CarComplaints.com Notes: The 2011 Nissan Maxima is a good reliable vehicle overall. There's a slight trend of transmission failure just before 100,000 miles, but not widespread enough to be a major concern. Beware of Maximas from 2009-2010, and 2004-2006 though.

The 2009-2010 Maxima has an expensive problem where the steering lock prevents the car from starting, & costs upwards of $1,000 to fix.

Nissan Maximas from 2004-2006 have a widespread transmission defect, but judging from our complaint data, Nissan fixed the transmission problem starting with the 2007 model.

Collapse Safety Ratings

NCAP 5-Star Crash Test & Rollover Safety Ratings

Driver FrontPassenger FrontDriver SidePassenger SideRollover
2011 Maxima 4 DR FWDnot testednot testednot testednot tested*****
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IIHS Crash Test & Rollover Safety Ratings

Good Acceptable Marginal Poor

2011 Nissan Maxima 4-door sedan

Moderate Overlap FrontSmall Overlap DriverSmall Overlap PassengerSideRear1Rollover
G Overall
G Structure
A Head/Neck Injury
G Chest Injury
G Left Leg Injury
G Right Leg Injury
G Restraints
Full IIHS Moderate Overlap Crash Test report »
A Overall
M Structure
G Head/Neck Injury
G Chest Injury
G Hip/Thigh Injury
G Lower Leg Injury
G Restraints
Full IIHS Small Overlap Driver-side Crash Test report »
Not tested. G Overall
A Structure
Driver
G Head Protection
G Head/Neck Injury
G Torso Injury
G Pelvis/Legs Injury
Rear Passenger
G Head Protection
G Head/Neck Injury
G Torso Injury
G Pelvis/Legs Injury
Full IIHS Side Impact Crash Test report »
M Overall
G Geometry
M Dynamic
Full IIHS Rear Impact Crash Test report »
A Overall
Full IIHS Rollover Safety report »

1 — Power leather seats AHR.

Ratings only apply to the model and body or seat type tested. The date of manufacture and optional safety equipment can affect results. For full details see www.iihs.org.

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