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.
10.0
really awful
Crashes / Fires:
1 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
3 / 0
Average Mileage:
37,671 miles
About These NHTSA Complaints:
This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.
So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.
S10 direct reply - letter expressing safety concerns with the 2011 Nissan Maxima safety, defect, and compliance. The consumer stated the vehicle was involved in a crash. Controlling the speed and direction of the vehicle became difficult. The steering wheel turned loosely and became unresponsive. The passengers received life threatening injuries. See also ODI 10816663.
Vehicle is parked and engine wont start. Had a 2009 Maxima that also had the same issues. Checked battery and it is fine but car wont start. I have jumpstarted it and that has turned the car back on but after a few months I have the same issue. This last time my car did not start, not even with a jump start.
I have a 2011 Maxima and my family and I keep getting stranded. I unlock the car and then the break is stiff, steering wheel is locked and car won't start. This is the worst feeling when your sitting in a dark parking lot with 2 young kids. This needs to be recalled! I see several other people with the same issue!!
- Ft Myers, FL, USA
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The contact owns a 2011 Nissan Maxima. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 40 mph, the steering wheel seized. In addition, the vehicle stalled as all the warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 55,400. Mailed out 01/13/15
Steering locked..car will not start. I have to paying for getting the car towed to the dealership. Luckily, I am under 36,000 miles so covered by warranty but will not cover expense for towing the car. I read this is very common issue with Nissan Maxima and feel that company should own responsibility for it.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
- Winder, GA, USA