CarBrief

NHTSA has 36 owner complaints on file for the 2018 Nissan Maxima[1]. It also has two recalls[2], including one for an ABS part that can leak brake fluid and raise the risk of fire[3].

36owner complaints[1]
2recalls[2]
25MPG combined (EPA)[4]
5★NHTSA overall rating[5]

Most reported problems

NHTSA lists 36 owner complaints for this model year[1]. One mentions a crash, one a fire and one an injury. None reports a death[1]. These are unverified owner reports, and one complaint can name more than one part of the car.

The biggest groups are small:

Front radar and automatic braking. In the sample of complaints we read, owners describe a dashboard message saying the front radar is unavailable because of an obstruction. They also describe automatic emergency braking that sometimes fails, or that applies the brakes with nothing in front of the car. Some say cruise control or collision warning stopped working when the message appeared. Some say dealer visits did not fix it, and one says the dealer quoted a repair cost. These themes show up under brakes, forward collision avoidance and the electrical system[6][8][9].

Brake recall worries. Several of the brake complaints we read refer to the ABS recall described below. Owners describe concern about waiting for parts, and two describe a fire and a crash they link to it. We cannot confirm those links. They are owner statements[6][3].

Other reports. Among the electrical complaints we read, one describes an instrument panel that was dim or went blank. In the structure group, one owner describes the sunroof glass breaking while driving[9][11].

Recalls

NHTSA lists two recalls for this model year. Newest first:

Fuel economy

The EPA rates the 3.5L 6-cylinder front-wheel drive Maxima with Automatic (AV-S7) at 21 mpg city, 30 highway and 25 combined[4]. It uses premium fuel. The EPA estimates annual fuel cost at $3,300[4], based on its current fuel price assumptions rather than prices when the car was new[4].

Safety ratings

NHTSA gives the 4-door front-wheel drive Maxima 5 stars overall[5]. Frontal crash is 4 stars, side is 5 stars and rollover is 5 stars[5]. The rollover risk is listed as 9.5%[5].

Engine and size

The EPA lists the 2018 Maxima with a 3.5L 6-cylinder engine rated at 300 hp[15]. Dimensions below are Canadian-market specifications and can differ slightly from US cars[16].

Measure Value
Length[16] 193 in
Width[16] 73 in
Height[16] 57 in
Wheelbase[16] 109 in
Curb weight[16] 3,587 lb

How 2018 compares with other years

1995: 152 complaints, 0 recalls19951996: 96 complaints, 0 recalls1997: 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 recalls3620182019: 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 2018 is highlighted[2].
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

With 36 complaints[2], 2018 sits below every earlier Maxima model year listed in the NHTSA data. The lowest earlier year is 2013 with 62[2]. The next years are lower still, with 18 complaints for 2019, 22 for 2020, 3 for 2021, 5 for 2022 and 1 for 2023[2].

On recalls, 2018 has 2[2]. The 2016 model year has 8 and 2017 has 4[2]. Complaint counts are not adjusted for sales, so treat these as rough comparisons only.

Should you buy a used 2018 Maxima?

The complaint count is lower than for every earlier Maxima model year listed in the data[1][2]. The main thing to check is the ABS actuator recall, so ask for proof that the recall work was done, because the notice described a fire risk and parts that were not available at first[3]. Also ask about the back-up camera update[14]. If you test drive one, watch for the front radar warning message that owners describe, since in the sample we read it affected cruise control and braking features[8][9]. Ratings are strong, with 5 stars overall[5].

Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 2018 Nissan Maxima?
NHTSA lists 36 complaints[1]. Brakes and unknown or other have 8 each, forward collision avoidance 6 and electrical 5[1][7][6][8][9]. In the sample we read, owners describe a front radar warning and automatic braking issues.
Does the 2018 Nissan Maxima have recalls?
Yes, two. One is for the back-up camera settings (19V654)[14]. The other is for an ABS actuator that can leak brake fluid and raise fire risk (19V807)[3].
What is the gas mileage of the 2018 Nissan Maxima?
The EPA rates it at 21 city, 30 highway and 25 combined mpg, on premium fuel[4].
How safe is the 2018 Nissan Maxima?
NHTSA gives it 5 stars overall, with 4 stars for frontal crash and 5 for side and rollover[5].
Is the 2018 Maxima better than other years?
It has fewer complaints than every earlier year listed, and fewer recalls than 2016 and 2017[2]. Counts are not adjusted for sales.

Facts and sources

  1. NHTSA has 36 owner complaints on file for the 2018 Nissan Maxima (1 mention a crash, 1 a fire, 1 injuries, 0 deaths reported). NHTSA vehicle records
  2. Owner complaints and recalls for every Nissan Maxima model year (chart above). NHTSA recall database
  3. Recall 19V807, filed November 8, 2019: Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock / Traction Control / Electronic Limited Slip. NHTSA recall database
  4. EPA rating for Maxima, 3.5L 6-cyl, Automatic (AV-S7), Premium, Front-Wheel Drive: 21 city / 30 highway / 25 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,300. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  5. NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, 4 DR FWD: overall 5 stars, frontal 4 stars, side 5 stars, rollover 5 stars; rollover risk 9.5%. NHTSA vehicle records
  6. 8 complaints name the brakes component group (0 crashes, 1 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 34,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  7. 8 complaints name the unknown or other component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
  8. 6 complaints name the forward collision avoidance component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
  9. 5 complaints name the electrical system component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
  10. 2 complaints name the speed control component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
  11. 2 complaints name the structure component group (1 crashes, 0 fires, 1 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
  12. 2 complaints name the electronic stability control (esc) component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
  13. 2 complaints name the visibility/wiper component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
  14. Recall 19V654, filed September 12, 2019: Back Over Prevention › Sensing System › Camera. NHTSA recall database
  15. EPA Test Car List, 2018 Nissan Maxima with 3.5L 6-cylinder: rated 300 hp. www.epa.gov
  16. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, MAXIMA 4DR SEDAN: length 193 in, width 73 in, height 57 in, wheelbase 109 in, curb weight 3,587 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov

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.