VehicleVerdict

2018 Nissan Maxima problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Among the better years

The 2018 Nissan Maxima is among the quieter years of the Maxima on NHTSA's books: 46 complaints (64% below the model's median year), 2 recalls, and no open investigations.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across other (8), driver assistance (8), and brakes (8), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect. In government crash testing it earned 5 of 5 NCAP stars overall.

46

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

1

Investigations

2

Crash-involved

1

Fires reported

2

Injuries

0

Deaths

5

NCAP overall · of 5 stars

How does 2018 compare to other Maxima years?

Maxima NHTSA complaints by model year, 2018 highlighted1,725 complaints1982: 4 complaints1983: 8 complaints1984: 40 complaints1985: 64 complaints1986: 74 complaints1987: 194 complaints1988: 73 complaints1989: 78 complaints1990: 138 complaints1991: 99 complaints1992: 140 complaints1993: 102 complaints1994: 128 complaints1995: 195 complaints1996: 117 complaints1997: 123 complaints1998: 133 complaints1999: 215 complaints2000: 467 complaints2001: 225 complaints2002: 278 complaints2003: 249 complaints2004: 1,725 complaints2005: 1,152 complaints2006: 733 complaints2007: 169 complaints2008: 99 complaints2009: 460 complaints2010: 399 complaints2011: 138 complaints2012: 137 complaints2013: 71 complaints2014: 126 complaints2015: 2 complaints2016: 224 complaints2017: 154 complaints2018: 46 complaints2019: 28 complaints2020: 33 complaints2021: 4 complaints2022: 6 complaints2023: 2 complaints
Maxima NHTSA complaints by model year, 2018 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Maxima years to avoid →

What are the most common 2018 Nissan Maxima problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Brakes817%
Other817%
Driver Assistance817%
Electrical System715%
Body & Structure24%
Speed Control24%
Tires & Wheels24%
Engine24%
Visibility & Wipers24%
Seat Belts12%
Latches & Locks12%
Airbags12%
Suspension12%
Transmission12%

Does the 2018 Nissan Maxima have recalls?

2 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

19V807000BrakesNovember 8, 2019 · 391,479 units

Defect

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. These vehicles were previously recalled and unrepaired, or inspected and determined to not need a repair, under recall number 18V-601. In addition, this recall expands the previous population. The Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) actuator pumps may allow brake fluid to leak onto an internal circuit board.

Consequence

A brake fluid leak on the circuit board may result in an electrical short, increasing the risk of a fire.

Remedy

Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will replace the ABS actuator, free of charge. Owners will receive a second notice when remedy parts become available, currently expected to be during summer 2020. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-867-7669. Note: If the ABS warning light remains illuminated for more than 10 seconds after engine start up, owners are advised to park the vehicle outdoors away from other vehicles or structures and to not drive the vehicle.

19V654000Driver AssistanceSeptember 12, 2019 · 1,228,830 units

Defect

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, as well as Infiniti Q50, Q60, QX30 and QX80 vehicles. Additionally included are 2019 Nissan GT-R and Taxi and Infiniti QX50, QX60, Q70, Q70L vehicles. The back-up camera and display settings can be adjusted such that the rear view image is no longer visible and the system will retain that setting the next time the vehicle is placed in reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rear Visibility."

Consequence

The lack of an image in the back-up camera display increases the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Nissan will notify owners in phases, having dealers update the back-up camera settings software, free of charge. The recall began November 11, 2019 and all affected VINs should be activated. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-867-7669 or INFINITI customer service at 1-800-662-6200.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 NISSAN MAXIMA. WHILE ATTEMPTING TO ACCELERATE FROM A STOP, THE VEHICLE BRAKED SUDDENLY. HAWKINSON NISSAN (5513 MILLER CIRCLE DR, MATTESON, IL 60443, [PHONE]) AND THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THERE WERE NO RECALLS. THE FAILURE OCCURRED ONCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Driver Assistance · June 25, 2019

“WHEN DRIVING TO WORK MY SUNROOF EXPLODED ON INTERSTATE SCARING ME.IT WAS A VERY LOUD NOISE. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE FOR ALL NISSAN OWNERS. WHEN BRINGING THE VEHICLE IN THEY STATED THAT THEY WERE NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR THE SUNROOF EXPLOSION. WHEN GOING ON LINE THIS LOOKS LIKE IS BEEN ONGOING FOR AWHILE.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · November 6, 2020

“The contact's son owned a 2018 Nissan Maxima. The contact stated while the driver was driving 5 MPH, he noticed smoke coming from underneath the hood of the vehicle. There was no warning light illuminated. The driver was able to pull to the side of the road. The contact stated that the driver…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · April 28, 2024 · fire

“WHEN DRIVING A ERROR MESSAGE ON THE FRONT RADAR RANDOMLY APPEARS. IT SAYS "UNAVAILABLE FRONT RADAR OBSTRUCTION" AND AFFECTS THE ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL. THIS ERROR IS HAPPENING EVEN IN CLEAR ROAD CONDITIONS AND FOR NO REASON. OTHER PEOPLE ARE REPORTING SAME ERROR MESSAGE FOR NO REASON ALSO.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · December 24, 2019

“The contact owns a 2018 Nissan Maxima. The contact stated that the engine, transmission, spark plugs, battery, and brakes were previously replaced by an independent mechanic. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was white smoke coming from the exhaust pipe. The…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · May 13, 2021

2018 Nissan Maxima — common questions

Is the 2018 Nissan Maxima reliable?

Its record is better than the model's norm: 46 NHTSA complaints, below the typical Maxima year, with 2 recalls and no open investigations.

What are the most common 2018 Maxima problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are other (8 complaints), driver assistance (8 complaints), brakes (8 complaints).

Does the 2018 Nissan Maxima have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 2018 Nissan Maxima. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2018 Nissan Maxima under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened one investigation into this model year; all are now closed.

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 2018 Nissan Maxima?

In NHTSA's NCAP crash testing, the 2018 Nissan Maxima earned an overall rating of 5 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.