ABS/VDC CAN DIAGNOSIS INFORMATION This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2007 Nissan Maxima brakes problems
severe 13 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $450 · see brakes across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
13
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$450
1crash
When does it fail?
Of the 13 brakes complaints filed for the 2007 Nissan Maxima, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 75,000-100,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
Among the 7 model years of Nissan Maxima in our records for brakes problems, this one ranks #3 by owner-complaint volume.
No new NHTSA brakes complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 12 years — the issue may be aging out of the active population.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering brakes on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
SERVICE INFORMATION This bulletin has compiled Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS) and Low Tire Pressure Warning System (LTPWS) information for: - Basic diagnosing of TPMS/LTPWS systems - Radio frequency interference causing a "No Data" (C1708, C1709, C1710, C1711) condition - Sensor leaks - Moving TPMS/LTPWS wheel assemblies from one vehicle to another and TPMS/LTPWS sensor registration - Air pressure changes with altitude and ambient temperatures - Aftermarket tire sealers - Aftermarket wheels - Inflating/deflating tires with TPMS/LTPWS sensors See this bulletin for further detail.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗SERVICE INFORMATION When servicing run flat tires or low profile tires: - Special equipment and procedures are required to avoid damage. - Specifically, Tire Pressure Monitor transmitters (TPMS sensors) can be damaged when improperly dismounting and mounting tires. - TPMS sensors becoming damaged during mounting or dismounting tires are not covered under warranty. - To avoid such damage, ensure that the tire changer being used and the operator of the tire changer is capable of servicing run flat and low profile tires. - Operator?s manuals for such tire changers must be followed. See this bulletin for further detail.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗SERVICE INFORMATION - This bulletin is to assist you in responding to customer questions about brake operation, and provides diagnostic and repair information for each item listed, if any should occur. - Most brake incidents fall into the following categories: a. Brake Noise: A squeak, squeal, clunk, or groan that occurs when the brakes are applied or released. b. Brake Judder: A vibration that can be felt in the vehicle, steering wheel or brake pedal when the brakes are applied. c. Pedal Feel: The effort needed to operate the brakes is too high or too low. SERVICE PROCEDURE 1. Verify the condition by road testing the vehicle with the customer. 2. Determine the specific brake incident based
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗If YOU CONFIRM: A vehicle needs to have the brake rotors resurfaced (front or rear). ACTION: Use the ProCut PFM Series on-car brake lathe to perform brake rotor resurfacing and follow the tips listed in this bulletin. - The ProCut PFM Series brake lathe has been chosen as the approved tool for rotor resurfacing. - The ProCut PFM Series brake lathe can be ordered from TECH-MATE at 1-800-662-2001. - ProCut technical support or service can be obtained by calling 1-800-543-6618. NOTE: Brake rotors may need to be resurfaced during routine brake repair or for brake "judder" incidents. - Brake judder: A brake pedal pulsation and/or steering wheel shimmy when braking that occurs when there is too mu
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
ABS system failures dominate complaints on the 2007 Maxima. The most common issue is ABS actuator failure between 36,000 and 55,000 miles, which forces the transmission into limp-mode and caps acceleration around 30 mph regardless of throttle input. Warning lights (ABS, traction control) appear on the dash, and some owners report a clicking noise from the front driver's side wheel with excessive brake vibration. Replacement cost runs $1,200–$1,600 at dealerships.
Rear ABS and wheel sensors corrode prematurely due to water and salt trapped around the rear wheel knuckles—a design flaw Nissan acknowledged with Service Bulletin NTB07-016B, which requires grinding openings in the plastic knuckle cover for drainage. Despite this known defect, Nissan has not issued a recall. Owners paid $800+ for sensor replacement, only to have the problem resurface.
The ABS also engages unpredictably during normal braking and acceleration, making vehicles feel like they're sliding on ice. One owner nearly had a collision at 45 mph when ABS-induced limp-mode prevented acceleration on a left turn.
One owner experienced complete brake failure from master cylinder failure at 48,000 miles—outside the 36,000-mile warranty—and had to use the parking brake to stop. Front brake rotors warp and thin prematurely; one owner replaced them twice within four years at 26,000 and 52,000 miles combined.
Same Nissan Maxima brakes reports on nearby years: 2005 · 2006
Failure modes owners describe
ABS Actuator Failure
Control unit fails, triggering limp-mode acceleration loss and ABS/traction control warning lights. Multiple owners report the actuator needs replacement, often paired with sensor issues.
