441 of the
8,853 complaints filed about the Nissan Maxima
are about the braking system —
5% of everything owners reported.
The worst model year for it is 2004.
Car was parked outside husbands work since 7 at 12:15 pm he was advised by a co worker that my car was on fire ! When I ran outside my his workers where trying to put out the fire with the fire extinguishers from the work warehouse ! The fire department ended up finish putting out the fire ! The whole engine compartment was burnt to a crisp and a huge hole was burnt through the hood on the passenger side along side the firewall of car !
NHTSA complaint #11746526 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
In June 2019, while driving my 2018 Nissan Maxima, the vehicle suffered a sudden and violent mechanical failure. Without warning, the steering wheel jerked forcefully to the side, and the vehicle became uncomtrollabel leading to an approx 100-foot spin across a median. I have since verified this vehicle was subject to NHTSA Recall 19V-807 for an ABS Actuator leak that shorts the circuit board. This defect caused the crash, which resulted in a Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) with extremy worsening memory loss 4mm spinal shift (L5-S1). I have comparative MRI scans (2015 vs. post-crash) confirming the injury.
NHTSA complaint #11716091 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
My son was driving my car to work and this is his account of the incident On 1/17/2026 on I95 n, the steering wheel abruptly stopped controlling the wheels. It was as if it completely disconnected and he lost control and crashed into the median. It was a terrifying incident for my son. No other cars were involved. This accident has been reported to my insurance company. This car has been a smooth ride since I've had it. It has UNDER 70,000 miles even though it's a 2017 Nissan Maxima. There were no warning or messages on the dash. I have been ill so the process of getting the car appraised or considered for repairs has just begun. I incurred towing charges and rental fees. My son is having headaches and back pain since this incident. What made it extremely scary is that it happened suddenly.
NHTSA complaint #11712925 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Battery light keeps turning on and brake light. Replaced alternator and battery after my vehicle stalled on me on the road, but the issue and problem is still on going.
NHTSA complaint #11659998 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I can be going at a regular rate of speed and my car would stall completely the abs light comes on and it drains my battery causing my car to shut off.
NHTSA complaint #11640052 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
[XXX] this is the exact problem, I couldn't explain it any better. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11596243 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owned a 2022 Nissan Maxima. The contact stated that while her granddaughter was driving at 40 MPH and attempting to stop at a stop sign, with the brake pedal depressed all the way to the floorboard, the vehicle failed to stop. As a result, the driver swerved in an attempt to avoid a collision, side-swiping the vehicle ahead and colliding with 3 light poles before coasting to a complete stop on the shoulder of the roadway. The air bags did not deploy during the impact, resulting in the driver sustaining minor injuries. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a tow yard and deemed a total loss by the insurance company. A police report was filed. The contact's granddaughter sustained nondescript injuries to her head and knees but did not seek medical treatment. The contact also stated that, though she was made aware that the driver of the other vehicle had reported injuries, the injuries and treatment were unknown. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
NHTSA complaint #11595822 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact's son owned a 2018 Nissan Maxima. The contact stated while the driver was driving 5 MPH, he noticed smoke coming from underneath the hood of the vehicle. There was no warning light illuminated. The driver was able to pull to the side of the road. The contact stated that the driver opened the hood, and noticed that there was fire under the hood. The fire was extinguished by the fire department. A fire department report was not filed. A police report was filed, but the police report information was not available. There was no injury sustained. The vehicle was towed to a tow lot, where it was totaled. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V807000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic); however, the VIN was not included. The used car dealer the vehicle was purchased from was contacted. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 51,533.
NHTSA complaint #11586726 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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.
My brakes dont work unless my 3 dashboard lights come on. Slip, tcs and abs. Sometimes I forget and drive off. When I brake at the light you could here the wires buzzing as if there was a short circuit. Finally on my passenger side in the 'back, the tire was wiggling and noticed some lugs were missing plus the hubs lugs were loose. I haven' t taken to go get it inspected because I dont have money at the moment.
NHTSA complaint #11518387 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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.
