BrakesLow
Brake wear and pulsation.
- Typically appears
- 60,000+ miles
- What to inspect
- Feel for pulsation under braking.
2021 Nissan Maxima problems
A 2021 Nissan Maxima is now 5 years old, so an average example has covered around 67,500 miles. A late-run car · the most reliable part of the generation, but higher-mileage wear items are usually the deciding factor. Check the state safety inspection and service history alongside the documented faults below, which are sorted by whether a 2021 car has usually reached the mileage where they appear.
Compiled & reviewed by the VehicleFaults Research Team
Quick answer
The 2021 Nissan Maxima is 5 years old, so an average example has covered roughly 67,500 miles. At that mileage 1 of the documented faults are already due, so check those first. A further 5 typically appear later in the car's life.
Faults a 2021 example has usually reached
Documented onset mileage is at or below the ~68k miles an average 2021 car has covered.
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.
Faults still ahead of this car
Typically appear later than this year's average mileage · worth budgeting for rather than inspecting.
TransmissionHigh
CVT judder and premature wear.
- Typically appears
- 70,000+ miles
- What to inspect
- Feel for shudder on acceleration; check fluid service history.
SuspensionMedium
Clunking or popping noise from the front end when turning the steering wheel at low speeds due to worn strut bearings.
- Typically appears
- 40,000-70,000 miles
- What to inspect
- Turn the steering wheel lock-to-lock whilst stationary or rolling at a crawl. Listen for binding, popping, or clunking from the front strut towers.
Cooling SystemHigh
Engine temperature gauge creeping up whilst idling, or the air conditioning blowing warm air when stationary due to cooling fan motor failure.
- Typically appears
- 70,000-100,000 miles
- What to inspect
- Switch the air conditioning to maximum cold whilst the engine is idling. Open the bonnet and verify both radiator cooling fans are spinning vigorously.
Engine / EmissionsLow
Rough idle, extended cranking after filling the petrol tank, or illuminated engine management light caused by a faulty EVAP purge valve.
- Typically appears
- 50,000-80,000 miles
- What to inspect
- Start the engine from cold and observe the idle for hunting or stalling. Check the instrument cluster for an active engine management light.
Climate ControlLow
Rhythmic clicking noise from behind the fascia or unequal temperature distribution between driver and passenger vents due to blend door actuator failure.
- Typically appears
- 60,000-90,000 miles
- What to inspect
- Toggle the climate control from maximum heat to maximum cold on both zones. Listen for clicking and feel the vents to ensure the temperature changes accordingly.
Inspecting a 2021 Nissan Maxima?
Generate a tickable pre-purchase checklist for this exact year, mileage and variant · add photos and notes as you inspect.
Check this exact carNissan 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.
Does the A36 Maxima require premium unleaded petrol?
Yes, Nissan strongly recommends using premium unleaded petrol for the 3.5-litre V6 engine. Running the vehicle on standard lower-octane fuel can lead to a noticeable reduction in performance, decreased fuel economy, and potential knocking under heavy load, as the engine management system retards the ignition timing to compensate.
Does the 3.5-litre V6 engine use a timing belt or a timing chain?
The VQ35DE engine fitted to this generation of Maxima utilises a heavy-duty steel timing chain rather than a rubber timing belt. This chain is designed to last the lifetime of the vehicle and does not require routine replacement, provided the engine receives regular oil and filter changes at the specified intervals.
Are there differences in suspension components across the trim levels?
Yes, the SR trim level features a bespoke, sport-tuned suspension setup with stiffer dampers, thicker anti-roll bars, and a chassis damper not found on other variants. Whilst this improves cornering stability, dealers should note that it results in a significantly firmer ride over rough road surfaces compared to softer trims.