Nissan was losing its customers for the Maxima but it managed to regain the numbers that it usually sells and the 2016 Nissan Maxima is a great car in terms of the way it’s built. The mechanical components on this car are mostly sturdy and haven’t faced a lot of issues but the same isn’t the case when it comes to electronics. Users have had constant issues with certain modules that disturb their drive and NHTSA shows the Nissan Maxima to have a total of 94 complaints and 8 recalls. Nissan faces competition from cars like the Honda Accord, the Chevrolet Impala, and the Toyota Avalon, which are all strong cars in terms of reliability like the Nissan.
User complaints and problems
Electrical Problems
- Climate Controls– The users noticed the AC blowing out hot air without adjusting the temperature controls. There also weren’t any warning lights flashing and the car had to be diagnosed by the dealers. It was identified that the car had a blown fuse that prevented the AC from functioning the right way which had to be replaced.
- Key fob – The car displayed a message stating the key fob was not detected even though the key was present inside the car. Replacing the key fib battery did not fix the problem and hence, dealers decided to investigate. It was found that the immobilizer system had a fault due to a damaged circuit board leading the keyless entry system to not read the key fob signal because of an antenna or wiring issue.
- Engine Control Module – ECM controls the engine timing and the air-fuel ratio. It was found that the module was damaged and made the car decelerate all of a sudden while driving and failed to respond to the gas pedal ultimately stalling.
- Cruise control – While the car is on cruise control, the function disengages by itself and does not let the driver use it again. The dealers stated that it was a common issue and that the radar needed to be replaced.
Mechanical Problems
- Fuel system – It was found that there was a gasoline smell in the cabin while driving and the dealers confirmed that the gas cap needed to be replaced as it was letting the vapor escape.
- Brakes – The owners felt the brakes to be weak and lacked resistance in the pedal. There was a brake fluid leak that was identified and this was caused due to a failed master cylinder.
- Steering – The owners noticed a power steering warning come on and post which the steering wheel felt stiff, making it hard to turn left or right. The users had to replace the power steering pump that had failed.
Safety Problems
- Seatbelt – Users complained that eths seatbelt warning does not activate if the belt isn’t latched, failing to notify the occupants and increasing the risk of a crash.
Exterior Problems
- Headlamps – There were moisture droplets noticed inside the driver’s side headlight module and this damaged the bulb, causing it to not work.
Interior Problems
- Seat – The driver’s seat was found to rock while applying the brakes and the dealers inspected the entire seat assembly to find out a damaged mounting bracket that had to be replaced.
2016 Nissan Maxima recalls
|
S. No. |
Date |
NHTSA ID |
Issues Noticed |
Additional Remarks |
Remedy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
1. |
8th November 2019 |
19V817000 |
Brake fluid can leak into the ABS pump and ignite |
Brake fluid leak on the circuit may lead to an electrical short. |
The ABS actuator will be replaced. |
|
2. |
7th September 2018 |
18V601000 |
Brake fluid may leak into ABS pump |
Fluid leak on an electrical circuit increases the risk of a fire. |
Dealers will inspect the serial number and replace the ABS actuator. |
|
3. |
19th December 2016 |
16V911000 |
Airbag may not deploy due to a software issue. |
If the passenger seat occupant is misclassified, the airbag may deploy incorrectly. |
Dealers will replace the ECU and update the OCS software. |
|
4. |
2nd September 2016 |
16V636000 |
Brake fluid may leak into ABS pump and ignite. |
If the brake fluid leaks on the circuit board, it may create an electrical short. |
The ABS actuators will be replaced, free of charge. |
|
5. |
26th April 2016 |
16V244000 |
Passenger airbag may not deploy due to OCS damage. |
The OCS sensor may incorrectly classify an adult as a child and incorrectly deploy or completely disengage during a crash. |
Dealers will reprogramme the airbag control unit and the OCS unit. |
|
6. |
7th April 2016 |
16V193000 |
ABS brake actuator may have a damaged O-ring |
Insufficient distance to stop the car increases the possibility of a crash. |
Post-inspection, dealers will replace the ABS actuator |
|
7. |
5th November 2015 |
15V733000 |
Front brake mounting bolts may be loose. |
The calipers may detach and reduce braking performance. |
Rake mounting bolts will be inspected and tightened. |
|
8. |
4th August 2015 |
15V486000 |
Fuel sending unit may leak |
A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can lead to a fire. |
Dealers will install a retainer ring between the fuel tank and the fuel sending unit. |
Should you buy the 2016 Nissan Maxima?
It definitely has to be a yes as the 2016 Nissan Maxima has managed to prove itself to be a reliable car with a minimum amount of equipment flaws. The car mostly faces electrical issues and Nissan has recalled the car multiple times in batches to fix the fault. This is a good thing compared to the rivals as they carry more mechanical issues which are much more expensive to fix and for $32,510, Nissan has offered the best in terms of quality, reliability, and a whole package. There isn’t any reason for you to not buy the Nissan and we assure you that this would be a purchase you wouldn’t regret.
