2021 Nissan Maxima: Reliability, Recalls, Known Issues & Cost to Own
Data last updated 2026-07-04 · sources listed throughout · based on public NHTSA data
Well-sorted eighth-gen with low complaints and strong standard equipment; CVT longevity is the main watch-item. Near-luxury interior, sporty 300-hp V6 and good used value. Now a discontinued nameplate, so weigh resale. 3 known issue patterns are documented below, with frequency and the mileage windows where they typically appear. New, the 2021 Nissan Maxima ranged from $37,090 to $42,320 depending on trim (base MSRP, before options and destination).
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Context from the listing you were viewing, not a market-price judgement.
Well-sorted eighth-gen with low complaints and strong standard equipment; CVT longevity is the main watch-item. Near-luxury interior, sporty 300-hp V6 and good used value. Now a discontinued nameplate, so weigh resale.
Sources (3)
- api.nhtsa.govhttps://api.nhtsa.gov/complaints/complaintsByVehicle?make=nissan&model=maxima…
- repairpal.comhttps://repairpal.com/reliability/nissan/maxima
- slashgear.comhttps://www.slashgear.com/1801945/nissan-maxima-best-years-some-avoid/
Known issues
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CVT judder/shudder and sudden loss of acceleration (code P17F1), sometimes requiring full transmission replacement; more robust than other Nissan CVTs but still a cost risk.
commonly reported · 47 NHTSA complaints · typically 40k–100k miles · transmission
-
Electrical faults: sudden stalling/loss of power while driving, alternator and charging failures, and Around-View-Monitor glitches.
commonly reported · 38 NHTSA complaints · electrical
-
Panoramic sunroof spontaneously shattering/exploding while driving, described as a loud bang.
occasional · 9 NHTSA complaints · body
Based on public NHTSA complaint data and AI synthesis: patterns, not guarantees.
Sources (2)
- api.nhtsa.govhttps://api.nhtsa.gov/complaints/complaintsByVehicle?make=nissan&model=maxima…
- carparts.comhttps://www.carparts.com/blog/nissan-maxima-reliability-and-common-problems/
Recalls & safety
Recall history hasn't been loaded for this model year yet.
Whether a recall is still open on a specific car depends on its VIN. Check it free at NHTSA's VIN lookup (nhtsa.gov/recalls), or ask the seller for proof the repair was done.
Pros & cons
Pros
- Upscale, near-luxury interior with comfortable Zero-Gravity seats.
- Sporty, planted handling and a stiff chassis for a front-drive sedan.
- Generous standard equipment, including Bose audio and driver-assist tech.
- Standard 300-hp 3.5L VQ35 V6, strong, proven and free of turbo complexity.
- Strong used value, near-luxury content and V6 power at a mainstream price.
Cons
- Firm ride from the sport-tuned suspension.
- Front-wheel drive only, with no all-wheel-drive option and some torque steer.
- Discontinued after 2023, adding long-term parts and resale uncertainty.
- Sloping coupe-like roofline cuts rear headroom and rear visibility.
- CVT remains the long-term reliability and cost asterisk; expensive to replace if it fails.
Trims & original pricing
| Trim | Original base MSRP | New today | Engine | MPG |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SV | $37,090 | discontinued | — | — |
| SR | $42,250 | discontinued | — | — |
| Platinum | $42,320 | discontinued | — | — |
Prices are base MSRP for each trim's standard configuration. Options, packages, and destination charges added to what original buyers actually paid.
2021-2023 cars held unusually high used values due to pandemic-era supply shortages, so comparisons to original MSRP read differently for these years.
Sources (1)
- iseecars.comhttps://www.iseecars.com/car/2021-nissan-maxima-price
Cost to own
| Repairs (rises with mileage) | ≈ $500–550/yr |
| Insurance (medium tier) | ≈ $2,300–2,400/yr |
| Expected lifespan | ~200k miles |
National-average estimates based on public data. Your costs vary by region, driver, and condition.
Sources (2)
- repairpal.comhttps://repairpal.com/reliability/nissan/maxima
- moneygeek.comhttps://moneygeek.com/insurance/auto/nissan-maxima-insurance/
Frequently asked questions
What problems does the 2021 Nissan Maxima have?
Documented issue patterns include: CVT judder/shudder and sudden loss of acceleration (code P17F1), sometimes requiring full transmission replacement; more robust than other Nissan CVTs but still a cost risk; Electrical faults: sudden stalling/loss of power while driving, alternator and charging failures, and Around-View-Monitor glitches; Panoramic sunroof spontaneously shattering/exploding while driving, described as a loud bang. Frequency is based on public NHTSA complaint data: patterns, not guarantees.
Is the 2021 Nissan Maxima reliable?
Well-sorted eighth-gen with low complaints and strong standard equipment; CVT longevity is the main watch-item. Near-luxury interior, sporty 300-hp V6 and good used value. Now a discontinued nameplate, so weigh resale.
How much did the 2021 Nissan Maxima cost new?
Between $37,090 and $42,320 depending on trim. Those are base MSRPs for each trim's standard configuration; options, packages, and destination charges added to what original buyers actually paid. 2021-2023 cars held unusually high used values due to pandemic-era supply shortages, so comparisons to original MSRP read differently for these years.
Is the Nissan Maxima expensive to maintain?
Estimated repairs run roughly $500–550/year as mileage climbs.
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Estimates are based on public data: patterns, not guarantees. CarVitals is not affiliated with NHTSA, CarMax, AutoTrader, or Cars.com. Issue frequencies come from public NHTSA complaint data, which has no denominator, so they describe reporting patterns, not failure probabilities. Always have a used car inspected before buying. How we build these reports.