MODEL
Nissan Maxima
NHTSA safety across every Nissan Maxima model year we cover.
Across the 5 model years of the Nissan Maxima we cover (2019 to 2023), the strongest crash-test showing is the 2023 at 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index, and the lowest is the 2019 at 96. 2 recalls have been issued across those years.
The Nissan Maxima is a front-wheel-drive full-size sedan aimed at buyers who want a sportier, more driver-focused alternative to mainstream family cars. Marketed as a "four-door sports car," it occupies a shrinking but still loyal segment, appealing to adults who prioritize a confident driving feel and a well-appointed cabin without stepping into luxury-brand pricing.
From a pure safety standpoint, the 2019 to 2023 Nissan Maxima puts up numbers that are genuinely difficult to argue with. The 2021 model year earned a perfect 100 out of 100 NHTSA Safety Index score, landing in the Exceptional band, and the best crash-test results across covered years show a clean sweep of five stars in frontal, side, and rollover categories. That is about as strong a federal safety report card as any sedan can carry. The recall picture is notably clean. Only two recalls were issued across five model years, which is a low count for any vehicle line spanning that window. Shoppers should verify whether open recalls apply to a specific VIN before purchase, but the overall recall exposure here is minimal. Owner complaints tell a more measured story. The 48 total complaints logged with NHTSA across covered years include 5 reported crashes, 5 reported injuries, and 1 reported fire. These are unverified allegations and the numbers are relatively modest for a multi-year dataset, but the presence of crash and injury reports means buyers should take complaints seriously and review them by model year before committing. Bottom line: the Maxima is one of the stronger safety performers in its class based on federal data. Two recalls and strong crash scores make it a reasonable choice for safety-conscious sedan shoppers, provided they do their VIN-level recall homework.
WHAT REVIEWERS SAYReviewers generally praise the Maxima for its engaging driving character, upscale interior feel, and strong powertrain, positioning it as a sporty standout in a segment dominated by more conservative choices. Most note that the aging platform and limited cargo practicality are tradeoffs buyers accept in exchange for the model's distinctive personality and refined road presence.
- The 2021 Maxima achieved a perfect 100 out of 100 NHTSA Safety Index score in the Exceptional band, the highest rating in the covered model year range, making it the standout year to prioritize if safety scores are your primary filter.
- Across the 2019 to 2023 model years, only two recalls were issued, which is a low recall count for a five-year span and suggests a relatively stable safety compliance record.
- NHTSA received 48 owner complaints across covered years, including 5 reported crashes and 5 reported injuries. These are unverified allegations, but shoppers should review the complaint database filtered by their specific model year before buying.
- Always run a free VIN check at NHTSA.gov before purchasing any used Maxima from this range to confirm whether either of the two recalls has been remedied on that specific vehicle.
Most-recalled year on record: 2020 Nissan Maxima with 1 recalls.