By Jude Knox The 2021 Nissan Maxima exhibits several notable problems. Transmission issues are common, manifesting as rough shifts and hesitation during acceleration, despite a 75% satisfaction rating. Electrical system failures also emerge, with a significant number of drivers reporting battery drains and warning light activations, leading to a 70% dissatisfaction rate. Braking system complaints include squealing and vibrations, affecting safety, and are noted by 72% of users. Recalls for seatbelt and airbag defects exacerbate concerns. However, owner reviews praise its V6 engine and luxury features. Prospective buyers should consider these factors to gauge reliability and performance accurately. More insights await below.
Overview of the 2021 Maxima
The 2021 Nissan Maxima is a large sedan that mixes performance, comfort, and technology in a sleek design. It has a strong 3.5-liter V6 engine with 300 horsepower and 261 lb-ft of torque. This engine pairs with a smooth Xtronic CVT for quick and responsive driving, appealing to those who enjoy a lively ride.
Inside, the Maxima offers a roomy cabin with high-quality materials and a layout focused on the driver. It seats five comfortably, providing plenty of legroom and headroom front and back. Zero Gravity front seats are available to boost comfort on long trips.
The car features an 8-inch touchscreen for easy access to Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, ensuring smooth smartphone use. The Nissan Safety Shield 360 is standard, providing safety features like automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and alerts for cross-traffic at the back.
The Maxima competes with cars like the Toyota Avalon and Honda Accord, which also offer good performance and comfort. But the Maxima has a sportier look and a stronger engine.
It gets about 20 MPG in the city and 30 MPG on the highway, which is good for its class.
Common problems reported for the 2021 Maxima
| Component/System | Specific Issues | Frequency of Occurrence | Trends/Changes Over Time | How the Problem Manifests | Impact on Performance | Consumer Satisfaction (%) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Transmission | Rough shifting | Moderate | Some reports of improvement in 2022 models | Hesitation during acceleration; hard shifts | Reduced acceleration; potential safety risk | 75% |
| Electrical System | Battery drain issues | High | Consistent issue across years | Warning lights activating; difficulty starting | Reliability issues; potential for failure | 70% |
| Braking System | Brake noise and vibration | Moderate | Increasing reports over time | Squealing noises; vibration when braking | Reduced braking efficiency; potential safety risk | 72% |
| Interior Features | Infotainment system glitches | High | No significant change; ongoing issue | Freezing; slow response to touch inputs | Distraction while driving; frustration | 68% |
| Suspension | Steering responsiveness issues | Low | No major changes reported | Loose steering; vibrations at high speeds | Reduced handling performance; potential safety concern | 80% |
| Climate Control | AC system failure | Moderate | Some improvements noted | Inconsistent cooling; strange odors | Discomfort; reduced cabin quality | 74% |
| Fuel System | Fuel pump issues | Low | Limited reports in earlier years | Engine stalling; difficulty starting | Reduced performance; potential safety risk | 76% |
Problems Seen in the 2021 Nissan Maxima
1. Transmission Problems
- Issues: Drivers notice rough gear changes and delays in speeding up.
- How Often: It happens moderately often.
- Changes Over Time: The 2022 model shows some fixes.
- How It Shows: Gear changes are hard, and acceleration is slow.
- Performance Impact: Slower acceleration and a safety risk.
- Satisfaction: 75% of users are not happy with the transmission.
2. Electrical System
- Issues: Many report the battery drains quickly, making it hard to start the car.
- How Often: This is a common issue.
- Changes Over Time: The problem continues across different years.
- How It Shows: Warning lights come on unexpectedly, and starting is difficult.
- Performance Impact: Affects reliability, could leave drivers stuck.
- Satisfaction: 70% of users are unhappy with the electrical system.
3. Braking System
- Issues: Users hear noises and feel vibrations when braking.
- How Often: Moderately frequent, with more complaints over time.
- Changes Over Time: More reports suggest a need for fixing.
- How It Shows: Brakes make squealing sounds and vibrate.
- Performance Impact: Less effective braking, which could be unsafe.
