Eighth generation (A36)
2016 Nissan Maxima
The most reported problem on the 2016 Nissan Maxima is stalling, with 24 complaints, usually around 68,000 miles.
- 142owner complaints
- 8recalls
- 10involved a crash
- 47,000median miles at failure
Newest report Jun 26, 2026 · checked Oct 2, 2026
Problem sheets
No single problem on the 2016 Nissan Maxima has enough owner reports for a sheet of its own yet. The counts below still cover every complaint on file.
Is the 2016 Nissan Maxima reliable?
The 2016 Nissan Maxima has 142 owner complaints on file with NHTSA, below the median of 232 for 2016 sedans on this site. Of the 6 Maxima model years since 2014, it has the most complaints. Complaint counts rise with sales as well as faults, so read what owners report below before deciding.
At a glance
- Next to the 2017
- At 13 complaints for each year on the road, the 2016 runs above the 2017 (10). That's the only adjacent model year with enough complaints to set beside it.
- Top problem
- Two problems run close. Stalling has 24 complaints and brake wear has 21, out of 142 in all. A quarter of the 15 owners who gave a mileage for stalling saw it by about 18,000 miles, and half by about 68,000.
- Crash, fire and injury reports
- 16 of the 142 complaints (11%) report a crash, a fire or an injury. The typical vehicle on this site sits at 6%, so this one runs well above it. Counted separately (one report can carry more than one), 10 reports mention a crash, 4 mention a fire and 12 people were hurt. The most crash reports, 5 of 10, fall under airbag.
- Recalls behind the top problems
- 8 recalls are on file, but no problem here has enough reports to set against them.
- When owners filed
- Filings peaked in 2017 at 19 (full calendar years only). In 2025 there were 14. So far in 2026, 2 more have come in.
When each problem shows up
Each bar covers the middle half of the mileages owners reported for that problem. A quarter saw it earlier, a quarter later. The tick is the median. Most reported: engine stalls or loses power while driving, 24 complaints.
middle half of reports, median tick. The heavier grey bars have 75 or more reports.
Behind you
Around your mileage
Ahead of you
How this compares
142 complaints is 1.8 times fewer than the median 2016 model on this site and 1.6 times fewer than the median 2016 sedan. Among the 2 Maxima model years here it ranks 1st for complaints. Counts follow sales volume as much as reliability, so a truck that sells 700,000 a year draws more reports than a sedan that sells 200,000.
Service bulletins for the 2016 Nissan Maxima
Nissan filed 278 bulletins and other notices with NHTSA that list the 2016 Nissan Maxima. 20 of them deal with a problem owners have reported on this car. Newest first.
Federal rules make a manufacturer send NHTSA a copy of any notice about a defect that goes to more than one dealer or owner. Most of these are service bulletins, the repair instructions manufacturers send to dealers. NHTSA generally leaves safety recall bulletins out of this file, and recalls are listed separately.
Brakes grind, pulse or wear early 1 bulletin · 21 complaints
NISSAN; DTC P0456 CAUSED BY EVAP LEAK AT VENT CONTROL VALVE O-RING The APPLIED VEHICLES and CLAIMS INFORMATION sections have been revised. No other changes have been made.
Airbag warning light or recall 3 bulletins · 14 complaints
DTC B00A0-00 STORED IF YOU CONFIRM DTC B00A0-00 (OCCUPANT DETECTION SENSOR UNIT) is stored, AND OCS zero point reset cannot be performed,
DTC B00A0-00 STORED
1 more on this problem
2016 MAXIMA; OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM RETROFIT SERVICE INFORMATION The information in this bulletin is provided for customers who have concerns with their vehicle's Occupant Classification System (OCS) operation after all campaigns have been completed.
Transmission shudders, slips or shifts hard 4 bulletins · 10 complaints
PATHFINDER, ALTIMA, MAXIMA, MURANO AND QUEST; CVT JUDDER AND DTC P17F0 OR P17F1 STORED IF YOU CONFIRM The customer reports a transmission judder (shake, shudder, single or multiple bumps or vibration), AND One of these DTCs is stored: ï· P17F0 (CVT_JUDDER (T/M INSPECTION)) ï· P17F1 (CVT_JUDDER (C/U INSPECTION)) NOTE: ï If a transmission judder (as ...
ENHANCED DIAGNOSTIC LOGIC FOR CVT PATHFINDER AND ALTIMA WITH V6 ENGINE ONLY IF YOU CONFIRM THE CUSTOMER REPORTS A TRANSMISSION JUDDER (SHAKE, SHUDDER, SINGLE OR MULTIPLE BUMPS OR VIBRATION).
2 more on this problem
IF YOU CONFIRM: The customer reports a transmission judder (shake, shudder, single or multiple bumps or vibration) AND One of these DTCs is stored: - P17F0 (CVT_JUDDER (T/M INSPECTION)) - P17F1 (CVT_JUDDER (C/U INSPECTION)) NOTE - If a transmission judder (as described ...
