Owners have filed 28 complaints
about the 2019 Nissan Maxima with NHTSA between 2019 and 2026.
The largest single group is the other & unspecified.
Across this model's run it ranks 10 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 — 5
Against the median year of the Nissan Maxima. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 100
42.9% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 100
90% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
Complaints filed with NHTSA, by model year. Bar colour is the FaultScore grade:
A
B
C
D
F
ungraded
What breaks on a 2019 Nissan Maxima
Every complaint is filed against a part. Follow any row for the complaints about that part alone.
Other & Unspecified
517.9%
Median failure at 6,500 miles
Engine & Cooling
414.3%
1 crashes, 0 fires · median 43,500 mi
Brakes
310.7%
1 crashes, 0 fires · median 8,000 mi
Transmission & Drivetrain
310.7%
1 crashes, 0 fires · median 19,000 mi
Driver Assist & Collision Avoidance
27.1%
Windows, Mirrors & Wipers
27.1%
Lights
27.1%
1 crashes, 0 fires · median 17,000 mi
Body & Structure
27.1%
1 crashes, 0 fires · median 17,000 mi
Electrical System
27.1%
Wheels
13.6%
Tires
13.6%
Steering
13.6%
1 crashes, 0 fires · median 19,000 mi
When it fails
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
1,000 – 9,999 miles
330.0%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
660.0%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
110.0%
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.
Aug 2019peak 4Jun 2026
Recalls on the 2019 Nissan Maxima
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
United States — NHTSA
19V654000
BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Nissan Altima, Armada, Frontier, Kicks, Leaf, Maxima, Murano, NV, NV200, Pathfinder, Rogue, Rogue Sport, Sentra, Titan, Titan Diesel, Versa Note and Versa Sedan vehicles, as well as Infiniti Q50, Q60, QX30 and QX80 vehicles. Additionally included are 2019 Nissan GT-R and Taxi and Infiniti QX50, QX60, Q70, Q70L vehicles. The back-up camera and display settings can be adjusted such that the rear view image is no longer visible and the system will retain that setting the next time the vehicle is placed in reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rear Visibility."
Risk: The lack of an image in the back-up camera display increases the risk of a crash.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 2019459126,195 units in Canada
Visual System
Issue: On certain vehicles, the rear view camera system does not return to the default setting when the transmission is shifted to reverse. This could cause a reduction in rear visibility if a driver had previously adjusted the camera display. Canadian regulations require that the rear view image returns to its original setting each time the camera is turned on. Safety Risk: Reduced rear visibility could increase the risk of a crash. Corrective Actions: The company will notify owners by mail and instruct them to take their vehicle to a dealer to update the software for the rear view camera.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
at 17,000 milesSunny Isles Beach, FLCrash1 injured
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
DRIVING NORTH ON BISCAYNE BLVD 167TH ST NORTH MIAMI FL CAR DRASTICALLY WENT TO RIGHT AND WENT ON RISKING AND HIT POLES AND AIR BAGS CAME OUT I HAD NO CONTROL OF VEHICLE IT WAS MECHANICAL DEFECT I CALLED PRIOR TO RENTAL SAYING SOMETHING IS WRONG BUT NO ONE LISTENED.*DT*JB*DT CONSUMER RECEIVED A LETTER STATING VEHICLE WAS SOLD AS A SALVAGE.
NHTSA complaint #11310709 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 17,000 milesSunny Isles Beach, FLCrash1 injured
STRUCTURE:BODY
DRIVING NORTH ON BISCAYNE BLVD 167TH ST NORTH MIAMI FL CAR DRASTICALLY WENT TO RIGHT AND WENT ON RISKING AND HIT POLES AND AIR BAGS CAME OUT I HAD NO CONTROL OF VEHICLE IT WAS MECHANICAL DEFECT I CALLED PRIOR TO RENTAL SAYING SOMETHING IS WRONG BUT NO ONE LISTENED.*DT*JB*DT CONSUMER RECEIVED A LETTER STATING VEHICLE WAS SOLD AS A SALVAGE.
