nissan Maxima problems
0 safety recalls. 339 owner complaints. We mapped every trouble spot before you sign the papers.
Solid reliability overall. Common issues are concentrated in a few systems.
Top trouble spots 8 categories with 3+ complaints
What owners are saying recent NHTSA-filed complaints · verbatim
THE PASSENGER SEAT AIRBAG DEACTIVATES WHEN AN ADULT IS SEATED PROPERLY IN THE SEAT. IT WILL WORK SOMETIMES AND NOT WORK OTHERS. THERE IS NO REASONING BETWEEN THE ABILITY FOR THE AIRBAG TO STAY ACTIVE OR NOT. AFTER RESEARCHING THIS ISSUE, IT SEEMS THAT THERE ARE NUMEROUS…
BOUGHT A 2009 NISSAN MAXIMA ON 4/21/2011, IT HAD 25206 MILES ON IT, I CURRENTLY HAVE 37000 MILES ON IT. I HAVE HAD TO ADD AIR TO MY TIRES AT LEAST ONCE A WEEK, ON CHRISTMAS DAY I CAME OUT TO A FLAT TIRE, REMOVED WHEEL AND NOTICED THE INSIDE WALL HAD SEVERAL "SPIDER WEB" CRACKS…
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 NISSAN MAXIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS FOUND THAT THE POWER WHEEL LOCK NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS BEING REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED ABOUT THE…
STEERING/BRAKE LOCK FAILED TO DISENGAGE WITH ATTEMPTED ENGINE START UP. KEY INDICATOR LIGHT AND SECURITY LIGHTS FLASHING ON DASH. STEERING LOCK REQUIRED REPLACEMENT AFTER CAR WAS TOWED TO NEAREST NISSAN DEALERSHIP. THIS REPAIR WAS NOT COVERED UNDER WARRANTY WHICH HAD EXPIRED…
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Common questions
Is the 2009 Nissan Maxima reliable?
Mostly yes. With a reliability score of 7.2 out of 10 based on 339 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2009 Nissan Maxima is generally a sound vehicle. The areas to watch are listed in the top problem section above — most are budget items, not deal-breakers.
What's the most common problem on the 2009 Nissan Maxima?
Based on NHTSA records, the most-reported issue is steering, with 168 complaints filed. Average repair cost runs about $700 at an independent shop.
What's the most expensive thing that goes wrong?
The steering is one of the costlier repair items. Average repair cost runs about $700 at an independent shop. Catching early warning signs can sometimes extend life by 20–30,000 miles.
How do I check if my Nissan Maxima has open recalls?
Paste your VIN into the decoder at the top of this page. We pull live from NHTSA, so you'll see exactly which campaigns apply to your vehicle and whether the dealer has logged the fix. Recall repairs are always free regardless of mileage or warranty status.
Is an extended warranty worth it on a 2009 Nissan Maxima?
Math is straightforward: a quality service contract runs $1,800–3,500 over 3 years. With 339 complaints on file and the costliest repair averaging $700, one major failure more than pays for it. The catch is reading the contract — many providers exclude wear items and require pre-authorization, so cheaper plans aren't always better value.