Is the 2016 Nissan MAXIMA reliable?

The 2016 Nissan MAXIMA has 223 complaints filed with NHTSA (1.8x the segment average). Our reliability verdict: avoid. Most common issue: TRANSMISSION problems.

What are common problems with the 2016 Nissan MAXIMA?

Top problems: TRANSMISSION (33 complaints, avg repair $500); ELECTRICAL (31 complaints, avg repair $500); OTHER (26 complaints, avg repair $500). Issues typically appear around 50K miles.

Are there any recalls on the 2016 Nissan MAXIMA?

Yes, there are 8 recall(s): SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP, AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION, SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP, SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP, SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:CALIPER, FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE, AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION, SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP. Contact any Nissan dealer to verify if recalls have been completed on your specific vehicle.

How much does it cost to fuel a 2016 Nissan MAXIMA?

The 2016 Nissan MAXIMA gets 25 MPG combined. At current US average gas prices, driving 12,000 miles per year costs roughly $1920. See the interactive fuel cost calculator on this page for state-specific pricing.

How much does it cost to insure a 2016 Nissan MAXIMA?

Estimated US average full-coverage insurance for the 2016 Nissan MAXIMA is approximately $1,390/year (sedan-midsize class). Actual quotes vary heavily by state, driver age, driving record, and credit — see the interactive insurance estimator on this page for state-specific pricing.

2016 Nissan MAXIMA

Problems, Recalls & Reliability Report

Avoid This Year

Quick Summary

The 2016 Nissan MAXIMA has 223 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — that's 1.8x the segment average of 126. The most common issue is transmission problems (15% of all complaints), specifically: sunroof transmission front bumper clip fuel sonar senor not working. There are 8 recalls issued for this model year. ⚠️ 7 fire reports filed.

7 fire reports 14 crash reports 13 injuries

223

Total Complaints

Recalls Issued

5/5

Safety Stars

1.8x

vs Segment Avg

Known Problems(top 5 of 8)

TRANSMISSION

33 complaints

15%

• SUNROOF TRANSMISSION FRONT BUMPER CLIP FUEL SONAR SENOR NOT WORKING
• TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 NISSAN MAXIMA. WHILE DRIVING 50-55 MPH AND ATTEMPTING TO ACCELERATE, THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE CONTACT LOST POWER STEERING, POWER BRAKES, AND OTHER ELECTRICAL FUNCTIONS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE RECURRED ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER
• WHEN STOPPED AND START TO MOVE THE ENGINE OR TRANSMISSION JERKS AND SLIPS. SLIGHT LOSS OF POWER AS WELL. JERKS AND SLIPS AGAIN N REGAINS POWER. HAPPENS FROM A STOP AND ALSO FROM FIRST GEAR TO SECOND GEAR.

Typical onset: 50K miles Est. repair: $500

“SUNROOF TRANSMISSION FRONT BUMPER CLIP FUEL SONAR SENOR NOT WORKING”

— NHTSA complaint filing

When Problems Appear on the 2016 Nissan MAXIMA

Based on 106 owner complaints that included an odometer reading. Median mileage at time of complaint: 44K miles. Most complaints cluster in the 0-30K miles range.

Overall complaint distribution by mileage

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

ELECTRICAL

In line with typicalmedian 56K mi · 14 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

OTHER

In line with typicalmedian 38K mi · 13 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

BRAKES

In line with typicalmedian 16K mi · 11 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

AIR BAGS

In line with typicalmedian 24K mi · 9 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

ENGINE

In line with typicalmedian 50K mi · 8 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

FUEL SYSTEM

In line with typicalmedian 5K mi · 5 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

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.

Recalls (8)

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP07/09/2018

Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2015-2017 Nissan Murano, 2016-2017 Nissan Maxima, 2017-2018 Nissan Pathfinder, and 2017 Infiniti QX60 vehicles. The Anti-Lock Brake (ABS) actuator pumps may allow brake fluid to leak onto an internal circuit board.