IF YOU CONFIRM The customer reports a transmission judder (shake, shudder, single or multiple bumps or vibration). NOTE: A new diagnostic logic has been established to enhance the diagnostic process by storing diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) on Applied Vehicles.
Battery dies or the car will not start 3 bulletins · 8 complaints
NISSAN; SIGNAL TECH-II INTELLIGENT KEY BATTERY TEST AND SIGNAL CHECK CHANGES HAVE BEEN MADE THROUGHOUT. IF YOU CONFIRM THE INTELLIGENT KEY INTERMITTENTLY OR CONTINUOUSLY DOES NOT FUNCTION.
IF YOU CONFIRM The MIL is "ON" with DTC P0603 (ECM BACK UP/CIRCUIT). ACTION 1. Confirm that the battery voltage is 11 volts, or more, with the ignition ON (engine OFF, not running). 2. Erase DTC 3. Perform DTC confirmation steps in the Service Procedure. 4.
1 more on this problem
SERVICE INFORMATION Design and process changes have been made to improve battery voltage at dealer receipt. Our goal is to deliver vehicles to customers with a 12 volt battery in excellent condition.
Seat belt or seat problems 4 bulletins · 7 complaints
2016-2017 MAXIMA; FRONT SEAT FINISHER LOOSE IF YOU CONFIRM The seat cushion outer finisher is loose and will not stay snapped into place. ACTION Replace the affected ?seat cushion outer finisher? and the ?seat cushion inner finisher? with those listed in the Parts Information.
2016-2017 MAXIMA; NOISE HEARD WHEN LEANING BACK IN A FRONT SEAT Nissan brand grease is now specified in Step 13 of the SERVICE PROCEDURE and listed in the PARTS INFORMATION. No other changes have been made. Discard all previous versions of this bulletin.
2 more on this problem
2016-2017 MAXIMA; NOISE HEARD WHEN LEANING BACK IN A FRONT SEAT Discard previous versions of this bulletin.
2016-2017 MAXIMA; NOISE HEARD WHEN LEANING BACK IN A FRONT SEAT IF YOU CONFIRM A creaking or squeak type noise is heard when sitting in either front seat and leaning back into the lower portion of the seatback.
Headlights too dim or fail 1 bulletin · 6 complaints
SERVICE INFORMATION Occasionally customers may notice water vapor or fog in the headlamps. The information, illustrations, and flow chart in this bulletin are provided to help you in determining if an incident for water/condensation in the headlamps is normal or not.
Windshield cracks or distorts 2 bulletins · 5 complaints
WINDSHIELD CRACKING
SERVICE INFORMATION The purpose of this bulletin is to give Nissan dealers guidelines to help determine if windshield breakage is covered under warranty or is the customer?s responsibility.
Wheel bearing, tires or wheels 2 bulletins · 5 complaints
WHEEL BEARING COLLISION DAMAGE
SERVICE INFORMATION The appearance of painted alloy wheels can be damaged if acidic cleaners are used. DO NOT use Chrome Wheel Cleaner on Painted Wheels. Many chrome wheel cleaners have acidic ingredients.
Complaints filed by year
19 complaints came in 2017, 2.1 times the year before. Owners file in waves when a problem gets press or an investigation, so a spike measures attention as much as failures.
NHTSA investigations
Rear suspension control arm failure. Closed jun 16, 2025.
NHTSA summary
Recalls that include the 2016 Nissan Maxima
Whether your car is included depends on its VIN. Check yours at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2015-2018 Nissan Murano, 2016-2018 Nissan Maxima, and 2017-2019 Nissan Pathfinder and Infiniti QX60 vehicles. These vehicles were previously recalled and unrepaired, or inspected and determined to not need a repair, under recall number 18V-601. In addition, this recall expands the previous population. The Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) actuator pumps may allow brake fluid to leak onto an internal circuit board.
Risk and remedy
Remedy: Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will replace the ABS actuator, free of charge. Owners will receive a second notice when remedy parts become available, currently expected to be during summer 2020. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-867-7669. Note: If the ABS warning light remains illuminated for more than 10 seconds after engine start up, owners are advised to park the vehicle outdoors away from other vehicles or structures and to not drive the vehicle.
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2015-2017 Nissan Murano, 2016-2017 Nissan Maxima, 2017-2018 Nissan Pathfinder, and 2017 Infiniti QX60 vehicles. The Anti-Lock Brake (ABS) actuator pumps may allow brake fluid to leak onto an internal circuit board.
Risk and remedy
Remedy: Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the serial number on the ABS actuator, replacing it as necessary, free of charge. The recall began October 29, 2018. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-867-7669. Note: When brake fluid has leaked onto the circuit board, the ABS warning lamp will remain illuminated for more than 10 seconds after engine start up. If this occurs, owners are advised to park the vehicle outdoors away from other vehicles or structures and to not drive the vehicle.
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain model year 2013-2015 Altima vehicles manufactured January 3, 2013, to July 29, 2013, 2015-2016 Rogue vehicles manufactured October 14, 2014, to August 12, 2016, and 2016 Maxima vehicles manufactured June 4, 2015, to August 19, 2015. An incorrect Occupant Classification System (OCS) Electronic Control Unit (ECU) may have been installed in the front passenger seat. The incorrect ECU and seat combination may misclassify the front passenger seat occupant.
