2018 Nissan Maxima Reliability ReportCommon Problems, Repair Costs & Expert Verdict
Should You Buy the 2018 Nissan Maxima?
The 2018 Nissan Maxima presents a compelling package of V6 power and upscale styling, making it an attractive used car prospect. However, its Achilles' heel remains the Xtronic CVT transmission, which requires meticulous maintenance and careful pre-purchase inspection to avoid significant financial heartache. Buy this vehicle if you understand and mitigate the transmission risk; otherwise, proceed with caution.
Biggest Strengths
- Robust and powerful 3.5L VQ35DE V6 engine
- Comfortable and well-appointed interior for its class
- Distinctive 'four-door sports car' styling
Top Risk Areas
The systems that break first on the 2018 Nissan Maxima. Mileage windows, repair costs, and fix-before-you-buy notes are in the full report.
NHTSA Recalls
2 recalls on record from NHTSA. Check your VIN atnhtsa.gov to see if the repair was performed.
BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Nissan Altima, Armada, Frontier, Kicks, Leaf, Maxima, Murano, NV, NV200, Pathfinder, Rogue, Rogue Sport, Sentra, Titan, Titan Diesel, Versa Note and Versa Sedan vehicles, as well as Infiniti Q50, Q60, QX30 and QX80 vehicles. Additionally included are 2019 Nissan GT-R and Taxi and Infiniti QX50, QX60, Q70, Q70L vehicles. The back-up camera and display settings can be adjusted such that the rear view image is no longer visible and the system will retain that setting the next time the vehicle is placed in reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rear Visibility."
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2015-2018 Nissan Murano, 2016-2018 Nissan Maxima, and 2017-2019 Nissan Pathfinder and Infiniti QX60 vehicles. These vehicles were previously recalled and unrepaired, or inspected and determined to not need a repair, under recall number 18V-601. In addition, this recall expands the previous population. The Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) actuator pumps may allow brake fluid to leak onto an internal circuit board.
What breaks on the 2018 Nissan Maxima?
Full reliability breakdown — engine, transmission, rust, electrical. With repair costs and mileage danger zones.
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Nissan Maxima by Year
Compare reliability scores across nearby years of the Nissan Maxima. Click any year for its full report.
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Frequently Asked Questions
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