Owners have filed 137 complaints
about the 2012 Nissan Maxima with NHTSA between 2011 and 2026.
The largest single group is the airbags.
Across this model's run it ranks 16 of 27 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 23
Against the median year of the Nissan Maxima. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 75
14.6% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 52
31% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
Under 1,000 miles
32.9%
1,000 – 9,999 miles
43.8%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
1312.5%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
2120.2%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
2927.9%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
1514.4%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
1413.5%
150,000+ miles
54.8%
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Oct 2011peak 9Jan 2026
Complaints that involved harm
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
at 138,000 milesSalem, ORFire
ENGINE
The contact owned a 2012 Nissan Maxima. The contact stated that after returning from lunch and parking the vehicle at work, almost three hours later he was informed by someone that the vehicle was on fire. The contact walked outside and saw the engine compartment in flames. The contact stated that the engine compartment was completely burned. The fire department was able to extinguish the fire. The fire department filed a fire report. The contact stated that the security cameras showed that no one had tampered with the vehicle before the vehicle caught on fire. The contact stated he was unsure what started the fire, but the hood of the vehicle was completely melted. No one was injured. The contact stated that the vehicle was destroyed. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 138,000.
NHTSA complaint #11490685 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 66,954 milesAlexandria, VACrash
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
CAR WAS PARKED IN DRIVEWAY. MOVED OUT OF GEAR ON ITS OWN ROLLED ACROSS STREET CRASHED INTO CAR IN ANOTHER DRIVEWAY.
NHTSA complaint #11152860 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 66,954 milesAlexandria, VACrash
STRUCTURE:BODY
CAR WAS PARKED IN DRIVEWAY. MOVED OUT OF GEAR ON ITS OWN ROLLED ACROSS STREET CRASHED INTO CAR IN ANOTHER DRIVEWAY.
NHTSA complaint #11152860 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 74,000 milesHarrodsburg, KYCrash1 injured
AIR BAGS
HAD A MINOR REAR END COLLISION. AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. CAR ONLY HAS 74,000 MILES. THE AIR BAG LIGHT WAS ON AFTER CAR WAS REPAIRED. NISSAN DEALER STATED THE MAIN AIR BAG CONTROL UNIT WAS BAD AND THE WEIGHT OCCUPANT SENSOR WAS BAD. THIS ISSUE ALONE OF OVER $2,000 DOLLARS CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO BE A TOTAL LOSS BY INSURANCE. THE MINOR DAMAGE SHOULD NOT HAVE CAUSED THIS ISSUE. THEREFORE NISSAN NEEDS TO RECALL THESE CARS AND FIX THEIR ISSUES WITH THE AIRBAG SUPPLIERS ASAP BEFORE SOMEONE IS SERIOUSLY INJURED.
NHTSA complaint #11111390 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 55,000 milesHouston, TX2 injured
VISIBILITY:SUN/MOON ROOF ASSEMBLY
I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE FREEWAY AND THE MOONROOF LITERALLY EXPLODED. I WAS LOOKING TO SEE HOW IT COULD HAPPEN, BUT I STILL TO THIS DAY CAN'T FIGURE IT OUT.
NHTSA complaint #11064537 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 89,383 milesHinesville, GACrash1 injured
AIR BAGS
AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. I WAS INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT THAT CAUSED SUBSTANTIAL FRONT END DAMAGE. I WAS TRAVELING WESTBOUND IN THE FLOW OF TRAFFIC ON HIGHWAY 84 AT APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH. THE VEHICLE IN FRONT OF ME SLAMMED ON BRAKES AND CAME TO A SUDDEN STOP. I APPLIED MY BRAKES BUT WAS UNABLE TO AVOID IMPACTING THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. UPON IMPACT THE ENTIRE FRONT END OF MY CAR WAS CRUMPLED. BOTH FRONT QUARTER PANELS, FRONT BUMPER, GRILL ASSEMBLY, AND HOOD WERE DESTROYED. THE WINDSHIELD ALSO CRACKED. WITH THE EXTENT OF THE FRONT END DAMAGE, THE AIR BAGS SHOULD HAVE DEPLOYED.
