2011 Nissan Maxima problems
Verdict · NHTSA data
A typical year for this model
The 2011 Nissan Maxima sits mid-pack among Maxima years: 138 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 127, with no recalls and no defect investigations. Complainants reported 27 injuries in total across these filings.
No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across airbags (23), transmission (22), and electrical system (17), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.
138
NHTSA complaints
0
Recalls
0
Investigations
9
Crash-involved
1
Fires reported
27
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
How does 2011 compare to other Maxima years?
What are the most common 2011 Nissan Maxima problems?
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Airbags | 23 | 17% | ▲ up |
| Transmission | 22 | 16% | ▲ up |
| Electrical System | 17 | 12% | ▼ down |
| Other | 15 | 11% | ▼ down |
| Engine | 14 | 10% | ▼ down |
| Body & Structure | 9 | 7% | — flat |
| Steering | 9 | 7% | ▼ down |
| Visibility & Wipers | 7 | 5% | — flat |
| Speed Control | 5 | 4% | ▼ down |
| Brakes | 3 | 2% | — flat |
| Suspension | 3 | 2% | ▼ down |
| Seats | 3 | 2% | ▼ down |
| Seat Belts | 2 | 1% | ▲ up |
| Lighting | 2 | 1% | — flat |
| Tires & Wheels | 2 | 1% | ▼ down |
| Climate Control (A/C & Heat) | 1 | 1% | — flat |
| Fuel System | 1 | 1% | ▼ down |
Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“I HIT A DEER GOING 65 MPH. NONE OF MY AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. MY CAR SUSTAINED $12,600 IN DAMAGE. I SUSTAINED A SPRAINED NECK AND A SPRAINED SHOULDER REQUIRING A SPLINT FOR COMFORT. I ALSO SUSTAINED A POSSIBLE PINCHED NERVE IN MY NECK AND SEVERE BACK PAIN. *TR”
“WHILE DRIVING ON THE INTERSTATE, MY TRANSMISSION SUDDENLY STARTED SLIPPING OUT OF GEAR. THIS CAUSED THE CAR TO SUDDENLY SLOW, ALMOST BEING REAR ENDED BY THE CAR BEHIND ME. NISSAN KNOWS ABOUT THESE PROBLEMS, BUT REFUSES TO FIX ALL OF THEM. THEY HAVE SETTLED THOUSANDS OF CLAIMS OUT OF COURT FOR THIS…”
“S10 DIRECT REPLY - LETTER EXPRESSING SAFETY CONCERNS WITH THE 2011 NISSAN MAXIMA SAFETY, DEFECT, AND COMPLIANCE. *LD 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…”
“MY CAR HAS LESS THAN 113,500 MILES AND STARTED LOSING POWER AND COASTING, THE SPEED WOULD FLUCTUATE AND SOMETHING SOUNDS LOOSE IN THE ENGINE. I TOOK IT TO LITHIA NISSAN IN FRESNO CA ON BLACKSTONE AND THEY TOLD ME THE CVT BELT NEEDS TO BE REPLACED THEREBY CAUSING THE CAR TO NEED A WHOLE NEW…”
“TL* 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.…”
2011 Nissan Maxima — common questions
Is the 2011 Nissan Maxima reliable?
It is close to typical for the Maxima: 138 NHTSA complaints, 0 recalls, and no investigations on file.
What are the most common 2011 Maxima problems?
According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are airbags (23 complaints), transmission (22 complaints), electrical system (17 complaints).
Does the 2011 Nissan Maxima have recalls?
No. NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for the 2011 Nissan Maxima.
Which Nissan Maxima years should you avoid?
Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Maxima years to avoid are 2004, 2005, 2006, 2000, 2009, 2010, 2002, 2003, 2001, 2016, 1999, 1995, 1987. The cleanest record among Maxima years belongs to 2023.
Related
Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.
Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.