How Long Do Nissan Maximas Last? (Solved and Explained)

The Maxima is Nissan’s flagship performance sedan, sporting a 3.5L V6.

Over the years it has evolved into an entry-level luxury car with distinct styling, robust safety features and a long list of creature comforts. 

The Nissan Maxima offers performance without sacrificing the durability and reliability that customers associate with the brand. 

In this article will tell you exactly how long you can expect the Nissan Maxima to last… 

Here is the short answer to how long do Nissan Maximas last:

The Nissan Maxima is a performance sedan built to last. The average lifespan of the Maxima is 150,000 to 200,000 miles. This means that with the average 15,000 miles per year driven, you can expect 10 – 13 years of service or more with proper usage and maintenance. 

How Many Miles Can You Expect from a Nissan Maxima?

Like many Japanese car manufacturers, Nissan produces cars capable of exceeding the average estimated lifespan, which according to Consumer Reports is 150,000 miles. 

This commitment to longevity can be seen in the Maxima, with owners reporting ownership and use of models from the 90’s and early 2000’s without many problems, going well over the 200,000 miles mark, and in some cases reaching past 300,000. 

It goes without saying that given the nature of the Maxima as a performance sedan, driving habits are a big factor in the overall longevity of the car, agressive driving will significantly hinder the duration of any vehicle. 

Whether you use the Maxima as a platform for your latest tuning project, or simply as a comfortable daily commuter suitable for the whole family, make sure to keep up to date with maintenance and fluid changes in order to maximize the lifespan of your car. 

How Soon Should You Expect Rust?

Floorboard rust and corrosion was the cause of a class-action lawsuit against Nissan for their 2002-2006 models of the Altima, and 2004-2008 models of the Maxima. 

Being that the Nissan Maxima has been around since 1985, it is important to keep in mind that the amount of rust varies depending on which model year you’re in the market for. We recommend avoiding year models 2004-2008 altogether to avoid dealing with major rust problems. 

According to owners of the Nissan Maxima’s, some degree of rust appears on the model after one to three years, however, this is subject to a wide range of factors.

For those looking to buy newer models of the Maxima, rust shouldn’t be too much of a problem providing standard rust prevention measures are followed. These include:

  • Rust-proofing sprays
  • Regular cleaning
  • Keeping the car interior dry

Maximas will rust faster in the Rust Belt, a group of states that use salt and de-icing chemicals to clear the roads, both of which can accelerate rusting. And also in coastal regions where the salt in the air from the ocean causes rust to form faster on vehicles.

Salt buildup on vehicle surfaces is corrosive, and the sand, dirt and snow that accumulate can trap moisture in wheel wells and underbody structures.

Left unattended, rust can eat away at the components, the structure and the safety of a vehicle and is much more than just a cosmetic issue.

A good cleaning regime, including the underbody of the car, will make a dramatic, positive impact on reducing the rate at which rusting occurs. However should rust occur, the best way to handle it is with proper treatment.

How Long Does the Nissan Maxima Last Compared to Similar Car Models?

Lets see how well the Nissan Maxima stacks up against similar entry-level luxury performance cars in the market. 

Nissan Maxima vs. Dodge Charger

The Dodge Charger slightly edges the Maxima with an estimated lifespan of 250,000 miles.. 

However, being that the Dodge Charger offers ultra-high performance trims such as the SRT Hellcat, the excessive speeds this car is likely going to be subject to will greatly affect the longevity of the car. 

When it comes to the cost of maintenance to get both these cars reaching high mileage, the Nissan Maxima wins by a considerable margin. Costing $540 a year to maintain, while the Charger costs $652. This equates to a $112 difference between the two in annual maintenance. 

The Dodge Charger offers more trim levels with higher performance numbers, and is expected to last slightly longer than the Maxima.

Please also read our article: How Long Do Toyota Avalon Hybrids Last?

Nissan Maxima vs. Toyota Avalon

Both the Nissan Maxima and Toyota Avalon are equipped with V6 engines producing 300 horsepower, and both brands have a history and reputation for producing long lasting, reliable cars.

When comparing longevity, both cars average around the same 200,000 miles. However, more reports can be found on the Avalon surpassing 200,000 and reaching 300,000 miles. 