NHTSA complaint #11018674 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2012 Nissan Maxima. It was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy after the purchase. The vehicle was a dealer sale. The contact stated that the mileage on the title was not available. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 150,000. The vehicle was taken for Texas State Inspection and the VIN was entered on the Inspection Station website and the mileage of 246,450 was displayed.
NHTSA complaint #11711387 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Glasgow, KY
POWER TRAIN
2012 Nissan Maxima with 94,000 miles began hesitating upon accelerating and jerking on [XXX]. Vehicle diagnosed at Don Franklin Nissan in Glasgow, KY with bad transmission. Transmission replaced. Then on [XXX], while driving vehicle, a loud noise from front passenger tire, traction light come on, pulled to side and found wheel side ways and upon investigation, Ball Joint had come part damaging axle and wheel. Found no bolt for ball joint in place. Towed back to Don Franklin Nissan in Glasgow, KY. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11670526 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Houston, TX
STRUCTURE:BODY
Since 2018 to present day. I been having difficulties with the visibility from my front windshield at sunny days. The dashboard has this sticky substance that make the dashboard really shinny, and reflect the sun light on the windshield, blocking the view and make it hard to see the road and vehicles. I had to use sunglasses to block this issue, but in some cases this will not improved and can make it worst. I had couple of near miss, and I have to stop driving my car at times to avoid this issue.
NHTSA complaint #11609759 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Kansas City, MO
AIR BAGS
Passenger airbag notifi action blinks and will not show it is activated to function in a crash. Airbag has never worked. Also driver seat belt keeps releasing without being pushed to open. Seat belt issue just began Dec 2023
NHTSA complaint #11562826 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 70,000 milesBartlett, TN
AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION:FRONT PASSENGER
The contact owns a 2012 Nissan Maxima. The contact stated that the passenger’s side air bag failed to turn on while the front passenger's side seat was occupied. The contact stated that the failure recurred intermittently. The dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that it was a known issue, and that the front passenger's side seat needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a case was opened; however, no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000.
NHTSA complaint #11539116 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Duncan, SC
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Green wire burn throughout the entire wiring harness..From alternator to engine fuse box and also to inside fuse box.. Bypassing the blown fuses and/or relays!!
NHTSA complaint #11519613 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 122,000 milesPomona, CA
STEERING
The contact owns a 2012 Nissan Maxima. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the brake pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to stop immediately and started shuddering. The oil warning light, ABS, coolant temperature, and the ESP warning light were illuminated. Additionally, the driver's side window failed to operate as needed. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 122,000.
NHTSA complaint #11509824 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 122,000 milesPomona, CA
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2012 Nissan Maxima. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the brake pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to stop immediately and started shuddering. The oil warning light, ABS, coolant temperature, and the ESP warning light were illuminated. Additionally, the driver's side window failed to operate as needed. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 122,000.
NHTSA complaint #11509824 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 122,000 milesPomona, CA
SERVICE BRAKES
The contact owns a 2012 Nissan Maxima. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the brake pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to stop immediately and started shuddering. The oil warning light, ABS, coolant temperature, and the ESP warning light were illuminated. Additionally, the driver's side window failed to operate as needed. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 122,000.
NHTSA complaint #11509824 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 138,000 milesSalem, ORFire
ENGINE
The contact owned a 2012 Nissan Maxima. The contact stated that after returning from lunch and parking the vehicle at work, almost three hours later he was informed by someone that the vehicle was on fire. The contact walked outside and saw the engine compartment in flames. The contact stated that the engine compartment was completely burned. The fire department was able to extinguish the fire. The fire department filed a fire report. The contact stated that the security cameras showed that no one had tampered with the vehicle before the vehicle caught on fire. The contact stated he was unsure what started the fire, but the hood of the vehicle was completely melted. No one was injured. The contact stated that the vehicle was destroyed. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 138,000.
NHTSA complaint #11490685 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Olathe, KS
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
On June 9, 2022 @8:50am I was driving my Nissan Maxima to work and as I was at the stop light waiting to go through the intersection, the car shut off completely cutting off all power. I have push button and no electric was working. My jumper cables were in the trunk but I could not access them because the trunk would not operate without power. Without power my hazards did not even work so I could not let traffic flow know that I was in distress. My car almost was hit 3 separate times because of a faulty part or system built by Nissan needs to get their stuff together and quit putting people in danger. I’m scared to drive it now because it could shut off as I am in the act of driving and that could be catastrophic not only for me but for other innocent people. I will be contacting Nissan and they will be fixing this properly! The car was finally jump started and I was able to drive the rest of the way to work. Let’s see if it starts when I have to leave work? So not cool.
