Head-to-head reliability
Nissan Maxima vs Nissan Murano
How the Nissan Maxima and Nissan Murano compare on NHTSA complaints, recalls and crash reports — and which is the lower-risk used buy.
Based on NHTSA owner-complaint & recall records
Nissan Maxima vs Nissan Murano: Over 10 years, the Maxima had 488 complaints and 16 recalls, while the Murano had 272 complaints and 11 recalls. The Maxima averages 48.8 complaints per year versus 27.2 for the Murano. Both have 0 deaths. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Nissan Maxima or Nissan Murano more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Nissan Maxima
The Nissan Maxima is a large sedan that has averaged about 49 complaints per year over the past decade, with 16 recalls. Owners frequently report power train problems like stalling or sudden acceleration, as well as air bag failures and electrical glitches. These issues can leave you stranded or compromise safety in a crash, so a thorough pre-purchase inspection is critical.
Nissan Murano
The Nissan Murano is a midsize SUV with about 27 complaints per year and 11 recalls over the same period. Complaints often involve forward collision avoidance systems that brake unexpectedly or fail to alert, plus electrical and brake problems. While less frequent than the Maxima, these issues can still be disruptive and costly.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Nissan Maxima | Nissan Murano |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 488 | 272 Better |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 16 | 11 Better |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 35 | 17 Better |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 48.8 | 27.2 Better |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 32 | 18 Better |
Source: NHTSA owner complaints & recall records.
What actually goes wrong
The problems owners report
The most-complained-about systems on each vehicle — what fails, and what owners say in their own words.
Nissan Maxima
- 01POWER TRAIN97
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER88
- 03AIR BAGS75
- 04ELECTRICAL SYSTEM63
- 05SERVICE BRAKES53
Owners report stalling, jerking, and sudden acceleration, sometimes with no warning lights. One complaint describes a 2020 Maxima that jerked and stalled in the middle of the road, while another mentions a gear shifter that failed to shift into park and led to a crash. These failures can happen at low speeds and may require expensive repairs.
There are reports of air bags not deploying in crashes, such as a 2018 Maxima where the driver's face hit the steering wheel. Another complaint notes a collision sensor malfunctioning, causing the vehicle to brake on its own while reversing. Non-deployment in a crash is a serious safety concern.
Complaints include intermittent dimming of the instrument panel and stalling with no warning lights. A 2020 Maxima owner described an abnormal engine sound followed by a stall, which was also filed under electrical. These glitches can be hard to diagnose and may affect other systems.
With 53 complaints, brake issues are notable. Recalls cover antilock/traction control problems. Owners may experience reduced braking performance or unexpected activation, which is critical for safety.
“The contact owns a 2020 Nissan Maxima. The contact stated that while driving at 30 MPH, there was an abnormal sound coming from the engine. The vehicle jerked before stalling in the middle of the road. No warning lights were illuminated. The Police were calle…”
“The contact owns a 2020 Nissan Maxima. The contact stated that while her husband was attempting to park and turn off the vehicle, the gear shifter failed to shift into park, the STOP button failed to respond, and the vehicle suddenly accelerated, crashed into…”
Nissan Murano
- 01UNKNOWN OR OTHER67
- 02FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE44
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM34
- 04SERVICE BRAKES33
- 05POWER TRAIN26
Owners report the crash sensor light engaging randomly, even when parked, and the system braking unexpectedly. One complaint mentions the automatic collision notification failing to activate in a hit-and-run. Another notes cruise control not maintaining speed downhill. These malfunctions can distract or startle the driver.
A 2018 Murano owner described multiple electrical issues after the vehicle was at a dealership for about a month. Problems can include battery drain or sensor failures, leading to no-start situations or warning lights.
Complaints include abrupt slowing down as if the vehicle would shut down, and recalls for brake caliper and antilock issues. Brake problems can affect stopping distance and control.
With 26 complaints, some owners report transmission or engine issues, though less frequently than the Maxima. Symptoms may include rough shifting or loss of power, which can be costly to repair.
“My wife was victim to a hit and run driver on 30 Dec 22. Our 2022 Nissan Murano's AUTOMATIC COLLISION NOTIFICATION SYSTEM FAILED TO ACTIVATE UPON COLLISION. There were no warnings in the car prior. Additionally, the secondary system known as the "SOS BUTTON"…”
“On [XXX] I was driving back down [XXX] , stopped at red light and when light changed to green, I proceeded to take off and as I got under the interstate overpass my vehicle abruptly started slowing down as if it was going to shut completely down and the panel…”
Official recalls
Safety recalls on record
Federal recall campaigns — the defect, the risk, and the fix. Confirm any open recall was completed before you buy.
