528 of the
8,853 complaints filed about the Nissan Maxima
are about the steering —
6% of everything owners reported.
The worst model year for it is 2009.
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.
The contact called on behalf of the owner of a 2009 Nissan Maxima. The contact stated that after the windshield was replaced by Safelite Auto Glass, the employee at Safelite attempted to start the vehicle; however, the vehicle failed to start, and the steering wheel had seized. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The vehicle was then towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the electronic steering column lock had failed. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was towed back to the residence. Upon further investigation, the contact found Manufacturer Recall Number: PC516, which involved the electronic steering column lock (ESCL). However, the VIN was not included. The contact stated that Safelite did not remove the rearview mirror. However, the rearview mirror was left hanging while the windshield was replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and the contact was informed that the VIN was not included in the Service Campaign under PC516 for the same issue, and the Service Campaign had since expired. The failure persisted, and the vehicle remained at the residence unrepaired. The failure mileage was unknown.
NHTSA complaint #11709781 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
My main issue that has caused major concern is while I was driving down the road.The steering all of a sudden jerked and I was almost in an accident. I immediately took it down to my mechanic and he stated that the control arm of the vehicle was bad. I did replace all four tires and got an alignment prior to this happening. Now,this was the most serious incident. I purchased this vehicle in 2022. I have had nothing but problems with it. The first two months I had it. I had to replace the mass airflow sensor not only once but twice. Then a couple months later the serpentine belt went out, replaced that, then of course it goes out again 6th months later. Replaced again!. In addition to that I have had several electrical issues, I think I replaced more tail lights, fog lights, and headlights on this vehicle than all my previous vehicles put together and I have owned many. The engine makes a funny sound every time I accelerate, I have yet to diagnose that one. The fuel door spring busted which results in my check engine light always on, the visor broke and won't stay up, had to replace that. I have been through 4 sets of tires since I purchased it. I only live a mile from work, I don't put a lot of miles on the vehicle. I have a disabled wife and I need reliable transportation. I have spent thousands of dollars to fix this car and the problems keep coming. I've almost spent more money on it than the car payment and insurance for 3 years. There is definitely something wrong with this vehicle and I think Nissan corporation should be held liable.
NHTSA complaint #11678635 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2009 Nissan Maxima. The contact received notification of an undisclosed recall. The contact stated that while the vehicle was off, the push-to-start button was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to start. The immobilizer warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the key fob and the steering lock needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 170,000.
NHTSA complaint #11639330 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
2016 nissan, noticed while stuck in traffic on highway on rainy day the vehicle seemed to want to loose power and battery light was coming on. I was able to exit highway an make it home. Later that night while at laundry mat headed to get food the car wouldn't accelerate eventually died an wouldn't start. Next day go to get it towed yet started no problem acceleration was fine alternator voltage was normal range. Few weeks later battery was dead which I have replaced. Alternator voltage still reads normal. I get about 20 minutes driving and battery light pops on eventually soon power steering and traction control goes out then car will die. If leave it few hrs 2-4hr an come back is fine. But can't drive 20min before it is a problem again. Has caused serious finacial strain and still paying for vehicle close to loosing employment it dies everyday then I have to pay for ride home and to go back to get it later. Have gotting stuck in intersection car just stops working. People have almost crashed into me because i cant get it off the road. Electrical or software computer problem somewhere.
NHTSA complaint #11597107 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The steering wheel lock malfunctioned. The part is available for inspection. The car was parked on the street. It endangered others because it would not start and had to be towed. This issue was confirmed and reproduced by the dealer with diagnostics. There were no symptoms prior to this issue and the warning light only came on after the part malfunctioned.
NHTSA complaint #11580982 — 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.
In 2016 we had to replace the steering lock mechanism. Went to start the car and a security light came on and car would not start , and had to get the car towed from work. We paid to have the part replaced on 12/23/2016. Now, 11/27/2023 we had the same issue with the steering lock mechanism where we tried to start the vehicle and it won’t due to this same issue. Now having to get the car towed again to have the part replaced. I saw there was a voluntary safety recall on this issue in 2017. We did not receive any letter stating our car was affected, yet we replaced the part in 2016 with no reimbursement and now again in 2023 with the part doubling in cost.
NHTSA complaint #11557187 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2007 Nissan Maxima. The contact stated while attempting to start the vehicle in the morning, the vehicle would start after several attempts. The contact stated that he opened the hood and checked the battery and became aware that both battery terminals were corroded. The contact cleaned the terminals and still had issues with starting the vehicle. Additionally, the steering wheel had locked. The contact was unable to unlock the steering wheel. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that inserting the key in the ignition switch would not start the vehicle, and the key fob ignition option had also failed to start the vehicle. The contact stated that the steering wheel remained locked. The contact stated that the vehicle remained at the residence and was no longer drivable. The contact had not taken the vehicle to a local dealer or independent mechanic. The vehicle had not been diagnosed or repaired. The contact researched online and related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 06V402000 (Steering). The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 170,000.
