Owners have filed 126 complaints
about the 2014 Nissan Maxima with NHTSA between 2014 and 2026.
The largest single group is the airbags.
Across this model's run it ranks 9 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 — 21
Against the median year of the Nissan Maxima. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 100
23.8% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 60
35% 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
89.1%
1,000 – 9,999 miles
910.2%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
44.5%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
2022.7%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
1517.0%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
1820.5%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
1112.5%
150,000+ miles
33.4%
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.
Jan 2014peak 5Jan 2026
Complaints that involved harm
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
Warrington, PACrash1 injured
POWER TRAIN
While pulling into a parking space, I heard my engine racing. Immediately, I felt the car lurch forward. To avoid misapplying my foot to the gas pedal, I withdrew both my feet to the floor, next to the seat. The car continued forward at a fast rate. The car stopped going forward after it struck s building. However, the tires kept spinning, especially the front left tire. The engine ran briefly, until it stopped spontaneously. A few days previously, while driving at about 40 miles per hour on level ground, I felt the gas pedal to be unresponsive. Then it quickly reengaged. I mentioned this to my husband and he suggested that there may have been an air bubble in the fuel line. I don't know if the two events are related. Also, possibly related, I stopped using cruise control, because the car would surge and lapse during use. My insurance company is pursuing spontaneous acceleration. I visited my primary care physician the afternoon of the accident and was diagnosed with whiplash.
NHTSA complaint #11620050 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Warrington, PACrash1 injured
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
While pulling into a parking space, I heard my engine racing. Immediately, I felt the car lurch forward. To avoid misapplying my foot to the gas pedal, I withdrew both my feet to the floor, next to the seat. The car continued forward at a fast rate. The car stopped going forward after it struck s building. However, the tires kept spinning, especially the front left tire. The engine ran briefly, until it stopped spontaneously. A few days previously, while driving at about 40 miles per hour on level ground, I felt the gas pedal to be unresponsive. Then it quickly reengaged. I mentioned this to my husband and he suggested that there may have been an air bubble in the fuel line. I don't know if the two events are related. Also, possibly related, I stopped using cruise control, because the car would surge and lapse during use. My insurance company is pursuing spontaneous acceleration. I visited my primary care physician the afternoon of the accident and was diagnosed with whiplash.
NHTSA complaint #11620050 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Warrington, PACrash1 injured
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
While pulling into a parking space, I heard my engine racing. Immediately, I felt the car lurch forward. To avoid misapplying my foot to the gas pedal, I withdrew both my feet to the floor, next to the seat. The car continued forward at a fast rate. The car stopped going forward after it struck s building. However, the tires kept spinning, especially the front left tire. The engine ran briefly, until it stopped spontaneously. A few days previously, while driving at about 40 miles per hour on level ground, I felt the gas pedal to be unresponsive. Then it quickly reengaged. I mentioned this to my husband and he suggested that there may have been an air bubble in the fuel line. I don't know if the two events are related. Also, possibly related, I stopped using cruise control, because the car would surge and lapse during use. My insurance company is pursuing spontaneous acceleration. I visited my primary care physician the afternoon of the accident and was diagnosed with whiplash.
NHTSA complaint #11620050 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lake Havasu City, AZCrash1 injured
STEERING
Failure of multiple systems upon impact with a pothole causing the vehicle to light up brake warning light, traction control system warning light, and spin out with no steering capability, resulting in a total loss of the car, including the rear passenger tire and wheel to sheer off, snapped the tie rod, ripped off the rear bumper, and bent the vehicle rims. I suffered a closed head injury and whiplash, as well as soft tissue damage to right shoulder and knee. Airbags did deploy.
NHTSA complaint #11565918 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lake Havasu City, AZCrash1 injured
SUSPENSION
Failure of multiple systems upon impact with a pothole causing the vehicle to light up brake warning light, traction control system warning light, and spin out with no steering capability, resulting in a total loss of the car, including the rear passenger tire and wheel to sheer off, snapped the tie rod, ripped off the rear bumper, and bent the vehicle rims. I suffered a closed head injury and whiplash, as well as soft tissue damage to right shoulder and knee. Airbags did deploy.
