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ProblemsByVin File / 2011-NISSAN-MAXIMA
2011 · nissan

nissan Maxima problems

0 safety recalls. 106 owner complaints. We mapped every trouble spot before you sign the papers.

0 5 10
Reliability score
7.8 / 10

Solid reliability overall. Common issues are concentrated in a few systems.

0
Critical
0
Severe
0
Moderate

Top trouble spots 8 categories with 3+ complaints

airbags
22 reports · avg $1,100
severe
powertrain
19 reports · avg $2,500
moderate
electrical
11 reports · avg $850
severe
steering
9 reports · avg $700
severe
body
8 reports · avg $1,500
moderate
engine
7 reports · avg $3,100
moderate
visibility
5 reports · avg $350
severe
suspension
3 reports · avg $900
moderate

What owners are saying recent NHTSA-filed complaints · verbatim

2011 Maxima · electrical Crash
THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION. WHILE TURNING STEERING WHEEL SLIGHTLY LEFT ENTERING INTO A CURVE, THE 4 TIRES OF THE VEHICLE DID NOT FOLLOW THE COMMAND GIVEN BY THE STEERING WHEEL. PLEASE NOTE THAT THE STEERING WHEEL TURNED WITH GREAT EASE. WHILE REMOVING FOOT FROM ACCELERATOR, THE…
12/29/2015 · NHTSA ODI #10816663.0
2011 Maxima · steering
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 NISSAN MAXIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED. IN ADDITION, THE VEHICLE STALLED AS ALL THE WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT…
12/26/2014 · NHTSA ODI #10668289.0
2011 Maxima · steering
STEERING LOCKED..CAR WILL NOT START. I HAVE TO PAYING FOR GETTING THE CAR TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP. LUCKILY, I AM UNDER 36,000 MILES SO COVERED BY WARRANTY BUT WILL NOT COVER EXPENSE FOR TOWING THE CAR. I READ THIS IS VERY COMMON ISSUE WITH NISSAN MAXIMA AND FEEL THAT COMPANY…
12/17/2013 · NHTSA ODI #10556370.0
2011 Maxima · engine
THE CAR HAS A PUSH BUTTON START AND COULD NOT BE TURNED-OFF. ALL EMERGENCY PROCEDURES IN THE MANUAL WERE FOLLOWED AND THE CAR COULD NOT BE TURNED-OFF. THE DEAL ACTUALLY LET THE CAR RUN UNTIL IT RAN OUT OF GAS. THERE WAS NO EVIDENCE THERE WAS ANY ISSUE WITH THE CAR UNTIL I WENT…
12/10/2012 · NHTSA ODI #10487868.0

Estimate your repair exposure

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Common questions

Is the 2011 Nissan Maxima reliable?

Mostly yes. With a reliability score of 7.8 out of 10 based on 106 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2011 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 2011 Nissan Maxima?

Based on NHTSA records, the most-reported issue is airbags, with 22 complaints filed. Average repair cost runs about $1,100 at an independent shop.

What's the most expensive thing that goes wrong?

The airbags is one of the costlier repair items. Average repair cost runs about $1,100 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 2011 Nissan Maxima?

Math is straightforward: a quality service contract runs $1,800–3,500 over 3 years. With 106 complaints on file and the costliest repair averaging $1,100, 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.

Related vehicles

Recall and complaint data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) public records database, last synced 9 hours ago. Editorial commentary written by ProblemsByVin contributors and reviewed by ASE-certified mechanics. We are not affiliated with nissan. Some links on this page are affiliate links and we may earn a commission if you complete a quote or purchase.
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