Certain passenger vehicles equipped with an 'intelligent key' fail to conform to the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 114, "Theft protection." During an inspection of some vehicles at the assembly plant, it was found that the steering...
Steering
Nissan Maxima Steering problems by year
524 complaints filed with NHTSA about the Nissan Maxima's steering. Loss of power steering, stiff or loose steering, wandering, column and rack problems.
Steering complaints by model year
| Year | Steering complaints | Crashes | Injuries | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2019 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| 2017 | 4 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| 2016 | 9 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2014 | 4 | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| 2013 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2012 | 10 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2011 | 9 | 1 | 3 | 0 |
| 2010 | 158 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2009 | 168 | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| 2008 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2007 | 7 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| 2006 | 17 | 4 | 2 | 0 |
| 2005 | 17 | 1 | 5 | 0 |
| 2004 | 37 | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| 2003 | 3 | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| 2002 | 11 | 3 | 3 | 0 |
| 2001 | 6 | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| 2000 | 8 | 2 | 1 | 0 |
| 1999 | 3 | 1 | 2 | 0 |
| 1998 | 4 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| 1997 | 6 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 1996 | 7 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 1995 | 8 | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| 1993 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 1992 | 3 | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| 1991 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 1990 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 1989 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 1988 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 1987 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 1986 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 1985 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 1983 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Steering recalls
Latest Maxima steering complaints
My son was driving my car to work and this is his account of the incident On 1/17/2026 on I95 n, the steering wheel abruptly stopped controlling the wheels. It was as if it completely disconnected and he lost control and crashed into the median. It was a terrifying incident for my son. No other cars were involved. This accident has been reported to my insurance company. This car has been a smooth ride since I've had it. It has UNDER 70,000 miles even though it's a 2017 Nissan Maxima. There were no warning or...
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messages on the dash. I have been ill so the process of getting the car appraised or considered for repairs has just begun. I incurred towing charges and rental fees. My son is having headaches and back pain since this incident. What made it extremely scary is that it happened suddenly.
The contact called on behalf of the owner of a 2009 Nissan Maxima. The contact stated that after the windshield was replaced by Safelite Auto Glass, the employee at Safelite attempted to start the vehicle; however, the vehicle failed to start, and the steering wheel had seized. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The vehicle was then towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the electronic steering column lock had failed. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was towed back to the...
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residence. Upon further investigation, the contact found Manufacturer Recall Number: PC516, which involved the electronic steering column lock (ESCL). However, the VIN was not included. The contact stated that Safelite did not remove the rearview mirror. However, the rearview mirror was left hanging while the windshield was replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and the contact was informed that the VIN was not included in the Service Campaign under PC516 for the same issue, and the Service Campaign had since expired. The failure persisted, and the vehicle remained at the residence unrepaired. The failure mileage was unknown.
My steering failed completely while driving, making it nearly impossible to turn.
My main issue that has caused major concern is while I was driving down the road.The steering all of a sudden jerked and I was almost in an accident. I immediately took it down to my mechanic and he stated that the control arm of the vehicle was bad. I did replace all four tires and got an alignment prior to this happening. Now,this was the most serious incident. I purchased this vehicle in 2022. I have had nothing but problems with it. The first two months I had it. I had to replace the mass airflow sensor not...
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only once but twice. Then a couple months later the serpentine belt went out, replaced that, then of course it goes out again 6th months later. Replaced again!. In addition to that I have had several electrical issues, I think I replaced more tail lights, fog lights, and headlights on this vehicle than all my previous vehicles put together and I have owned many. The engine makes a funny sound every time I accelerate, I have yet to diagnose that one. The fuel door spring busted which results in my check engine light always on, the visor broke and won't stay up, had to replace that. I have been through 4 sets of tires since I purchased it. I only live a mile from work, I don't put a lot of miles on the vehicle. I have a disabled wife and I need reliable transportation. I have spent thousands of dollars to fix this car and the problems keep coming. I've almost spent more money on it than the car payment and insurance for 3 years. There is definitely something wrong with this vehicle and I think Nissan corporation should be held liable.
Nissan dealership said the front control arms are cracking and recommended having them replaced.
