2016 Nissan Maxima Safety Report
2016 NISSAN MAXIMA Safety Report
Safety Decision Cockpit for the 2016 Nissan Maxima
This page is the hub for deciding what to inspect next on the 2016 Nissan Maxima. It connects recall campaigns, owner complaint patterns, service bulletins, sibling model years, component issue hubs, and the model buying guide so a shopper or owner can move from a single report into the wider safety graph.
| Signal | Value | What to inspect next |
|---|---|---|
| Recall burden | High (8) | Review campaign numbers, affected components, and dealer remedies below. |
| Owner complaints | High (141) | Scan complaint narratives for recurring symptoms, mileage, crashes, fires, injuries, and dates. |
| Crash and fire reports | 14 | Treat any crash, fire, injury, or fatality-linked pattern as a priority pre-purchase inspection item. |
| Primary component hub | Unknown Or Other | Compare unknown or other issues across vehicles. |
| Cleaner nearby model year | 2015 | Compare against the 2015 Nissan Maxima with 1 complaints and 0 recalls. |
| Riskier nearby model year | 2017 | Check the 2017 Nissan Maxima before buying across this generation. |
Nissan Maxima Year-by-Year Comparison
The safest purchase decision usually comes from comparing neighboring model years, not reading a single page in isolation. The table below uses only validated Nissan Maxima years already present in the cleaned NHTSA dataset, so each comparison links to a real vehicle safety report rather than a generated combination.
| Model Year | Complaints | Recalls | Use case |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 Nissan Maxima | 99 | 4 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
| 2015 Nissan Maxima | 1 | 0 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
| 2018 Nissan Maxima | 35 | 2 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
| 2019 Nissan Maxima | 17 | 1 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
| 2020 Nissan Maxima | 20 | 1 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
| 2021 Nissan Maxima | 3 | 0 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
2016 Nissan Maxima Complaint Theme Map
Complaint counts become more useful when they are grouped into inspection themes. For the 2016 Nissan Maxima, these are the component areas with the clearest NHTSA complaint signals. Use each link to jump from this single vehicle into broader component hubs and make-specific issue pages.
Unknown Or Other
14 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Unknown Or Other issues Nissan onlyPower Train
12 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Power Train issues Nissan onlyAir Bags
11 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Air Bags issues Nissan onlyService Brakes
7 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Service Brakes issues Nissan onlyElectrical System
5 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Electrical System issues Nissan onlyVehicle Speed Control
5 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Vehicle Speed Control issues Nissan onlyAI Safety Analysis for the 2016 Nissan Maxima
Reliability Score
The 2016 Nissan Maxima receives a reliability score of 80 out of 100 based on analysis of NHTSA complaint data, recall history, crash reports, and safety ratings. This indicates above-average reliability relative to comparable vehicles.
NHTSA Safety Ratings for the 2016 Nissan Maxima
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) evaluates vehicles through controlled crash tests and assigns star ratings from 1 to 5, with 5 being the safest.
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:
| Issue | Severity | Frequency | Typical Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic: Antilock/Tractive Control/Electronic Limited Slip Recalled by Nissan for potential issues with hydraulic service brakes, anti-lock, traction control, and electronic limited slip. |
Medium | Rare | 30k-60k miles |
| Airbags, Sensor: Occupant Classification Recalled by Nissan for potential issues with airbag sensors and occupant classification. |
Medium | Rare | 30k-60k miles |
| Power Train Recalled by Nissan for potential issues with the power train, electrical system, and engine. |
Medium | Rare | 30k-60k miles |
| Dashboard Power Issues Reported by multiple owners for issues with the dashboard, including loss of speed gauge and other critical information. |
Low | Common | 30k-60k 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:
Issues with service brakes, including hydraulic service brakes and anti-lock systems.
Issues with airbag sensors and occupant classification.
Issues with the power train, electrical system, and engine.
Issues with the dashboard, including loss of speed gauge and other critical information.
Recall Details for the 2016 Nissan Maxima
The following 8 recalls have been issued for the 2016 Nissan Maxima by NHTSA:
Summary: 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.
Consequence: A brake fluid leak on the circuit board may result in an electrical short, increasing the risk of a fire.
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 v...
Summary: 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.
Consequence: A brake fluid leak on the circuit board may result in an electrical short, increasing the risk of a fire.
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...
Summary: 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 ...
Consequence: 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.
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.
Summary: 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 l...
Consequence: A brake fluid leak onto the circuit board may result in an electrical short, increasing the risk of a fire.
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 advi...
Summary: 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 incorrec...
Consequence: 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.
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. Inter...
Summary: 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.
Consequence: Insufficient brake fluid pressure may lengthen the distance needed to stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
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.
Summary: 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.
Consequence: If the bolts were not properly tightened, the caliper may detach and reduce braking ability, increasing the risk of a crash.
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.
Summary: 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 affect...
Consequence: 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.
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.
