2018 Nissan Maxima: Is It Reliable?
Problems, Recalls & Buyer Verdict
Shopping for a used 2018 Nissan Maxima? This page highlights owner-reported complaint patterns and recall history so you can inspect the right systems before buying. Current data includes 36 complaints, with Uncategorized Issues as the top reported area.
2018 Nissan Maxima Fuel Economy
✓ EPA Official DataEPA official fuel economy rating for the 2018 Nissan Maxima.
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov. Figures reflect EPA lab testing; real-world results vary by driving style, load, and conditions.
2018 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 2018 Nissan Maxima has 36 owner complaints, 1 crash-related complaints, and 2 recall campaigns on record. The most frequently reported component is Uncategorized Issues. NHTSA reliability signal: Notable Issues.
- Make
- Nissan
- Model
- Maxima
- Model year
- 2018
- NHTSA owner complaints
- 36
- Crash-related complaints
- 1
- Safety recall campaigns
- 2
- Top reported component
- Uncategorized Issues
- Reliability signal
- Notable 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
- 4/5 stars
- NHTSA side crash rating
- 5/5 stars
- NHTSA rollover rating
- 5/5 stars
- Electronic stability control
- Standard
Most Common 2018 Nissan Maxima Problems
Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.
Uncategorized Issues
Brake System
Forward Collision Avoidance: AEB
Complaint patterns center on Uncategorized Issues, Brake System, Forward Collision Avoidance: AEB. Use these as a pre-purchase inspection guide, then verify recall and damage history on the specific VIN.
Should You Buy a Used 2018 Nissan Maxima?
The 2018 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 2018 Nissan Maxima
Inspection Focus
- Inspect brake system and forward collision avoidance (AEB) functionality during test drive.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for brake and electrical system repairs.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase.
Before You Close the Deal
- Inspect brake system and forward collision avoidance (AEB) functionality during test drive.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for brake and electrical system repairs.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase.
Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.
Before buying a used 2018 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
Based on 36 complaints for the 2018 Nissan Maxima, issues are concentrated in the brake system and forward collision avoidance (AEB) components. There is also a notable number of uncategorized complaints. With only one crash-related complaint and low confidence, these patterns should be interpreted cautiously.
- Brake system and forward collision avoidance (AEB) each account for a significant share of complaints.
- Uncategorized issues represent the largest complaint category alongside brake problems.
- Only one crash-related complaint was reported out of 36 total.
- Uncategorized Issues
- Brake System
- Forward Collision Avoidance: AEB
All 2018 Nissan Maxima Complaints by Category
Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2018 Nissan Maxima. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Uncategorized Issues | 8 | — | — | — | |
| Brake System | 8 | — | 1 | — | |
| Forward Collision Avoidance: AEB | 6 | — | — | — | |
| Electrical Faults | 5 | — | — | — | |
| Engine Problems | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Visibility/Wiper | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Structural Problems | 2 | 1 | — | — | |
| Electronic Stability Control (Esc) | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Suspension Failures | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Door Lock Issues | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Wheel Issues | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Hydraulic | 1 | — | 1 | — | |
| Tire Issues | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Lane Departure | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Airbag Malfunctions | 1 | 1 | — | — | |
| Seat Belt Issues | 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 2018 Nissan Maxima. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
I am submitting this as a formal complaint regarding an ongoing and unresolved safety issue with my 2018 Nissan Maxima (VIN: [XXX] ). Despite multiple attempts to have this issue diagnosed and repaired, the problem continues without resolution. The issue occurs after driving for…
My rear passenger side coil spring broke. This is a dealer only item. I contacted the dealer and the item is on back order. It is my only means for transportation. I didn’t cause this break, and now I can’t even get it fixed until it comes in whenever that may be. The dealership …
In June 2019, while driving my 2018 Nissan Maxima, the vehicle suffered a sudden and violent mechanical failure. Without warning, the steering wheel jerked forcefully to the side, and the vehicle became uncomtrollabel leading to an approx 100-foot spin across a median. I have s…
The contact owns a 2018 Nissan Maxima. The contact stated that the power door functions on the front driver’s door failed to operate on two separate occasions. Due to the failure, the contact had to enter the vehicle from the front passenger’s side before crawling over into the d…
The contact owns a 2018 Nissan Maxima. The contact stated that the instrument panel was intermittently dim upon starting the vehicle. The contact stated that while driving the instrument panel eventually brightened before returning to a dim setting. The vehicle was taken to the d…
360 cameras have stopped working on my vehicle. I've seen where there was a recall on the same thing, but my vehicle is not coming up in the recall. I did buy the car used, but not being able to use the cameras is definitely a safety issue.
