2017 Nissan Maxima Safety Report
2017 Nissan Maxima: Excellent Crash Ratings Mask Significant Recall History and Diverse Owner Complaints Including Steering, Transmission, and Airbag Issues
AI Safety Analysis for the 2017 Nissan Maxima
Reliability Score
The 2017 Nissan Maxima receives a reliability score of 55 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 2017 Nissan Maxima
The following issues have been identified from NHTSA complaint data and owner reports for the 2017 Nissan Maxima:
| Issue | Severity | Frequency | Typical Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cvt Transmission Failure/Malfunction Multiple complaints describe the CVT transmission failing, losing power, or causing the vehicle to stop accelerating while driving, posing a high risk in traffic. Some complaints mention 'judder' codes and complete replacement. |
High | Common | 50000-80000 miles |
| Steering System Malfunction/Loss Of Control Several reports detail sudden loss of steering control or the steering wheel abruptly stopping control of the wheels, leading to crashes or near-misses. This is a critical safety defect. |
High | Occasional | unknown miles |
| Airbag System Malfunction Persistent airbag warning lights, passenger airbag off indicators when occupied, and a recall (16V380000) for occupant classification system issues that could prevent deployment, significantly increasing injury risk. |
High | Common | 50000-70000 miles |
| Emergency Braking System (Aeb) False Activation Complaints of the automatic emergency braking system activating without cause, particularly in traffic, creating a rear-end collision risk. |
Medium | Occasional | unknown miles |
| Exterior Trim Detachment (Pillars, Roof Molding) Reports of A-pillar and rear pillar trim pieces detaching while driving at high speeds, posing a hazard to other vehicles and pedestrians. |
Medium | Occasional | unknown miles |
| Sunroof Spontaneous Shattering Isolated incidents of sunroofs spontaneously shattering while driving or parked, without external impact. |
Medium | Rare | unknown miles |
Common Problems Reported by Owners
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the following components account for the majority of reported issues with the 2017 Nissan Maxima:
A significant portion of complaints fall into a general 'UNKNOWN OR OTHER' category, indicating a wide range of unspecified issues.
Issues related to the vehicle's structure, including roof deterioration, cracking, and exterior trim detachment.
Frequent reports of airbag warning lights illuminating and passenger airbag system malfunctions, compounded by a recall for occupant classification system issues.
Primarily related to CVT transmission failures, including loss of acceleration, judder, and complete failure requiring replacement.
Complaints align with multiple recalls (18V601000, 17V530000, 16V907000) concerning ABS actuator leaks leading to fire risk.
Reports of control arm failures and rear lower suspension breaking while driving, leading to wheel misalignment.
Issues with the automatic emergency braking system activating without cause.
Frequently Asked Questions About the 2017 Nissan Maxima
Is the 2017 Nissan Maxima safe?
While the 2017 Nissan Maxima achieved excellent 5-star NHTSA crash test ratings across all categories (Overall, Frontal, Side, Rollover), indicating strong performance in controlled crash scenarios, its safety record is significantly impacted by 99 owner complaints, 7 crashes, 1 fire, and 7 injuries reported to NHTSA. There are serious concerns regarding steering control loss, CVT transmission failures, and airbag system malfunctions, which are critical safety issues in real-world driving.
What are common problems with the 2017 Nissan Maxima?
The most reported issues for the 2017 Nissan Maxima include 'UNKNOWN OR OTHER' (13 complaints), 'STRUCTURE' (9 complaints, often related to roof and trim), and 'AIR BAGS' (9 complaints, including warning lights and system malfunctions). Other significant problems involve the 'POWER TRAIN' (7 complaints, primarily CVT transmission issues), 'SERVICE BRAKES' (6 complaints, aligning with multiple recalls for ABS actuator leaks), and 'SUSPENSION' (4 complaints, including control arm failures).
What recalls affect the 2017 Nissan Maxima?
The 2017 Nissan Maxima has been subject to 4 recalls. Three recalls (18V601000, 17V530000, 16V907000) address a critical issue with the Anti-Lock Brake (ABS) actuator, where a brake fluid leak on the circuit board could cause an electrical short and increase the risk of fire. A fourth recall (16V380000) addresses the Occupant Classification System (OCS) for the passenger frontal airbag, which could prevent the airbag from deploying as intended, increasing injury risk in a crash.
Are there transmission problems with the 2017 Nissan Maxima?
Yes, there are significant transmission problems reported for the 2017 Nissan Maxima, specifically concerning the Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT). Multiple owner complaints describe the vehicle losing power, failing to accelerate, going into an idle state while driving, or the transmission completely failing, often with 'judder' codes. These issues are categorized under 'POWER TRAIN' complaints and pose a serious safety risk.
Does the 2017 Nissan Maxima have airbag issues?
Yes, the 2017 Nissan Maxima has documented airbag issues. There are 9 complaints related to 'AIR BAGS', with owners reporting persistent airbag warning lights and the passenger airbag light indicating 'off' even when the seat is occupied. Furthermore, recall 16V380000 specifically addresses a defect in the Occupant Classification System (OCS) that could prevent the passenger frontal airbag from deploying in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Buyer Advice
Our recommendation: Despite excellent crash test ratings, potential buyers should be aware of the 2017 Nissan Maxima's significant recall history and numerous owner complaints, particularly concerning the CVT transmission, steering, and airbag systems. Thoroughly check for completed recall repairs and consider an extended warranty for powertrain components.
NHTSA Data Summary for 2017 Nissan Maxima
This safety report is based on a comprehensive analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2017 Nissan Maxima. The data includes 99 consumer complaints filed by vehicle owners, 4 manufacturer-initiated safety recalls, 7 reported crashes, 1 fire incidents, 7 reported injuries, and safety rating assessments associated with this vehicle.
The NHTSA has assigned the 2017 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.