2022 Nissan Maxima: Reliability, Recalls, Known Issues & Cost to Own

Data last updated 2026-07-04 · sources listed throughout · based on public NHTSA data

Late eighth-gen with minimal complaint volume; CVT durability is the chief long-term consideration. Upscale, well-equipped cabin and a strong 300-hp V6 make it a good used buy. Discontinued line, so factor resale and parts. 3 known issue patterns are documented below, with frequency and the mileage windows where they typically appear. New, the 2022 Nissan Maxima ranged from $37,840 to $43,150 depending on trim (base MSRP, before options and destination).

7/10
Strong track record

Late eighth-gen with minimal complaint volume; CVT durability is the chief long-term consideration. Upscale, well-equipped cabin and a strong 300-hp V6 make it a good used buy. Discontinued line, so factor resale and parts.

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

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

TrimOriginal base MSRPNew todayEngineMPG
SV $37,840 discontinued
SR $43,000 discontinued
Platinum $43,150 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/2022-nissan-maxima-price

Cost to own

Repairs (rises with mileage)≈ $500–550/yr
Insurance (medium tier)≈ $2,400–2,500/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 2022 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 2022 Nissan Maxima reliable?

Late eighth-gen with minimal complaint volume; CVT durability is the chief long-term consideration. Upscale, well-equipped cabin and a strong 300-hp V6 make it a good used buy. Discontinued line, so factor resale and parts.

How much did the 2022 Nissan Maxima cost new?

Between $37,840 and $43,150 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.