NHTSA complaint #11468421 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Olathe, KS
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
On June 9, 2022 @8:50am I was driving my Nissan Maxima to work and as I was at the stop light waiting to go through the intersection, the car shut off completely cutting off all power. I have push button and no electric was working. My jumper cables were in the trunk but I could not access them because the trunk would not operate without power. Without power my hazards did not even work so I could not let traffic flow know that I was in distress. My car almost was hit 3 separate times because of a faulty part or system built by Nissan needs to get their stuff together and quit putting people in danger. I’m scared to drive it now because it could shut off as I am in the act of driving and that could be catastrophic not only for me but for other innocent people. I will be contacting Nissan and they will be fixing this properly! The car was finally jump started and I was able to drive the rest of the way to work. Let’s see if it starts when I have to leave work? So not cool.
NHTSA complaint #11468421 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Olathe, KS
ENGINE
On June 9, 2022 @8:50am I was driving my Nissan Maxima to work and as I was at the stop light waiting to go through the intersection, the car shut off completely cutting off all power. I have push button and no electric was working. My jumper cables were in the trunk but I could not access them because the trunk would not operate without power. Without power my hazards did not even work so I could not let traffic flow know that I was in distress. My car almost was hit 3 separate times because of a faulty part or system built by Nissan needs to get their stuff together and quit putting people in danger. I’m scared to drive it now because it could shut off as I am in the act of driving and that could be catastrophic not only for me but for other innocent people. I will be contacting Nissan and they will be fixing this properly! The car was finally jump started and I was able to drive the rest of the way to work. Let’s see if it starts when I have to leave work? So not cool.
NHTSA complaint #11468421 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Herriman, UT
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Pressing door lock/unlock button on the door handles fails to lock/unlock all doors consistently. Rear door locks respond intermittently or not at all. Driver door often takes four button pushes to get it to unlock. Although it hasn't happened to me, I've heard other drivers mention difficulty getting into the gas cap (it locks when driver's door is locked). This issue has occurred in the last 6 months.
NHTSA complaint #11459459 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Herriman, UT
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Pressing door lock/unlock button on the door handles fails to lock/unlock all doors consistently. Rear door locks respond intermittently or not at all. Driver door often takes four button pushes to get it to unlock. Although it hasn't happened to me, I've heard other drivers mention difficulty getting into the gas cap (it locks when driver's door is locked). This issue has occurred in the last 6 months.
NHTSA complaint #11459459 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Gulf Shores, AL
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Dashboard melting/sticky, glare.
NHTSA complaint #11457815 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Orange Park, FL
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
We are having issues with "melting" or "sticky dashboard of my 2014 Nissan Maxima. Difficult to see when is sunny outside.
NHTSA complaint #11455832 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Cache, OK
POWER TRAIN
This CVT control variable transmission in these cars go out so fast. The CVT transmission went out at around 115,000. We replace it because we pressed the gas and no acceleration when stop light turned green. Then missed the light then it accelerated late and almost got hit by on coming car. We just replaced this CVT transmission in July 30, 2020 at around about price of $5000. The only place that it can be replaced is through the Nissan dealership. They only guarantee their work for 1 years time. It is starting to malfunction in just over 14 months time. This is only after a little over a year worth of driving. This is ridiculous the amount of money people pay for them on to get $5000 worth of quality equipment. This is a safety hazard driving through Dallas traffic and no shoulder to pull over on because of construction. I have seen on the internet so many complaints about these CVT transmissions. This is the second time transmission problems already replace CVT at 115, 000 miles. Now needs another replacement at 139, 000?
