EZ Swap LLC services the Nissan Maxima in Phoenix, AZ, covering model years 2005 to 2023. If your Maxima has a warning light, a strange noise or a safety recall question, our mechanics can diagnose it and give you a clear quote first.
To help Maxima owners know what to watch for, we reviewed public records from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). For these model years NHTSA has 3,051 owner complaints on file for the Maxima and 15 safety recall campaigns. The most-reported problem areas are power train (1,357), steering (410), electrical system (328).
Most-Reported Nissan Maxima Problems
These problem areas come up most often in NHTSA owner complaints for the Maxima (all model years combined). Complaint counts reflect reports filed, not the share of vehicles affected, so popular and older models naturally have more.
| Problem area (NHTSA component) | Complaints | Share | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Power Train | 1,357 | 44% | |
| Steering | 410 | 13% | |
| Electrical System | 328 | 10% | |
| Air Bags | 247 | 8% | |
| Engine | 238 | 7% | |
| Structure | 173 | 5% | |
| Suspension | 126 | 4% | |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 123 | 4% |
Power Train
1,357 of the 3,051 complaints (44%) mention the powertrain. Powertrain complaints can range from rough shifting to loss of drive. We road test, scan for stored codes and inspect fluids before recommending any repair. See our auto repair page.
Steering
410 of the 3,051 complaints (13%) mention steering. Steering complaints deserve prompt attention. We inspect steering components and alignment so the car tracks straight and responds predictably. See our suspension & alignment page.
Electrical System
328 of the 3,051 complaints (10%) mention the electrical system. Electrical problems are made worse by desert heat, which ages batteries, cables and connectors. We test the battery, starter and charging system and trace faults to the actual part. See our battery replacement and starter & alternator repair pages.
Nissan Maxima Complaints by Model Year
The Maxima model years with the most NHTSA complaints on file are 2005, 2006, 2009. Older model years have had more time to collect reports, so use this table as a guide for what to inspect, not as a verdict on any one vehicle.
| Model year | Complaints on file | |
|---|---|---|
| 2005 | 948 | |
| 2006 | 576 | |
| 2007 | 129 | |
| 2008 | 79 | |
| 2009 | 339 | |
| 2010 | 275 | |
| 2011 | 106 | |
| 2012 | 107 | |
| 2013 | 62 | |
| 2014 | 96 | |
| 2015 | 1 | |
| 2016 | 142 | |
| 2017 | 106 | |
| 2018 | 36 | |
| 2019 | 18 | |
| 2020 | 22 | |
| 2021 | 3 | |
| 2022 | 5 | |
| 2023 | 1 |
Most Common Nissan Maxima Check Engine Codes
Owners often put the exact trouble code in their NHTSA complaint. These are the codes cited most often for the Maxima. The most-cited is P1778 (manufacturer-specific powertrain code), mentioned in 9 complaints. Counts reflect complaints that name a code, not every car on the road.
| Code | What it means | Complaints citing it |
|---|---|---|
| P1778 | Manufacturer-specific powertrain code The meaning of this code varies by make and model, so it needs to be looked up for your vehicle and tested. | 9 |
| B1018 | Manufacturer-specific body code The meaning of this code varies by make and model, so it needs to be looked up for your vehicle and tested. | 4 |
| P17F1 | Manufacturer-specific powertrain code The meaning of this code varies by make and model, so it needs to be looked up for your vehicle and tested. | 4 |
| P0746 | Pressure control solenoid performance Transmission solenoid or fluid pressure problem. | 3 |
| P0011 | Intake camshaft timing over-advanced (bank 1) Often an oil, variable valve timing solenoid or timing component issue. Low or dirty oil is a common trigger. | 3 |
| P0780 | Powertrain code A scan and test is needed to confirm what this code means for your vehicle. | 2 |
| C1110 | Manufacturer-specific chassis code The meaning of this code varies by make and model, so it needs to be looked up for your vehicle and tested. | 2 |
| P0868 | Powertrain code A scan and test is needed to confirm what this code means for your vehicle. | 2 |
A code is a clue, not a diagnosis. The same code can have several causes, so we test before replacing parts. See our check engine light diagnostics, and read whether it is safe to drive with the check engine light on.