The contact owns a 2009 Nissan Maxima. The contact received notification of an undisclosed recall. The contact stated that while the vehicle was off, the push-to-start button was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to start. The immobilizer warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the key fob and the steering lock needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 170,000.
2016 nissan, noticed while stuck in traffic on highway on rainy day the vehicle seemed to want to loose power and battery light was coming on. I was able to exit highway an make it home. Later that night while at laundry mat headed to get food the car wouldn't accelerate eventually died an wouldn't start. Next day go to get it towed yet started no problem acceleration was fine alternator voltage was normal range. Few weeks later battery was dead which I have replaced. Alternator voltage still reads normal. I get...
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about 20 minutes driving and battery light pops on eventually soon power steering and traction control goes out then car will die. If leave it few hrs 2-4hr an come back is fine. But can't drive 20min before it is a problem again. Has caused serious finacial strain and still paying for vehicle close to loosing employment it dies everyday then I have to pay for ride home and to go back to get it later. Have gotting stuck in intersection car just stops working. People have almost crashed into me because i cant get it off the road. Electrical or software computer problem somewhere.
The steering wheel lock malfunctioned. The part is available for inspection. The car was parked on the street. It endangered others because it would not start and had to be towed. This issue was confirmed and reproduced by the dealer with diagnostics. There were no symptoms prior to this issue and the warning light only came on after the part malfunctioned.
Failure of multiple systems upon impact with a pothole causing the vehicle to light up brake warning light, traction control system warning light, and spin out with no steering capability, resulting in a total loss of the car, including the rear passenger tire and wheel to sheer off, snapped the tie rod, ripped off the rear bumper, and bent the vehicle rims. I suffered a closed head injury and whiplash, as well as soft tissue damage to right shoulder and knee. Airbags did deploy.
In 2016 we had to replace the steering lock mechanism. Went to start the car and a security light came on and car would not start , and had to get the car towed from work. We paid to have the part replaced on 12/23/2016. Now, 11/27/2023 we had the same issue with the steering lock mechanism where we tried to start the vehicle and it won't due to this same issue. Now having to get the car towed again to have the part replaced. I saw there was a voluntary safety recall on this issue in 2017. We did not receive any letter stating our car was affected, yet we replaced the part in 2016 with no reimbursement and now again in 2023 with the part doubling in cost.
The contact owns a 2007 Nissan Maxima. The contact stated while attempting to start the vehicle in the morning, the vehicle would start after several attempts. The contact stated that he opened the hood and checked the battery and became aware that both battery terminals were corroded. The contact cleaned the terminals and still had issues with starting the vehicle. Additionally, the steering wheel had locked. The contact was unable to unlock the steering wheel. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated....
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The contact stated that inserting the key in the ignition switch would not start the vehicle, and the key fob ignition option had also failed to start the vehicle. The contact stated that the steering wheel remained locked. The contact stated that the vehicle remained at the residence and was no longer drivable. The contact had not taken the vehicle to a local dealer or independent mechanic. The vehicle had not been diagnosed or repaired. The contact researched online and related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 06V402000 (Steering). The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 170,000.
UNKNOWN
Cvt transmission jerking , engine is always idling hard sometimes wants to even shut off , accelerating sometimes takes a lil while to respond , rack and pinion assembly faulty I would like for nissan to fix my car or get a lump sum check for all faulty errors these cars have
The contact owns a 2012 Nissan Maxima. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the brake pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to stop immediately and started shuddering. The oil warning light, ABS, coolant temperature, and the ESP warning light were illuminated. Additionally, the driver's side window failed to operate as needed. 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 122,000.
Unknown. Recently bought vehicle, it's in great condition other than there is noticeable problems with the front and rear steering and suspension, missing airbags with no sign of being wrecked, windows and window buttons don't work as well as power seat, and a awful gas smell and fume. Inside vehicle after. Pumping gas. Wanting to see about any recalls or defects that can be fixed without out of pocket costs if at all possible . Don't know the vehicles recall or repair history.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) complaints and recalls, checked daily. Complaints are owners' own reports and are not verified. How we use the data