What 36 owners told NHTSA about the 2018 Nissan Maxima

I am submitting this as a formal complaint regarding an ongoing and unresolved safety issue with my 2018 Nissan Maxima (VIN: [XXX] ). Despite multiple attempts to have this issue diagnosed and repaired, the problem continues without resolution. The issue occurs after driving for approximately 30 minutes. The vehicle suddenly goes into limp mode, the gas pedal becomes unresponsive, and the RPMs begin to drop regardless of speed. After about five minutes, the vehicle slowly regains power. This creates an extremely dangerous situation, particularly while driving in traffic or on highways, as it puts my safety and the safety of others at risk. I have taken my vehicle to multiple transmission shops, Nissan dealerships, independent mechanics, and mobile diagnostic services. I am consistently being told that nothing is wrong and that no repairs can be performed because the vehicle will not produce a diagnostic code. However, the issue continues to occur and remains unresolved. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI 11731774

My rear passenger side coil spring broke. This is a dealer only item. I contacted the dealer and the item is on back order. It is my only means for transportation. I didn’t cause this break, and now I can’t even get it fixed until it comes in whenever that may be. The dealership doesn’t have an estimated time for delivery. I am financing my car and can’t even drive it.

NHTSA ODI 11721046

In June 2019, while driving my 2018 Nissan Maxima, the vehicle suffered a sudden and violent mechanical failure. Without warning, the steering wheel jerked forcefully to the side, and the vehicle became uncomtrollabel leading to an approx 100-foot spin across a median. ​I have since verified this vehicle was subject to NHTSA Recall 19V-807 for an ABS Actuator leak that shorts the circuit board. This defect caused the crash, which resulted in a Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) with extremy worsening memory loss 4mm spinal shift (L5-S1). I have comparative MRI scans (2015 vs. post-crash) confirming the injury.

NHTSA ODI 11716091

The contact owns a 2018 Nissan Maxima. The contact stated that the power door functions on the front driver’s door failed to operate on two separate occasions. Due to the failure, the contact had to enter the vehicle from the front passenger’s side before crawling over into the driver’s seat. The vehicle was initially taken to the dealer, and the front driver’s side door actuator was replaced. And on the second visit, the contact was informed that both the front driver’s side and rear passenger’s side door actuators were defective and needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle remained in the possession of the dealer unrepaired. The failure mileage was unknown.

NHTSA ODI 11685105

The contact owns a 2018 Nissan Maxima. The contact stated that the instrument panel was intermittently dim upon starting the vehicle. The contact stated that while driving the instrument panel eventually brightened before returning to a dim setting. The vehicle was taken to the dealer on several occasions however, the technicians were unable to duplicate the failure. The failure persisted, and the contact stated that the instrument panel had gone blank before returning to a dim setting later. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer where a diagnostic test was performed, and the contact was informed that the Around View Monitor (AVM) unit needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 8,434.

NHTSA ODI 11671034

360 cameras have stopped working on my vehicle. I've seen where there was a recall on the same thing, but my vehicle is not coming up in the recall. I did buy the car used, but not being able to use the cameras is definitely a safety issue.

NHTSA ODI 11625212

The contact owns a 2018 Nissan Maxima. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact started losing control of the vehicle. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed and determined that the lug nuts needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 40,000. The VIN was not available.

NHTSA ODI 11614288

The contact's son owned a 2018 Nissan Maxima. The contact stated while the driver was driving 5 MPH, he noticed smoke coming from underneath the hood of the vehicle. There was no warning light illuminated. The driver was able to pull to the side of the road. The contact stated that the driver opened the hood, and noticed that there was fire under the hood. The fire was extinguished by the fire department. A fire department report was not filed. A police report was filed, but the police report information was not available. There was no injury sustained. The vehicle was towed to a tow lot, where it was totaled. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V807000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic); however, the VIN was not included. The used car dealer the vehicle was purchased from was contacted. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 51,533.

NHTSA ODI 11586726

Four tires size 245/45/18 failed after 9 months and 6,500 miles. Tires were rotated after 5,000 miles. Dealer checked alignment at 6,500 miles all was ok. Two rear tires were bald, no tread, two front tires were worn to wear bar. Dealer sent tires for warranty 3/12/24 to date 4/22/24 Warranty information not received.

NHTSA ODI 11584410

The contact owns a 2018 Nissan Maxima. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the "Front Radar Obstruction Unavailable" message was displayed on the instrument panel. The vehicle independently slowed down without depression the brake pedal. As a result of the failure, several electrical features including the Forward Collision and Lane Keep Assist safety features failed to operate as needed. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 94,000.

