NISSAN MAXIMA · model year

2018 NISSAN MAXIMA

43 NHTSA complaints, 2 crash reports, and 2 active recalls for this specific cohort.

NHTSA overall rating

5 / 5 ★

New Car Assessment Program

The 2018NISSANMAXIMA carries 43 consumer safety complaints in NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation database for this specific model-year cohort. Within that volume, owners reported 2 crashes, 1 fire, 2 injuries, and 0 fatalities. For crash performance, NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gave this cohort an overall 5/5 rating, with 4/5 front crash, 5/5 side crash, and 5/5 rollover scores derived from standardized barrier and dynamic tests.

Component-level analysis is where model-year complaints become actionable: the top complaint category for the 2018 MAXIMA is unknown or other with 7 filings, followed by service brakes (7) and electrical system (5). Concentration in one or two component groups is the classic signature of a systemic defect; a flat distribution usually reflects normal aging, warranty complaints, or isolated build-plant variability. This model year has 2 active recall campaigns, which means the manufacturer is obligated to remedy the covered defect at no charge for the life of the vehicle — the full NHTSA campaign numbers are listed below.

NHTSA currently has 3 investigation files overlapping the 2018 MAXIMA. Owners comparing this cohort against neighboring years should pair the counters above with the complaint-by-year trend on the parent model page — a spike in a single year often tracks to a platform refresh, a new transmission supplier, or an updated ECU calibration. Use the related-complaint feed below to read raw owner narratives before deciding whether any pattern here affects your specific use case.

43
Complaints
2
Crashes
1
Fires
2
Injuries
0
Deaths
2018 NISSAN MAXIMA — NHTSA crash-test profile NHTSA NCAP crash-test star ratings for the 2018 NISSAN MAXIMA. Overall composite: 5.0 of 5 stars across 3 safety dimensions. Front CrashSide CrashRollover 5.0 NHTSA NCAP of 5 stars
  • Front Crash 4.0 ★
  • Side Crash 5.0 ★
  • Rollover 5.0 ★
NHTSA overall 5.0/5 stars, with front-crash, side-crash and rollover ratings from standardized NCAP barrier and dynamic tests.

Total Complaints

43 filings

Crashes Reported

2 reports

Source

NHTSA ODI

Federal complaints database

Complaints vs. fleet median (215)

At or below the fleet median complaint volume.

NHTSA NCAP overall: 5/5 — Top NCAP rating · Front: 4/5 · Side: 5/5 · Rollover: 5/5

Complaints by Component

ComponentCount
UNKNOWN OR OTHER7
SERVICE BRAKES7
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM5
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING3
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL2
STRUCTURE:BODY2
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)2
VISIBILITY/WIPER2
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL2
SEAT BELTS1
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE1
AIR BAGS1
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:MANIFOLD/HEADER/MUFFLER/TAIL PIPE1
POWER TRAIN1
LANE DEPARTURE: LANE KEEP: STEERING ASSIST1

Recalls (2)

19V65400012/09/2019

BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA

Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Nissan Altima, Armada, Frontier, Kicks, Leaf, Maxima, Murano, NV, NV200, Pathfinder, Rogue, Rogue Sport, Sentra, Titan, Titan Diesel, Versa Note and Versa Sedan vehicles, as well as Infiniti Q50, Q60, QX30 and QX80 vehicles. Additio

19V80700008/11/2019

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP

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-60

Recent Complaints

20260206SERVICE BRAKES

In June 2019, while driving my 2018 Nissan Maxima, the vehicle suffered a sudden and violent mechanical failure. Without warning, the steering wheel jerked forcefully to the side, and the vehicle became uncomtrollabel leading to an approx 100-foot spin across a median. ​I have since verified this vehicle was subject to NHTSA Recall 19V-807 for an ABS Actuator leak that shorts the circuit board. This defect caused the crash, which resulted in a Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) with extremy worsening memory loss 4mm spinal shift (L5-S1). I have comparative MRI scans (2015 vs. post-crash) confirming the injury.

20260206FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL

In June 2019, while driving my 2018 Nissan Maxima, the vehicle suffered a sudden and violent mechanical failure. Without warning, the steering wheel jerked forcefully to the side, and the vehicle became uncomtrollabel leading to an approx 100-foot spin across a median. ​I have since verified this vehicle was subject to NHTSA Recall 19V-807 for an ABS Actuator leak that shorts the circuit board. This defect caused the crash, which resulted in a Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) with extremy worsening memory loss 4mm spinal shift (L5-S1). I have comparative MRI scans (2015 vs. post-crash) confirming the injury.

20260206UNKNOWN OR OTHER

In June 2019, while driving my 2018 Nissan Maxima, the vehicle suffered a sudden and violent mechanical failure. Without warning, the steering wheel jerked forcefully to the side, and the vehicle became uncomtrollabel leading to an approx 100-foot spin across a median. ​I have since verified this vehicle was subject to NHTSA Recall 19V-807 for an ABS Actuator leak that shorts the circuit board. This defect caused the crash, which resulted in a Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) with extremy worsening memory loss 4mm spinal shift (L5-S1). I have comparative MRI scans (2015 vs. post-crash) confirming the injury.

