2020 NISSAN Maxima

Recalls, Specs & Safety Report

1RecallsNHTSA Verified20ComplaintsNHTSA Data0InvestigationsNHTSA Data
Expert Verdict
✓Good Reliability

This 2020 model shows good reliability, primarily driven by a below-average recall rate for the NISSAN brand.

Key Factor:below-average recall rate

📋Why This Matters

Understanding recall history helps predict future ownership costs. Each unaddressed issue represents potential repair expenses.

Insurance companies review vehicle reliability data when setting premiums. Models with elevated recall rates often see adjusted pricing.

Focus Area:general reliability
📊

Expert Analysis

The 2020 Maxima analysis highlights key safety metrics.

Critical Component: Warning

Safety & Reliability Score

91/100
Excellent

Score Breakdown

Recall Impact-8
Complaint Impact-1
Investigation Impact-0

Technical Specifications

Key specifications for the 2020 NISSAN Maxima

Model Year2020
MakeNISSAN
ModelMaxima
Fuel TypeGasoline
Body ClassPassenger Vehicle

Safety History Timeline

Jan20
NEWProduction
Jan20
RECALLRecall Issued
Jan20
ISSUEFirst Report

Consumer Complaint Analysis

⚠️

Most Reported Issue

6 complaints (30% of total)
➡️

Complaint Trend

Stable
No trend data
✅

Safety Incidents

No critical incidents

Complaint Severity Distribution

Breakdown of 20 consumer complaints by severity level.

🟠High
1(5%)
🟡Medium
9(45%)
🟢Low
10(50%)

Mileage Failure Analysis

⚙️Engineering Insight

Based on consumer reports, issues for this vehicle tend to peak around the 0-20k mileage range. The average reported failure mileage is 38,387 miles.

📊 Mileage data extracted from 7 of 20 complaints (35% coverage)
0-20k
3 reports (43%)
20k-40k
2 reports (29%)
40k-60k
0 reports (0%)
60k-80k
0 reports (0%)
80k-100k
1 reports (14%)
100k+
1 reports (14%)
* Analysis based on mileage data extracted from consumer complaint descriptions. Actual failure rates may vary.

🛠️ DIY Diagnosis Center

Experiencing an issue? Select a symptom to find official manufacturer solutions (TSBs).

Primary Risk Areas

VISIBILITY

Official Safety Recalls (1)

Campaign: 20V570000

VISIBILITY:GLASS, SIDE/REAR

Summary

Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2020 Altima, Maxima and Leaf vehicles. The rear window glass may not remain properly secured to the vehicle.

Consequence

Rear window glass that separates from the vehicle can increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will replace the back window glass, free of charge. The recall began November 4, 2020. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-867-7669. Nissan's number for this recall is PC752.

Additional Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Manufacturer: Nissan North America, Inc.

NHTSA Investigations

0 investigations
✓

No active investigations for this vehicle.

Consumer Complaints

20 total complaints

Consumer-reported issues submitted to NHTSA for 2020 Maxima.

Common Reported SymptomsAI Analysis

Warning30%
Stall10%
Crack10%
Accident10%
Jerk5%
Battery5%
Shatter5%
Check Engine Light5%
Burn5%
Smell5%
Engine/Powertrain🔶 Medium
POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

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 failed to start. The contact would turn on the engine, and several minutes later, the vehicle stalled. The failure had occurred on several occasions. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. It was unknown if the contact's husband had replaced the battery. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but offered no assistance. The contact was informed that the vehicle warranty had expired. The failure mileage was approximately 106,000.

Aug 25, 2025Under Review
Safety Systems🔶 Medium
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE

When I start driving the front collision light comes on and off and then they'll stay on

May 28, 2025Under Review
Steering/Suspension🔵 Low
STEERING,UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Nissan dealership said the front control arms are cracking and recommended having them replaced.

Feb 26, 2025Under Review
Safety Systems🔶 Medium
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE

Forward collision warning turns on about 20 seconds after the car starts. There was no accident or obstructions to the sensors, this apperas to just be equipment failure on a car with only 30k miles on it.