The Toyota Avalon also wins in terms of cost to maintain, costing $463 a year compared to the Maxima’s $540.

The Nissan Maxima falls short once again when considering reliability. RepairPal rates the Maxima 3.5 out of 5.0 while the Avalon is rated at 4.0 out of 5.0. 

You can expect similar features and performance regardless of which car you choose, and both cars are guaranteed to provide you with years of service. Although, the Toyota Avalon may be better value for money in the long run. 

Nissan Maxima vs. Chevrolet Impala

The Chevrolet Impala has an average lifespan of 150,000 miles, which puts it slightly behind the Nissan Maxima 200,000 expected miles. 

It is important to note, however, that reports of the Chevrolet Impala surpassing 150,000 is considerably rarer than reports of the Nissan Maxima surpassing 200,000. 

Owning a Chevrolet Impala will set you back an average of $649 a year in maintenance costs, while the Nissan Maxima will cost an average of $540 annually. Depending on your budget, the $109 difference might be something to consider. 

The plus side to owning a Chevrolet Impala is that the current reliability rating for the vehicle is 4.0 out of 5.0 which beats the 3.5 rating of the Nissan Maxima. 

How Reliable is a Nissan Maxima?

Reliability is a huge factor when buying a car, and luckily the Nissan Maxima does not disappoint in this area. 

The Nissan Maxima earned a reliability rating of 4 out of 5 from J.D. Power, and a 3.5 out of 5.0 rating from RepairPal.

The above-average reliability of the Nissan Maxima makes it one of the best options in the full-size sedan segment, offering a perfect balance of performance, daily usability, durability and reliability. 

ModelReliability 
Hyundai Azera4.0 / 5.0
Chevrolet Impala Limited4.0 / 5.0
Toyota Avalon4.0 / 5.0
Kia Cadenza4.0 / 5.0
Chevrolet Impala4.0 / 5.0
Ford Taurus4.0 / 5.0
Chrysler 3003.5 / 5.0
Buick Lucerne3.5 / 5.0
Nissan Maxima3.5 / 5.0
Dodge Charger3.5 / 5.0
Ford Crown Victoria3.0 / 5.0
Ford Police Interceptor Sedan1.5 / 5.0
Avg. Fullsize Car4.0 

The Best and Worst Years of the Nissan Maxima

The CarComplaints database shows that the worst years for the Nissan Maxima are 2004, 2005, and 2006. These years coincide with class-action lawsuit against Nissan for their 2004-2008 model years of the Maxima. 

The 2004 Nissan Maxima earned CarComplaints’ “Avoid Like the Plague” badge. The biggest problem with this model year is transmission problems, with owners reporting sudden jerks while shifting. 

Owners spent an average of $2,500 to fix this problem, with an average mileage of 107,000 miles when the problem occurs. 

When choosing the right Nissan Maxima, we recommend avoiding the 2004-2008 model years entirely. 

We found that the best model year of the Nissan Maxima is 2015, which has the least number of complaints in the car’s lifetime.

The 2017-2020 model years are also good options with low numbers of complaints. 

Related: Best & Worst Years For The Nissan Maxima? (With Facts & Stats) 

What About Recalls?

Despite having a few problemed years, the Nissan Maxima has managed to maintain a relatively low number of recalls since it debuted in 1985.

Below is the full list of recalls from 1985-2020:

  • 1985: 2 recalls
  • 1986: 2 recalls
  • 1987: 1 recall
  • 1988: 1 recall
  • 1989: 4 recalls
  • 1990: 4 recalls
  • 1991: 4 recalls
  • 1992: 5 recalls
  • 1993: 6 recalls
  • 1994: 5 recalls
  • 1995: 5 recalls
  • 1996: 2 recalls
  • 1997: 5 recalls
  • 1998: 6 recalls
  • 1999: 4 recalls
  • 2000: 3 recalls
  • 2001: 6 recalls
  • 2002: 8 recalls
  • 2003: 3 recalls
  • 2004: 2 recalls
  • 2005: 2 recalls
  • 2006: 2 recalls
  • 2007: 1 recall
  • 2008: 2 recalls
  • 2009: 1 recall
  • 2010: 1 recall
  • 2011: 0 recall
  • 2012: 0 recalls
  • 2013: 0 recalls 
  • 2014: 0 recalls
  • 2015: 0 recalls
  • 2016: 8 recalls
  • 2017: 4 recalls
  • 2018: 2 recalls
  • 2019: 1 recall
  • 2020: 0 recalls