NHTSA complaint #11310709 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 17,000 milesSunny Isles Beach, FLCrash1 injured
ENGINE
DRIVING NORTH ON BISCAYNE BLVD 167TH ST NORTH MIAMI FL CAR DRASTICALLY WENT TO RIGHT AND WENT ON RISKING AND HIT POLES AND AIR BAGS CAME OUT I HAD NO CONTROL OF VEHICLE IT WAS MECHANICAL DEFECT I CALLED PRIOR TO RENTAL SAYING SOMETHING IS WRONG BUT NO ONE LISTENED.*DT*JB*DT CONSUMER RECEIVED A LETTER STATING VEHICLE WAS SOLD AS A SALVAGE.
NHTSA complaint #11310709 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 19,000 milesNorth Miami, FLCrash1 injured
POWER TRAIN
HEADLIGHTS DISABLED IN RAIN CAR VARIED RIGHT DRASTICALLY AND IN PARK IT STILL GO IN MOTION *LN
NHTSA complaint #11301893 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 19,000 milesNorth Miami, FLCrash1 injured
STEERING
HEADLIGHTS DISABLED IN RAIN CAR VARIED RIGHT DRASTICALLY AND IN PARK IT STILL GO IN MOTION *LN
NHTSA complaint #11301893 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 19,000 milesNorth Miami, FLCrash1 injured
SERVICE BRAKES
HEADLIGHTS DISABLED IN RAIN CAR VARIED RIGHT DRASTICALLY AND IN PARK IT STILL GO IN MOTION *LN
NHTSA complaint #11301893 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Houston, TX
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
My 2019 Nissan Maxima (approximately 70,000 miles) displayed a hazard warning indicating a vehicle failure and began stalling without warning. The vehicle was brought to Mossy Nissan on May 28, 2025, where it has remained for over 11 days. The dealership has been unable to identify or repair the root cause of the electrical failure. The vehicle has been observed stalling while in the dealership's possession. This is a safety defect — a vehicle that stalls without warning poses a direct risk to the driver, passengers, and others on the road. I am formally requesting NHTSA investigate this issue as a potential safety defect in the 2019 Nissan Maxima.
NHTSA complaint #11742646 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Houston, TX
ENGINE
My 2019 Nissan Maxima (approximately 70,000 miles) displayed a hazard warning indicating a vehicle failure and began stalling without warning. The vehicle was brought to Mossy Nissan on May 28, 2025, where it has remained for over 11 days. The dealership has been unable to identify or repair the root cause of the electrical failure. The vehicle has been observed stalling while in the dealership's possession. This is a safety defect — a vehicle that stalls without warning poses a direct risk to the driver, passengers, and others on the road. I am formally requesting NHTSA investigate this issue as a potential safety defect in the 2019 Nissan Maxima.
NHTSA complaint #11742646 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Zanesville, OH
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
I was driving at night when I got a headlight system error message on my instrument panel and I noticed my driver side headlight was not on. A few seconds later the light came back on and a minute or so later it went off again and came back on and I got the error message again. It came back on and has worked pretty much since but I have seen it flickering at night on a few occasions. The next day when it was light out I looked at both headlights and noticed a lot I mean a lot of condensation inside the headlight assembly. I know some fogging and some light condensation is normal on these LED lights but the amount inside the driver side headlight is not normal. And I was lucky enough to have the error and light go off and on in a fairly well lit area so thankfully I was not in an accident or driving on road that’s not well lit. There’s clearly a defect in the sealing of the headlight that’s allowing that much water in. And not having a headlight working because of an error caused by water that can disable my visibility especially on the driver side to due to the headlight not being sealed properly. There is not physical damage like a crack or anything in the housing of the headlight. And since the whole headlight needs to be replaced since it’s LED that’s $2200 before labor. And there didn’t appear to be anything wrong with the headlight no condensation when I looked at it on the car lot when I bought it on 3-4-26. I tried to have my Nissan dealer repair/replace it using the Endurance Apex Unlimited warranty I bought when I purchased the car but they won’t cover it due to a faulty seal. I’ve seen a couple post about the same side headlight on others 2019 Maxima’s with the same issue so this doesn’t appear to be a one off. And I would think headlights going out from moisture and condensation causing errors to the electric contacts controlling the headlights would be a serious safety issue that could potentially cause bodily harm or even death from an accident.
