2021 NISSAN Maxima
Recalls, Specs & Safety Report
The 2021 Nissan Maxima's reliability is commendable, especially with no recalls in its history. However, owners should remain aware of the frequent electrical issues noted in TSBs, as these can impact critical systems like cruise control and automatic emergency braking.
Why This Matters
A clean slate for recalls is a significant achievement for the 2021 Nissan Maxima. In an era where manufacturers often face scrutiny over faulty components, this model stands out for its quality assurance during production, highlighting Nissan's commitment to safety and reliability in their sedans.
Expert Analysis
- Recall Trend:No Change in recalls
- Primary Risk Area:Puddle
- Vs Brand: Better than avg (1.3)Summary: Year-over-year, the Nissan Maxima has maintained a solid safety reputation with minimal issues reported. The absence of recalls places it above many competitors in terms of assurance and peace of mind for both current owners and prospective buyers.
Safety & Reliability Score
Score Breakdown
Technical Specifications
Key specifications for the 2021 NISSAN Maxima
Safety History Timeline
Consumer Complaint Analysis
Most Reported Issue
Complaint Trend
Safety Incidents
Complaint Severity Distribution
Breakdown of 3 consumer complaints by severity level.
Mileage Failure Analysis
Based on consumer reports, issues for this vehicle tend to peak around the 60k-80k mileage range. The average reported failure mileage is 72,600 miles.
🛠️ DIY Diagnosis Center
Experiencing an issue? Select a symptom to find official manufacturer solutions (TSBs).
Risk Areas & Recommended Actions
Based on recall data, these components require verification:
Electrical Systems
Issue: Potential issues with intelligent cruise control and AEB due to radar obstruction or camera malfunctions.
Have any warning lights checked at a certified dealer to avoid unexpected failures.
Inspect recent service records for any electrical system checks related to TSBs.
No Recalls Found
Perfect Recall Status
2021 NISSAN Maxima
Safety Milestone: The 2021 NISSAN Maxima maintains a perfect record. As of February 2026, there are 0 official recalls.
Compared to other 2021 models which average multiple safety campaigns, this vehicle's clean sheet is a testament to its engineering integrity.
🛡️ Proactive Safety Maintenance Guide
Even with a perfect recall record, regular maintenance safeguards your vehicle's reliability. Our experts recommend monitoring these systems:
No active investigations for this vehicle.
Consumer-reported issues submitted to NHTSA for 2021 Maxima.
Common Reported SymptomsAI Analysis
The contact owns a 2021 Nissan Maxima. The contact stated that while his son was driving at 20 MPH, the vehicle began to jerk and was shaking. The vehicle felt as though the brake pedal was being depressed. The oil light was flashing. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that there was a catastrophic engine failure. The vehicle was repaired. After driving the vehicle, the vehicle was parked, and his son noticed there was a puddle of oil underneath the vehicle. The vehicle failed to start. The contact checked the oil level and noticed there was no oil. The vehicle was towed back to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed with starter and an oil gasket failure. The dealer informed the contact that there was oil in the engine. The manufacturer was contacted and opened a case. The failure mileage was approximately 72,600.
Going down a road in Tennessee on my way to my sons house in Fort Campbell. No cars on the road anywhere 545 in the morning and the sun roof explodes out of no where. Parts have been ordered and the car is in my possession till the parts come in so no forms to upload as of yet.
VEHICLE PURCHASED NEW WITH 4 MILES THEN AFTER 100MILES, THE CD CHANGER DOES NOT WORK AND THERE IS A DELAY IN THE ELECTRONIC COOLANT TEMPERATURE GAUGE. THE ANLOG TEMP GAUGE IS WORKING BUT THE ELECTRONIC GAUGE DOES NOT COME ON TILL 20-30MINS OF DRIVING.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the common electrical issues reported for the 2021 Nissan Maxima?
While the 2021 Nissan Maxima boasts zero recalls, several technical service bulletins highlight potential electrical malfunctioning in systems such as intelligent cruise control and automatic emergency braking. Owners have noted that warning lights can appear without clear reasons, sometimes linked to radar or camera obstructions.
How does the lack of recalls impact my decision to buy a used 2021 Nissan Maxima?
'A lack of recalls indicates that previous owners likely faced fewer significant issues during their ownership experience. This bodes well for prospective buyers as it suggests that they can expect reliable performance from this vehicle.'
Year-over-Year Context
Compared to earlier years, the 2021 model shows stable reliability patterns. No meaningful structural change detected in recall frequency between adjacent model years.
What This Means for You
This clean safety profile is particularly valuable for risk-averse buyers and families prioritizing reliability.
If you're unsure, we recommend starting with a VIN check or consulting a certified mechanic.
If You Own This Vehicle
- Your 2021 Maxima currently shows zero open recalls. Maintain this status with scheduled preventive maintenance.
- Proactive tip: Enroll in NISSAN's owner notification program for real-time safety updates.
If You're Buying Used
- Request the VIN from the seller and verify the 'Clean' recall status via NHTSA.
- This specific Maxima year is noted for its strong reliability foundations.
This page is designed to help you decide, not alarm you.