On 9/12/22, my son purchased a 2009 Nissan Maxima from Street Cars. My son was told that the car did not pass the state inspection, but all items on the list were taken care of. The salesman noted the Air Intake Tube would be ordered for the car and installed once received. My son paid $5299 in cash. My son wanted to pay with a cashier's check, but the salesperson requested cash. On the way home to Woodbridge from Fredericksburg, the vehicle began to slow down as if it were going to cut off. My son slowed down and proceeded home. On 9/13/22, my son went to Minnieville Exxon to have the vehicle emissions test completed, and the car was listed as "Not Ready." In addition, seven (7) additional issues must be addressed before the vehicle can pass. We began calling the salesman at 11:45 am, sent a text message at 12:17 pm, and called until 1:30 pm. Due to what we felt were deceptive practices, we traveled to Street Cars in Fredericksburg to speak with the salesman about returning the vehicle for a refund. The salesman stated the vehicle was sold "As Is” and is on the Bill of Sales. We asked about the sign on the front of his business which states "3-Day Return Policy". The salesman said it does not apply to cash cars or discounted cars. When asked about the items on the failed inspection report being taken care of, the salesperson refused to discuss it further. The salesperson stated my son should use the warranty, where he will be responsible for half the cost of all repairs. When the salesperson was asked about the Air Intake Tube order, he refused to provide a confirmation number for the order, a telephone number, or a location for the company. My son did not receive any title paperwork and was told to sign the vehicle delivery form when items had not been received. We contacted ASC Warranty company which was provided with the vehicle, and they told us to take the car to any automotive repair shop for an estimate. We took the vehicle to Sheehy Nissan in Manas
NHTSA complaint #11495700 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
While driving to work car stalled going 20MPH, no power brakes, no power steering, coasted to safe side of road. Waited ten minutes car pressed start car restarted. Five days later, going to store, driving 35 mph, car stalled while running, no power steering, no power brakes, coasted to safe side of road. Waited ten minutes car restarted. This is an on going safety problem. My father in law had this same vehicle and he was afraid to drive it because of the same issues.
NHTSA complaint #11485332 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
It is random when it happens but this will be the third time this has happened. While driving my car will stop, the car will still be running, steering wheel is stiff and I’m not able to accelerate and sometimes brake. It is very dangerous! This car should have a recall!
NHTSA complaint #11464590 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
driving the vehicle gives no indication it power off car will not start up when you try half an hour later it may start may not start driving it shut off again power shortage code may not come up when it happens it don’t give any warning when you driving on the highway regular roads it just gives no warning sign it just power off completely at is not safety to drive
NHTSA complaint #11437870 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
While driving 2020 Nissan Maxima Sv the emergency park brake light up and rear brake light up and traction control light up on dash and it act like it looses power and when you go to settings on sonar it big green light in front of car And check engine light came on
NHTSA complaint #11427755 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
My emergency brake comes on any time I drive after a heavy rain.. it starts to illuminate vaguely,then eventually the brake light will come on and then eventually it’ll start indicating to pull over. The first time I was in rush hour traffic on a busy highway. Was able to push down on the brake and release long enough to come off an exit before it came back on. Had to let the car sit for over 20 minutes. The second time we had heavy rain I got in the car the following day after 15 mins of driving the brake light started to illuminate and I could not get it to go off I had to pull over several time eventually sitting on the side of the ride for 20 mins again for it to go off. I could smell a burning smell when I exited the vehicle
NHTSA complaint #11426312 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
My emergency brake comes on any time I drive after a heavy rain.. it starts to illuminate vaguely,then eventually the brake light will come on and then eventually it’ll start indicating to pull over. The first time I was in rush hour traffic on a busy highway. Was able to push down on the brake and release long enough to come off an exit before it came back on. Had to let the car sit for over 20 minutes. The second time we had heavy rain I got in the car the following day after 15 mins of driving the brake light started to illuminate and I could not get it to go off I had to pull over several time eventually sitting on the side of the ride for 20 mins again for it to go off. I could smell a burning smell when I exited the vehicle
NHTSA complaint #11426312 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.