2017 Nissan Maxima: Is It Reliable?
Problems, Recalls & Buyer Verdict
Shopping for a used 2017 Nissan Maxima? This page highlights owner-reported complaint patterns and recall history so you can inspect the right systems before buying. Current data includes 99 complaints, with Uncategorized Issues as the top reported area.
2017 Nissan Maxima Fuel Economy
β EPA Official DataEPA official fuel economy rating for the 2017 Nissan Maxima.
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov. Figures reflect EPA lab testing; real-world results vary by driving style, load, and conditions.
2017 Nissan Maxima Safety Ratings
NHTSA 5-Star ProgramOfficial 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 2017 Nissan Maxima has 99 owner complaints, 7 crash-related complaints, and 4 recall campaigns on record. The most frequently reported component is Uncategorized Issues. NHTSA reliability signal: Severe Issues.
- Make
- Nissan
- Model
- Maxima
- Model year
- 2017
- NHTSA owner complaints
- 99
- Crash-related complaints
- 7
- Safety recall campaigns
- 4
- Top reported component
- Uncategorized Issues
- Reliability signal
- Severe Issues
- EPA MPG combined
- 25
- EPA MPG city / highway
- 21 / 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 2017 Nissan Maxima Problems
Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.
Uncategorized Issues
Airbag Malfunctions
Structural Problems
Complaint patterns center on Uncategorized Issues, Airbag Malfunctions, Structural Problems. Use these as a pre-purchase inspection guide, then verify recall and damage history on the specific VIN.
Should You Buy a Used 2017 Nissan Maxima?
The 2017 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 2017 Nissan Maxima
Inspection Focus
- Investigate uncategorized issues by reviewing owner forums and service bulletins.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for airbag, structural, brake, transmission, electrical, AEB, and suspension systems.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle, focusing on reported components.
Before You Close the Deal
- Investigate uncategorized issues by reviewing owner forums and service bulletins.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for airbag, structural, brake, transmission, electrical, AEB, and suspension systems.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle, focusing on reported components.
Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.
Before buying a used 2017 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 2017 Nissan Maxima are concentrated in uncategorized issues, airbag malfunctions, and structural problems. There are 99 total complaints and 4 recalls, with 7 crash-related complaints. The data suggests potential concerns with multiple systems, but confidence is low due to limited sample size.
- Uncategorized Issues account for the highest number of complaints (25).
- Airbag Malfunctions are the second most reported component (18 complaints).
- Structural Problems are the third most common complaint (17 complaints).
- Uncategorized Issues (25 complaints) may indicate problems not easily classified.
- Airbag Malfunctions (18 complaints) could involve deployment or warning light issues.
- Structural Problems (17 complaints) might relate to body integrity or panel fitment.
All 2017 Nissan Maxima Complaints by Category
Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2017 Nissan Maxima. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Uncategorized Issues | 25 | β | 1 | β | |
| Airbag Malfunctions | 18 | 3 | 1 | β | |
| Structural Problems | 17 | 1 | 1 | β | |
| Brake System | 9 | 3 | β | β | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 9 | 1 | β | β | |
| Electrical Faults | 9 | β | β | β | |
| Forward Collision Avoidance: AEB | 9 | β | β | β | |
| Suspension Failures | 7 | β | β | β | |
| Wheel Issues | 6 | 1 | β | β | |
| Engine Problems | 6 | 1 | β | β | |
| Steering Defects | 4 | 1 | β | β | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 4 | β | β | β | |
| Seat Belt Issues | 4 | β | β | β | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 3 | β | β | β | |
| Visibility/Wiper | 3 | β | β | β | |
| Electronic Stability Control (Esc) | 3 | β | β | β | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 2 | β | β | β | |
| Back Over Prevention | 1 | β | β | β | |
| Tire Issues | 1 | β | β | β | |
| Seat-Related Issues | 1 | β | β | β | |
| Visibility | 1 | β | β | β |
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 2017 Nissan Maxima. Type a keyword (e.g. βtransmissionβ, βstallingβ, βbrakesβ) to filter.