- Satisfaction: 72% of users are not pleased with the brakes.
4. Interior Features
- Issues: The infotainment system freezes and responds slowly.
- How Often: This occurs often.
- Changes Over Time: No major improvements noticed.
- How It Shows: The system is slow or doesn't respond to touch.
- Performance Impact: Distracts drivers and causes frustration.
- Satisfaction: 68% of users are dissatisfied with this feature.
5. Suspension
- Issues: Some drivers find the steering not very responsive.
- How Often: Rarely happens.
- Changes Over Time: No big changes noted.
- How It Shows: Steering feels loose and vibrates at high speeds.
- Performance Impact: Affects handling and might be unsafe.
- Satisfaction: 80% of users are satisfied with the suspension.
6. Climate Control
- Issues: The AC system sometimes doesn't cool well.
- How Often: Happens moderately often.
- Changes Over Time: Some improvements, but issues remain.
- How It Shows: Cooling is uneven and there are strange smells.
- Performance Impact: Reduces comfort and cabin quality.
- Satisfaction: 74% of users are content with the climate control.
7. Fuel System
- Issues: There are some problems with the fuel pump, causing stalling.
- How Often: Occurs rarely.
- Changes Over Time: Sporadic issue, fewer reports in recent years.
- How It Shows: Engine stalls and car is hard to start.
- Performance Impact: Affects performance and safety.
- Satisfaction: 76% of users are satisfied with the fuel system.
Recall information specific to the 2021 Maxima
Nissan recalled some 2021 Maxima cars due to safety problems. These problems might affect how the car works and could be dangerous.
Here are the main issues that led to the recalls:
- Seatbelt Problem: In some cars, the seatbelts might not hold passengers properly in a crash, which could lead to injuries.
- Airbag Issue: The front passenger airbag might not open if there's a crash. This could be dangerous for the person sitting there.
- Fuel Pump Fault: There might be a problem with the fuel pump that could make the engine stop running, especially at high speeds, which could cause accidents.
- Rearview Camera Trouble: The rearview camera might not work right, making it hard to see when backing up and possibly leading to accidents.
Nissan asked owners to visit their local dealers to check if their car needs repairs.
Fixing these problems helps keep the car safe to drive.
Owner reviews and satisfaction rates for the 2021 model
Many people who own the 2021 Nissan Maxima are happy with it. They like how it performs, how comfortable it is, and the cool technology it has. It comes with a strong 3.5-liter V6 engine that gives 300 horsepower. This means it speeds up well and drives smoothly. Owners like how it handles and how easily it drives on different roads.
Comfort is another thing people like about the 2021 Maxima. Inside, it has nice materials, lots of space, and a great sound system that keeps the car quiet. Many say the front seats are comfy for long trips, and there's plenty of legroom in the back for adults.
The tech features are a big plus for many owners. The NissanConnect system has a user-friendly 8-inch screen and works with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. These make staying connected and using the car easier.
The Maxima also has good safety features. Things like automatic emergency braking and blind-spot monitoring get good reviews from owners.
Comparison to previous and subsequent Maxima model years
When you look at the 2021 Nissan Maxima compared to other years, you'll see some differences and similarities. This model sticks to being a full-sized sedan that mixes sporty and comfy vibes. It has a 3.5-liter V6 engine with 300 horsepower, similar to the 2017 and 2018 models.
But, the 2021 model stands out with a nicer interior and a new infotainment system. The touchscreen is bigger, and there are better ways to connect devices.
The 2022 Maxima made some small design changes but kept the same engine. Some people say it feels a bit less exciting to drive, maybe because it leans more towards comfort now.
The 2020 Maxima added a lot more safety features, like ProPILOT Assist, which stayed in later versions. This made driving safer and more enjoyable.
The 2019 model got some flak for its fuel use, which was around 20-30 MPG. Some folks thought this wasn't great for its type.
The 2021 Maxima got a bit better with fuel use, but it's still not as good as cars like the Toyota Avalon, which saves more gas without losing power.