Nissan Maxima Safety Recalls
NHTSA lists 15 recall campaigns for the Maxima in these model years, most often involving service brakes, hydraulic, suspension, air bags. Recalls are repaired by the manufacturer at no charge to you, but each applies only to certain vehicles. Look up your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- 2020 recall, Visibility (campaign 20V570000): Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2020 Altima, Maxima and Leaf vehicles. The rear window glass may not remain properly secured to the vehicle.
- 2019 recall, Service Brakes, Hydraulic (campaign 19V807000): 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.
- 2019 recall, Back Over Prevention (campaign 19V654000): 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,...
- 2018 recall, Service Brakes, Hydraulic (campaign 18V601000): Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2015-2017 Nissan Murano, 2016-2017 Nissan Maxima, 2017-2018 Nissan Pathfinder, and 2017 Infiniti QX60 vehicles.
- 2016 recall, Air Bags (campaign 16V911000): Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain model year 2013-2015 Altima vehicles manufactured January 3, 2013, to July 29, 2013, 2015-2016 Rogue vehicles manufactured October 14, 2014, to August 12, 2016, and 2016 Maxima...
- 2016 recall, Service Brakes, Hydraulic (campaign 16V636000): Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain model year 2016-2017 Nissan Maxima vehicles manufactured February 10, 2015, to August 19, 2016 and equipped with Intelligent Cruise Control, 2015-2017 Murano vehicles manufactured...
Serious Incident Reports
Of the NHTSA complaints on file for the Maxima, 110 involved a crash, 33 involved a fire, 121 reported injuries. These numbers are drawn from self-reported complaints and are not verified findings. If your vehicle has an open recall, get it repaired promptly.
Keeping a Nissan Maxima Reliable in Phoenix
Arizona heat is the hardest test a Nissan will face. Batteries, belts, hoses, tires and engine oil all wear faster here, and a Maxima that spends its life in stop-and-go Valley traffic needs maintenance earlier than the owner's manual's normal schedule suggests.
Our recommendation for Maxima owners: follow the severe-service schedule, test the battery before every summer, inspect brakes and tires twice a year, and have any warning light diagnosed instead of ignored. If you are shopping for a used Nissan Maxima, a pre-purchase inspection shows what the paperwork does not.
Nissan Maxima Services at EZ Swap LLC
Get the details on our Phoenix Nissan Maxima repair service, or choose a service below.
Auto Repair
All makes and models, from domestic trucks to imports.
Details →Suspension & Alignment
Shocks, struts, alignment and steering.
Details →Battery Replacement
Test, replace and protect against Phoenix heat.
Details →Starter & Alternator Repair
Charging and starting system repair.
Details →Oil Change & Maintenance
Oil, filters, fluids, tires and scheduled service.
Details →Car A/C Repair
Phoenix heat demands cold air.
Details →Nissan Maxima FAQ
What are the most common problems with the Nissan Maxima?
Based on NHTSA owner complaints, the most-reported problem areas for the Nissan Maxima are power train (1,357), steering (410), electrical system (328). Complaint counts reflect reports filed, not the share of vehicles affected.
Which Maxima model years have the most complaints?
The Maxima model years with the most NHTSA complaints on file are 2005, 2006, 2009. Older years have had longer to collect reports, so inspect any specific vehicle before buying.
What are the most common check engine codes on the Nissan Maxima?
In NHTSA owner complaints for the Nissan Maxima, the codes cited most often are P1778 (manufacturer-specific powertrain code), B1018 (manufacturer-specific body code), P17F1 (manufacturer-specific powertrain code). A code points to a system, and testing confirms the actual failed part.
Does the Nissan Maxima have any safety recalls?
NHTSA lists 15 recall campaigns for the Nissan Maxima across model years 2005 to 2023. Each recall applies only to certain vehicles, so enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if yours is affected.
Do you repair the Nissan Maxima in Phoenix?
Yes. EZ Swap LLC repairs and maintains Nissan vehicles including the Maxima, at 9050 N 9th St in Phoenix. Call or text (602) 246-9063 for an appointment.
Is a pre-purchase inspection worth it for a used Nissan Maxima?
Yes. An inspection checks the engine, transmission, brakes, suspension, A/C and electrical system, and scans for stored codes, so you know the real condition before you buy.
How often should I service my Nissan Maxima in Phoenix?
Follow the severe-service schedule in your owner's manual, since heat and stop-and-go driving count as severe use. Test the battery before summer and inspect brakes and tires regularly.
More Nissan Models We Service
Source: public complaint and recall records from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (nhtsa.gov). Counts reflect reports filed and do not predict the condition of any individual vehicle.