2014 Nissan Maxima problems
Verdict · NHTSA data
A typical year for this model
The 2014 Nissan Maxima sits mid-pack among Maxima years: 126 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 127, with no recalls and no defect investigations.
No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across airbags (24), transmission (21), and lighting (19), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect. In government crash testing it earned 4 of 5 NCAP stars overall.
126
NHTSA complaints
0
Recalls
0
Investigations
20
Crash-involved
1
Fires reported
9
Injuries
0
Deaths
4
NCAP overall · of 5 stars
How does 2014 compare to other Maxima years?
What are the most common 2014 Nissan Maxima problems?
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Airbags | 24 | 19% | ▲ up |
| Transmission | 21 | 17% | — flat |
| Lighting | 19 | 15% | ▲ up |
| Other | 10 | 8% | — flat |
| Electrical System | 10 | 8% | ▲ up |
| Engine | 9 | 7% | ▲ up |
| Suspension | 6 | 5% | ▲ up |
| Fuel System | 5 | 4% | ▲ up |
| Visibility & Wipers | 4 | 3% | ▲ up |
| Brakes | 4 | 3% | ▲ up |
| Steering | 4 | 3% | ▲ up |
| Body & Structure | 3 | 2% | ▲ up |
| Seats | 2 | 2% | ▼ down |
| Seat Belts | 2 | 2% | ▲ up |
| Driver Assistance | 1 | 1% | — flat |
| Tires & Wheels | 1 | 1% | ▼ down |
| Speed Control | 1 | 1% | ▼ down |
Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2014 NISSAN MAXIMA. WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, ANOTHER VEHICLE CUT IN FRONT OF THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE. THE CONTACT LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND CRASHED INTO THE SIDE OF ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED…”
“ON AUGUST 13, 2016, THE CAR STALLED IN THE MIDDLE OF THE HIGH-SPEED RAMP GOING ONTO A HIGHWAY (LONG ISLAND EXPRESSWAY) WITHOUT ANY WARNING, PUTTING US IN EXTREMELY DANGEROUS SITUATION. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM WAS STILL WORKING, BUT MOTOR SHUT OFF. I COULDN'T GET THE CAR MOVING AFTER NUMEROUS ATTEMPTS A/C…”
“THE LOW BEAM HEADLIGHTS ON MY 2014 NISSAN MAXIMA S ARE SO DIM THAT I AM SCARED TO DRIVE MY CAR AT NIGHT. THE HIGH BEAMS ARE AS BRIGHT AS THE LOW BEAMS SHOULD BE. WE HAVE REPLACED WITH TOP OF THE LINE BULBS & IT HASN'T HELPED AT ALL. THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE & NISSAN NEEDS TO ADDRESS THIS…”
“ON AUGUST 13, 2016, THE CAR STALLED IN THE MIDDLE OF THE HIGH-SPEED RAMP GOING ONTO A HIGHWAY (LONG ISLAND EXPRESSWAY) WITHOUT ANY WARNING, PUTTING US IN EXTREMELY DANGEROUS SITUATION. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM WAS STILL WORKING, BUT MOTOR SHUT OFF. I COULDN'T GET THE CAR MOVING AFTER NUMEROUS ATTEMPTS A/C…”
“While pulling into a parking space, I heard my engine racing. Immediately, I felt the car lurch forward. To avoid misapplying my foot to the gas pedal, I withdrew both my feet to the floor, next to the seat. The car continued forward at a fast rate. The car stopped going forward after it struck s…”
2014 Nissan Maxima — common questions
Is the 2014 Nissan Maxima reliable?
It is close to typical for the Maxima: 126 NHTSA complaints, 0 recalls, and no investigations on file.
What are the most common 2014 Maxima problems?
According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are airbags (24 complaints), transmission (21 complaints), lighting (19 complaints).
Does the 2014 Nissan Maxima have recalls?
No. NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for the 2014 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 2014 Nissan Maxima?
In NHTSA's NCAP crash testing, the 2014 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.