2017 Nissan Maxima Problems (Reliability Report) [Expert Guide + Owner Data]


The 2017 Nissan Maxima is noted for its performance and luxurious features, but it has several reliability concerns. Common problems include engine stalling, slipping transmission gears, and electrical issues, with owner satisfaction rates at around 75%, 70%, and 68% respectively. Notable recalls address airbag malfunctions and faulty fuel pumps, which could lead to stalling. Owner feedback highlights the smooth CVT and interior quality, contrasted with complaints about comfort during long trips. Compared to competitors like the Toyota Avalon, the Maxima has a higher depreciation rate, losing approximately 53% of its value in five years, making informed purchasing essential. More insights await those who explore further.

Overview of the 2017 Maxima

The 2017 Nissan Maxima is a standout in the full-size sedan category, offering a mix of performance and luxury. It features a strong 3.5-liter V6 engine that produces 300 horsepower and 261 lb-ft of torque. This engine is paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT), providing fuel efficiency of about 21 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on highways. These figures make it a good choice among similar cars.

The car's design is striking, with a bold grille at the front and sharp lines that give it a sporty look. Inside, the cabin is made with high-quality materials and advanced technology. Standard features include an 8-inch touchscreen for infotainment, Bluetooth, and a rearview camera. Higher trims offer extras like leather seats and premium sound systems.

Safety is a key focus for Nissan, and the 2017 Maxima includes features like forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring. These help drivers feel more secure.

Compared to cars like the Toyota Avalon and Chevrolet Impala, the Maxima offers a sportier drive while keeping comfort and style. However, the back seat might feel a bit cramped for some families who need more space.

Common problems reported for the 2017 Maxima

Component/System Specific Issues Frequency of Occurrence Trends/Changes Over Time How the Problem Manifests Impact on Performance Consumer Satisfaction (%)
Engine Engine stalling, rough idle Moderate No significant change Sudden power loss, vibrations Reduced acceleration, possible safety risk 75%
Transmission Slipping gears, delayed shifting High Increasing reports Lag in response when accelerating Poor responsiveness, increased wear 70%
Electrical System Battery drain, faulty alternator Moderate Consistent issues Warning lights on dashboard, dim lights Possible electrical failure 68%
Braking System Spongy brake pedal, ABS warning light Moderate Stable Longer stopping distances, vibrations Reduced braking efficiency 72%
Suspension Noisy struts, early wear on parts Low Some reports Clunking sounds over bumps Less ride comfort, handling issues 78%
Interior Components Infotainment system issues High Increasingly common Screen freezes, unresponsive buttons Driver distraction 65%
Fuel System Fuel pump failure, poor fuel economy Moderate Some variability Engine sputtering, lower mileage Higher fuel use, possible stalling 73%

Issues Reported for the 2017 Nissan Maxima

  1. Engine:
    • Owners report engine stalling and rough idling.
    • Moderate occurrence.
    • No change in frequency over time.
    • Results in sudden power loss or vibrations at idle.
    • Causes reduced acceleration and potential safety risk.
    • Consumer satisfaction at 75%.
  2. Transmission:
    • Slipping gears and delayed shifting are common.
    • High occurrence.
    • Increased reports over time.
    • Noticeable lag when accelerating.
    • Leads to poor responsiveness and increased wear.
    • Satisfaction at 70%.
  3. Electrical System:
    • Battery drain and faulty alternators noted.
    • Moderate frequency.
    • Consistent issue over time.
    • Warning lights and dimming lights observed.
    • Potential for electrical failure.
    • Satisfaction at 68%.
  4. Braking System:
    • Spongy brake pedal and ABS light issues.
    • Moderate frequency.
    • Stable over time.
    • Longer stopping and vibrations during braking.
    • Reduced braking efficiency.
    • Satisfaction at 72%.
  5. Suspension:
    • Reports of noisy struts and early wear.
    • Low frequency.
    • Occasional reports without significant change.
    • Clunking noises over bumps.
    • Less comfort and handling problems.
    • Satisfaction at 78%.
  6. Interior Components:
    • Frequent infotainment system problems.
    • High occurrence.
    • Increasing reports.
    • Screen freezes and unresponsive buttons.
    • Distracts drivers.
    • Satisfaction at 65%.
  7. Fuel System:
    • Fuel pump failures and poor economy reported.
    • Moderate frequency.
    • Variable reports over time.
    • Engine sputtering and lower mileage.
    • Higher fuel use and potential stalling.
    • Satisfaction at 73%.

Recall information specific to the 2017 Maxima

Nissan has shown a strong focus on safety by recalling the 2017 Maxima to fix certain issues. These recalls help keep the cars safe and reliable.

Here are the main recalls for the 2017 Maxima:

  • Airbag Problems: Some cars had airbags that might go off by themselves or not work in a crash.
  • Fuel Pump Issues: Faulty fuel pumps could cause the engine to stall while driving, which is dangerous.
  • Transmission Trouble: Some cars had problems with the CVT, affecting how they speed up and drive.
  • Brake System Issues: There were problems with the brakes that might reduce how well they work.
  • Lighting Problems: Some cars had issues with their outside lights, which could make it hard to see in the dark.

