2019 Nissan Maxima Safety Report

2019 Nissan Maxima: Low complaint volume, but serious issues reported including structural failures and uncommanded braking, with incomplete crash test data.

17Complaints
1Recalls
55/100Reliability Score
2Crash Reports
2Injuries
Most reported components: Unknown Or Other (3)Service Brakes (2)Electrical System,Exterior Lighting (1)Visibility/Wiper (1)Unknown Or Other,Visibility/Wiper (1)Power Train,Engine (1)Power Train (1)Engine (1)Wheels (1)Structure (1)

AI Safety Analysis for the 2019 Nissan Maxima

The 2019 Nissan Maxima presents a mixed safety picture based on the available NHTSA data. While it has a relatively low number of total complaints (17), some reported issues are severe, including 2 crashes and 2 injuries. The vehicle received a 5-star rollover rating from NHTSA, but overall, frontal, and side crash test ratings are not available, which is a significant gap in understanding its full crashworthiness. The single recall addresses a critical safety concern related to the back-up camera, which, if malfunctioning, increases the risk of a crash. Common complaint patterns include issues with the electrical system, particularly exterior lighting and infotainment, and structural problems like exploding sunroofs and hood malfunctions. For instance, there are multiple reports of panoramic sunroofs exploding while driving and a complaint about the hood popping up at 55 mph. Additionally, there are concerning reports related to the braking system, with instances of automatic emergency braking (AEB) activating without cause, leading to abrupt stops. One complaint details the vehicle drastically going to the right and hitting poles, with airbags deploying, suggesting a loss of control. The recall for the back-up camera system affects a wide range of Nissan models from 2018-2019, indicating a broader manufacturing issue. While the number of complaints is low, the nature of some issues, such as sudden braking, structural failures, and potential loss of vehicle control, raises significant safety concerns that potential buyers should be aware of. The lack of comprehensive crash test ratings makes it difficult to fully assess the vehicle's occupant protection in various collision scenarios.

Reliability Score

The 2019 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 2019 Nissan Maxima

The following issues have been identified from NHTSA complaint data and owner reports for the 2019 Nissan Maxima:

IssueSeverityFrequencyTypical Mileage
Exploding Panoramic Sunroof
Multiple reports of the panoramic sunroof exploding while driving, causing a loud noise and potential for glass shards, with one instance occurring within two weeks of purchase.
High Occasional unknown miles
Automatic Emergency Braking (Aeb) Malfunction
Vehicle's braking system automatically activates without objects in the road, causing abrupt and dangerous stops, reported to have occurred multiple times.
High Occasional unknown miles
Headlight System Error/Failure
Driver-side headlight intermittently goes out and triggers an error message on the instrument panel, posing a visibility risk at night.
Medium Occasional unknown miles
Infotainment/Radio System Malfunction
Radio head unit cuts out randomly, volume increases on its own, and USB ports stop working, requiring multiple reboots and causing distraction.
Medium Common unknown miles
Hood Latch Failure
Hood popped up while driving at 55 mph, though the secondary latch prevented full opening, indicating a potential latch mechanism failure.
High Rare unknown miles
Engine Oil Consumption/Smoking
Engine oil level warning light illuminated, vehicle started smoking under the hood, and found to have no oil in the engine, despite recent oil change.
High Rare unknown miles
Back-Up Camera Malfunction (Recall)
Recall issued for certain 2018-2019 Nissan models, including Maxima, where the back-up camera display may not show an image, increasing crash risk.
High Common all miles

Common Problems Reported by Owners

Based on NHTSA complaint data, the following components account for the majority of reported issues with the 2019 Nissan Maxima:

Unknown Or Other 17% of complaints

Three complaints categorized as 'UNKNOWN OR OTHER' suggest various unspecified issues, potentially related to general vehicle operation or multiple component failures.

Service Brakes 11% of complaints

Two complaints specifically mention issues with the service brakes, including uncommanded automatic braking and ABS light illumination.

Electrical System, Exterior Lighting 5% of complaints

One complaint details intermittent failure of the driver-side headlight and associated error messages.

Visibility/Wiper 5% of complaints

One complaint related to visibility, specifically concerning the panoramic sunroof exploding.

Structure 5% of complaints

One complaint about the hood popping up while driving, indicating a structural or latching mechanism issue.

Power Train, Engine 5% of complaints

One complaint about engine oil consumption and smoking, indicating a severe engine issue.

Wheels 5% of complaints

One complaint regarding lug nuts with easily damaged stainless steel caps, making tire changes difficult.

Frequently Asked Questions About the 2019 Nissan Maxima

Is the 2019 Nissan Maxima safe?

Based on NHTSA data, the 2019 Nissan Maxima has a 5-star rollover rating, but lacks overall, frontal, and side crash test ratings, making a comprehensive safety assessment difficult. While total complaints are low (17), there are serious reported issues including exploding sunroofs, uncommanded automatic braking, and a recall for the back-up camera, contributing to 2 reported crashes and 2 injuries.

What are common problems with the 2019 Nissan Maxima?

The most reported issues for the 2019 Nissan Maxima include 'UNKNOWN OR OTHER' (3 complaints), 'SERVICE BRAKES' (2 complaints, including uncommanded automatic braking), and individual complaints across 'ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, EXTERIOR LIGHTING' (headlight failure), 'VISIBILITY/WIPER' (exploding sunroof), 'STRUCTURE' (hood popping up), and 'POWER TRAIN, ENGINE' (oil consumption).

Has the 2019 Nissan Maxima been recalled?

Yes, the 2019 Nissan Maxima has had one recall (NHTSA Campaign Number 19V654000) concerning the 'BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA'. This recall addresses a potential issue where the back-up camera display may not show an image, increasing the risk of a crash.

Are there any structural safety concerns with the 2019 Nissan Maxima?

Yes, there are structural safety concerns. NHTSA complaints include multiple reports of the panoramic sunroof exploding while driving and one instance of the hood popping up at 55 mph, indicating potential issues with structural integrity or latching mechanisms.

What should I look out for when buying a used 2019 Nissan Maxima?

When considering a used 2019 Nissan Maxima, pay close attention to the functionality of the back-up camera (ensure the recall fix has been applied), check for any signs of sunroof damage or previous replacement, test the infotainment system thoroughly, and be alert for any unusual braking behavior or engine noises. A pre-purchase inspection by a trusted mechanic is highly recommended.

Buyer Advice

Our recommendation: Given the serious nature of some reported issues like exploding sunroofs and uncommanded braking, along with the recall, thoroughly investigate the vehicle's service history and ensure all recalls are addressed before purchase. A comprehensive pre-purchase inspection is strongly advised to mitigate potential safety risks.

NHTSA Data Summary for 2019 Nissan Maxima

This safety report is based on a comprehensive analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2019 Nissan Maxima. The data includes 17 consumer complaints filed by vehicle owners, 1 manufacturer-initiated safety recalls, 2 reported crashes, 2 reported injuries, and safety rating assessments associated with this vehicle.

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.