NHTSA complaint #11565918 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lake Havasu City, AZCrash1 injured
SERVICE BRAKES
Failure of multiple systems upon impact with a pothole causing the vehicle to light up brake warning light, traction control system warning light, and spin out with no steering capability, resulting in a total loss of the car, including the rear passenger tire and wheel to sheer off, snapped the tie rod, ripped off the rear bumper, and bent the vehicle rims. I suffered a closed head injury and whiplash, as well as soft tissue damage to right shoulder and knee. Airbags did deploy.
NHTSA complaint #11565918 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
North Tonawanda, NY
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I have a 2014 Nissan Maxima. The passenger side door abruptly stopped working and will not open from the inside or outside. Upon speaking with a mechanic, I learned that this is a very common issue with a Nissan and also that there is a class action lawsuit against Nissan because its believed to be a defect they knew about. Quote i received for repair would be over $400
NHTSA complaint #11709463 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 46,000 milesMullica Hill, NJ
AIR BAGS
The contact owns a 2014 Nissan Maxima. The contact stated that the passenger’s side air bag warning light was illuminated. The air bag located in the seat failed to activate as designed. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who determined that the passenger’s side seat sensor was inoperable. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed, and it was determined that the occupant sensor was inoperable. The dealer confirmed that the part was no longer in production. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and referred to the dealer for a diagnostic test. The failure mileage was approximately 46,000.
NHTSA complaint #11691783 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lawrenceville, GA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Date(s) of Incident: Multiple incidents from [June 3, 2025] to [July 1, 2025] Summary of Complaint I am filing this complaint against Best Price Transmissions for negligence, non-compliance with automotive repair safety codes, and unprofessional conduct that has resulted in substantial financial loss, vehicle damage, and emotional distress. I have patronized this shop for years, trusting their work, but my vehicles have repeatedly left their care with more problems than they arrived with. The most recent incident involved an air conditioning repair that led to a coolant leak, the recommendation of unnecessary part replacements, and ultimately damage to my vehicle’s performance. Details of Incident 1. Unqualified Workers & Code Non-Compliance Mechanics admitted to not being certified automotive technicians. One employee intentionally released refrigerant from my AC system, claiming there was “too much pressure.” Repairs involving refrigerants must legally be performed by certified personnel; this was not followed. Several workers could not speak English, making communication difficult and contributing to repair errors. 2. Damage to Vehicle My AC and defrost no longer function. Vehicle now runs irregularly, despite having no such issues before their service. Owner previously promised to replace damaged parts caused by their negligence but has not contacted me or honored that agreement. 3. Evidence Collected I recorded both video and audio of conversations, mechanical work, and admissions from employees about their lack of certification. Receipts and photos are available to verify the timeline and repairs. 4. Financial & Emotional Impact I have spent over $2,000 on this matter. I am on a fixed monthly income, making these repeated expenses a severe financial burden. I feel bullied and taken advantage of by the staff, especially since I am disabled and rely on my vehicle for mobility. 5. Attempts at Resolution
NHTSA complaint #11680401 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lawrenceville, GA
ENGINE
Date(s) of Incident: Multiple incidents from [June 3, 2025] to [July 1, 2025] Summary of Complaint I am filing this complaint against Best Price Transmissions for negligence, non-compliance with automotive repair safety codes, and unprofessional conduct that has resulted in substantial financial loss, vehicle damage, and emotional distress. I have patronized this shop for years, trusting their work, but my vehicles have repeatedly left their care with more problems than they arrived with. The most recent incident involved an air conditioning repair that led to a coolant leak, the recommendation of unnecessary part replacements, and ultimately damage to my vehicle’s performance. Details of Incident 1. Unqualified Workers & Code Non-Compliance Mechanics admitted to not being certified automotive technicians. One employee intentionally released refrigerant from my AC system, claiming there was “too much pressure.” Repairs involving refrigerants must legally be performed by certified personnel; this was not followed. Several workers could not speak English, making communication difficult and contributing to repair errors. 2. Damage to Vehicle My AC and defrost no longer function. Vehicle now runs irregularly, despite having no such issues before their service. Owner previously promised to replace damaged parts caused by their negligence but has not contacted me or honored that agreement. 3. Evidence Collected I recorded both video and audio of conversations, mechanical work, and admissions from employees about their lack of certification. Receipts and photos are available to verify the timeline and repairs. 4. Financial & Emotional Impact I have spent over $2,000 on this matter. I am on a fixed monthly income, making these repeated expenses a severe financial burden. I feel bullied and taken advantage of by the staff, especially since I am disabled and rely on my vehicle for mobility. 5. Attempts at Resolution
NHTSA complaint #11680401 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 107,270 milesHarrington, DE
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
The contact owns a 2014 Nissan Maxima. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the headlights became inoperable. The contact stated that the headlights failed to function properly, and the lights were dim. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the headlight assembly had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 107,270.