Nissan Maxima — 16 recalls
The 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.
The risk: Rear window glass that separates from the vehicle can increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: 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.
The 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. Additio…
The risk: The lack of an image in the back-up camera display increases the risk of a crash.
The fix: 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-…
The 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. Additio…
The risk: The lack of an image in the back-up camera display increases the risk of a crash.
The fix: 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-…
The 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-60…
The risk: A brake fluid leak on the circuit board may result in an electrical short, increasing the risk of a fire.
The fix: 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 s…
Nissan Murano — 11 recalls
The defect: Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2024 Murano vehicles. The incorrect primer may have been used on the quarter glass, resulting in the left and right quarter glass detaching from the vehicle.
The risk: Detached glass panels can become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace both side quarter glass panels, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 7, 2024. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-867-7669. Nissan's number for this recall is PD102.
The 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. Additio…
The risk: The lack of an image in the back-up camera display increases the risk of a crash.
The fix: 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-…
The 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-60…
The risk: A brake fluid leak on the circuit board may result in an electrical short, increasing the risk of a fire.
The fix: 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 s…
The defect: Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2025 Murano, Pathfinder, and INFINITI QX60 vehicles. One or both front brake caliper assemblies may have reduced strength and could break. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard n…
The risk: A broken front brake caliper can cause a loss of front brake function, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the front brake caliper assemblies as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 9, 2025. Owners may contact Nissan's customer service at 800-647-7261 or INFINITI's customer servi…
Buyer analysis
Nissan Maxima or Nissan Murano: which should you buy?
The Nissan Murano has fewer complaints per year (27.2 vs. 48.8) and fewer recalls (11 vs. 16), suggesting it may be less troublesome overall. However, both have serious reported issues, so the difference means you might spend less time at the shop with a Murano, but neither is immune to problems.
Key differences
- The Maxima has nearly double the annual complaint rate of the Murano (48.8 vs. 27.2), with more power train and air bag complaints.
- The Murano's top complaint area is forward collision avoidance, with reports of phantom braking and failed alerts, while the Maxima's top area is power train, with stalling and acceleration issues.
- Both have electrical and brake complaints, but the Maxima has more air bag complaints (75 vs. not in Murano's top five).
- Recalls overlap on visibility, back over prevention camera, and antilock brakes, but the Murano also has a brake caliper recall and a back over prevention software recall.
- During a test drive, listen for abnormal engine sounds and feel for jerking or hesitation, especially at low speeds, as these could indicate power train issues.
- Check that the air bag warning light illuminates briefly when starting and then goes out; if it stays on, there may be a fault. Also test the gear shifter to ensure it engages park properly.
- Test the forward collision avoidance system by driving in conditions where it might activate; watch for unexpected braking or warning lights. Also verify that the automatic collision notification and SOS button work if equipped.
- Look for signs of electrical problems such as a weak battery, flickering lights, or warning messages. Ask if any brake-related recalls have been addressed.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and check for open recalls on the NHTSA website using the VIN.
- Have a trusted mechanic perform a pre-purchase inspection, focusing on the power train, brakes, and electrical systems.
- During the test drive, test all safety systems including air bags (via warning lights), forward collision alerts, and backup cameras.
- Ask the seller for maintenance records, especially for transmission fluid changes and brake repairs.
- For the Maxima, specifically check for transmission shudder or delayed engagement; for the Murano, test the cruise control and collision avoidance at various speeds.
Year by year
Which model years to avoid
Complaints per model year for both vehicles — lower is better. The spikes are the years to scrutinize.
| Year | Nissan Maxima | Nissan Murano |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 1 | 8 |
| 2022 | 5 | 6 |
| 2021 | 3 | 16 |
| 2020 | 22 | 46 |
| 2019 | 18 | 43 |
| 2018 | 36 | 15 |
| 2017 | 103 | 107 |
Check the actual car
Comparing models is smart. Checking the VIN is essential.
Brand averages tell you the trend. A VIN check tells you what's wrong with the specific Nissan Maxima or Nissan Murano in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Nissan Maxima vs Nissan Murano
- Nissan Maxima total complaints
- 488
- Nissan Murano total complaints
- 272
- Nissan Maxima total recalls
- 16
- Nissan Murano total recalls
- 11
- Nissan Maxima avg complaints/year
- 48.8
- Nissan Murano avg complaints/year
- 27.2
- More reliable overall
- Nissan Murano
- Nissan Maxima top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN
- Nissan Murano top complaint area
- UNKNOWN OR OTHER