2016 Nissan Maxima Safety Report

2016 Nissan Maxima: High Crash Test Scores Mask Significant Recall History and Powertrain/Brake/Airbag Concerns

141Complaints
8Recalls
★★★★★Safety Rating
45/100Reliability Score
10Crash Reports
4Fire Reports
12Injuries
Most reported components: Unknown Or Other (14)Power Train (12)Air Bags (11)Service Brakes (7)Electrical System (5)Vehicle Speed Control (5)Fuel/Propulsion System (4)Power Train,Electrical System,Engine (4)Exterior Lighting (4)Electrical System,Service Brakes (3)

AI Safety Analysis for the 2016 Nissan Maxima

The 2016 Nissan Maxima presents a mixed safety picture. While it achieved an excellent 5-star overall safety rating from NHTSA, with perfect scores in Frontal, Side, and Rollover crash tests, the vehicle has a notable history of safety-related complaints and recalls. With 141 total complaints, including 10 crashes, 4 fires, and 12 injuries, there are clear areas of concern. The most frequently reported issues involve 'UNKNOWN OR OTHER' (14 complaints), 'POWER TRAIN' (12 complaints), and 'AIR BAGS' (11 complaints), indicating diverse problem areas beyond just mechanical failures. The recall history is extensive, with 8 recalls issued for this model year. A significant pattern emerges with multiple recalls related to the 'SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP' system. These recalls, specifically affecting the ABS actuator, warn of potential brake fluid leaks leading to electrical shorts and an increased risk of fire. Two recalls also address 'AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION' issues, where incorrect deployment could increase injury risk. Other recalls cover insufficient brake fluid pressure, improperly tightened front brake caliper bolts, and fuel leaks, all posing serious crash or fire risks. Common complaint patterns, despite the high safety ratings, include recurring issues with the CVT transmission, often manifesting as loss of acceleration or complete failure, even at low mileage (e.g., 'transmission replacement at a cost of 8000 plus' at 20,000 miles). Electrical system problems, such as the alternator losing power, dashboard lights going out, and the vehicle stalling, are also frequently cited. The combination of strong crash test performance with a high volume of complaints and numerous recalls, particularly concerning critical systems like brakes, airbags, and the powertrain, suggests that while the vehicle performs well in controlled crash scenarios, its long-term reliability and component integrity have been questionable, leading to real-world safety incidents.

Reliability Score

The 2016 Nissan Maxima receives a reliability score of 45 out of 100 based on analysis of NHTSA complaint data, recall history, crash reports, and safety ratings. This indicates average reliability — some notable concerns exist that prospective buyers should be aware of.

Known Issues for the 2016 Nissan Maxima

The following issues have been identified from NHTSA complaint data and owner reports for the 2016 Nissan Maxima:

IssueSeverityFrequencyTypical Mileage
Cvt Transmission Failure/Loss Of Acceleration
Vehicle experiences sudden loss of acceleration, enters 'limp mode,' or transmission fails entirely, often requiring costly replacement. Multiple complaints mention 3rd transmission replacement at 70,000 miles.		 High Common 20000-70000 miles
Abs Actuator Brake Fluid Leak/Fire Risk
Multiple recalls (4) for brake fluid leaking onto the ABS actuator circuit board, potentially causing an electrical short and increasing the risk of fire. This is a critical safety defect.		 High Common N/A miles
Airbag Sensor Misclassification/Non-Deployment
Recalls indicate the occupant classification system may misclassify the front passenger, leading to incorrect or non-deployment of the airbag in a crash, increasing injury risk. One complaint mentions a vehicle with no driver or passenger side curtain airbag installed despite previous deployment.		 High Occasional N/A miles
Electrical System/Alternator Failure
Battery light and brake light illuminate, vehicle stalls, loses power, dashboard goes out, and car shuts off while driving. Often linked to alternator issues, even after replacement.		 High Common 40000-80000 miles
Sunroof Explosion/Detachment
Sunroof assembly spontaneously separates or explodes while driving, creating a loud noise and showering glass, posing a distraction and injury risk.		 Medium Rare N/A miles