Nissan Maxima Model Year List:

Here are all model years for the Nissan Maxima:

  • 1985 Nissan Maxima
  • 1986 Nissan Maxima
  • 1987 Nissan Maxima
  • 1988 Nissan Maxima
  • 1989 Nissan Maxima
  • 1990 Nissan Maxima
  • 1991 Nissan Maxima
  • 1992 Nissan Maxima
  • 1993 Nissan Maxima
  • 1994 Nissan Maxima
  • 1995 Nissan Maxima
  • 1996 Nissan Maxima
  • 1997 Nissan Maxima
  • 1998 Nissan Maxima
  • 1999 Nissan Maxima
  • 2000 Nissan Maxima
  • 2001 Nissan Maxima
  • 2002 Nissan Maxima
  • 2003 Nissan Maxima
  • 2004 Nissan Maxima
  • 2005 Nissan Maxima
  • 2006 Nissan Maxima
  • 2007 Nissan Maxima
  • 2008 Nissan Maxima
  • 2009 Nissan Maxima
  • 2010 Nissan Maxima
  • 2011 Nissan Maxima
  • 2012 Nissan Maxima
  • 2013 Nissan Maxima
  • 2014 Nissan Maxima
  • 2015 Nissan Maxima
  • 2016 Nissan Maxima
  • 2017 Nissan Maxima
  • 2018 Nissan Maxima
  • 2019 Nissan Maxima
  • 2020 Nissan Maxima
  • 2021 Nissan Maxima

Are Nissan Maximas Expensive to Maintain? 

The average cost to maintain a Nissan Altima is $540 annually, with an estimated cost of $4163 over a 5 year period.

ModelAvg. Annual 
Repair Cost
Frequency of
Unscheduled
Repairs (per year)
Probability of
Severe Repairs
Hyundai Azera$4580.411%
Chevrolet Impala Limited$5940.310%
Toyota Avalon$4630.413%
Kia Cadenza$4910.412%
Chevrolet Impala$5680.213%
Ford Taurus$6970.211%
Chrysler 300$6310.313%
Buick Lucerne$5850.414%
Nissan Maxima$5400.315%
Dodge Charger$6520.215%
Ford Crown Victoria$1,0810.113%
Ford Police Interceptor Sedan$1,2880.826%
Avg. Fullsize Car$5900.313%

How Long Do the Brakes Last?

Nissan Maxima brake pads typically last between 30,000 to 70,000. Overall longevity of the brakes is determined by driving habits.

How Long Do the Tires Last?

Tires on the Nissan Maxima may last between 50,000 to 60,000 miles.

Road conditions, driving and braking habits are all factors that contribute to how long your tires will last. 

Pro Tip: Check Your Tire Air Pressure Monthly. Take the easiest step to extend tire life: Maintain the correct air pressure

How Long Does the Transmission Last?

The transmission in the Nissan Maxima can last up to 200,000 miles without needing replacement as long as proper servicing is observed. 

How Long Do the Spark Plugs Last?

Nissan certified service technicians recommend going no more than 100,000 miles in between spark plug replacements. 

Please also read our article: Nissan Maxima in snow & winter driving

What About Insurance Cost?

The average insurance costs for a Nissan Maxima is $173 monthly or $2076 annually.

Tips to Prolong the Life of Your Nissan Maxima

  • Keep up to date with maintenance and fluid changes
  • Avoid over the top tuning and modifying
  • Observe regular rust-proofing intervals
  • Drive smoothly and carefully

Resources

https://www.nissanusa.com/vehicles/cars/maxima.html

https://repairpal.com/

https://www.edmunds.com/

https://www.finder.com

https://www.carcomplaints.com/Nissan/maxima

Author:

  • Ian Sawyer

    Growing up with a father who was a mechanic I had an appreciation for cars and motorcycles from an early age. I shared my first bike with my brother that had little more than a 40cc engine but it opened up a world of excitement for me, I was hooked. As I grew older I progressed onto bigger bikes and...