Car turning off while driving and can't turn the wheel to get out of the road. We had the car battery, fob battery and alternator replaced and still the same issue. We heard this has happened to another owner of the same vehicle that lives in or town. This is not safe and couldβ¦
My son was driving my car to work and this is his account of the incident On 1/17/2026 on I95 n, the steering wheel abruptly stopped controlling the wheels. It was as if it completely disconnected and he lost control and crashed into the median. It was a terrifying incident forβ¦
N/A
I had my car being repaired for a car accident I had on [XXX]. A piece of tire on the highway [XXX] went underneath the middle frame of my car. I picked up the car from the repair shop here in Columbus, Ohio on Saturday, [XXX]. Beginning on the same day, I had a "check engiβ¦
Roof started to show lines that turn into cracks exposing the internal metal frame.
Air Bag sensor keeps turning on. After several resets, and itβs always a different airbag sensor that sets it off.
My car has been "losing power" while driving. While driving and pressing the gas pedal, the car will stop accelerating and kind of goes into an idle state. Highly dangerous! It happened the other day while I was attempting to enter traffic. It has been happening off and on for thβ¦
My main issue that has caused major concern is while I was driving down the road.The steering all of a sudden jerked and I was almost in an accident. I immediately took it down to my mechanic and he stated that the control arm of the vehicle was bad. I did replace all four tires β¦
While driving on I-75 in Atlanta about a month ago, my 2017 Nissan Maxima suddenly stopped accelerating. The engine was revving, but the car wouldnβt respond when I pressed the gas. It was unexpected and dangerous in fast-moving highway traffic. The same issue happened again on β¦
Component Failure: CVT transmission completely failed, requires full replacement. Failed unit available for inspection. Consistent with known manufacturing defect affecting multiple Nissan models, evidenced by $400+ million in class action settlements in the USA alone. Safety Riβ¦
The 2 A pillar molding in the front flew off while driving on the highway and the 2 rear pillar moldings in the back are loose. It is available for inspection. This is an EXTREME safety concern as I was going high speeds and part of my car detached - I am thankful that it did nβ¦
Failure of rear control arms
Airbag warning light stays on at the dashboard. Passenger air bag light indicates airbag is off when someone is actually in the seat. This is incorrect.
The contact's mother owns a 2017 Nissan Maxima equipped with Continental Tires, Tire Line: Pro Contact TX, Tire Size: 245/45/R18, DOT Number: (N/A). The contact stated that while starting the vehicle, the TPMS warning light was illuminated. The owner noticed that the passenger's β¦
2017 Nissan Maxima rear roof has a serious material deterioration occurring on both passenger and driverβs side. This not only creates a vector for water intrusion, but also compromises vehicle integrity and calls into question crash/rollover certifications. Secondary effects, inβ¦
The system that failed on my Maxima SL 2017 was the CVT transmission. It was diagnosed by Sutherlin Dealer Nissan on 4/3/24 with the code DTC P17F1 CVT Judder at the cost of $193.83. My safety & others were put at risk when my car STOP in the middle of an intersection not once buβ¦
Rear passenger pillars between passenger doors and trunk plastic trim pieces have both broken off. The plastic clips are so flimsy they broke off.
What happened today was the sunroof exploded while driving down the interstate. Loud gunshot sound! Lucky the viser was closed when it happened! I have an appointment next week due to dealership backed up but they said I can come by to get it patched until my appointment day. No β¦
Went to work and parked. It rained that day, not sure if itβs related. When I went to leave the dash airbag light stayed on. This was December 2023. There are no other issues with the car. No other warning lights. The car has 52,300 miles on it now. I just recently took it to theβ¦
The transmission just stops shifting out of nowhere and has had a transmission judder code since ive owned it. The transmission shakes at acceleration about 90% of the time.
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2017 Nissan Maxima.
2017 Nissan Maxima Recalls
4 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2017 Nissan Maxima. 4 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.
2017 Nissan Maxima Buying FAQ
Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.
Is the 2017 Nissan Maxima reliable?βΎ
Severe Issues. NHTSA currently shows 99 owner complaints, 7 crash-related complaints, and 4 recall campaigns for this model year. The 2017 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 2017 Nissan Maxima?βΎ
#1: Uncategorized Issues (25 complaints). #2: Airbag Malfunctions (18 complaints). #3: Structural Problems (17 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2017 Nissan Maxima?βΎ
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2017 Nissan Maxima?βΎ
Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2017 Nissan Maxima, NHTSA complaints include 7 crash-related reports and 1 fire reports out of 99 total complaints. 7 injury reports are also on file. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2017 Nissan Maxima have any recalls?βΎ
Yes. 4 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2017 Nissan Maxima. A major recall area is SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP. 4 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 2017 Nissan Maxima?βΎ
The 2017 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 Uncategorized Issues 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 2017 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.