TransmissionHigh
CVT judder and premature wear.
- Typically appears
- 70,000+ miles
- What to inspect
- Feel for shudder on acceleration; check fluid service history.
- Typical repair
- Significant repair · £400–£1,400
Is the 2016–2023 Nissan Maxima reliable?
Scored from 8 documented faults · reviewed by the VehicleFaults Research Team
Quick answer
6.1/ 10
MixedOn our documented-fault scoring the Nissan Maxima rates 6.1 out of 10 · mixed. We hold 8 known faults for it and 2 are rated high severity, so the risk is real but contained. The weak points cluster around transmission, body and brakes. A well-serviced example with evidence for the big-ticket items is usually a safe buy; the score describes the model, not the specific car in front of you.
Verdict · Negotiate · budget for the known faults
What the score is built from
- Critical
- 0
- High
- 2
- Medium
- 1
- Low
- 5
Weak points cluster around transmission, body, brakes, electrical.
Turn these known faults into a step-by-step viewing plan for this exact Nissan Maxima · $9.
Build the inspection planThe faults that decide it
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.
- Typical repair
- Cooling component replacement · £220–£750
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.
- Typical repair
- Suspension refresh (per axle) · £250–£1,100
BodyLow
Panoramic sunroof rattles / leaks.
- Typically appears
- Age-related
- What to inspect
- Test the roof and inspect for water stains.
- Typical repair
- Water-ingress trace & seal · £150–£800
BrakesLow
Brake wear and pulsation.
- Typically appears
- 60,000+ miles
- What to inspect
- Feel for pulsation under braking.
- Typical repair
- Brakes (discs, pads, caliper) · £200–£800
Costs are indicative UK independent-garage bands for budgeting and negotiation · never a quote.
Inspecting a Nissan Maxima?
Build a tickable plan for the viewing · where to look, what a bad result means and what to ask the seller. One-off price $9.
Build my inspection plan