NHTSA ODI 11515788

Inappropriate function of the AEB system. Filed a prior complaint with you a couple of months ago about the cruise control sensor and the AEB. Cruise was fixed, but AEB keeps going off while using cruise inappropriately. Did not get fixed. Spent a lot of time working with Nissan consumer affairs and Vision Nissan in Webster NY and problem not found. There are numerous complaints on line about the same problem, but Nissan consumer affairs (NCA) keeps telling me there are no other complaints about this issue. The NCA told me that unless the service department has the AEB go off while they are trying it out, they won't do anything. If I want the second opinion they are recommending, it has to be out of pocket cost for me. I have had it happen and drove to the dealer without turning the vehicle off, and they didn't pull any codes, so won't address it. I have asked to speak to a manager/supervisor at NCA, but they refuse to let me talk to anyone. This has happened no less than 100 times and is very dangerous.

NHTSA ODI 11490826

I having problems with the transmission in the vehicle. The vehicle shakes during acceleration, you can see the gages on the dashboard shaking. When accelerating, the Gears won’t shift properly with a smooth flow. You can notice this in the RPM also when accelerating. I took the vehicle to the Nissan of St. Augustine Dealership and the diagnosis the vehicle with code P17F1 CVT Judder. The dealership stated I will need a new transmission totaling $6405.09. The vehicle maintenance is up to date and it have been very well taken care of. I noticed that this issue has been reported by many other people who owns Nissan Maxima’s. This issue needs to be fixed please.

NHTSA ODI 11483922

I purchased this vehicle used a couple of months ago. The automatic emergency braking initiates inappropriately while using ICC, it brakes without obstruction. Also, the distance sensor isn't working properly according to the dealer. When I use ICC, and sometimes when I am not using it, I get an "unavailable, front radar obstruction" message. The ICC stops working when this happens. It happens every single time I drive. The dealer I bought it from (not a Nissan dealer) won't address it. The Nissan dealer I had to pay $160 to diagnose it said it has a faulty Distance Sensor, which will be repaired if I pay over $1000. I only have $13,000 miles on this vehicle, and it was 11,000 when I bought it. This has a Nissan service bulletin easily found online, a known issue to Nissan which is a safety issue, but it isn't recalled and should be.

NHTSA ODI 11475900

The contact owns a 2018 Nissan Maxima. The contact stated that the engine, transmission, spark plugs, battery, and brakes were previously replaced by an independent mechanic. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was white smoke coming from the exhaust pipe. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 90,000.

NHTSA ODI 11474094

The contact owned a 2018 Nissan Maxima. The contact stated that while driving at 35 MPH, he became unconscious behind the wheel due to medication. The contact crashed into another vehicle however the air bags did not deploy causing his face to hit the steering wheel. The contact also stated that he fractured his back in 7 different locations as a result of the failure and required medical attention via ambulance. The vehicle was totaled and towed to his residence where Nissan came and towed the vehicle to the dealer. A police report was filed. The occupants in the other vehicle were not injured. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 39,357.

NHTSA ODI 11442430

WHEN DRIVING TO WORK MY SUNROOF EXPLODED ON INTERSTATE SCARING ME.IT WAS A VERY LOUD NOISE. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE FOR ALL NISSAN OWNERS. WHEN BRINGING THE VEHICLE IN THEY STATED THAT THEY WERE NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR THE SUNROOF EXPLOSION. WHEN GOING ON LINE THIS LOOKS LIKE IS BEEN ONGOING FOR AWHILE.

NHTSA ODI 11374191

WHEN CAR MAXIMA IS SITTING STILL IN IDLE IT LEAKS OUT A CLEAR FLUID. THE FLUID HAS NO COLOR AND NO SMELL.THIS HAPPENS WHEN THE VEHICLE IS STATIONARY AND IN IDLE.

NHTSA ODI 11363682

COLLISION AVOIDANCE SYSTEM CONTINUOUSLY DISENGAGES

NHTSA ODI 11342903

PANORAMIC SUNROOF EXPLODED WHILE DRIVING ON INTERSTATE HIGHWAY @ 70MPH ON HOT SUNNY HUMID DAY. AFTER RESEARCH IT APPEARS THAT THIS IS A KNOWN ISSUE FOR NISSAN SUNROOFS WITH NUMEROUS CLAIMS RESULTING IN A CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT IN CALFORNIA. NISSAN HAS RESPONDED TO MY COMPLAINT THAT THEY AREN'T LIABLE EVEN THOUGH THE VEHICLE IS UNDER NISSAN WARRANTY WITH THE EXCLUSION THAT GLASS IS NOT COVERED UNLESS A KNOWN PRODUCT DEFECT IS DETERMINED. MY NISSAN CASE NUMBER IS [XXX]. I'VE TURNED TO MY INSURANCE CARRIER FOR REPAIRS. THIS IS A DANGEROUS SITUATION. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

