2013 Nissan Maxima problems
Verdict · NHTSA data
A typical year for this model
The 2013 Nissan Maxima sits mid-pack among Maxima years: 71 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 127, with no recalls and no defect investigations.
Transmission leads the complaint categories with 24 reports (34% of the total). In government crash testing it earned 4 of 5 NCAP stars overall.
71
NHTSA complaints
0
Recalls
0
Investigations
1
Crash-involved
2
Fires reported
1
Injuries
0
Deaths
4
NCAP overall · of 5 stars
How does 2013 compare to other Maxima years?
What are the most common 2013 Nissan Maxima problems?
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Transmission | 24 | 34% | ▲ up |
| Airbags | 16 | 23% | ▼ down |
| Lighting | 9 | 13% | ▲ up |
| Other | 8 | 11% | ▼ down |
| Engine | 4 | 6% | ▼ down |
| Electrical System | 3 | 4% | ▼ down |
| Body & Structure | 2 | 3% | ▼ down |
| Brakes | 2 | 3% | — flat |
| Visibility & Wipers | 1 | 1% | ▼ down |
| Fuel System | 1 | 1% | — flat |
| Steering | 1 | 1% | ▼ down |
Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“I WAS DRIVING MY 2013 NISSAN MAXIMA AS I NORMALLY DO EVERY DAY. THEN WITHOUT ANY WARNING IT WOULD NOT ACCELERATE. THANK GOD I HAD ENOUGH MOMENTUM TO GET IT TO A SAFE PLACE AND OUT OF THE HIGHWAY. I ALMOST GOT HIT IN THE BACK TO BECAUSE I HAD THE MAKE A QUICK TURN TO GET IT OUT OF THE STREET AND…”
“PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG OFF WARNING LIGHT TURNS ON DURING DRIVE WHILE ~120LBS ADULT IS SITTING IN THE PASSENGER SEAT. SOMETIMES TURNING OFF THE ENGINE AND RESTARTING FIXES THE ISSUES. OTHER TIMES REQUESTING THE PASSENGER TO GET UP AND SIT DOWN FAST FIXES THE ISSUE TEMPORARILY. PROBLEMS REPRODUCED…”
“THE DIM HEADLIGHT SETTING IS SO DIM THAT CAR CAN NOT BE SAFELY OPERATED AFTER DARK WITHOUT TURNING ON THE BRIGHT LIGHT SETTING. IT IS A SAFETY HAZZARD! I HAVE BEEN A MECHANIC FOR 30 YEARS AND HAVE NEVER SEEN SUCH POOR HEADLIGHTS. I HAVE CHANGED THE BULBS BUT IT HAS MADE NO DIFFERENCE. I HAVE READ…”
“AFTER ABOUT 1 MILE OF DRIVING, THERE WAS A SMALL EXPLOSION HEARD UNDER THE CENTER CONSOLE DIRECTLY UNDER THE SHIFT CONSOLE. FIRE STARTED COMING OUT FROM THE SHIFT CONSOLE. BURNED UP CENTER SHIFTER CONSOLE AND CARPET SURROUNDING AREA. *TR”
“The contact owns a 2013 Nissan Maxima. The contact stated that while accelerating from a stop, the vehicle stalled with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was able to restart on the third attempt however the failure recurred. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic…”
2013 Nissan Maxima — common questions
Is the 2013 Nissan Maxima reliable?
Its record is better than the model's norm: 71 NHTSA complaints, below the typical Maxima year, with 0 recalls and no open investigations.
What are the most common 2013 Maxima problems?
According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are transmission (24 complaints), airbags (16 complaints), lighting (9 complaints).
Does the 2013 Nissan Maxima have recalls?
No. NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for the 2013 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 2013 Nissan Maxima?
In NHTSA's NCAP crash testing, the 2013 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.