2016 Nissan Maxima: Is It Reliable?
Problems, Recalls & Buyer Verdict
Shopping for a used 2016 Nissan Maxima? This page highlights owner-reported complaint patterns and recall history so you can inspect the right systems before buying. Current data includes 141 complaints, with Transmission / Drivetrain as the top reported area.
2016 Nissan Maxima Fuel Economy
✓ EPA Official DataEPA official fuel economy rating for the 2016 Nissan Maxima.
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov. Figures reflect EPA lab testing; real-world results vary by driving style, load, and conditions.
2016 Nissan Maxima Safety Ratings
NHTSA 5-Star Program2 variants tested — showing 2016 Nissan Maxima 4 DR FWD Later ReleaseOfficial crash test results from the NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings program. Stars reflect government-conducted tests; higher is safer.
Overall
9.5% rollover risk
Frontal Crash
Side Crash
Rollover
9.5% probability
Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Ratings are based on government crash tests and may not reflect all trim levels.
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2016 Nissan Maxima has 141 owner complaints, 10 crash-related complaints, and 8 recall campaigns on record. The most frequently reported component is Transmission / Drivetrain. NHTSA reliability signal: Severe Issues.
- Make
- Nissan
- Model
- Maxima
- Model year
- 2016
- NHTSA owner complaints
- 141
- Crash-related complaints
- 10
- Safety recall campaigns
- 8
- Top reported component
- Transmission / Drivetrain
- Reliability signal
- Severe Issues
- EPA MPG combined
- 25
- EPA MPG city / highway
- 22 / 30
- Fuel type
- Premium Gasoline
- NHTSA overall safety rating
- 5/5 stars
- NHTSA frontal crash rating
- 5/5 stars
- NHTSA side crash rating
- 5/5 stars
- NHTSA rollover rating
- 5/5 stars
- Electronic stability control
- Standard
Most Common 2016 Nissan Maxima Problems
Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.
Transmission / Drivetrain
Electrical Faults
Uncategorized Issues
Complaint patterns center on Transmission / Drivetrain, Electrical Faults, Uncategorized Issues. Use these as a pre-purchase inspection guide, then verify recall and damage history on the specific VIN.
Should You Buy a Used 2016 Nissan Maxima?
The 2016 Nissan Maxima shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase.
Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report.
What to Check Before Buying a Used 2016 Nissan Maxima
Inspection Focus
- Inspect transmission for smooth shifting and check for any service bulletins.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for electrical and brake system repairs.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle, focusing on drivetrain and electrical components.
Before You Close the Deal
- Inspect transmission for smooth shifting and check for any service bulletins.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for electrical and brake system repairs.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle, focusing on drivetrain and electrical components.
Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.
Before buying a used 2016 Nissan Maxima, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, theft checks, and open recalls for the exact vehicle.
What the Complaint Data Suggests
Editorial interpretation of NHTSA public complaint data. Source: nhtsa.gov. Complaints are owner-submitted and do not confirm a defect. Methodology
Complaints for the 2016 Nissan Maxima are concentrated in the transmission/drivetrain and electrical systems, with a notable number of brake and engine issues. Crash-related complaints are relatively few, but the overall confidence in the data is low due to the single model year analyzed.
- Transmission/drivetrain complaints are the most reported, with 33 instances.
- Electrical faults are the second most common, with 31 complaints.
- Unintended acceleration and airbag malfunctions each have 14 complaints.
- Transmission / Drivetrain issues, including potential failures or harsh shifting.
- Electrical Faults, such as battery or wiring problems.
- Brake System complaints, possibly involving premature wear or reduced effectiveness.
All 2016 Nissan Maxima Complaints by Category
Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2016 Nissan Maxima. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 33 | — | — | — | |
| Electrical Faults | 31 | 3 | 2 | — | |
| Uncategorized Issues | 26 | — | 2 | — | |
| Brake System | 21 | 4 | 1 | — | |
| Engine Problems | 20 | 2 | 1 | — | |
| Airbag Malfunctions | 14 | 5 | — | — | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 14 | — | — | — | |
| Steering Defects | 9 | — | — | — | |
| Structural Problems | 8 | 1 | 1 | — | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 8 | — | 1 | — | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 7 | — | — | — | |
| Wheel Issues | 5 | 1 | — | — | |
| Electronic Stability Control (Esc) | 5 | — | — | — | |
| Visibility/Wiper | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Suspension Failures | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Seat Belt Issues | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Seat-Related Issues | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Visibility | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Forward Collision Avoidance: AEB | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Fuel System | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Gasoline | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Hydraulic | 1 | — | — | — |
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Complaint counts may exceed total complaints because one report can span multiple categories.