NHTSA complaint #11661846 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Warrington, PACrash1 injured
POWER TRAIN
While pulling into a parking space, I heard my engine racing. Immediately, I felt the car lurch forward. To avoid misapplying my foot to the gas pedal, I withdrew both my feet to the floor, next to the seat. The car continued forward at a fast rate. The car stopped going forward after it struck s building. However, the tires kept spinning, especially the front left tire. The engine ran briefly, until it stopped spontaneously. A few days previously, while driving at about 40 miles per hour on level ground, I felt the gas pedal to be unresponsive. Then it quickly reengaged. I mentioned this to my husband and he suggested that there may have been an air bubble in the fuel line. I don't know if the two events are related. Also, possibly related, I stopped using cruise control, because the car would surge and lapse during use. My insurance company is pursuing spontaneous acceleration. I visited my primary care physician the afternoon of the accident and was diagnosed with whiplash.
NHTSA complaint #11620050 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Warrington, PACrash1 injured
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
While pulling into a parking space, I heard my engine racing. Immediately, I felt the car lurch forward. To avoid misapplying my foot to the gas pedal, I withdrew both my feet to the floor, next to the seat. The car continued forward at a fast rate. The car stopped going forward after it struck s building. However, the tires kept spinning, especially the front left tire. The engine ran briefly, until it stopped spontaneously. A few days previously, while driving at about 40 miles per hour on level ground, I felt the gas pedal to be unresponsive. Then it quickly reengaged. I mentioned this to my husband and he suggested that there may have been an air bubble in the fuel line. I don't know if the two events are related. Also, possibly related, I stopped using cruise control, because the car would surge and lapse during use. My insurance company is pursuing spontaneous acceleration. I visited my primary care physician the afternoon of the accident and was diagnosed with whiplash.
NHTSA complaint #11620050 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Warrington, PACrash1 injured
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
While pulling into a parking space, I heard my engine racing. Immediately, I felt the car lurch forward. To avoid misapplying my foot to the gas pedal, I withdrew both my feet to the floor, next to the seat. The car continued forward at a fast rate. The car stopped going forward after it struck s building. However, the tires kept spinning, especially the front left tire. The engine ran briefly, until it stopped spontaneously. A few days previously, while driving at about 40 miles per hour on level ground, I felt the gas pedal to be unresponsive. Then it quickly reengaged. I mentioned this to my husband and he suggested that there may have been an air bubble in the fuel line. I don't know if the two events are related. Also, possibly related, I stopped using cruise control, because the car would surge and lapse during use. My insurance company is pursuing spontaneous acceleration. I visited my primary care physician the afternoon of the accident and was diagnosed with whiplash.
NHTSA complaint #11620050 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Glade Valley, NC
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
The dim lights on the vehicle are very dim, the fog lights are brighter than the dim lights. I’ve replaced the bulbs and headlights and neither fixed the issue. You can barely see in front of the car with the dim lights. It’s very unsafe to drive at night.
NHTSA complaint #11594656 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Birmingham, AL
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Low beam headlights are extremely/dangerously low even if the lights are brand new. In my opinion it's extremely dangerous to drive with only my high beams on but thats the only way I can see at night theres no confidence in relying on my low beams.
NHTSA complaint #11580655 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 50,400 milesHope Mills, NC
POWER TRAIN
The contact owns a 2014 Nissan Maxima. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle hesitated and displayed symptoms relating to transmission failure. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the CVT. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but did not assist. The failure mileage was 50,400.
