Used Car Checklists

2021 Nissan Maxima: What to check before buying

Only 3 owner complaints are on file with NHTSA for this car, so this sheet is short. Problems reported on other Maxima years with the same design are listed below the checklist.

Nissan Maxima2021
Owner complaints
3
Recalls
0
Crashes reported
0
Reliability
Good
77/100 on Auto Reliability Index

Run the VIN before you go

A history report shows accidents, title brands, odometer readings, and open recalls for this 2021 Nissan Maxima. Ask the seller for the VIN; it is also on the dash at the base of the windshield.

Your inspection sheet

Tick items off on your phone at the car, or print it. Ticks stay on this device.

0/4 checked

1

Walk-around and cabin

Engine off, key in hand0/1

2

Cold start, engine bay, and underside

Ask the seller not to warm the car up first0/2

3

Test drive

At least 20 minutes, with some highway0/1

These checks are specific to this model year. For tires, body panels, fluids, and the other basics every used car needs, use the general inspection guide.

Reported on other Maxima years with the same design

Few owners have reported problems with this year yet. These years share the 2021's design and most of its parts, so their problems are the ones to look for on this car too.

2022 Maxima

5 owner complaints

Worth adding to your 2021 checks

  • Inspect rear end for loose or disconnected parts.
  • Check trunk for water leaks and mold.
  • Test sunroof lining for drooping or detachment.
Open the 2022 checklist

2020 Maxima

21 owner complaints
  • Body and structure 4
  • Airbags 2
  • Door latches and locks 2

Worth adding to your 2021 checks

  • Tug gently on the front grille and quarter panel edges to check for broken clips or loose panels.
  • Inspect the windshield and sunroof glass for cracks, and ask whether either has been replaced.
  • Close the hood, then pull up on its front edge to confirm the latch holds firmly.
Open the 2020 checklist

2019 Maxima

18 owner complaints
  • Electrical 2
  • Transmission 2
  • Brakes 2

Worth adding to your 2021 checks

  • Drive on a busy highway and watch for false automatic braking or a sudden red dash warning.
  • Confirm the ABS and AEB warning lights go out after startup and stay off during the drive.
  • Run the radio and CarPlay for the whole test drive. Watch for reboots, dropouts, or sudden volume jumps.
Open the 2019 checklist

Which Maxima is it?

EPA figures for each version of the 2021 Nissan Maxima. Use them to confirm you are looking at the version that was advertised, and as a yardstick on the test drive.

VersionDriveEPA rating
3.5L 6-cylFWD24 mpg
  • Reset the trip computer at the start of the drive. A Maxima that averages well under the EPA 24 mpg combined on a mixed route may have an engine or tire problem.

Check the odometer against these mileages

Owners report these failures starting around the mileages below. A car inside one of these ranges deserves a closer look at that part, or records showing it was already fixed.

  • Engine failures

    72,000–73,000 miles

0 mi25k50k75k100k

Where the 2021 fits in the Maxima's history

Redesigns and mid-cycle updates change what can go wrong.

The 2021 is the sixth model year of the Maxima's eighth generation (2016–2023).

It includes the 2020 update.

What changed for 2020

  • Updated exterior styling, engine revisions.

Also looking at these instead of a Maxima?

Cars shoppers compare with the Nissan Maxima, with their own 2021 checklists.

2021 owner complaints, side by side