Common Problems Reported by Owners

Based on NHTSA complaint data, the following components account for the majority of reported issues with the 2016 Nissan Maxima:

Power Train 8% of complaints

Frequent complaints about CVT transmission failure, loss of acceleration, and vehicle stalling while driving. (12 complaints)

Air Bags 7% of complaints

Issues with airbag sensors, misclassification of occupants, and concerns about proper deployment. (11 complaints)

Service Brakes 5% of complaints

Recalls and complaints related to ABS actuator leaks, insufficient brake pressure, and caliper issues, increasing crash risk. (7 complaints)

Electrical System 3% of complaints

Problems with alternators, battery drainage, dashboard power loss, and vehicle shutting off unexpectedly. (5 complaints)

Vehicle Speed Control 3% of complaints

Reports of the vehicle failing to accelerate or losing power while driving. (5 complaints)

Fuel/Propulsion System 2% of complaints

Recall for fuel leaks and complaints of vehicle fires. (4 complaints)

Frequently Asked Questions About the 2016 Nissan Maxima

Is the 2016 Nissan Maxima safe?

Based on NHTSA data, the 2016 Nissan Maxima received excellent 5-star crash test ratings across all categories (Overall, Frontal, Side, Rollover). However, it has a significant number of complaints (141 total) and 8 recalls, many addressing critical safety components like brakes and airbags, which could compromise real-world safety despite strong crash test performance.

What are common problems with the 2016 Nissan Maxima?

The most reported issues for the 2016 Nissan Maxima include CVT transmission failures leading to loss of acceleration (12 complaints), airbag system malfunctions (11 complaints), and service brake issues, particularly related to the ABS actuator and potential fire risk (7 complaints). Electrical system problems, such as alternator failures and vehicle stalling, are also frequently cited.

Are there any recalls for the 2016 Nissan Maxima?

Yes, the 2016 Nissan Maxima has 8 recalls. A major concern is multiple recalls related to the Anti-Lock Brake (ABS) actuator, where brake fluid leaks can cause electrical shorts and fire. Other recalls address airbag sensor issues, insufficient brake fluid pressure, improperly tightened brake calipers, and fuel system leaks.

Does the 2016 Nissan Maxima have transmission problems?

Yes, the 2016 Nissan Maxima has common and severe transmission problems, primarily with its CVT. Complaints describe sudden loss of acceleration, the vehicle entering 'limp mode,' and complete transmission failure, sometimes requiring multiple replacements at relatively low mileage.

What are the fire risks associated with the 2016 Nissan Maxima?

There are significant fire risks. Four recalls specifically warn of brake fluid leaks from the ABS actuator that can cause an electrical short and increase the risk of fire. Additionally, one recall addresses fuel leaks from the fuel sending unit, which could also increase fire risk in a crash. NHTSA data shows 4 fire incidents reported for this model year.

Buyer Advice

Our recommendation: Given the numerous recalls for critical safety systems (brakes, airbags, fuel) and recurring powertrain and electrical complaints, exercise extreme caution; prioritize a thorough pre-purchase inspection by a Nissan specialist and verify all 8 recalls have been addressed.

NHTSA Data Summary for 2016 Nissan Maxima

This safety report is based on a comprehensive analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2016 Nissan Maxima. The data includes 141 consumer complaints filed by vehicle owners, 8 manufacturer-initiated safety recalls, 10 reported crashes, 4 fire incidents, 12 reported injuries, and safety rating assessments associated with this vehicle.

The NHTSA has assigned the 2016 Nissan Maxima an overall safety rating of 5 out of 5 stars, with a frontal crash rating of 5 stars, a side crash rating of 5 stars, and a rollover rating of 5 stars. These ratings are determined through controlled crash testing conducted by the NHTSA.

All data presented in this report is sourced from public NHTSA databases. Our AI analysis identifies patterns across complaint narratives, correlates them with recall history, and produces the safety assessment above. This analysis is updated as new complaints and recalls are filed with the NHTSA.

Consumers are encouraged to report vehicle safety problems to the NHTSA at nhtsa.gov. If your vehicle is subject to a recall, contact your dealer to schedule the free repair.