NHTSA complaint #11580518 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Saint Cloud, FL
SEATS
Code B1018 failing Occupant sensor in the passenger seat
NHTSA complaint #11578987 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Saint Cloud, FL
AIR BAGS
Code B1018 failing Occupant sensor in the passenger seat
NHTSA complaint #11578987 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lake Havasu City, AZCrash1 injured
STEERING
Failure of multiple systems upon impact with a pothole causing the vehicle to light up brake warning light, traction control system warning light, and spin out with no steering capability, resulting in a total loss of the car, including the rear passenger tire and wheel to sheer off, snapped the tie rod, ripped off the rear bumper, and bent the vehicle rims. I suffered a closed head injury and whiplash, as well as soft tissue damage to right shoulder and knee. Airbags did deploy.
NHTSA complaint #11565918 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lake Havasu City, AZCrash1 injured
SUSPENSION
Failure of multiple systems upon impact with a pothole causing the vehicle to light up brake warning light, traction control system warning light, and spin out with no steering capability, resulting in a total loss of the car, including the rear passenger tire and wheel to sheer off, snapped the tie rod, ripped off the rear bumper, and bent the vehicle rims. I suffered a closed head injury and whiplash, as well as soft tissue damage to right shoulder and knee. Airbags did deploy.
NHTSA complaint #11565918 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lake Havasu City, AZCrash1 injured
SERVICE BRAKES
Failure of multiple systems upon impact with a pothole causing the vehicle to light up brake warning light, traction control system warning light, and spin out with no steering capability, resulting in a total loss of the car, including the rear passenger tire and wheel to sheer off, snapped the tie rod, ripped off the rear bumper, and bent the vehicle rims. I suffered a closed head injury and whiplash, as well as soft tissue damage to right shoulder and knee. Airbags did deploy.
NHTSA complaint #11565918 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Baltimore, MD
AIR BAGS
11/2022 dash air bag warning light started flashing in 2014 Nissan Maxima. Dealership said air bag sensor (part #873009DH5B)was bad and seat needed to be replaced est cost~$1600. In January, I called dealership to schedule seat replacement and was told part was on back order with no timeline for availability. Called Nissan Consumer Affairs, as recommended by dealership, and was given 3 locations where a seat was in stock. Called first site, seat was no longer available, called second site and purchased seat (~$1670)which was shipped here and installed by dealership for ~$300 on 22 February 2023. Air bag warning did not resolve with new seat, so spent ~$400 to install sensor (next step in the algorithm), still did not resolve warning. So, dealership tested a seat from one of their personal vehicles which did resolve the air bag warning. They determined the new seat that I had purchased was not functional. Since February, dealership has kept the 'new' seat and has been attempting to get it replaced under warranty as it is a new part that malfunctioned. I have had two case numbers with Nissan consumer affairs, made many calls, sent multiple emails detailing this with no response since January when they gave me the 3 in-stock locations. When I call to check on case #, reps say someone tried to call but couldn't leave message. They were able to reach me in January and I have no record of any calls nor issues receiving other calls/voicemail. I will not risk the safety of my family with a potential air bag malfunction in an accident, so have been unable to have a passenger in the front seat for over 6 months. Dealership is communicative and helpful and keeps trying to get the part but they continue to be told that it's not known when the part will be available. I understand supply chain issues and have been patient, but this is a severe safety concern. It's not reasonable for a consumer to be left with an inherently unsafe airbag activation system for over 6 months.
NHTSA complaint #11539130 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Conway, AR
POWER TRAIN
Over the last couple months I've noticed my vehicle delay acceleration after coming to a stop. I've also noticed jerking while driving at a constant speed. First I thought it was bad gas but the problem has persisted for several fill ups now. I thought maybe the transmission fluid needed to be replaced so I paid a couple hundred bucks to have it serviced. The problem continued. I took it to a local car shop to get it scanned. There were no codes present at the time. A few weeks later and after nearly being struck by three different vehicles in one day, I decided to try a different car repair shop. At the tune of another $91.00 for the diagnosis, this time it threw 5 codes all for transmission. The mechanic proceeded to tell me about all of the problems people have been having with Nissan's and their CVT Transmissions. It's $5k to fix the issue and I'm outside of the extended warranty timeframe. I read about the recent lawsuits against Nissan for this issue. Would be nice if they extended that warranty a little further.