NHTSA Complaint Summaries for the 2016 Nissan Maxima
Below are complaint narratives filed by owners of the 2016 Nissan Maxima with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. 1 complaint involved crashes. 2 involved fires.
I took my vehicle yesterday to Monroe Nissan to check on hvac job done last May 2025 as ac was blowing hot air again I was told the ac compressor needs replacement along with that they recommended transmission replacement at a cost of 8000 plus. My Nissan is out of warranty but it only has 20000 miles. It didn’t even reach the recommended 30000 CVTs fluid change yet but already they notice the f...
The 2016 Nissan Maxima (VIN: [XXX] ) I purchased in January 2025 has been confirmed by a certified mechanic to have no driver airbag installed and no passenger side curtain airbag installed, despite a previous airbag deployment shown on the vehicle history report. There is no record of any airbag replacement or repair. The vehicle was sold to me in this unsafe condition without disclosure. Driving...
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. The vehicle was shaking abnormally while driving, with an unknown warning light illuminated. Additio...
There was a thermal combustion that caused a fire. Yes, the caught combusted at a local business. I had just entered the building and was told that my car was on fire. The police and Nissan inspected the car but refused to provide the inspection report. A light came on. I do not know the exact date that it appeared. I just received the recall notice and did not have the opportunity to get th...
My vehicle has experienced recurring failures where it will suddenly stop accelerating while driving, placing me in a dangerous situation. The engine remains on, but the car will only coast forward or backward with no throttle response. This has happened multiple times, and I have had to pull over for safety. Restarting the car occasionally works temporarily, but the issue returns within minutes. ...
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 best no to do anything with the transmission. So, at this point with no knowledge of what the code meant...
We started noticing the speed gauge losing speed while driving at around the first of May through June gradually getting worse. When in the last week in June, if you tried to go 70 MPH, on the highway, the vehicle would lose power, everything would shut down. Yes it could be harmful on the highway to the passengers and other cars passengers, if it just stalled in the middle of the highway. We ...
Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2016 Nissan Maxima. The contact stated that while the vehicle was at an independent mechanic pending repairs after the contact was involved in a crash, it was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The independent mechanic requested a Carfax report and found the discrepancy, and that the vehicle had been involved in a crash in the past. The vehicle...
The power on the dashboard goes out and I have no way of knowing my speed, the milage, or any other information on how the vehicle is operating. The radio and other dashboard instruments are off the screens are black and I can't receive any information on how the vehicle is operating. Our safety is at risk since when this happens, we don't know if it would stop abruptly and cause an accident. We h...
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.
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 60,000miles. The problem was diagnosed as rudder codes. I was not financially able to replace the CVT at...
The contact owns a 2016 Nissan Maxima. The contact stated while driving 20-25 MPH, the sunroof assembly completely separated from the vehicle, struck the front of the roof, struck the passenger's side of the vehicle, and flew underneath the vehicle. The contact pulled over to the side of the road and inspected the vehicle. There was no injury sustained. The vehicle was taken to Gerber Collision an...
The contact owns a 2016 Nissan Maxima. The contact stated while driving 5 MPH and driving over a bump in the roadway, there was an abnormal squeaking sound coming from the vehicle. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who determined that the sway bar bracket was fractured, and the bushing needed to be replaced. The local dealer was not contacte...
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.
Cvt transmision not working
On [XXX] approximately around [XXX] My Nissan Maximum was on fire while I was at work. I begin working at 8:30 am and the vehicle was parked two hours later my coworker ran telling me my car was on fire. The police and fire rescue was called to the scene. The police inspected my vehicle and I have the police report. On 12/13/24 at 1:32pm I spoke with Vaibhav the consumer Affairs Representative fro...
No matter what speed you’re going it puts itself in false neutral. Abs , traction control comes on battery light flashes. No power steering and will not accelerate. Have almost been ran into and ran over. There is no warning when this happens and not yet find a service department or garage that can fix the problem. Very dangerous especially for a new driver, I bought this car for my daughter. Thi...
This is third time this has happened. I already filled out one, but they have already replaced my altenator. My car worked fine for about a month, and then it did the same thing where I can't excelarate and the car limps at 1 MPH till it eventually shuts off and will not start up. If you jump the car it will work again, but not for long until it does the same thing. On the Nissan Forums alot of pe...
The contact owns a 2016 Nissan Maxima. The contact stated that while the vehicle was stopped, the vehicle failed to accelerate while the accelerator pedal was depressed. The ABS warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where it was diagnosed; however, the cause of the failure was not yet determined. The vehicle was taken to another local dealer, Alpine Nissan of Denve...
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 w...
Showing 20 of 141 complaints. Additional complaints are available via the NHTSA database.
NHTSA Defect Investigations for the 2016 Nissan Maxima
NHTSA defect investigations are higher-signal than ordinary complaints because they indicate the agency opened a formal review of a potential safety defect. Some investigations later connect to recall campaigns; others close without a recall after review.
