maxima is best?
See the by-year comparison on this page.

Keep exploring

Other model years of the Nissan Maxima

Compare all model years of the Nissan Maxima

All Nissan models

Similar cars from 1996: midsize cars

All midsize cars we cover

Facts and sources

  1. NHTSA has 96 owner complaints on file for the 1996 Nissan Maxima (13 mention a crash, 3 a fire, 8 injuries, 0 deaths reported). NHTSA vehicle records
  2. 18 complaints name the engine component group (0 crashes, 1 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 115,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  3. 16 complaints name the air bags component group (10 crashes, 0 fires, 7 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
  4. EPA rating for Maxima, 3.0L 6-cyl, Automatic 4-spd, Premium, Front-Wheel Drive: 18 city / 26 highway / 21 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,900. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  5. 12 complaints name the power train component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
  6. 8 complaints name the suspension component group (1 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
  7. 8 complaints name the electrical system component group (0 crashes, 3 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
  8. 7 complaints name the steering component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
  9. 7 complaints name the tires component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
  10. 6 complaints name the unknown or other component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
  11. Owner complaints and recalls for every Nissan Maxima model year (chart above). NHTSA recall database
  12. EPA rating for Maxima, 3.0L 6-cyl, Manual 5-spd, Premium, Front-Wheel Drive: 19 city / 25 highway / 21 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,900. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  13. NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, 4 DR None: not rated. NHTSA vehicle records

Complaints submitted to NHTSA by owners; unverified reports, one complaint can name several components. Complaint counts are not normalized by sales; compare years of the same model, not different models. EPA annual fuel cost uses EPA's current fuel price assumptions, not the price when the car was new. Horsepower is the rating listed for EPA test vehicles. Dimensions are Canadian-market specifications and can differ slightly from US models.