Risk and remedy
Remedy: Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will replace the ECU and update the OCS software free of charge. The recall began February 13, 2017. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-647-7261.
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain model year 2016-2017 Nissan Maxima vehicles manufactured February 10, 2015, to August 19, 2016 and equipped with Intelligent Cruise Control, 2015-2017 Murano vehicles manufactured August 22, 2014, to August 19, 2016 and equipped with Intelligent Cruise Control, and 2015-2016 Murano Hybrid vehicles manufactured August 22, 2014, to July 19, 2016. The affected vehicles have Anti-Lock Brake (ABS) actuator pumps that may allow brake fluid to leak onto an internal electrical circuit board.
Risk and remedy
Remedy: Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the ABS Actuator, replacing it as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on December 12, 2016. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-647-7261. Note: When brake fluid has leaked onto the circuit board, the ABS warning lamp will remain illuminated for more than 10 seconds after engine start up. If this occurs, owners are advised to park the vehicle outdoors away from other vehicles or structures and to not drive the vehicle.
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain model year 2016-2017 Nissan Maxima, 2013-2016 Nissan Altima, NV200, LEAF, Sentra, and Pathfinder, 2014-2016 Nissan NV200 Taxi, Infiniti QX60, QX60 Hybrid, and Q50 Hybrid, 2014-2017 Nissan Rogue and Infiniti Q50, 2015-2016 Nissan Murano, Murano Hybrid, and Chevrolet City Express, 2014-2015 Nissan Pathfinder Hybrid, and 2013 Infiniti JX35 vehicles. In these vehicles, the front seat passenger Occupant Classification System (OCS) may incorrectly classify an adult passenger as a child or classify the seat as empty despite it being occupied. As a result, the passenger frontal air bag may be turned off and not deploy in the event of a crash.
Risk and remedy
Remedy: Nissan will notify their owners. Chevrolet City Express owners will be notified by General Motors. Dealers will reprogram the Air Bag Control Unit (ACU) and OCS Electronic Control Unit (ECU) in Altima, Maxima, Murano, Rogue, and Sentra vehicles, and replace the OCS ECU in LEAF, NV200, NV200 Taxi, Pathfinder, Infiniti Q50, JX35, and QX60 and Chevrolet City Express vehicles, free of charge. Interim notices were sent to owners on May 31, 2016. Owners will receive a second notice when remedy parts become available. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-867-7669, Infiniti customer service at 1-888-833-3216 or Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020.
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain model year 2016 Murano vehicles manufactured December 17, 2015, to February 11, 2016, and 2016 Maxima vehicles manufactured November 25, 2015, to February 12, 2016 and equipped with an antilock braking system (ABS) and Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC). The ABS actuator may have a damaged O-ring that may result in a lack of brake fluid pressure.
Risk and remedy
Remedy: Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the ABS actuator, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on May 16, 2016. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-647-7261.
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain model year 2015 Altima and 2016 Maxima vehicles manufactured October 6, 2015, to October 7, 2015. The affected vehicles have front brake calipers whose mounting bolts may not be properly tightened.
Risk and remedy
Remedy: Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will check the brake caliper mounting bolts, tightening them as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on December 14, 2015. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-647-7261.
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) notified the agency on July 31, 2015, that they are recalling certain model year 2016 Nissan Maxima vehicles manufactured February 10, 2015, to August 18, 2015. On October 14, 2015, Nissan expanded the recall to cover an additional 41,388 vehicles, including certain model year 2013-2015 Altima 3.5 vehicles equipped with a V6 engine manufactured March 30, 2012, to August 18, 2015 as well as the vehicles covered by the July 31, 2015 notification. In the affected vehicles, due to an improperly installed o-ring that may not have been seated correctly at the time of assembly, fuel may leak during a crash from the area where the fuel sending unit attaches to the fuel tank.
Risk and remedy
Remedy: Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will install a retainer ring between the fuel tank and the fuel sending unit. The recall began on September 28, 2015. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-647-7261.
All 8 recalls on the 2016 Nissan Maxima, with the owner complaints on each recalled system
Guide Buying one used? How to research one car’s history before you pay
Questions
What is the most common problem on the 2016 Nissan Maxima?
Stalling, with 24 of the 142 complaints. Owners who gave a mileage for it put the median at about 68,000 miles.
At what mileage do 2016 Nissan Maxima problems start?
Of the 78 complaints that give a mileage, a quarter came by about 17,000 miles and half by about 47,000.
Is the 2016 Nissan Maxima better or worse than the 2017?
Counted per year on the road, the 2016 has more complaints than the 2017: 13 a year against 10.
How many 2016 Nissan Maxima complaints involve a crash, fire or injury?
16 of them (11%). The typical vehicle on this site is at 6%.
Is there a recall for stalling on the 2016 Nissan Maxima?
No recall on file for the 2016 Nissan Maxima is on the same system as stalling. Another recall may still cover your car, so check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.