2012 NISSAN MAXIMA Problems
Real NHTSA owner complaints for the 2012 Nissan Maxima. This model year has 107 NHTSA complaints — top issue: Airbag Malfunctions.
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This page shows the model year's reputation. The VIN tells you about the specific car — accidents, title issues, odometer rollbacks, and open recalls.
Worst 2012 Nissan Maxima Problems
Top 3 most-reported issues with average mileage at failure.
Airbag Malfunctions
Uncategorized Issues
Electrical Faults
Considering a 2012 Nissan Maxima?
This page shows the model year's reputation. The VIN tells you about this specific car — accidents, title issues, odometer fraud. Full report just $4.99 (vs. Carfax $44.99).
All Problems by Category
Every NHTSA complaint category for the 2012 Nissan Maxima. A single complaint may appear in multiple categories.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Airbag Malfunctions | 27 | 5 | 1 | — | |
| Uncategorized Issues | 23 | 1 | — | — | |
| Electrical Faults | 20 | — | — | — | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 18 | — | — | — | |
| Engine Problems | 13 | — | 1 | — | |
| Steering Defects | 10 | — | — | — | |
| Structural Problems | 6 | 3 | — | — | |
| Seat-Related Issues | 6 | — | — | — | |
| Visibility | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Brake System | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Equipment | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Suspension Failures | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Equipment Adaptive/Mobility | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Seat Belt Issues | 1 | 1 | — | — |
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Complaint counts may exceed total complaints because one report can span multiple categories.
Search Owner Complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2012 Nissan Maxima. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
Showing 107 most recent complaints
Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2012 Nissan Maxima. It was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy after the purchase. The vehicle was a dealer sale. The contact stated that the mileage on the title was not available. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage w…
2012 Nissan Maxima with 94,000 miles began hesitating upon accelerating and jerking on [XXX]. Vehicle diagnosed at Don Franklin Nissan in Glasgow, KY with bad transmission. Transmission replaced. Then on [XXX], while driving vehicle, a loud noise from front passenger tire, tra…
Since 2018 to present day. I been having difficulties with the visibility from my front windshield at sunny days. The dashboard has this sticky substance that make the dashboard really shinny, and reflect the sun light on the windshield, blocking the view and make it hard to see …
Passenger airbag notifi action blinks and will not show it is activated to function in a crash. Airbag has never worked. Also driver seat belt keeps releasing without being pushed to open. Seat belt issue just began Dec 2023
The contact owns a 2012 Nissan Maxima. The contact stated that the passenger’s side air bag failed to turn on while the front passenger's side seat was occupied. The contact stated that the failure recurred intermittently. The dealer was notified of the failure and informed the c…
Green wire burn throughout the entire wiring harness..From alternator to engine fuse box and also to inside fuse box.. Bypassing the blown fuses and/or relays!!
The contact owns a 2012 Nissan Maxima. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the brake pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to stop immediately and started shuddering. The oil warning light, ABS, coolant temperature, and the ESP warning light were …
The contact owned a 2012 Nissan Maxima. The contact stated that after returning from lunch and parking the vehicle at work, almost three hours later he was informed by someone that the vehicle was on fire. The contact walked outside and saw the engine compartment in flames. The c…
On June 9, 2022 @8:50am I was driving my Nissan Maxima to work and as I was at the stop light waiting to go through the intersection, the car shut off completely cutting off all power. I have push button and no electric was working. My jumper cables were in the trunk but I could …
Pressing door lock/unlock button on the door handles fails to lock/unlock all doors consistently. Rear door locks respond intermittently or not at all. Driver door often takes four button pushes to get it to unlock. Although it hasn't happened to me, I've heard other drivers m…
Dashboard melting/sticky, glare.
We are having issues with "melting" or "sticky dashboard of my 2014 Nissan Maxima. Difficult to see when is sunny outside.
