2013 Nissan MAXIMA
Problems, Recalls & Reliability Report
Quick Summary
The 2013 Nissan MAXIMA has 71 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — that's 0.6x the segment average of 126. The most common issue is transmission problems (34% of all complaints), specifically: 1/1/15 moderate vibration in vehicle at 60mph took vehicle to dealer in march to balance tires. upon leaving still felt vibration.4/1/2015 returned vehicle advised of moderate vibration experienced at highway speeds.advised they felt vibration, took off my wheels/tires and swapped them from a new ma. ⚠️ 2 fire reports filed.
71
Total Complaints
0
Recalls Issued
4/5
Safety Stars
0.6x
vs Segment Avg
Known Problems(top 5 of 8)
TRANSMISSION
24 complaints- • 1/1/15 MODERATE VIBRATION IN VEHICLE AT 60MPH TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALER IN MARCH TO BALANCE TIRES. UPON LEAVING STILL FELT VIBRATION.4/1/2015 RETURNED VEHICLE ADVISED OF MODERATE VIBRATION EXPERIENCED AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS.ADVISED THEY FELT VIBRATION, TOOK OFF MY WHEELS/TIRES AND SWAPPED THEM FROM A NEW MA
- • TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 NISSAN MAXIMA. WHILE ACCELERATING FROM A STOP, THE VEHICLE ROLLED BACKWARDS. THE CONTACT STOPPED THE VEHICLE BY DEPRESSING THE BRAKE PEDAL. THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED ONCE AGAIN AND THE VEHICLE FAILED TO ACCELERATE BEFORE STALLING. THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO BE REST
- • WHILE DRIVING DOWN A BUSY HIGHWAY, THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND THE CAR WAS NO LONGER MOVING. THE GAS PEDAL WAS PRESSED ALL THE WAY DOWN INTO THE FLOOR AND THE CAR WAS AT A STAND STILL. WHILE TRANSFER TRUCKS AND INCOMING TRAFFIC ON A BUSY HIGHWAY THE MAXIMA LEFT ME STRANDED AS THE CAR WOULD NO
“1/1/15 MODERATE VIBRATION IN VEHICLE AT 60MPH TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALER IN MARCH TO BALANCE TIRES. UPON LEAVING STILL FELT VIBRATION.4/1/2015 RETURNED VEHICLE ADVISED OF MODERATE VIBRATION EXPERIENCED AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS.ADVISED THEY FELT VIBRATION, TOOK OFF MY WHEELS/TIRES AND SWAPPED THEM FROM A NEW MA”
— NHTSA complaint filing
When Problems Appear on the 2013 Nissan MAXIMA
Based on 56 owner complaints that included an odometer reading. Median mileage at time of complaint: 66K miles. Most complaints cluster in the 100-150K miles range.
AIR BAGS
OTHER
LIGHTING
TRANSMISSION
Mileage figures are self-reported by owners in NHTSA complaint filings. Peak bucket = the mileage range with the most complaints for that component; it reflects when owners noticed and reported problems, not necessarily when the fault first occurred.
Fuel Cost Calculator for 2013 Nissan MAXIMA
Live EIA pricesBased on EPA fuel-economy ratings and EIA weekly retail prices (2026-07-20). Real-world cost varies with driving style, trim/engine, terrain, and traffic.
5-Year Gas Price History
EIA weekly retail data · 2021 → todaySource: US Energy Information Administration weekly retail gasoline prices.
Estimated Insurance Cost for 2013 Nissan MAXIMA
How this estimate is calculated
Coverage assumed: 100/300/100 liability + comprehensive/collision, $500 deductibles. Data sources: NAIC 2024 + HLDI loss studies.
Maintenance & Warranty
Recommended Nissan MAXIMA Service Intervals
CVT-equipped models (Altima, Sentra, Rogue, Pathfinder) MUST use Nissan NS-3 CVT fluid, not conventional ATF. Frequent CVT service extends life significantly.
"Severe service" conditions (heavy towing, extreme temps, city stop-and-go) typically halve these intervals. Always consult your vehicle's owner's manual for the authoritative schedule.
Nissan New-Vehicle Warranty Coverage
These are the terms for a new Nissan. If you're buying a used 2013 MAXIMA, remaining coverage is usually pro-rated from the vehicle's original in-service date. Not all coverage transfers between owners — check with a Nissan dealer for VIN-specific remaining warranty.
Estimated Repair Costs
Estimates based on average reported repair costs. Actual costs vary by location, shop, and severity.
🔍 Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist
Based on 71 owner complaints for this specific year, here's what to check or ask about:
- ☐TRANSMISSION: 1/1/15 MODERATE VIBRATION IN VEHICLE AT 60MPH TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALER IN MARCH TO BALANCE TIRES. UPON LEAVING STILL FELT VIBRATION.4/1/2015 RETURNED VEHICLE ADVISED OF MODERATE VIBRATION EXPERIENCED AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS.ADVISED THEY FELT VIBRATION, TOOK OFF MY WHEELS/TIRES AND SWAPPED THEM FROM A NEW MA
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
- ☐AIR BAGS: THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG DOES NOT ACTIVATE WITH MY WIFE IN THE SEAT. SHE IS WELL OVER THE 80 POUND LIMIT FOR ACTIVATION. SEAT WAS CHANGED BUT DID NOT CHANGE. DEALER SERVICE DEPARTMENT SAYS THERE IS NO FIX. THIS IS NOT ACCEPTABLE. *TR
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
- ☐LIGHTING: THE DIM HEADLIGHT SETTING IS SO DIM THAT CAR CAN NOT BE SAFELY OPERATED AFTER DARK WITHOUT TURNING ON THE BRIGHT LIGHT SETTING. IT IS A SAFETY HAZZARD! I HAVE BEEN A MECHANIC FOR 30 YEARS AND HAVE NEVER SEEN SUCH POOR HEADLIGHTS. I HAVE CHANGED THE BULBS BUT IT HAS MADE NO DIFFERENCE. I HAVE READ S
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
- ☐OTHER: AFTER ABOUT 1 MILE OF DRIVING, THERE WAS A SMALL EXPLOSION HEARD UNDER THE CENTER CONSOLE DIRECTLY UNDER THE SHIFT CONSOLE. FIRE STARTED COMING OUT FROM THE SHIFT CONSOLE. BURNED UP CENTER SHIFTER CONSOLE AND CARPET SURROUNDING AREA. *TR
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
- ☐General: Get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic ($100-$200)
Nissan MAXIMA — Year Comparison
How does 2013 compare to other years? Fewer complaints = more reliable.
NHTSA Safety Rating
At a Glance
- Complaints
- 71
- Recalls
- 0
- Fire reports
- 2
- Crash reports
- 1
- Injury reports
- 1
- Segment avg
- 126
Check a Specific VIN
See recalls for YOUR 2013 Nissan MAXIMA