NHTSA ODI 11326311

REAR OBSTRUCTION WARNING.AROUND VIEW, REAR VIEW,ETC MONITORING SYSTEM. HAVE HAD DEALERSHIP LOOK INTO NUMEROUS TIMES THEY CANT REMEDY WITHOUT SOME KIND OF PROOF.THERE SUGGESTION WAS CELL PHONE PICTURE OF WARNING ON DASH WHILE DRIVING OR VIDEO. I TOLD THEM I WOULDN'T DO THAT AND ASKED THEM IF THAT IS WHAT THEY WOULD NEED TO DO TO SATISFY NISSAN FOR APPROVAL TO FIX HE SAID YES.REALLY WHILE DRIVING I THINK NOT.

NHTSA ODI 11308956

I BOUGHT THIS CAR FOR MAY WIFE AND LONG TRIPS. IT WAS RATED SATISFACTORY BY CONSUMERS REPORT. I RECEIVED A RECALL FROM NISSAN THAT THE CAR COULD LEAK BRAKE FLUID AND CATCH FIRE. THEY WILL NOT BE ABLE TO FIX IT UNTIL SUMMER OF 2020. IN THE MEAN TIME IF THE ABS LIGHT COMES ON I SHOULD PULL IT TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND CALL NISSAN'S TOWING SERVICE THIS MAKES THE CAR UNSUITABLE FOR LONG TRIPS ESPECIALLY IF MY WIFE IS DRIVING. CALLING THE DEALER AND NISSAN AMERICA GOT NO RESPONSE BUT THAT IS THE WAY THINGS ARE. A WOMAN PULLING A CAR TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AT NIGHT IS NOT SAFE.NOT HAVING PARTS TO REPLACE A SAFETY DEFECT IS UNCONSCIONABLE

NHTSA ODI 11291252

WHEN DRIVING A ERROR MESSAGE ON THE FRONT RADAR RANDOMLY APPEARS. IT SAYS "UNAVAILABLE FRONT RADAR OBSTRUCTION" AND AFFECTS THE ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL. THIS ERROR IS HAPPENING EVEN IN CLEAR ROAD CONDITIONS AND FOR NO REASON. OTHER PEOPLE ARE REPORTING SAME ERROR MESSAGE FOR NO REASON ALSO.

NHTSA ODI 11291098

FRONT RADAR OBSTRUCTION UNAVAILABLE WARNING COMES ON VERY OFTEN AND REMAINS FOR A COUPLE MINUTES UP TO 15+MINUTES. WHEN USING CRUISE CONTROL THIS STOPS THE CRUISE CAUSING A SLOW DOWN. THIS HAPPENS WHEN IN MOTION AND VERY OFTEN.

NHTSA ODI 11271646

WHEN IS IN MOTION ON ANY TYPE OF STREET AND ALSO AT A STOP, WHEN GETTING CLOSE TO A VEHICLE OR IF SOMEONE CUTS IN FRONT OF ME, OR IF THERE IS A STREET SIGN DIRECTLY IN FRONT OF THE CAR, THIS MESSAGE APPEARS VERY BRIEFLY "UNAVAILABLE FRONT RADAR OBSTRUCTION" WHICH ALSO SHOWS THE ICON OF TWO FRONT END OF CARS COLLIDING. THIS HAPPENED IMMEDIATELY AFTER PUCHASING MY 2018 MAXIMA. THE DEALERSHIP HAS NOT SAID A WORD ABOUT BEING AWARE OF THIS PROBLEM WHEN IT IS A KNOWN PROBLEM WITH CERTAIN NISSAN VEHICLES. THE COST TO BRING IT INTO THE DEALERSHIP AND FOR ANY REPAIRS AT THIS POINT WOULD BE OUT OF MY POCKET SINCE THE CAR IS NO LONGER UNDER WARRANTY. THIS FAULTY RADAR COMPROMISES THE EMERGENCY BRAKING SYSTEM IN THE CAR.

NHTSA ODI 11258507

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 NISSAN MAXIMA. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE COLLISION AVOIDANCE SYSTEM ERRONEOUSLY ACTIVATED ALTHOUGH NO OBJECTS WERE PRESENT IN FRONT OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO NAPLETON NISSAN (10964 PAGE AVE, ST. LOUIS, MO) WHERE THE COLLISION AVOIDANCE SENSOR WA RECALIBRATED; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE CONTINUED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND PROVIDED CASE NUMBER: 2170186. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 40,000.

NHTSA ODI 11256582