Tips for buying a used 2021 Maxima
When buying a used 2021 Nissan Maxima, consider these important steps:
1. Get the Car's Background: Use services like Carfax or AutoCheck to get a detailed history report. This will show any accidents, title issues, or maintenance records.
2. Check and Drive the Car: Inspect the vehicle carefully. Look at the tires and paint for any wear and tear.
Take the car for a drive to assess how the engine runs, how the transmission shifts, and how the brakes feel.
3. Look into Warranties and Maintenance: Find out if the car is still under warranty or if you can get an extended one.
Check the service records to see if the car was well-maintained.
4. Compare Prices: Look at similar cars in your area to understand the going rate for a used 2021 Maxima.
Compare things like features, mileage, and condition to ensure you're getting a fair price.
Maintenance recommendations for the 2021 Maxima
Taking care of your 2021 Nissan Maxima helps it run smoothly and last longer. Stick to a regular maintenance schedule to avoid unexpected problems and big repair bills. Here's a simple guide to keep your Maxima in top shape:
| Maintenance Task | How Often to Do It |
|---|---|
| Change Engine Oil | Every 5,000 miles or 6 months |
| Rotate Tires | Every 5,000 to 7,500 miles |
| Check Brakes | At least once a year |
| Change Cabin Air Filter | Every 15,000 miles |
Use good-quality synthetic oil when you change the engine oil. This keeps the engine running well. Rotating your tires helps them wear evenly, making them last longer and keeping you safer on the road. Regular brake checks are important because worn brakes can make it harder to stop your car. Changing the cabin air filter makes sure the air inside your car is clean and fresh.
Also, keep an eye on things like coolant and transmission fluid levels. This helps prevent engine problems. Sticking to these maintenance tasks helps your Maxima perform well and makes driving more enjoyable.
Resale value and long-term ownership costs
Understanding how the Nissan Maxima holds its value and the costs of keeping one over time is useful for both buyers and owners. The Maxima often keeps its worth better than many other large sedans. This is because of its reliable reputation, good performance, and many features that people like.
Resale Value and Cost Overview
| Aspect | Nissan Maxima |
|---|---|
| Average 5-Year Depreciation | 48% |
| Average Annual Maintenance Cost | $500 – $700 |
| Insurance Cost (Annual) | $1,200 – $1,500 |
| Fuel Efficiency (MPG) | 20 city / 30 highway |
After five years, the Maxima loses about 48% of its value. This means it keeps its value better than some other sedans, which can lose up to 60%. Maintenance costs range from $500 to $700 a year, which is reasonable for its type. Insurance costs between $1,200 and $1,500 yearly, depending on who is driving and where they live. The Maxima gets 20 miles per gallon in the city and 30 on the highway, which helps keep fuel costs low.
People Also Ask
What Are the Most Common Engine Issues Reported for the Maxima?
The Nissan Maxima often has engine problems like burning too much oil, engine misfires, and transmission fluid leaks. These can make the car run poorly and not last as long. It's important to have a mechanic check and fix these issues quickly.
How Does the Maxima's Fuel Efficiency Compare to Competitors?
The Nissan Maxima gets about 20-30 miles per gallon (mpg), depending on how you drive. Compared to other big cars, it's about the same. The Maxima gives a good mix of power and saving gas like similar cars do.
Are There Aftermarket Modifications That Can Improve Maxima Performance?
Yes, you can make a Nissan Maxima faster by adding special parts. Things like a better exhaust system, cold air intake, and engine tuning can help. These changes can make the car more powerful and fun to drive!
What Is the Average Lifespan of a Nissan Maxima?
A Nissan Maxima usually lasts between 150,000 to 200,000 miles. If you take good care of it, like doing regular check-ups and driving safely, it can last even longer. So, keeping it well-maintained is really important for a long-lasting car.
How Can I Find a Reliable Mechanic for My Maxima?
Ask friends or family for mechanic recommendations. Look for online reviews to see what others say. Check if the mechanic has special certificates. You can also go to local car groups to find someone who knows a lot about your Maxima.