There are no safety recalls for the 2012 Nissan Maxima, but owners have filed 107 complaints with NHTSA.
2012 Nissan Maxima problems reported by owners
| Problem area | Reports | |
|---|
| Air Bags | 27 | |
| Unknown or Other | 23 | |
| Electrical System | 20 | |
| Power Train | 18 | |
| Engine | 11 | |
| Steering | 10 | |
| Structure | 6 | |
| Seats | 6 | |
| Visibility | 4 | |
| Engine and Engine Cooling | 2 | |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 2 | |
| Service Brakes | 2 | |
Most reported parts
- Structure › Body — 6
- Visibility › Sun/Moon Roof Assembly — 4
- Power Train › Automatic Transmission — 1
- Air Bags › Sensor › Occupant Classification › Front Passenger — 1
- Electrical System › Instrument Panel › Speedometer/Odometer — 1
Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 55,000 miles (median of owner reports).
Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.
Recent 2012 Nissan Maxima complaints
Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.
Electrical System · at 246,450 miles · reported Jan 16, 2026
Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2012 Nissan Maxima. It was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy after the purchase. The vehicle was a dealer sale. The contact stated that the mileage on the title was not available. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 150,000. The vehicle was taken for Texas State Inspection and the VIN was entered on the Inspection Station website and the mileage of 246,450 was displayed.
Power Train · reported Jul 1, 2025
2012 Nissan Maxima with 94,000 miles began hesitating upon accelerating and jerking on [XXX]. Vehicle diagnosed at Don Franklin Nissan in Glasgow, KY with bad transmission. Transmission replaced. Then on [XXX], while driving vehicle, a loud noise from front passenger tire, traction light come on, pulled to side and found wheel side ways and upon investigation, Ball Joint had come part damaging axle and wheel. Found no bolt for ball joint in place. Towed back to Don Franklin Nissan in Glasgow, KY. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Structure · reported Aug 20, 2024
Since 2018 to present day. I been having difficulties with the visibility from my front windshield at sunny days. The dashboard has this sticky substance that make the dashboard really shinny, and reflect the sun light on the windshield, blocking the view and make it hard to see the road and vehicles. I had to use sunglasses to block this issue, but in some cases this will not improved and can make it worst. I had couple of near miss, and I have to stop driving my car at times to avoid this issue.
Air Bags · reported Dec 31, 2023
Passenger airbag notifi action blinks and will not show it is activated to function in a crash. Airbag has never worked. Also driver seat belt keeps releasing without being pushed to open. Seat belt issue just began Dec 2023
Air Bags · at 70,000 miles · reported Aug 17, 2023
The contact owns a 2012 Nissan Maxima. The contact stated that the passengerâs side air bag failed to turn on while the front passenger's side seat was occupied. The contact stated that the failure recurred intermittently. The dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that it was a known issue, and that the front passenger's side seat needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a case was opened; however, no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000.
Frequently asked questions
Does the 2012 Nissan Maxima have any recalls?
No. NHTSA has no safety recalls for the 2012 Nissan Maxima as of this update. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls for the latest status.
What is the most common problem with the 2012 Nissan Maxima?
Owners report air bags problems most often (27 reports), followed by unknown or other (23). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 55,000 miles.
Are Nissan recall repairs free?
Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Nissan dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.