20250904LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:ELECTRONIC LOCK/LATCH ACTUATOR

The contact owns a 2018 Nissan Maxima. The contact stated that the power door functions on the front driver’s door failed to operate on two separate occasions. Due to the failure, the contact had to enter the vehicle from the front passenger’s side before crawling over into the driver’s seat. The vehicle was initially taken to the dealer, and the front driver’s side door actuator was replaced. And on the second visit, the contact was informed that both the front driver’s side and rear passenger’s side door actuators were defective and needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle remained in the possession of the dealer unrepaired. The failure mileage was unknown.

20250703ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

The contact owns a 2018 Nissan Maxima. The contact stated that the instrument panel was intermittently dim upon starting the vehicle. The contact stated that while driving the instrument panel eventually brightened before returning to a dim setting. The vehicle was taken to the dealer on several occasions however, the technicians were unable to duplicate the failure. The failure persisted, and the contact stated that the instrument panel had gone blank before returning to a dim setting later. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer where a diagnostic test was performed, and the contact was informed that the Around View Monitor (AVM) unit needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 8,434.

Mileage: 8,434

20241114VISIBILITY/WIPER

360 cameras have stopped working on my vehicle. I've seen where there was a recall on the same thing, but my vehicle is not coming up in the recall. I did buy the car used, but not being able to use the cameras is definitely a safety issue.

20240912WHEELS:LUGS/NUTS/BOLTS/STUDS

The contact owns a 2018 Nissan Maxima. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact started losing control of the vehicle. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed and determined that the lug nuts needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 40,000. The VIN was not available.

Mileage: 40,000

20240503FireSERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

The contact's son owned a 2018 Nissan Maxima. The contact stated while the driver was driving 5 MPH, he noticed smoke coming from underneath the hood of the vehicle. There was no warning light illuminated. The driver was able to pull to the side of the road. The contact stated that the driver opened the hood, and noticed that there was fire under the hood. The fire was extinguished by the fire department. A fire department report was not filed. A police report was filed, but the police report information was not available. There was no injury sustained. The vehicle was towed to a tow lot, where it was totaled. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V807000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic); however, the VIN was not included. The used car dealer the vehicle was purchased from was contacted. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 51,533.

Mileage: 51,533

20240422TIRES

Four tires size 245/45/18 failed after 9 months and 6,500 miles. Tires were rotated after 5,000 miles. Dealer checked alignment at 6,500 miles all was ok. Two rear tires were bald, no tread, two front tires were worn to wear bar. Dealer sent tires for warranty 3/12/24 to date 4/22/24 Warranty information not received.

20230406LANE DEPARTURE: LANE KEEP: STEERING ASSIST

The contact owns a 2018 Nissan Maxima. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the "Front Radar Obstruction Unavailable" message was displayed on the instrument panel. The vehicle independently slowed down without depression the brake pedal. As a result of the failure, several electrical features including the Forward Collision and Lane Keep Assist safety features failed to operate as needed. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 94,000.

Mileage: 94,000

20230406FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: SENSING SYSTEM: RADAR

The contact owns a 2018 Nissan Maxima. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the "Front Radar Obstruction Unavailable" message was displayed on the instrument panel. The vehicle independently slowed down without depression the brake pedal. As a result of the failure, several electrical features including the Forward Collision and Lane Keep Assist safety features failed to operate as needed. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 94,000.

Mileage: 94,000

20221025FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING

Inappropriate function of the AEB system. Filed a prior complaint with you a couple of months ago about the cruise control sensor and the AEB. Cruise was fixed, but AEB keeps going off while using cruise inappropriately. Did not get fixed. Spent a lot of time working with Nissan consumer affairs and Vision Nissan in Webster NY and problem not found. There are numerous complaints on line about the same problem, but Nissan consumer affairs (NCA) keeps telling me there are no other complaints about this issue. The NCA told me that unless the service department has the AEB go off while they are trying it out, they won't do anything. If I want the second opinion they are recommending, it has to be out of pocket cost for me. I have had it happen and drove to the dealer without turning the vehicle off, and they didn't pull any codes, so won't address it. I have asked to speak to a manager/supervisor at NCA, but they refuse to let me talk to anyone. This has happened no less than 100 times and

20220911POWER TRAIN

I having problems with the transmission in the vehicle. The vehicle shakes during acceleration, you can see the gages on the dashboard shaking. When accelerating, the Gears won’t shift properly with a smooth flow. You can notice this in the RPM also when accelerating. I took the vehicle to the Nissan of St. Augustine Dealership and the diagnosis the vehicle with code P17F1 CVT Judder. The dealership stated I will need a new transmission totaling $6405.09. The vehicle maintenance is up to date and it have been very well taken care of. I noticed that this issue has been reported by many other people who owns Nissan Maxima’s. This issue needs to be fixed please.