This CVT control variable transmission in these cars go out so fast. The CVT transmission went out at around 115,000. We replace it because we pressed the gas and no acceleration when stop light turned green. Then missed the light then it accelerated late and almost got hit by …
Transmission problems.
The contact owns a 2012 Nissan Maxima. The contact stated while the vehicle was stationary at a traffic light while depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle started to hesitate. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact took the vehi…
UPON COMING TO A STOP THE CAR DOES NOT WANT TO ACCELERATE, IT JERKS SOMETIMES, IF YOU GO CHECK ON ANY NISSAN FORUM OR YOUTUBE COMMENTS YOU WILL SEE THIS IS A MAJOR PROBLEM WITH THESE VEHICLES AND CAN CAUSE SERIOUS HARM IN TRAFFIC OR CROSSING INTERSECTIONS, I AM VERY SURPRISED THE…
WE OWN A 2012 NISSAN MAXIMA (VIN [XXX]). WHILE DRIVING ON THE 215 FREEWAY NEAR HENDERSON, NV OUR MIDDLE PORTION OF OUR PANORAMIC SUNROOF EXPLODED/SHATTERED FOR NO REASON. HAVE BEEN TRYING TO GET IT REPAIRED BUT NO PARTS AVAILABILITY IN VEGAS, THE REPLACEMENT PART ARRIVED CRACKED…
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 NISSAN MAXIMA. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING AND APPROACHING A RED LIGHT THE VEHICLE STOPPED. THE TRAFFIC LIGHT TURNED GREEN AND THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO RESPOND. THE CONTACT DEPRESSED THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL …
DASHBOARD SEEMS TO BE MELTING/ GETS EXTREMELY HOT AND AS A RESULT IS STICKY.
WHILE MY SON WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY (STRAIGHT AND AT A STEADY SPEED) THE HOOD SUDDENLY OPENED COMPLETELY, MOSTLY BROKE OFF THE CAR, AND FLEW INTO THE WINDSHIELD. THE MECHANIC THAT INSPECTED THE CAR TOLD ME THAT THE MAIN HOOD LATCH WAS CORRODED AND NOT FUNCTIONAL, AND THAT THE…
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2012 Nissan Maxima.
Recalls for 2012 Nissan Maxima
0 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2012 Nissan Maxima. Recalls are free to fix at any authorized dealer. Run a VIN check below to see if your specific vehicle has open recalls.
No recall campaigns found for this model year in the current data. Check nhtsa.gov/recalls directly for the latest information.
2012 Nissan Maxima — FAQ
Answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this specific model year.
Is the 2012 Nissan Maxima reliable?▾
Severe Issues. The 2012 Nissan Maxima has 107 NHTSA owner complaints, 6 crash-related, and 0 recall campaigns. The most reported issue is Airbag Malfunctions (27 complaints). Source: NHTSA via VinSpector AI.
What are the most common problems with the 2012 Nissan Maxima?▾
#1: Airbag Malfunctions (27 complaints). #2: Uncategorized Issues (23 complaints). #3: Electrical Faults (20 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2012 Nissan Maxima?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2012 Nissan Maxima?▾
The 2012 Nissan Maxima has 6 crash-related complaints and 2 fire reports out of 107 total NHTSA complaints. 7 injuries were reported. For NCAP lab crash test star ratings, visit nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2012 Nissan Maxima have any recalls?▾
No NHTSA recall campaigns were found for the 2012 Nissan Maxima in the current data. Always verify with a VIN check as recalls can be added at any time.
Should I buy a 2012 Nissan Maxima?▾
The 2012 Nissan Maxima has severe issues — review the top problems before buying. Pay particular attention to Airbag Malfunctions issues. Always run a VIN check on the specific car you're considering to check for accident history, open recalls, and title brands.
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinSpector AI.
Wider context: See the full Nissan Maxima reliability report with year-by-year comparison.
Check Your Specific 2012 Nissan Maxima
Real owner complaints tell you about the model. The VIN tells you about your specific car — accidents, title issues, odometer fraud. Full report just $4.99.