Brake complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | Share of year's complaints | Typical mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 1 | 20% | — |
| 2020 | 5 | 23% | 8,000 miles |
| 2019 | 3 | 17% | 8,000 miles |
| 2018 | 8 | 22% | 34,000 miles |
| 2017 | 10 | 9% | 24,000 miles |
| 2016 | 21 | 15% | 16,000 miles |
| 2014 | 4 | 4% | 94,000 miles |
| 2013 | 2 | 3% | 102,000 miles |
| 2012 | 2 | 2% | 122,000 miles |
| 2011 | 3 | 3% | 130,000 miles |
| 2010 | 3 | 1% | 45,000 miles |
| 2009 | 7 | 2% | 33,000 miles |
| 2008 | 3 | 4% | 50,000 miles |
| 2007 | 24 | 19% | 55,000 miles |
| 2006 | 59 | 10% | 62,000 miles |
| 2005 | 28 | 3% | 83,000 miles |
| 2004 | 72 | 5% | 65,000 miles |
| 2003 | 7 | 3% | 27,000 miles |
| 2002 | 20 | 10% | 35,000 miles |
| 2001 | 23 | 13% | 28,000 miles |
| 2000 | 33 | 9% | 38,000 miles |
| 1999 | 9 | 5% | 60,000 miles |
| 1998 | 10 | 9% | 41,000 miles |
| 1997 | 7 | 7% | 99,000 miles |
| 1996 | 5 | 5% | — |
| 1995 | 7 | 5% | — |
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (service brakes, ABS, rotors and pads, parking brake).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
The contact owns a 2020 Nissan Maxima. The contact stated that while her husband was attempting to park and turn off the vehicle, the gear shifter failed to shift into park, the STOP button failed to respond, and the vehicle suddenly accelerated, crashed into a tree in the median strip, knocked down three poles, and the brake pedal was depressed but became unresponsive. The vehicle continued driving and crashed into a sign pole and came to a stop. The contact stated that a tire also exploded during the crash. The contact stated that the air bags failed to deploy. The contact and her husband sustained injuries during the crash. The contact's husband sustained a fractured left shoulder and had since developed balance issues. The contact sustained balance issues and weakness in the body. Medical attention was provided. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. …
The contact owns a 2020 Nissan Maxima. The contact stated that while driving at 50 - 55 mph, the vehicle lost motive power, and the Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) System, Slip indicator, and Rear Automatic Braking warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer but the dealer could not replicate the failure. The vehicle was not repaired and remained at the dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that they would not authorize the dealer to perform the repair and could not replace or repurchase the vehicle. The failure mileage was 8,296.
When driving down the roadway the vehicle automatically stops. I purchased the vehicle brand new this year and this instance with the braking has occurred 4 times. The ABS light came on and would not go off. I've taken it to the dealer and they replaced a sensor. The ABS light is now off and it has not 'phantom braked' or 'falsely activated' since but I a worried that if and when it happens again I May be in traffic and cause a collision or even worse hurt, harm, or even death to myself or other. There is 2 others in my office that have purchased 2019 rogues this year and have had the same issues. Nissan needs to remedy this situation and do so quickly.
I was driving down the highway and my dash lit up red and the braking system automatically activated causing an abrupt stop. There were no objects in the road and all other vehicles were in safe range, nowhere near my vehicle. This is dangerous and could have caused a fatal accident or serious injuries. This has happened to me twice and I purchased my car brand new 6 months ago.
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. …
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.
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 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.
Car was parked outside husbands work since 7 at 12:15 pm he was advised by a co worker that my car was on fire ! When I ran outside my his workers where trying to put out the fire with the fire extinguishers from the work warehouse ! The fire department ended up finish putting out the fire ! The whole engine compartment was burnt to a crisp and a huge hole was burnt through the hood on the passenger side along side the firewall of car !
Related recalls (5)
Service brakes, hydraulic › Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2015-2018 Nissan Murano, 2016-2018 Nissan Maxima, and 2017-2019 Nissan Pathfinder and Infiniti QX60 vehicles. These vehicles were previously recalled and unrepaired, or inspected and determined to not need a repair, under recall number 18V-601.
Remedy: Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will replace the ABS actuator, free of charge. Owners will receive a second notice when remedy parts become available, currently expected to be during summer 2020.
Service brakes, hydraulic › Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2015-2017 Nissan Murano, 2016-2017 Nissan Maxima, 2017-2018 Nissan Pathfinder, and 2017 Infiniti QX60 vehicles. The Anti-Lock Brake (ABS) actuator pumps may allow brake fluid to leak onto an internal circuit board.
Remedy: Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the serial number on the ABS actuator, replacing it as necessary, free of charge. The recall began October 29, 2018.
Service brakes, hydraulic › Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain model year 2016-2017 Nissan Maxima vehicles manufactured February 10, 2015, to August 19, 2016 and equipped with Intelligent Cruise Control, 2015-2017 Murano vehicles manufactured August 22, 2014, to August 19, 2016 and equipped with Intelligent Cruise Control, and…
Remedy: Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the ABS Actuator, replacing it as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on December 12, 2016. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-647-7261.
Service brakes, hydraulic › Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain model year 2016 Murano vehicles manufactured December 17, 2015, to February 11, 2016, and 2016 Maxima vehicles manufactured November 25, 2015, to February 12, 2016 and equipped with an antilock braking system (ABS) and Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC).
Remedy: Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the ABS actuator, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on May 16, 2016. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-647-7261.
Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Disc › Caliper
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain model year 2015 Altima and 2016 Maxima vehicles manufactured October 6, 2015, to October 7, 2015. The affected vehicles have front brake calipers whose mounting bolts may not be properly tightened.
Remedy: Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will check the brake caliper mounting bolts, tightening them as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on December 14, 2015.
Frequently asked questions
Which Nissan Maxima years have brake problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2004 (72), 2006 (59), 2000 (33), 2005 (28) and 2007 (24) model years. Brake complaints make up 5% of all complaints for the 2004.
Is there a recall for Nissan Maxima brake problems?
Yes — 5 recalls, including 19V-807 (antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip, Nov 8, 2019); 18V-601 (antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip, Sep 7, 2018); 16V-636 (antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip, Sep 2, 2016). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers; check a specific car with the VIN recall check.
At what mileage do Nissan Maxima brake problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 55,000 miles; 46% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the foundation components › disc › rotor (48 mentions), followed by the antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip (44).
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.