Risk: A brake fluid leak on the circuit board may result in an electrical short, increasing the risk of a fire.

Fix: Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the serial number on the ABS actuator, replacing it as necessary, free of charge. The recall began October 29, 2018. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-867-7669. Note: When brake fluid has leaked onto the circuit board, the ABS warning lamp will remain illuminated for more than 10 seconds after engine start up. If this occurs, owners are advised to park the vehicle outdoors away from other vehicles or structures and to not drive the vehicle.

Fuel Cost Calculator for 2016 Nissan MAXIMA

Live EIA prices

Annual miles driven: 12,000

Your state (affects local gasoline price)

Per year

$1,920

Per month

$160

Per mile

16.0¢

MPG

City driving (worst-case MPG)

$2,182/yr

Highway driving (best-case MPG)

$1,600/yr

Based 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 → today

Show:

Current

$4.00

5-year low

$2.78

5-year high

$5.01

Since 2021

+27%

Source: US Energy Information Administration weekly retail gasoline prices.

Estimated Insurance Cost for 2016 Nissan MAXIMA

Estimate only, not a quote. Modeled from NAIC + HLDI averages for a hypothetical 35-year-old driver with clean record + full coverage. Your actual quote depends heavily on your age, driving history, credit, ZIP code, and insurer.

Your state (affects local premium average)

Full coverage / year

$1,390

Full coverage / month

$116

Liability only / year

$574

vs US avg

-17%

How this estimate is calculated

US base full-coverage premium$1674

× state (US)1.00x

× vehicle class (sedan-midsize)0.96x

× theft risk1.00x

× safety rating0.94x

× vehicle age0.92x

= Full coverage estimate$1390

Coverage assumed: 100/300/100 liability + comprehensive/collision, $500 deductibles. Data sources: NAIC 2024 + HLDI loss studies.

Maintenance & Warranty

Recommended Nissan MAXIMA Service Intervals

Oil change

5K mi / 6 mo

Tire rotation

5K mi

Brake fluid

24 months

Transmission fluid

60K mi

Engine coolant

105K mi

Spark plugs

105K mi

Cabin air filter

15K mi

Engine air filter

30K mi

Differential (AWD/4WD)

60K mi

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

Bumper-to-bumper (basic)

3 yr / 36K mi

Powertrain

5 yr / 60K mi

Hybrid/EV battery

8 yr / 100K mi

Corrosion (rust perforation)

5 yr / unlimited mi

Roadside assistance

3 yr / 36K mi

These are the terms for a new Nissan. If you're buying a used 2016 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

TRANSMISSION(~50K mi)

$500

ELECTRICAL(~50K mi)

$500

OTHER(~50K mi)

$500

BRAKES(~50K mi)

$500

ENGINE(~50K mi)

$500

Estimates based on average reported repair costs. Actual costs vary by location, shop, and severity.

🔍 Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist

Based on 223 owner complaints for this specific year, here's what to check or ask about:

☐
TRANSMISSION: SUNROOF TRANSMISSION FRONT BUMPER CLIP FUEL SONAR SENOR NOT WORKING
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
ELECTRICAL: FRONT BUMPER CLIP WAS BROKEN, STILL WAITING FOR DEALER TO REPLACE BUMPER. LEFT TAIL LIGHT HAS WATER IN IT.
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
OTHER: SUNROOF TRANSMISSION FRONT BUMPER CLIP FUEL SONAR SENOR NOT WORKING
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
BRAKES: TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2016 NISSAN MAXIMA. WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH, THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED BUT FAILED TO STOP THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE COLLIDED INTO A CONCRETE BARRIER. THE AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED INJURIES TO THE NECK, HEAD, AND LOWER BACK THAT R
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
RECALLS: Verify all 8 recalls have been completed — free at any Nissan dealer
☐
General: Get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic ($100-$200)