NHTSA complaint #11727083 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Zanesville, OH
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
I was driving at night when I got a headlight system error message on my instrument panel and I noticed my driver side headlight was not on. A few seconds later the light came back on and a minute or so later it went off again and came back on and I got the error message again. It came back on and has worked pretty much since but I have seen it flickering at night on a few occasions. The next day when it was light out I looked at both headlights and noticed a lot I mean a lot of condensation inside the headlight assembly. I know some fogging and some light condensation is normal on these LED lights but the amount inside the driver side headlight is not normal. And I was lucky enough to have the error and light go off and on in a fairly well lit area so thankfully I was not in an accident or driving on road that’s not well lit. There’s clearly a defect in the sealing of the headlight that’s allowing that much water in. And not having a headlight working because of an error caused by water that can disable my visibility especially on the driver side to due to the headlight not being sealed properly. There is not physical damage like a crack or anything in the housing of the headlight. And since the whole headlight needs to be replaced since it’s LED that’s $2200 before labor. And there didn’t appear to be anything wrong with the headlight no condensation when I looked at it on the car lot when I bought it on 3-4-26. I tried to have my Nissan dealer repair/replace it using the Endurance Apex Unlimited warranty I bought when I purchased the car but they won’t cover it due to a faulty seal. I’ve seen a couple post about the same side headlight on others 2019 Maxima’s with the same issue so this doesn’t appear to be a one off. And I would think headlights going out from moisture and condensation causing errors to the electric contacts controlling the headlights would be a serious safety issue that could potentially cause bodily harm or even death from an accident.
NHTSA complaint #11727083 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Rock Hill, SC
VISIBILITY/WIPER
I recently purchased a 2019 Nissan Maxima in November of 2025 from the Nissan dealership, with in the matter of 2 weeks after getting the car as I was driving the sunroof just exploded sounding like a gunshot. My son was in the car and luckily, I had the shade up, so no glass got all over us. The issue almost caused a wreck due to me having to swerve after thinking someone was shooting and or something fell out of the sky. I have a panoramic sunroof, and the insurance company say they do not cover sunroofs.
NHTSA complaint #11718735 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Rock Hill, SC
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
On 12.102025 the panoramic sunroof exploded while I was driving home, with my son in the car. Out of no where it was this huge explosive sound that, sounded like a gun shot or something. It was day time the sun out just driving along. The dealer did not state anything was wrong with the sunroof. I purchased this vehicle in November of 2025. The sunroof was not inspected upon purchase it was explained that they only inspected the engine, abiding by basic inspection protocol. No warning lamps or anything was on and all warning lights work. With my son in the car I was terrified and I'm glad I did not wreck vehicle due to being frantic on behalf of the sound, and also glad that it was cold out and the inside was closed. I have been in contact with my insurance provider and awaiting on the adjuster to come out and see the damage, From research there seems that many Nissan owners have experienced this issue and yet Nissan has failed to to take accountability or acknowledge this known issue
NHTSA complaint #11704475 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Rock Hill, SC
VISIBILITY/WIPER
On 12.102025 the panoramic sunroof exploded while I was driving home, with my son in the car. Out of no where it was this huge explosive sound that, sounded like a gun shot or something. It was day time the sun out just driving along. The dealer did not state anything was wrong with the sunroof. I purchased this vehicle in November of 2025. The sunroof was not inspected upon purchase it was explained that they only inspected the engine, abiding by basic inspection protocol. No warning lamps or anything was on and all warning lights work. With my son in the car I was terrified and I'm glad I did not wreck vehicle due to being frantic on behalf of the sound, and also glad that it was cold out and the inside was closed. I have been in contact with my insurance provider and awaiting on the adjuster to come out and see the damage, From research there seems that many Nissan owners have experienced this issue and yet Nissan has failed to to take accountability or acknowledge this known issue
NHTSA complaint #11704475 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Charlotte, NC
POWER TRAIN
I purchased my 2019 Nissan Maxima [XXX] from Hyundai of Pineville I'm Charlotte NC. Over the past months including after purchase which I made Hyundai aware. The vehicle has an ongoing noise coming from I side the front hood of the vehicle. It sounds as of a pan etc... is hitting something, at times in slow motion there is a whining noise coming from the car, when just sitting in driver seat and pressing gas pedal when the car idle down after pressing the gas pedal there is a thump noise. The original owner of the vehicle traded the vehicle at Hyundai and appears they were from out of state is where the vehicle is from. So I have not received no recall etc... info also the prior owner, I keep getting stuff with there name. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11671273 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Charlotte, NC
ENGINE
I purchased my 2019 Nissan Maxima [XXX] from Hyundai of Pineville I'm Charlotte NC. Over the past months including after purchase which I made Hyundai aware. The vehicle has an ongoing noise coming from I side the front hood of the vehicle. It sounds as of a pan etc... is hitting something, at times in slow motion there is a whining noise coming from the car, when just sitting in driver seat and pressing gas pedal when the car idle down after pressing the gas pedal there is a thump noise. The original owner of the vehicle traded the vehicle at Hyundai and appears they were from out of state is where the vehicle is from. So I have not received no recall etc... info also the prior owner, I keep getting stuff with there name. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11671273 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Conroe, TX
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The back sunshade cover for the back panorama sunroof juat snapped. A couple of plastic parts were found on the floor. The sunroof was not open at the time it just snapped while driving. I took it to the dealership and they stated it wasn’t under warranty and it would cost over $3000 to replace. For a sunshade that seemed pretty pricey. The sunroof hasn’t been open in month or years.