NHTSA complaint #11437364 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Cache, OK
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
This CVT control variable transmission in these cars go out so fast. The CVT transmission went out at around 115,000. We replace it because we pressed the gas and no acceleration when stop light turned green. Then missed the light then it accelerated late and almost got hit by on coming car. We just replaced this CVT transmission in July 30, 2020 at around about price of $5000. The only place that it can be replaced is through the Nissan dealership. They only guarantee their work for 1 years time. It is starting to malfunction in just over 14 months time. This is only after a little over a year worth of driving. This is ridiculous the amount of money people pay for them on to get $5000 worth of quality equipment. This is a safety hazard driving through Dallas traffic and no shoulder to pull over on because of construction. I have seen on the internet so many complaints about these CVT transmissions. This is the second time transmission problems already replace CVT at 115, 000 miles. Now needs another replacement at 139, 000?
NHTSA complaint #11437364 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Waldorf, MD
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Transmission problems.
NHTSA complaint #11437039 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Waldorf, MD
ENGINE
Transmission problems.
NHTSA complaint #11437039 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 87,200 milesMoreno Valley, CA
POWER TRAIN
The contact owns a 2012 Nissan Maxima. The contact stated while the vehicle was stationary at a traffic light while depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle started to hesitate. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed with needing the transmission to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired but was awaiting the repairs. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 87,200.
NHTSA complaint #11423254 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 112,000 milesMasury, OH
POWER TRAIN
UPON COMING TO A STOP THE CAR DOES NOT WANT TO ACCELERATE, IT JERKS SOMETIMES, IF YOU GO CHECK ON ANY NISSAN FORUM OR YOUTUBE COMMENTS YOU WILL SEE THIS IS A MAJOR PROBLEM WITH THESE VEHICLES AND CAN CAUSE SERIOUS HARM IN TRAFFIC OR CROSSING INTERSECTIONS, I AM VERY SURPRISED THERE HASNT BEEN A RECALL YET. ITS THE CVT TRANSMISSION! THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE HAVE THIS PROBLEM AND THE EXTENDED WARRANTY CUTS OFF IN 2011 SO 2012 OR NEWER WE ARE S.O.L. IT HAPPENS EVERYTIME I STOP.
NHTSA complaint #11407114 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 75,500 milesHaskell, OK
VISIBILITY:SUN/MOON ROOF ASSEMBLY
WE OWN A 2012 NISSAN MAXIMA (VIN [XXX]). WHILE DRIVING ON THE 215 FREEWAY NEAR HENDERSON, NV OUR MIDDLE PORTION OF OUR PANORAMIC SUNROOF EXPLODED/SHATTERED FOR NO REASON. HAVE BEEN TRYING TO GET IT REPAIRED BUT NO PARTS AVAILABILITY IN VEGAS, THE REPLACEMENT PART ARRIVED CRACKED IN PHOENIX AND WE ARE NOW ON OUR WAY HOME TO OKLAHOMA. THE AREA WAS TAPED DOWN IN VEGAS AND WE HAVE BEEN IN CONTACT WITH NISSAN CONSUMER AFFAIRS TO SEE IF THIS WILL BE COVERED BY THEM DUE TO CLASS ACTION SUIT LISTED ON INTERNET. THEY SUGGESTED WE TAKE TO OUR LOCAL DEALERSHIP IN OKLAHOMA. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
NHTSA complaint #11404273 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 75,500 milesHaskell, OK
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
WE OWN A 2012 NISSAN MAXIMA (VIN [XXX]). WHILE DRIVING ON THE 215 FREEWAY NEAR HENDERSON, NV OUR MIDDLE PORTION OF OUR PANORAMIC SUNROOF EXPLODED/SHATTERED FOR NO REASON. HAVE BEEN TRYING TO GET IT REPAIRED BUT NO PARTS AVAILABILITY IN VEGAS, THE REPLACEMENT PART ARRIVED CRACKED IN PHOENIX AND WE ARE NOW ON OUR WAY HOME TO OKLAHOMA. THE AREA WAS TAPED DOWN IN VEGAS AND WE HAVE BEEN IN CONTACT WITH NISSAN CONSUMER AFFAIRS TO SEE IF THIS WILL BE COVERED BY THEM DUE TO CLASS ACTION SUIT LISTED ON INTERNET. THEY SUGGESTED WE TAKE TO OUR LOCAL DEALERSHIP IN OKLAHOMA. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
NHTSA complaint #11404273 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.