When: 36,300 to 54,763 miles; one case at 19,400 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Inability to accelerate over 30 mph despite depressed pedal; Engine running high RPM but car won't speed up; ABS and traction control warning lights on dash; Limp-mode activation preventing acceleration even with floored gas pedal; Excessive vibration when brakes applied; Clicking noise from front driver's side
Repairs/costs cited: ABS actuator replacement cost $1,200–$1,600 at dealer; one case cited $2,500 for combined sensor and actuator work; owner reports dealer quoted $2,500 for complete ABS system repair including sensors and actuator
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Service Bulletin NTB07-016B addresses design defect; Nissan issued service bulletin for rear knuckle drainage modification but no recall issued; Nissan dealer indicated ABS brake system problems are common with this vehicle; manufacturer unable to provide assistance in some cases; warranty did not cover repairs out of pocket
Rear ABS/Wheel Sensors Corroded by Moisture
Water and salt intrusion at rear wheel knuckle area corrodes sensors, causing ABS faults. Nissan issued a service bulletin requiring knuckle modification to improve drainage, but design defect allows continued moisture accumulation.
When: Approximately 2–4 years of ownership; mileages 26,425 to 54,000
Symptoms owners cite: ABS warning light illuminated; Loss of engine power in cold weather; Brake pedal goes to floor with grinding/sliding-ice sensation; Engine power loss when ABS problem occurs; Vehicle loses acceleration when ABS sensor fault triggered
Codes mentioned: Right rear ABS sensor fault, Multiple rear wheel sensor faults
Repairs/costs cited: Rear wheel sensor replacement $807 for one sensor; larger hole grind in rear knuckle to improve drainage (per service bulletin); one case required 2 additional wheel sensors and ABS actuator for $2,500 total; dealer performed knuckle modification but problem recurred
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Service Bulletin issued requiring grind openings in plastic knuckle cover for moisture drainage; Nissan knows problem exists but has not issued recall; one owner states Nissan dealer confirmed ABS brake system problems are common with this model year
Master Brake Cylinder Failure
Complete brake system failure due to master cylinder leak or internal failure, resulting in total loss of hydraulic braking. Vehicle required parking brake for emergency stop.
When: 48,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Complete brake failure—brake pedal inoperative; Had to employ parking brake to stop vehicle
Repairs/costs cited: Master brake cylinder replacement required; owner offered to retain failed cylinder for manufacturer analysis
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Not covered under 36,000-mile warranty; owner unable to pursue dealer repair due to distance and safety concerns
Warped/Thin Front Brake Rotors
Front rotors warp and thin prematurely, requiring replacement. Two replacements within ~4 years and 52,000 miles suggest design or manufacturing defect rather than normal wear.
When: 26,425 miles (first failure); 52,229 miles cumulative (second failure ~2 years later)
Symptoms owners cite: Brake pedal vibration or pulsation; Rotors warped and below minimum thickness
Repairs/costs cited: Front rotor replacement required twice within short interval; owner reports similar complaints found on allworldauto.com for multiple Maxima owners
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer blamed hard braking and steep hills; no recall or TSB mentioned; owner suspects problem is underreported
ABS Engaging During Normal Braking and Acceleration
ABS system activates inappropriately during normal braking or even acceleration, causing vehicle to feel like it is sliding on ice and introducing unintended braking force. Service Bulletin NTB07-016B documents this design defect.
When: Not specified; occurs intermittently
Symptoms owners cite: ABS engages during normal braking without warning; ABS activates during acceleration; Brake pedal vibration and grinding sensation; Vehicle behaves as if sliding on ice during normal stops; No warning lights constantly on (in some cases)
Repairs/costs cited: Sensor and bearing replacement ($1,200) recommended; knuckle modification per service bulletin required
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Service Bulletin NTB07-016B explicitly addresses this design defect; requires grinding piece off knuckle for proper drainage; no recall issued despite acknowledged defect
Synthesized from 13 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 1 most recent
ABS sensor problems . Vehicle will not accelerate. *tr
Had brakes trouble with your 2007 Nissan Maxima?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the brakes problem on the 2007 Nissan Maxima?
It's a meaningful issue. 13 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $450.
At what mileage does the brakes typically fail?
Across the 12 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most brakes failures cluster between 47,900 and 90,000 miles, with the median around 54,763. A quarter of owners report trouble before 47,900; a quarter make it past 90,000. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $450 for brakes repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to brakes?
No active recalls currently cover brakes issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2007/Nissan/Maxima.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.