2012 Nissan Maxima problems
Verdict · NHTSA data
A typical year for this model
The 2012 Nissan Maxima sits mid-pack among Maxima years: 137 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 127, with no recalls and no defect investigations. Complainants reported 12 injuries in total across these filings.
No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across airbags (27), other (25), and electrical system (20), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect. In government crash testing it earned 4 of 5 NCAP stars overall.
137
NHTSA complaints
0
Recalls
0
Investigations
10
Crash-involved
2
Fires reported
12
Injuries
0
Deaths
4
NCAP overall · of 5 stars
How does 2012 compare to other Maxima years?
What are the most common 2012 Nissan Maxima problems?
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Airbags | 27 | 20% | — flat |
| Other | 25 | 18% | ▲ up |
| Electrical System | 20 | 15% | — flat |
| Transmission | 18 | 13% | — flat |
| Engine | 13 | 9% | — flat |
| Steering | 10 | 7% | — flat |
| Body & Structure | 6 | 4% | ▼ down |
| Seats | 6 | 4% | ▲ up |
| Visibility & Wipers | 4 | 3% | ▼ down |
| Speed Control | 2 | 1% | ▼ down |
| Brakes | 2 | 1% | ▼ down |
| Seat Belts | 1 | 1% | ▼ down |
| Lighting | 1 | 1% | ▼ down |
| Suspension | 1 | 1% | ▼ down |
| Fuel System | 1 | 1% | — flat |
Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“THE AIRBAGS FAILED TO OPEN IN A CAR ACCIDENT. THE FRONT BUMPER WAS SMASHED AND MY DAUGHTER COULD HAVE PREVENTED INJURIES IF THE AIRBAGS HAD OPEN. I HAVE LOST TRUST IN NISSAN AND THIS CRUSHED MY FAITH IN THEIR PRODUCTS! !!! ”
“WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY THIS MORNING, THE PANORAMIC SUNROOF ON MY 2012 NISSAN MAXIMA SPONTANEOUSLY EXPLODED AND SHATTERED. HAD THE SUNROOF BEEN OPEN, THERE COULD HAVE BEEN EXTENSIVE DAMAGES TO ME PERSONALLY, MY UNBORN CHILD (7 MONTHS PREGNANT), AND OTHERS DRIVING AROUND ME IF I HAD LOST…”
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 NISSAN MAXIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE ATTEMPTING TO ENTER THE VEHICLE OR WHEN INSIDE THE VEHICLE, THE ' NO KEY' WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO START THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS…”
“THIS IS MY SECOND NISSAN MAXIMA THAT HAS EXPERIENCED PROBLEMS WITH THE TRANSMISSION. EVERY MAXIMA I BUY EVERY TIME THE CAR REACHES 100,000 AND IS OUT OF WARRANTY THE TRANSMISSIONS GOES OUT. I CONTACTED NISSAN TO HAVE SOMEONE LOOK INTO THIS AS A PROBLEM WITH THEIR VEHICLES AND THEY INFORMED ME THAT…”
“The contact owned a 2012 Nissan Maxima. The contact stated that after returning from lunch and parking the vehicle at work, almost three hours later he was informed by someone that the vehicle was on fire. The contact walked outside and saw the engine compartment in flames. The contact stated that…”
2012 Nissan Maxima — common questions
Is the 2012 Nissan Maxima reliable?
It is close to typical for the Maxima: 137 NHTSA complaints, 0 recalls, and no investigations on file.
What are the most common 2012 Maxima problems?
According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are airbags (27 complaints), other (25 complaints), electrical system (20 complaints).
Does the 2012 Nissan Maxima have recalls?
No. NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for the 2012 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.
How safe is the 2012 Nissan Maxima?
In NHTSA's NCAP crash testing, the 2012 Nissan Maxima earned an overall rating of 4 out of 5 stars.
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.