NHTSA complaint #11671083 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Los Angeles, CA
POWER TRAIN
Unknown I was trying to trying to purchase vehicle and was approved 1 sales man told me there was transmission problem they didn't want to disclose and I kept asking them as I test drive it and heard it it's seems to be something wrong with it but everyone said no it turns out that there was damage not only to transmission when it had accident but body damage dealership hasn't donet want to report rear fender and it's misleading alot and
NHTSA complaint #11632801 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 70,000 milesKinston, NC
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2019 Nissan Maxima. The contact stated while driving 60 MPH, the oil level warning light illuminated and the vehicle started smoking under the hood. The contact checked the oil level and notice there was no oil in the engine. The contact added engine oil however, the smoking continued. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed. The contact stated that the spark plugs and intake gasket were replaced; however, the vehicle continued to smoke and the oil level remained low. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was contacted and confirmed that the engine needed to be replaced. The failure mileage was 70,000.
NHTSA complaint #11470259 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Matawan, NJ
WHEELS
The lug nuts on this vehicle are covered with a thin stainless "cap". This cap can, and was, easily damaged and deformed when attempting to remove it to change a tire. The stainless steel "cap" was able to rotate without rotating the lug nut it was covering. This made it impossible to remove the wheel. This is a very poor and dangerous design as a driver can be stranded with a flat tire and no way to remove the lug nuts holding the wheel to the vehicle. The vehicle had to be towed to a mechanic who had to cut away the cap and remove it from the covered lug nut before the lug not could be removed.
NHTSA complaint #11462962 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Indianola, IA
STRUCTURE:BODY
While driving on a windy day at approximately 55 mph, the hood popped up on the Maxima. The secondary latch prevented the hood from rising more than a couple of inches so no damage occurred, but had the hood come completely open it could have been a disaster. The car was pulled to the side of the road and the hood was closed tight. The hood was last opened when being serviced by my Nissan dealer. This is the first time this has happened and the car was driven home (approx 15 miles), under the same windy conditions, without incident. It has not been inspected by the dealer yet.
NHTSA complaint #11458583 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Montgomery, AL
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The warning light for AEB lights with IFC is on won't go off and Radio turns up loud on its on and volume goes out and USB port in front has stopped working. Radio has done this several times. Normally resetting Radio will fix Radio problem but it's not working now. I don't know why the AEB light is on.
NHTSA complaint #11422521 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Montgomery, AL
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS
The warning light for AEB lights with IFC is on won't go off and Radio turns up loud on its on and volume goes out and USB port in front has stopped working. Radio has done this several times. Normally resetting Radio will fix Radio problem but it's not working now. I don't know why the AEB light is on.
NHTSA complaint #11422521 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The warning light for AEB lights with IFC is on won't go off and Radio turns up loud on its on and volume goes out and USB port in front has stopped working. Radio has done this several times. Normally resetting Radio will fix Radio problem but it's not working now. I don't know why the AEB light is on.
