VehicleVerdict

2020 Nissan Maxima problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Among the better years

The 2020 Nissan Maxima is among the quieter years of the Maxima on NHTSA's books: 33 complaints (74% below the model's median year), a single recall, and no open investigations.

Driver Assistance leads the complaint categories with 10 reports (30% of the total). In government crash testing it earned 5 of 5 NCAP stars overall.

33

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

0

Investigations

2

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

1

Injuries

0

Deaths

5

NCAP overall · of 5 stars

How does 2020 compare to other Maxima years?

Maxima NHTSA complaints by model year, 2020 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, 2020 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Maxima years to avoid →

What are the most common 2020 Nissan Maxima problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Driver Assistance1030%
Brakes515%
Body & Structure412%
Airbags26%
Electrical System26%
Latches & Locks26%
Other26%
Transmission26%
Steering13%
Fuel System13%
Engine13%
Visibility & Wipers13%

Does the 2020 Nissan Maxima have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

20V570000Visibility & WipersSeptember 22, 2020 · 150 units

Defect

Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2020 Altima, Maxima and Leaf vehicles. The rear window glass may not remain properly secured to the vehicle.

Consequence

Rear window glass that separates from the vehicle can increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will replace the back window glass, free of charge. The recall began November 4, 2020. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-867-7669. Nissan's number for this recall is PC752.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“While driving 2020 Nissan Maxima Sv the emergency park brake light up and rear brake light up and traction control light up on dash and it act like it looses power and when you go to settings on sonar it big green light in front of car And check engine light came on”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Driver Assistance · August 1, 2021

“While driving 2020 Nissan Maxima Sv the emergency park brake light up and rear brake light up and traction control light up on dash and it act like it looses power and when you go to settings on sonar it big green light in front of car And check engine light came on”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · August 1, 2021

“Was getting into the car. As we closed the doors, we heard the sunroof shatter. the edges of the broken glass were pushed up as if the air pressure inside the car broke the glass. If the inside cover was open, we would have been showered in glass. The manufacturer inspected and replaced the glass.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Body & Structure · February 17, 2024

“The contact owns a 2020 Nissan Maxima. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH and changing lanes, the hood unlatched, flew open and struck the windshield. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer and was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Latches & Locks · April 11, 2024

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2020 NISSAN MAXIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 55 MPH, WHEN THE INSTRUMENT PANEL BEGAN FLASHING RED AND THE VEHICLE FORCEFULLY BRAKED INDEPENDENTLY. THERE WERE NO VEHICLES NEARBY AND A CRASH WAS AVOIDED. THE CONTACT STATED HE WAS ABLE TO DRIVE TO HIS…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · October 1, 2019

2020 Nissan Maxima — common questions

Is the 2020 Nissan Maxima reliable?

Its record is better than the model's norm: 33 NHTSA complaints, below the typical Maxima year, with 1 recall and no open investigations.

What are the most common 2020 Maxima problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are driver assistance (10 complaints), brakes (5 complaints), body & structure (4 complaints).

Does the 2020 Nissan Maxima have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2020 Nissan Maxima. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

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 2020 Nissan Maxima?

In NHTSA's NCAP crash testing, the 2020 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.