NHTSA complaint #11531461 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Cvt transmission jerking , engine is always idling hard sometimes wants to even shut off , accelerating sometimes takes a lil while to respond , rack and pinion assembly faulty I would like for nissan to fix my car or get a lump sum check for all faulty errors these cars have
NHTSA complaint #11520699 — 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.
Unknown. Recently bought vehicle, it's in great condition other than there is noticeable problems with the front and rear steering and suspension, missing airbags with no sign of being wrecked, windows and window buttons don't work as well as power seat, and a awful gas smell and fume. Inside vehicle after. Pumping gas. Wanting to see about any recalls or defects that can be fixed without out of pocket costs if at all possible . Don't know the vehicles recall or repair history.
NHTSA complaint #11489486 — 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.
The contact owns a 2005 Nissan Maxima. The contact stated that the power steering would fail to operate. The steering wheel would require excessive force in order to steer the vehicle. The contact would frequently replenish the steering fluid however, the failure persisted. The dealer nor the manufacturer had yet to be notified of the failure. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 107,000
NHTSA complaint #11478670 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
When I first purchased this car I had immediate problems with the power steering fluid. The check engine light has remained on the entire time. But the car was hemorrhaging fluid, groaning, whining, and my steering was becoming extremely loose. I call the dealer that sold me the car, because I dropped 4 grand on what seemed like a nice vehicle with under 100k on it. Well, I bought the car right off the lot and they refused to repair it. Cool, I respect that. IF the inspection reports and other papers are clearly falsified. It couldn't have passed inspection under normal situations. But since the dealer owns their own shop, they could slap stickers on busted vehicles and send them off to be sold. Eventually they do me " A favor" by replacing the power steering actuator/pump hoses & did work on towards a DTC code P0550. They give me that favor by charging me only for the parts, no labor. Totally cool, if work was done. It still has the same electrical tape in areas that was "fixed". They clear my codes and off I go. Engine light cuts on again and I'm having the same issues. My power steering fluid looks like it's boiling or bubbling as well. Still getting the P0550 code as my main DTC. Except now, I'm having major problems and my car has been sitting for a month. Not sure if the leaky fluid corroded components from before. As of now I'm throwing DTCs for P0171, P0305, P0550 (twice), believe I have a vacuum leak, my exhaust system is damaged internally from the misfire codes and has also broken apart near the rear muffler, among other pending codes. Lastly, I was coming home from work and my car completely loses power and bogs waaaay down. Engine light is flashing and I have no control or power. I limp home, park the car, and haven't drove it since other than for test drives. After countless repairs for the same issues, among new repairs and issues I'm broke. Issues started on 3/24 through 12/21 Not had this car for a year and it's been a constant pain ever since.
NHTSA complaint #11445236 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
October 25, 2021 At 4:30 PM. After waiting for the light to turn green, I enter the Clear Lake Park making a left a right and left turn into the park. While turning left that’s when I notice a decreased in power, and an exclamation symbo, but the car kept advancing very smooth!! But when I tried to park the vehicle it started shaking, vibrating with a roaring sound, it felt like even the tires ware going to get off the rims!! Making a lot of noice!! I had difficulty steering and parking between two spaces hit the concrete barrier twice or tree times, at that time the steering wheel was to hard to control. I turn the car off on parked I was puzzled, for what happened. After five or ten minutes I start the car again place it on reverse then on drive the car was moving very, very, slow with the gas paddle to the floor. Advance to the other side by the Community Center, as I turn left to park, the car started shaking again the steering wheel was very, very hard to control turning left but the force of the tires ware moving right. I was holding on to the steering wheel trying to park again at this time the car completely die on me. By then it was almost 5:00 PM. I called my insurance to request roadside assistance, and a wrecker service that didn’t arrived. After one hour and half a driver came to help to start the battery, he attempted to start the battery twice. This happened after one of my sons had tried two times too. Finally the car starts again, after dealing with it for 4 hours. Drove it for a quarter of a block and died again. The wrecker service came the next day to drive the car to Clear Lake Nissan, they kept the car for two days and supposedly didn’t find anything wrong with it. If this problem had happened on Nassau, road probably I would had been killed. Today the 29th of October, After doing some errands and returning home a symbol of a transmission came on the dashboard while the car was loosing power it hardly made it up to my driveway
NHTSA complaint #11438721 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.