repaired · 2021 Q1
Service brakes, hydraulic: antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip
Park outsideRisk. A brake fluid leak on the circuit board may result in an electrical short, increasing the risk of a fire.
2016 Nissan MaximaProblems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 142 owner complaints about the 2016 Nissan Maxima, most often about the power train. It is covered by 8 safety recalls, and for recall 16V-911 the manufacturer reports only 50% of affected cars repaired.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through June 26, 2026. Updated daily. Photo: Mr.choppers, CC BY-SA 3.0.
Complaints by system
Where the 2016 Nissan Maxima has problems
142 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
33Power train
31Electrical system5 crash/fire/injury
20Service brakes5 crash/fire/injury
18Engine3 crash/fire/injury
14Air bags6 crash/fire/injury
14Vehicle speed control
9Steering
8Structure
8Fuel/propulsion system
4112 other systems1 crash/fire/injury
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Power train | 33 | 0 |
| Electrical system | 31 | 5 |
| Service brakes | 20 | 5 |
| Engine | 18 | 3 |
| Air bags | 14 | 6 |
| Vehicle speed control | 14 | 0 |
| Steering | 9 | 0 |
| Structure | 8 | 2 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 8 | 1 |
| 12 other systems | 41 | 1 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
8 recalls
2016 Nissan Maxima recalls and how many were fixed
Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
repaired · 2020 Q1
Service brakes, hydraulic: antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip
Park outsideRisk. A brake fluid leak on the circuit board may result in an electrical short, increasing the risk of a fire.
repaired · 2018 Q2
Sensor: occupant classification
Risk. If the front passenger seat occupant is misclassified, the air bag may deploy incorrectly in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
repaired · 2018 Q1
Service brakes, hydraulic: antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip
Risk. A brake fluid leak onto the circuit board may result in an electrical short, increasing the risk of a fire.
Show 4 more recalls
repaired · 2017 Q3
Sensor: occupant classification
Risk. If the passenger frontal air bag does not deploy as intended in the event of a crash, the passenger is at an increased risk of injury.
repaired · 2017 Q3
Service brakes, hydraulic: antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip
Risk. Insufficient brake fluid pressure may lengthen the distance needed to stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
repaired · 2017 Q1
Disc: caliper
Risk. If the bolts were not properly tightened, the caliper may detach and reduce braking ability, increasing the risk of a crash.
repaired · 2016 Q4
Fuel system, gasoline
Risk. If fuel leaks from between the fuel sending unit and the tank, it may increase the risk of a fire in the event of a crash.
Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Nissan.
Best & worst years
2016 vs. every other Maxima year
Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the Maxima median. How we score
'85'86'87'88'89'90'91'92'93'94'95'96'97'98'99'00'01'02'03'04'05'06'07'08'09'10'11'12'13'14'15'16'17'18'19'20'21'22'23
- Avoid
- Caution
- Solid
- Best
- Not rated
NHTSA crash tests
2016 Nissan Maxima safety ratings
2016 Nissan Maxima 4 DR FWD Later Release in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program. Photos are from NHTSA's crash tests.
★★★★★
Frontal crash★★★★★
Side barrier★★★★★
Side pole★★★★★
- Rollover: 5 stars (9.5% risk)
- Stability control: Standard
- Forward collision warning: Optional
- Lane departure warning: No
1 investigation
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal investigations that included the 2016 Nissan Maxima, and the recalls they led to.
- Rear Suspension Control Arm FailureNo recall
In owners' words
What Maxima owners report
Recent power train complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
The contact owns a 2016 Nissan Maxima. The contact stated that while driving 55 MPH, the vehicle failed to accelerate properly. The vehicle was shifted into neutral, and the RPMs revved up. The vehicle failed to move forward and shut off unintendedly. Several hours later, the vehicle was restarted.…
I had been trying to get the transmission changed on several occasions but was unsuccessful and was told to wait until 100,000 miles. So, I complied to suggestion. On 7/3/25 for a scheduled oil and transmission service, it was told that the transmission was throwing a P17F1 code and it would be…
The headlights are dim. I have replaced them with brighter H11 bulbs but I still cannot see. Others who have driven my car have indicated that the headlights are noticeably dimmer than normal. I literally cannot see the roadway. Also, I started having problems with the CVT shortly before…
Own a 2016 Maxima?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.