The contact owns a 2018 Nissan Maxima. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact started losing control of the vehicle. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed and determined tha…
The contact's son owned a 2018 Nissan Maxima. The contact stated while the driver was driving 5 MPH, he noticed smoke coming from underneath the hood of the vehicle. There was no warning light illuminated. The driver was able to pull to the side of the road. The contact stated th…
Four tires size 245/45/18 failed after 9 months and 6,500 miles. Tires were rotated after 5,000 miles. Dealer checked alignment at 6,500 miles all was ok. Two rear tires were bald, no tread, two front tires were worn to wear bar. Dealer sent tires for warranty 3/12/24 to date 4/2…
The contact owns a 2018 Nissan Maxima. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the "Front Radar Obstruction Unavailable" message was displayed on the instrument panel. The vehicle independently slowed down without depression the brake pedal. As a result of the fa…
Inappropriate function of the AEB system. Filed a prior complaint with you a couple of months ago about the cruise control sensor and the AEB. Cruise was fixed, but AEB keeps going off while using cruise inappropriately. Did not get fixed. Spent a lot of time working with Nissan …
I having problems with the transmission in the vehicle. The vehicle shakes during acceleration, you can see the gages on the dashboard shaking. When accelerating, the Gears won’t shift properly with a smooth flow. You can notice this in the RPM also when accelerating. I took the …
I purchased this vehicle used a couple of months ago. The automatic emergency braking initiates inappropriately while using ICC, it brakes without obstruction. Also, the distance sensor isn't working properly according to the dealer. When I use ICC, and sometimes when I am not us…
The contact owns a 2018 Nissan Maxima. The contact stated that the engine, transmission, spark plugs, battery, and brakes were previously replaced by an independent mechanic. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was white smoke coming from the exha…
The contact owned a 2018 Nissan Maxima. The contact stated that while driving at 35 MPH, he became unconscious behind the wheel due to medication. The contact crashed into another vehicle however the air bags did not deploy causing his face to hit the steering wheel. The contact …
WHEN DRIVING TO WORK MY SUNROOF EXPLODED ON INTERSTATE SCARING ME.IT WAS A VERY LOUD NOISE. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE FOR ALL NISSAN OWNERS. WHEN BRINGING THE VEHICLE IN THEY STATED THAT THEY WERE NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR THE SUNROOF EXPLOSION. WHEN GOING ON LINE THIS LOOKS LIKE IS BEEN …
WHEN CAR MAXIMA IS SITTING STILL IN IDLE IT LEAKS OUT A CLEAR FLUID. THE FLUID HAS NO COLOR AND NO SMELL.THIS HAPPENS WHEN THE VEHICLE IS STATIONARY AND IN IDLE.
COLLISION AVOIDANCE SYSTEM CONTINUOUSLY DISENGAGES
PANORAMIC SUNROOF EXPLODED WHILE DRIVING ON INTERSTATE HIGHWAY @ 70MPH ON HOT SUNNY HUMID DAY. AFTER RESEARCH IT APPEARS THAT THIS IS A KNOWN ISSUE FOR NISSAN SUNROOFS WITH NUMEROUS CLAIMS RESULTING IN A CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT IN CALFORNIA. NISSAN HAS RESPONDED TO MY COMPLAINT THA…
REAR OBSTRUCTION WARNING.AROUND VIEW, REAR VIEW,ETC MONITORING SYSTEM. HAVE HAD DEALERSHIP LOOK INTO NUMEROUS TIMES THEY CANT REMEDY WITHOUT SOME KIND OF PROOF.THERE SUGGESTION WAS CELL PHONE PICTURE OF WARNING ON DASH WHILE DRIVING OR VIDEO. I TOLD THEM I WOULDN'T DO THAT AND A…
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2018 Nissan Maxima.
2018 Nissan Maxima Recalls
2 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2018 Nissan Maxima. 2 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.
2018 Nissan Maxima Buying FAQ
Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.
Is the 2018 Nissan Maxima reliable?▾
Notable Issues. NHTSA currently shows 36 owner complaints, 1 crash-related complaints, and 2 recall campaigns for this model year. The 2018 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 2018 Nissan Maxima?▾
#1: Uncategorized Issues (8 complaints). #2: Brake System (8 complaints). #3: Forward Collision Avoidance: AEB (6 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2018 Nissan Maxima?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2018 Nissan Maxima?▾
Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2018 Nissan Maxima, NHTSA complaints include 1 crash-related reports and 1 fire reports out of 36 total complaints. 1 injury reports are also on file. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2018 Nissan Maxima have any recalls?▾
Yes. 2 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2018 Nissan Maxima. A major recall area is BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA. 2 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 2018 Nissan Maxima?▾
The 2018 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 2018 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.