NHTSA complaint #11422521 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
New York, NY
TIRES
We were traveling on a lightly crowded highway when all at once the car shuddered, tire and warning lights came on, noise and vibration levels increased dramatically. I managed to pull over and then off the highway in order to replace the damaged tire with the donut spare. The roadway was clear, and we did not run over any objects. The tire was utterly flat. It had failed instantly, as opposed to a leak. The attached photo shows that the inner sidewall of the tire failed simultaneously, in multiple places. NOTE!!! Earlier batches of this same brand/make/model tire have already been RECALLED! The tires on my car were made 3 weeks after the listed DOT batch week end. The recall period needs to be extended.
NHTSA complaint #11420156 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 1,200 milesColumbus, GA
SERVICE BRAKES
I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY AND MY DASH LIT UP RED AND THE BRAKING SYSTEM AUTOMATICALLY ACTIVATED CAUSING AN ABRUPT STOP. THERE WERE NO OBJECTS IN THE ROAD AND ALL OTHER VEHICLES WERE IN SAFE RANGE, NOWHERE NEAR MY VEHICLE. THIS IS DANGEROUS AND COULD HAVE CAUSED A FATAL ACCIDENT OR SERIOUS INJURIES. THIS HAS HAPPENED TO ME TWICE AND I PURCHASED MY CAR BRAND NEW 6 MONTHS AGO.
NHTSA complaint #11318895 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 6,500 milesCranberry Township, PA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
RADIO HEAD UNIT CUTS OUT RANDOMLY NOT ALLOWING SOUND TO THE SPEAKERS. HAVE TO CONTINUALLY REBOOT RADIO, OFTEN TIMES MORE THAN 3 TIMES, FOR IT TO WORK. IT HAPPENS WHEN STATIONARY, STILL BASICALLY AT ANY TIME
NHTSA complaint #11311952 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 17,000 milesSunny Isles Beach, FLCrash1 injured
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
DRIVING NORTH ON BISCAYNE BLVD 167TH ST NORTH MIAMI FL CAR DRASTICALLY WENT TO RIGHT AND WENT ON RISKING AND HIT POLES AND AIR BAGS CAME OUT I HAD NO CONTROL OF VEHICLE IT WAS MECHANICAL DEFECT I CALLED PRIOR TO RENTAL SAYING SOMETHING IS WRONG BUT NO ONE LISTENED.*DT*JB*DT CONSUMER RECEIVED A LETTER STATING VEHICLE WAS SOLD AS A SALVAGE.
NHTSA complaint #11310709 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 17,000 milesSunny Isles Beach, FLCrash1 injured
STRUCTURE:BODY
DRIVING NORTH ON BISCAYNE BLVD 167TH ST NORTH MIAMI FL CAR DRASTICALLY WENT TO RIGHT AND WENT ON RISKING AND HIT POLES AND AIR BAGS CAME OUT I HAD NO CONTROL OF VEHICLE IT WAS MECHANICAL DEFECT I CALLED PRIOR TO RENTAL SAYING SOMETHING IS WRONG BUT NO ONE LISTENED.*DT*JB*DT CONSUMER RECEIVED A LETTER STATING VEHICLE WAS SOLD AS A SALVAGE.
NHTSA complaint #11310709 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 17,000 milesSunny Isles Beach, FLCrash1 injured
ENGINE
DRIVING NORTH ON BISCAYNE BLVD 167TH ST NORTH MIAMI FL CAR DRASTICALLY WENT TO RIGHT AND WENT ON RISKING AND HIT POLES AND AIR BAGS CAME OUT I HAD NO CONTROL OF VEHICLE IT WAS MECHANICAL DEFECT I CALLED PRIOR TO RENTAL SAYING SOMETHING IS WRONG BUT NO ONE LISTENED.*DT*JB*DT CONSUMER RECEIVED A LETTER STATING VEHICLE WAS SOLD AS A SALVAGE.
NHTSA complaint #11310709 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 19,000 milesNorth Miami, FLCrash1 injured
POWER TRAIN
HEADLIGHTS DISABLED IN RAIN CAR VARIED RIGHT DRASTICALLY AND IN PARK IT STILL GO IN MOTION *LN
NHTSA complaint #11301893 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 19,000 milesNorth Miami, FLCrash1 injured
STEERING
HEADLIGHTS DISABLED IN RAIN CAR VARIED RIGHT DRASTICALLY AND IN PARK IT STILL GO IN MOTION *LN
NHTSA complaint #11301893 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.