Aug 31, 2024Resolved
Other🔵 Low
UNKNOWN OR OTHER

The sunroof inexplicably blew out while driving on a 3-lane interstate normally taken to work every day in the morning, windows were up. This movable portion of the sunroof is part of the panoramic sun roof. The sun shade was open, it is normally left open. Some small pieces of the glass fell onto me and seats but most was sucked up and away from the car. Thankfully, no glass hit me in the face and no cars were around me. I have rear cam footage of the glass flying out behind the car. Front footage shows nothing hit the car, no one was near enough to suspect otherwise. A picture is attached of what is left.

Apr 22, 2024Resolved
Safety Systems🔶 Medium
LANE DEPARTURE,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE

When I start driving, sometimes I randomly see Key System Error and DAS Malfunction. All other warnings such as emergency brake, traction control, blind spot detection light up. Engine RPM meter keeps going to 0 and back and forth (see video in the link below). When this happens, driver assistance features like forward collision warning, blind spot warning and lane departure warning stops working. Sometimes, I cannot turn off the engine by pressing the Stop Engine button. I have to hold the button for about 5 seconds to stop the engine. Sometimes there's a Chasis Control System error (Attached a picture from last year). This started happening about a year ago and has occurred at least a dozen times so far. I have taken this to different dealerships, and none have been able to identify the issue. I haven't had any accidents on collisions on this vehicle. Please see link below for a video of the behavior. You can see different warnings coming on and off in the video. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Apr 18, 2024Resolved
Other🔵 Low
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES

The contact owns a 2020 Nissan Maxima. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH and changing lanes, the hood unlatched, flew open and struck the windshield. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer and was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 84,214.

Apr 12, 2024Resolved
Body/Interior🔵 Low
STRUCTURE

Was getting into the car. As we closed the doors, we heard the sunroof shatter. the edges of the broken glass were pushed up as if the air pressure inside the car broke the glass. If the inside cover was open, we would have been showered in glass. The manufacturer inspected and replaced the glass.

Mar 13, 2024Resolved
Engine/Powertrain🔵 Low
POWER TRAIN

My transmission is bad.

Feb 1, 2024Resolved
Body/Interior🔶 Medium
STRUCTURE

1-Clips that secure the front grill and font quarter panels have broken for no apparent reason. 2-Body parts can fall off during driving if not repaired 3-Inspected at dealership 4-No warnings - the front camera looked "cloudy" because it had fallen when the grill clips broke and became loose The entire grill has to be replaced. All parts are on backorder with no date for restock. This is my daily driver with a mix of town and highway driving, so I typically drive 30-70 MPH daily and only about 10 miles per day to and from work. There is very little wear on this car, it has less than 12,000 miles on it and has not been involved in any collision.

Jun 18, 2023Resolved

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there any recalls for the 2020 NISSAN Maxima?

Yes, the 2020 NISSAN Maxima has 1 recorded recall from NHTSA. These recalls cover various components including VISIBILITY:GLASS, SIDE/REAR.

Is the 2020 NISSAN Maxima safe to drive?

The 2020 NISSAN Maxima has 1 recall. If you own this vehicle, check with your dealer to ensure all recall repairs have been completed. Most recalls have free remedies available.

Where can I check if my 2020 NISSAN Maxima has open recalls?

You can check for open recalls by visiting NHTSA.gov and entering your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), or by contacting your local NISSAN dealer.

🎯Risk Areas & Recommended Actions

Based on recall data, these components require verification:

1

Visibility

Issue: increases crash or loss-of-control risk

✅

If you already own this vehicle: Contact your dealer immediately to confirm visibility recall is complete. Recall repairs are always free.

🔍

If you are evaluating a used example: Request VIN and verify all visibility recalls are completed before purchase.

Campaign:20V570000
💡Visit NHTSA.gov or contact your NISSAN dealer to verify recall completion status.

🧭What This Means for You

Both current owners and prospective buyers benefit from reviewing this safety analysis before making decisions.

If you're unsure, we recommend starting with a VIN check or consulting a certified mechanic.

🔑

If You Own This Vehicle

  • Verify all 1 recalls have been completed using your VIN at NHTSA.gov or through your NISSAN dealer.
  • If any recalls are open, schedule service immediately—recall repairs are always free.
  • Consider setting up VIN-specific alerts to receive notification of future recalls.
🛒

If You're Buying Used

  • Request the VIN before purchase and verify recall status at NHTSA.gov.
  • This model year shows favorable reliability metrics compared to alternatives.
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Data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Last updated: January 10, 2026.