2020 Nissan MAXIMA problems and owner complaints
Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.
Key facts
21 owner complaints analyzed
1 distinct recall campaigns
16,648 mi median reported failure mileage
Scope: 2020 model year. Data snapshot: . 6 complaints include usable failure mileage.
Most common problems
Structure:Body is the most frequently named component, appearing in 4 of 21 complaints (19.0%). A complaint can name multiple components.
| Topic | Matching reports | Share of complaints |
|---|---|---|
| Braking behavior | 5 | 23.8% |
| Transmission and shifting | 3 | 14.3% |
| Engine operation | 1 | 4.8% |
| Electrical and battery issues | 1 | 4.8% |
Topic matches use published keyword rules. They describe mentions, including negations or comparisons, and do not confirm a diagnosis. Read the matching rules.
Component breakdown
Number of unique complaints naming each component. Top eight shown.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| Structure:Body | 4 |
| Forward Collision Avoidance: Automatic Emergency Braking | 3 |
| Electrical System | 2 |
| Forward Collision Avoidance: Warnings | 2 |
| Power Train | 2 |
| Service Brakes | 2 |
| Unknown Or Other | 2 |
| Air Bags | 1 |
Structure:Body: 4; Forward Collision Avoidance: Automatic Emergency Braking: 3; Electrical System: 2; Forward Collision Avoidance: Warnings: 2; Power Train: 2; Service Brakes: 2; Unknown Or Other: 2; Air Bags: 1
Reported problems by failure mileage
Complaint counts in mileage bands. These are not failure rates per vehicle or mile.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| Under 25,000 | 3 |
| 25,000 to 49,999 | 1 |
| 50,000 to 74,999 | 0 |
| 75,000 to 99,999 | 1 |
| 100,000 to 149,999 | 1 |
| 150,000 and above | 0 |
Under 25,000: 3; 25,000 to 49,999: 1; 50,000 to 74,999: 0; 75,000 to 99,999: 1; 100,000 to 149,999: 1; 150,000 and above: 0
Under 25,000 miles has the most reports with usable mileage (3). 15 complaints have missing, zero or invalid mileage.
Complaints over time
Year the complaint was filed, not the vehicle model year or incident year. The snapshot year is partial.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| 2020 | 4 |
| 2021 | 4 |
| 2022 | 2 |
| 2023 | 1 |
| 2024 | 6 |
| 2025 | 3 |
| 2026 | 1 |
2020: 4; 2021: 4; 2022: 2; 2023: 1; 2024: 6; 2025: 3; 2026: 1
Pattern summary
Structure:Body leads the component reports. Braking behavior appears in 5 complaint narratives. Transmission and shifting appears in 3 complaint narratives. Engine operation appears in 1 complaint narratives. Use these patterns to inspect individual reports and prepare questions for a mechanic.
Calculated from recorded counts. An AI narrative has not been published for this selection.
Complaint evidence
Examples provide context, not a representative sample or a verified diagnosis.
Owner report 11421900 · 2021-06-22 (June 22, 2021)
The contact owns a 2020 Nissan Maxima. The contact stated that while driving at 50 - 55 mph, the vehicle lost motive power, and the Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) System, Slip indicator, and Rear Automatic Braking warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer but the dealer could not replicate the failure. The vehicle was not repaired and remained at the dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that they would not authorize the dealer to perform the repair and could not replace or…
Owner-reported narrative. 8,296 miles reported. Look up ODI 11421900 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11426312 · 2021-07-24 (July 24, 2021)
My emergency brake comes on any time I drive after a heavy rain.. it starts to illuminate vaguely,then eventually the brake light will come on and then eventually it’ll start indicating to pull over. The first time I was in rush hour traffic on a busy highway. Was able to push down on the brake and release long enough to come off an exit before it came back on. Had to let the car sit for over 20 minutes. The second time we had heavy rain I got in the car the following day after 15 mins of driving the brake light started to illuminate and I coul…
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11426312 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11569285 · 2024-02-01 (February 1, 2024)
My transmission is bad.
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11569285 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11682977 · 2025-08-25 (August 25, 2025)
The contact owns a 2020 Nissan Maxima. The contact stated that while driving at 30 MPH, there was an abnormal sound coming from the engine. The vehicle jerked before stalling in the middle of the road. No warning lights were illuminated. The Police were called to block traffic. The vehicle was towed. The tow truck driver had issues while attempting to tow the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the transmission had failed and needed to be replaced. The contact stated that on a separate occasion, the vehicle…
Owner-reported narrative. 106,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 11682977 at NHTSA ↗