NHTSA complaint #11527303 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Conway, AR
ENGINE
Over the last couple months I've noticed my vehicle delay acceleration after coming to a stop. I've also noticed jerking while driving at a constant speed. First I thought it was bad gas but the problem has persisted for several fill ups now. I thought maybe the transmission fluid needed to be replaced so I paid a couple hundred bucks to have it serviced. The problem continued. I took it to a local car shop to get it scanned. There were no codes present at the time. A few weeks later and after nearly being struck by three different vehicles in one day, I decided to try a different car repair shop. At the tune of another $91.00 for the diagnosis, this time it threw 5 codes all for transmission. The mechanic proceeded to tell me about all of the problems people have been having with Nissan's and their CVT Transmissions. It's $5k to fix the issue and I'm outside of the extended warranty timeframe. I read about the recent lawsuits against Nissan for this issue. Would be nice if they extended that warranty a little further.
NHTSA complaint #11527303 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Conway, AR
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Over the last couple months I've noticed my vehicle delay acceleration after coming to a stop. I've also noticed jerking while driving at a constant speed. First I thought it was bad gas but the problem has persisted for several fill ups now. I thought maybe the transmission fluid needed to be replaced so I paid a couple hundred bucks to have it serviced. The problem continued. I took it to a local car shop to get it scanned. There were no codes present at the time. A few weeks later and after nearly being struck by three different vehicles in one day, I decided to try a different car repair shop. At the tune of another $91.00 for the diagnosis, this time it threw 5 codes all for transmission. The mechanic proceeded to tell me about all of the problems people have been having with Nissan's and their CVT Transmissions. It's $5k to fix the issue and I'm outside of the extended warranty timeframe. I read about the recent lawsuits against Nissan for this issue. Would be nice if they extended that warranty a little further.
NHTSA complaint #11527303 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Metairie, LA
AIR BAGS
Passenger air bag light warning came on. Diagnostics confirmed the passenger front seat cushion Assy with OCS unit required replacement. The cost is $2108.10 and the part is on back order. This vehicle was purchased new and the passenger side seldom has a passenger. I believe this is a manufacturer responsibility as evidenced by the many recalls documented. The new seat order is placed through Premier Nissan of Metaire, LA. Please consider placing this claim into recall. Thank you for your assistance.
NHTSA complaint #11511039 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 56,500 milesSaint Louis, MO
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2014 Nissan Maxima. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, but the dealer was unable to duplicate the failure. The vehicle was taken to a second dealer, Napleton St. Louis Nissan (10964 Page Ave., St. Louis, MO 63132) where the mechanic replaced the crankshaft and camshaft; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer and diagnosed with and intelligent power distributor module (IPDM) failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 56,500. The VIN was not available.
NHTSA complaint #11503199 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Orlando, FL
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Low beam headlights are dangerously low. No matter the quality of bulbs or the clarity of the lights the low beam headlights offer extremely limited visibility. Requires high beams when driving at night. I have had numerous mechanics look at the issue and it stems from a failure of the projector in the headlamp.
NHTSA complaint #11486599 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 31,000 milesOrleans, MA
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2014 Nissan Maxima. The contact stated that while driving at 50 MPH, the vehicle suddenly lost motive power. The contact stated he was able to pull over and was only able to restart the vehicle by shifting the gear shifter into neutral(N). The contact stated that the vehicle was operating while in neutral(N), however, while driving the vehicle failed to exceed 5 MPH despite depressing the accelerator pedal. The contact stated that the engine was revving abnormally. No warning lights were illuminated. The failure occurred on various occasions while driving at various speeds. The contact called the local dealer and made them aware of the failure and was informed that there were no known recalls related to the failure. The contact was informed to schedule an appointment for a diagnostic test. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer not made aware of the failure. The VIN was not available. The approximate failure mileage was 31,000.
NHTSA complaint #11485865 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Fontana, CA
POWER TRAIN
Transmission valve body goes bad.
NHTSA complaint #11473281 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.