2016 NISSAN MAXIMA Problems
Real NHTSA owner complaints for the 2016 Nissan Maxima. This model year has 141 NHTSA complaints — top issue: Transmission / Drivetrain.
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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 2016 Nissan Maxima Problems
Top 3 most-reported issues with average mileage at failure.
Transmission / Drivetrain
Electrical Faults
Uncategorized Issues
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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 2016 Nissan Maxima. A single complaint may appear in multiple categories.
| 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.
Search Owner Complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2016 Nissan Maxima. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
Showing 141 most recent complaints
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.
Recalls for 2016 Nissan Maxima
8 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2016 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.
2016 Nissan Maxima — FAQ
Answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this specific model year.
Is the 2016 Nissan Maxima reliable?▾
Severe Issues. The 2016 Nissan Maxima has 141 NHTSA owner complaints, 10 crash-related, and 8 recall campaigns. The most reported issue is Transmission / Drivetrain (33 complaints). Source: NHTSA via VinSpector AI.
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?▾
The 2016 Nissan Maxima has 10 crash-related complaints and 4 fire reports out of 141 total NHTSA complaints. 12 injuries were reported. For NCAP lab crash test star ratings, visit nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2016 Nissan Maxima have any recalls?▾
Yes — 8 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2016 Nissan Maxima. The largest issue: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP. Check nhtsa.gov/recalls or run a VIN check to see if your specific vehicle has open recalls.
Should I buy a 2016 Nissan Maxima?▾
The 2016 Nissan Maxima has severe issues — review the top problems before buying. Pay particular attention to Transmission / Drivetrain 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 2016 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.