Real Owner Complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2016 Nissan Maxima. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
I took my vehicle yesterday to Monroe Nissan to check on hvac job done last May 2025 as ac was blowing hot air again I was told the ac compressor needs replacement along with that they recommended transmission replacement at a cost of 8000 plus. My Nissan is out of warranty but …
The 2016 Nissan Maxima (VIN: [XXX] ) I purchased in January 2025 has been confirmed by a certified mechanic to have no driver airbag installed and no passenger side curtain airbag installed, despite a previous airbag deployment shown on the vehicle history report. There is no rec…
The contact owns a 2016 Nissan Maxima. The contact stated that while driving 55 MPH, the vehicle failed to accelerate properly. The vehicle was shifted into neutral, and the RPMs revved up. The vehicle failed to move forward and shut off unintendedly. Several hours later, the veh…
There was a thermal combustion that caused a fire. Yes, the caught combusted at a local business. I had just entered the building and was told that my car was on fire. The police and Nissan inspected the car but refused to provide the inspection report. A light came on. I do…
My vehicle has experienced recurring failures where it will suddenly stop accelerating while driving, placing me in a dangerous situation. The engine remains on, but the car will only coast forward or backward with no throttle response. This has happened multiple times, and I hav…
I had been trying to get the transmission changed on several occasions but was unsuccessful and was told to wait until 100,000 miles. So, I complied to suggestion. On 7/3/25 for a scheduled oil and transmission service, it was told that the transmission was throwing a P17F1 code …
We started noticing the speed gauge losing speed while driving at around the first of May through June gradually getting worse. When in the last week in June, if you tried to go 70 MPH, on the highway, the vehicle would lose power, everything would shut down. Yes it could be ha…
Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2016 Nissan Maxima. The contact stated that while the vehicle was at an independent mechanic pending repairs after the contact was involved in a crash, it was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The independent mechanic request…
The power on the dashboard goes out and I have no way of knowing my speed, the milage, or any other information on how the vehicle is operating. The radio and other dashboard instruments are off the screens are black and I can't receive any information on how the vehicle is opera…
Battery light keeps turning on and brake light. Replaced alternator and battery after my vehicle stalled on me on the road, but the issue and problem is still on going.
The headlights are dim. I have replaced them with brighter H11 bulbs but I still cannot see. Others who have driven my car have indicated that the headlights are noticeably dimmer than normal. I literally cannot see the roadway. Also, I started having problems with the CVT …
The contact owns a 2016 Nissan Maxima. The contact stated while driving 20-25 MPH, the sunroof assembly completely separated from the vehicle, struck the front of the roof, struck the passenger's side of the vehicle, and flew underneath the vehicle. The contact pulled over to the…
The contact owns a 2016 Nissan Maxima. The contact stated while driving 5 MPH and driving over a bump in the roadway, there was an abnormal squeaking sound coming from the vehicle. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who dete…
I can be going at a regular rate of speed and my car would stall completely the abs light comes on and it drains my battery causing my car to shut off.
Cvt transmision not working
On [XXX] approximately around [XXX] My Nissan Maximum was on fire while I was at work. I begin working at 8:30 am and the vehicle was parked two hours later my coworker ran telling me my car was on fire. The police and fire rescue was called to the scene. The police inspected my …
No matter what speed you’re going it puts itself in false neutral. Abs , traction control comes on battery light flashes. No power steering and will not accelerate. Have almost been ran into and ran over. There is no warning when this happens and not yet find a service departmen…
This is third time this has happened. I already filled out one, but they have already replaced my altenator. My car worked fine for about a month, and then it did the same thing where I can't excelarate and the car limps at 1 MPH till it eventually shuts off and will not start up…
The contact owns a 2016 Nissan Maxima. The contact stated that while the vehicle was stopped, the vehicle failed to accelerate while the accelerator pedal was depressed. The ABS warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where it was diagnosed; however…
2016 nissan, noticed while stuck in traffic on highway on rainy day the vehicle seemed to want to loose power and battery light was coming on. I was able to exit highway an make it home. Later that night while at laundry mat headed to get food the car wouldn't accelerate eventual…
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2016 Nissan Maxima.
2016 Nissan Maxima Recalls
8 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2016 Nissan Maxima. 8 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Recalls are free to fix at authorized dealers, but completion status must be verified on the exact VIN.
2016 Nissan Maxima Buying FAQ
Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.
Is the 2016 Nissan Maxima reliable?▾
Severe Issues. NHTSA currently shows 141 owner complaints, 10 crash-related complaints, and 8 recall campaigns for this model year. The 2016 Nissan Maxima shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Treat this as a model-year signal, then verify the exact vehicle's condition and history before purchase.
What are the most common problems with the 2016 Nissan Maxima?▾
#1: Transmission / Drivetrain (33 complaints). #2: Electrical Faults (31 complaints). #3: Uncategorized Issues (26 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2016 Nissan Maxima?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2016 Nissan Maxima?▾
Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2016 Nissan Maxima, NHTSA complaints include 10 crash-related reports and 4 fire reports out of 141 total complaints. 12 injury reports are also on file. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2016 Nissan Maxima have any recalls?▾
Yes. 8 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2016 Nissan Maxima. A major recall area is SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP. 8 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Always verify open recalls by VIN because completion status varies by vehicle.
Should I buy a 2016 Nissan Maxima?▾
The 2016 Nissan Maxima shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report. Pay extra attention to Transmission / Drivetrain during inspection. Before committing, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, and recall completion for the exact car.
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.
Owner Reliability Rating
Rate the 2016 Nissan Maxima based on your ownership experience.
Add your rating:
Ratings are based on owner experience and are separate from NHTSA data shown above.
Check the Exact Vehicle History Before You Buy
Model-year complaints and recalls reveal patterns. A VIN report confirms whether the exact car has accident history, title brands, mileage issues, or open recalls.