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2016 Nissan Maxima problems

A 2016 Nissan Maxima is now 10 years old, so an average example has covered around 135,000 miles. This is the first model year of the generation · early-build cars carry the highest share of teething faults and the most recall activity, so check the service history for completed recall work. Check the state safety inspection and service history alongside the documented faults below, which are sorted by whether a 2016 car has usually reached the mileage where they appear.

Compiled & reviewed by the VehicleFaults Research Team

Quick answer

The 2016 Nissan Maxima is 10 years old, so an average example has covered roughly 135,000 miles. At that mileage 2 of the documented faults are already due, so check those first.

Faults a 2016 example has usually reached

Documented onset mileage is at or below the ~135k miles an average 2016 car has covered.

TransmissionHigh

CVT judder and premature wear.

Typically appears
70,000+ miles
What to inspect
Feel for shudder on acceleration; check fluid service history.
BrakesLow

Brake wear and pulsation.

Typically appears
60,000+ miles
What to inspect
Feel for pulsation under braking.

Faults that appear at any mileage

Age, electronics and build-related issues that are not mileage-driven.

BodyLow

Panoramic sunroof rattles / leaks.

Typically appears
Age-related
What to inspect
Test the roof and inspect for water stains.
ElectricalLow

Infotainment glitches.

Typically appears
Age-related
What to inspect
Test the touchscreen and Bluetooth.

Inspecting a 2016 Nissan Maxima?

Generate a tickable pre-purchase checklist for this exact year, mileage and variant · add photos and notes as you inspect.

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Nissan Maxima · frequently asked questions

Is the Maxima reliable?

Comfortable and quick, but the CVT is the key long-term concern.

Does the Maxima have transmission issues?

CVT judder is possible; confirm fluid service and test thoroughly.

Is the VQ35 engine strong?

Yes — the 3.5L V6 is robust; the CVT is the weaker link.

Other Maxima model years