Component: Suspension:Rear
Opened 2019-07-29 · Closed 2025-06-16
On July 29, 2019, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened EA19002 to investigate instances of alleged rear lower control arm failures in 2013-2018 Nissan Altima and 2016-2018 Nissan Maxima vehicles. At the time the investigation was opened ODI had 91 consumer complaints alleging rear lower control arm failures in the subject vehicles.ODI was concerned about these complaints because many of them alleged an increased steering effort or loss of vehicle control.At the time these complaints ...
Frequently Asked Questions About the 2016 Nissan Maxima
Has the 2016 NISSAN MAXIMA been recalled?
Yes, the 2016 NISSAN MAXIMA has 8 recalls on record with NHTSA. Each recall addresses a specific safety defect identified by the manufacturer or NHTSA.
How many complaints does the 2016 NISSAN MAXIMA have?
The 2016 NISSAN MAXIMA has 141 complaints filed with NHTSA. Of these, 10 involved crashes. 12 injuries and 0 deaths have been reported.
What is the safety rating for the 2016 NISSAN MAXIMA?
The 2016 NISSAN MAXIMA received an overall NHTSA safety rating of excellent (5/5). Frontal crash: 5/5. Side crash: 5/5. Rollover: 5/5.
What are the most common problems with the 2016 NISSAN MAXIMA?
The most commonly reported problems with the 2016 NISSAN MAXIMA involve unknown or other (14 complaints), power train (12 complaints), air bags (11 complaints). Other affected components include service brakes, electrical system, vehicle speed control.
How many crash reports does the 2016 NISSAN MAXIMA have?
There are 10 crash reports associated with the 2016 NISSAN MAXIMA out of 141 total complaints (7.1% of complaints involved crashes).
How many fire reports does the 2016 NISSAN MAXIMA have?
There are 4 fire reports for the 2016 NISSAN MAXIMA out of 141 total complaints. Fire reports are among the most serious safety concerns tracked by NHTSA.
Are there any deaths reported for the 2016 NISSAN MAXIMA?
No deaths have been reported in NHTSA complaints for the 2016 NISSAN MAXIMA.
How many injuries are reported for the 2016 NISSAN MAXIMA?
12 injuries have been reported in NHTSA complaints for the 2016 NISSAN MAXIMA. These are self-reported by vehicle owners as part of their safety complaints.
Should I buy a 2016 NISSAN MAXIMA?
Based on NHTSA data, the 2016 NISSAN MAXIMA is acceptable with caveats. It has 141 complaints, 8 recalls, and a excellent (5/5) safety rating. Always have a pre-purchase inspection done by a qualified mechanic.
What components fail most on the 2016 NISSAN MAXIMA?
The components with the most failures on the 2016 NISSAN MAXIMA are: 1. UNKNOWN OR OTHER (14 complaints), 2. POWER TRAIN (12 complaints), 3. AIR BAGS (11 complaints), 4. SERVICE BRAKES (7 complaints), 5. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (5 complaints). UNKNOWN OR OTHER is the single most-reported problem area with 14 complaints.
What should I know before buying a 2016 NISSAN MAXIMA?
Be cautious of service brake and airbag issues, and consider the potential for dashboard power problems. Regular maintenance is crucial. The 2016 NISSAN MAXIMA has 141 NHTSA complaints and 8 recalls on record. NHTSA rates it excellent (5/5).
How reliable is the 2016 NISSAN MAXIMA?
The 2016 NISSAN MAXIMA receives a reliability score of 80/100, indicating above-average reliability. This is based on 141 owner complaints, 8 recalls, and 14 crash/fire reports in the NHTSA database. Key known issues include Service Brakes, Hydraulic: AntiLock/Tractive Control/Electronic Limited Slip and Airbags, Sensor: Occupant Classification.
What are the known issues with the 2016 NISSAN MAXIMA?
Known issues with the 2016 NISSAN MAXIMA include: Service Brakes, Hydraulic: AntiLock/Tractive Control/Electronic Limited Slip, Airbags, Sensor: Occupant Classification, Power Train, Dashboard Power Issues. These are based on patterns found across 141 NHTSA complaints. 8 of these patterns resulted in formal recalls.
Are there any recalls for the 2016 Nissan Maxima?
Yes, there are recalls related to service brakes, airbags, and power train components.
What are the most common issues reported by owners?
Owners have reported issues with service brakes, airbags, and sudden loss of acceleration.
Are there any dashboard issues with the 2016 Nissan Maxima?
Yes, there are reports of dashboard power issues, including the loss of speed gauge and other critical information.
Buyer Advice
Our recommendation: Be cautious of service brake and airbag issues, and consider the potential for dashboard power problems. Regular maintenance is crucial.
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.
Disclaimer: This analysis is AI-generated from NHTSA public data and does not constitute professional automotive or safety advice. Always verify recall status at NHTSA.gov and consult a qualified mechanic.
Analysis last updated: 2026-05-16