20220726FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL

I purchased this vehicle used a couple of months ago. The automatic emergency braking initiates inappropriately while using ICC, it brakes without obstruction. Also, the distance sensor isn't working properly according to the dealer. When I use ICC, and sometimes when I am not using it, I get an "unavailable, front radar obstruction" message. The ICC stops working when this happens. It happens every single time I drive. The dealer I bought it from (not a Nissan dealer) won't address it. The Nissan dealer I had to pay $160 to diagnose it said it has a faulty Distance Sensor, which will be repaired if I pay over $1000. I only have $13,000 miles on this vehicle, and it was 11,000 when I bought it. This has a Nissan service bulletin easily found online, a known issue to Nissan which is a safety issue, but it isn't recalled and should be.

20220726FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING

I purchased this vehicle used a couple of months ago. The automatic emergency braking initiates inappropriately while using ICC, it brakes without obstruction. Also, the distance sensor isn't working properly according to the dealer. When I use ICC, and sometimes when I am not using it, I get an "unavailable, front radar obstruction" message. The ICC stops working when this happens. It happens every single time I drive. The dealer I bought it from (not a Nissan dealer) won't address it. The Nissan dealer I had to pay $160 to diagnose it said it has a faulty Distance Sensor, which will be repaired if I pay over $1000. I only have $13,000 miles on this vehicle, and it was 11,000 when I bought it. This has a Nissan service bulletin easily found online, a known issue to Nissan which is a safety issue, but it isn't recalled and should be.

20220715ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:MANIFOLD/HEADER/MUFFLER/TAIL PIPE

The contact owns a 2018 Nissan Maxima. The contact stated that the engine, transmission, spark plugs, battery, and brakes were previously replaced by an independent mechanic. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was white smoke coming from the exhaust pipe. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 90,000.

Mileage: 90,000

20211202CrashAIR BAGS

The contact owned a 2018 Nissan Maxima. The contact stated that while driving at 35 MPH, he became unconscious behind the wheel due to medication. The contact crashed into another vehicle however the air bags did not deploy causing his face to hit the steering wheel. The contact also stated that he fractured his back in 7 different locations as a result of the failure and required medical attention via ambulance. The vehicle was totaled and towed to his residence where Nissan came and towed the vehicle to the dealer. A police report was filed. The occupants in the other vehicle were not injured. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 39,357.

Mileage: 39,357

20211202CrashSTRUCTURE:BODY

The contact owned a 2018 Nissan Maxima. The contact stated that while driving at 35 MPH, he became unconscious behind the wheel due to medication. The contact crashed into another vehicle however the air bags did not deploy causing his face to hit the steering wheel. The contact also stated that he fractured his back in 7 different locations as a result of the failure and required medical attention via ambulance. The vehicle was totaled and towed to his residence where Nissan came and towed the vehicle to the dealer. A police report was filed. The occupants in the other vehicle were not injured. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 39,357.

Mileage: 39,357

20201111UNKNOWN OR OTHER

WHEN DRIVING TO WORK MY SUNROOF EXPLODED ON INTERSTATE SCARING ME.IT WAS A VERY LOUD NOISE. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE FOR ALL NISSAN OWNERS. WHEN BRINGING THE VEHICLE IN THEY STATED THAT THEY WERE NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR THE SUNROOF EXPLOSION. WHEN GOING ON LINE THIS LOOKS LIKE IS BEEN ONGOING FOR AWHILE.

20201010UNKNOWN OR OTHER

WHEN CAR MAXIMA IS SITTING STILL IN IDLE IT LEAKS OUT A CLEAR FLUID. THE FLUID HAS NO COLOR AND NO SMELL.THIS HAPPENS WHEN THE VEHICLE IS STATIONARY AND IN IDLE.

Mileage: 55,000

Compare 2018NISSANMAXIMA to Similar Vehicles

NHTSA Investigations

Frequently Asked Questions

How many complaints does the 2018 NISSAN MAXIMA have?
The 2018 NISSAN MAXIMA has 43 NHTSA complaints, 2 crashes, 1 fires, 2 injuries, and 0 deaths reported.
What is the safety rating for the 2018 NISSAN MAXIMA?
The 2018 NISSAN MAXIMA received an overall NHTSA safety rating of 5/5, front crash rating of 4/5, side crash rating of 5/5, and rollover rating of 5/5.
Are there any recalls for the 2018 NISSAN MAXIMA?
Yes, the 2018 NISSAN MAXIMA has 2 recall(s). The most common affected component is BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA. Recalls are issued by NHTSA and manufacturers must provide a free remedy.
What are the most common problems with the 2018 NISSAN MAXIMA?
The most-complained component for the 2018 NISSAN MAXIMA is UNKNOWN OR OTHER with 7 complaints. Other frequently reported areas include SERVICE BRAKES and ELECTRICAL SYSTEM.
Is the 2018 NISSAN MAXIMA safe to buy?
Review the complaint history, crash and fire reports, safety ratings, and recall status on this page to make an informed decision. The 2018 NISSAN MAXIMA has an NHTSA safety rating of 5/5. Compare with other model years using the links above.
Where does this data come from?
All complaint, recall, and safety rating data is sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Complaints are filed by vehicle owners through NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation.

Vehicle Safety Guides

Data as of 2025. Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) complaints database, NHTSA recall campaign API, NHTSA NCAP crash-test ratings, and NHTSA FARS for fatality cross-reference.