Nissan has reached out to car owners with details on how to fix these problems.

Car owners should check with their local dealers to see if their Maxima needs any repairs.

Owner reviews and satisfaction rates for the 2017 model

Owner feedback on the 2017 Maxima is a mix of likes and dislikes. Many people love the 3.5-liter V6 engine. It's powerful with 300 horsepower and works smoothly with the CVT for a nice drive.

The inside of the car is also well-liked. It has good materials and an easy-to-use infotainment system that makes the ride comfortable.

But, there are some problems. Many owners have complaints about the CVT. They say it hesitates when speeding up and acts strangely, which can spoil the drive.

The seats look nice but aren't very comfortable for long trips because they don't give enough back support.

Satisfaction levels differ. Many owners give it 4 out of 5 stars. However, some are not happy, especially with reliability.

About 20% of owners report issues in the first few years that needed fixing, which raises concerns about the car's long-term dependability.

Comparison to previous and subsequent Maxima model years

When we look at the changes in the Nissan Maxima over the years, each version has its own mix of improvements and issues.

The 2017 Maxima stands out with a strong V6 engine and a nice interior. It's a big step up from the 2010 model, which had problems with its CVT transmission. Many owners reported poor performance and early failures.

The 2017 model fixed these issues with better engineering. It had a stronger CVT and smoother ride. But it brought new problems too. Some users found the infotainment system hard to use.

While it had good horsepower, the fuel economy was average at 21 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway. This was a downside when fuel efficiency was becoming more important.

The 2020 Maxima kept the focus on luxury and performance. However, people questioned its price, which seemed high for what it offered.

Competitors like the Toyota Avalon and Honda Accord provided similar features at lower prices. The Maxima's sporty look and handling were liked, but its infotainment system still caused some frustration.

Tips for buying a used 2017 Maxima

When you're thinking about buying a used 2017 Nissan Maxima, it's good to know what to check. This car is known for its sporty look, strong V6 engine, and stylish interior.

However, some people worry about how reliable it is and how much it costs to maintain. Here's what to keep in mind:

  • Vehicle History Report: Get a detailed report. Look for any past accidents, service history, and the number of previous owners.
  • Test Drive: Drive the car to see how it handles and accelerates. Listen for any strange noises.
  • Check for Recalls: Make sure all recall repairs have been done. The 2017 model has a few recalls to watch out for.
  • Interior Condition: Look at the inside of the car. Check for any damage, especially to the leather and tech features. Everything should work well.
  • Warranty Status: Find out if the original warranty is still valid or if you can get an extended warranty. This could help with future repairs.

Maintenance recommendations for the 2017 Maxima

To keep your 2017 Nissan Maxima running smoothly, regular maintenance is key. Follow the service schedule to avoid problems and unnecessary expenses. Here's a list of important tasks and when to do them:

Maintenance Task Recommended Interval
Engine Oil Change Every 5,000 miles or 6 months
Tire Rotation Every 5,000 to 7,500 miles
Brake Inspection At least once a year

Change the engine oil regularly. The 2017 Maxima uses synthetic oil, which lasts longer than regular oil. Rotating the tires every 5,000 to 7,500 miles helps them wear evenly and last longer.

Check your brakes at least once a year. This can catch worn brake pads or rotors before they become a bigger problem.

Also, keep an eye on fluid levels, such as coolant, transmission fluid, and brake fluid. These are important for your car's safety and performance.

Lastly, swap out the air filter every 15,000 to 30,000 miles. A clean air filter helps the engine run better and improves gas mileage.

Resale value and long-term ownership costs

The resale value of the 2017 Nissan Maxima depends on factors like how well it's been maintained, its mileage, and its condition. This sedan is known for its mix of performance and luxury. When buying, it's good to know how much it might cost to own over time.

Depreciation, or how much the car's value drops, is a big part of owning it long-term. The Maxima loses about 53% of its value in five years, which is common for cars like it. Things like market demand and how the car has been kept up can affect how much it's worth later.

Here's a look at how the 2017 Maxima compares with similar cars:

Vehicle Average Resale Value (5 Years) Annual Maintenance Cost
2017 Nissan Maxima $17,500 $500
2017 Toyota Avalon $21,000 $450
2017 Chevrolet Impala $15,000 $400
2017 Honda Accord $19,000 $425
2017 Ford Taurus $14,000 $475

The Maxima has a higher depreciation rate than some cars like the Toyota Avalon. Its maintenance costs are similar to others. Buyers should think about the balance between what they might sell it for later and the experience of driving it. The Maxima is a good choice for those who enjoy a luxury ride and don't mind slightly higher costs over time.

People Also Ask

What Is the Fuel Economy of the 2017 Nissan Maxima?

The 2017 Nissan Maxima gets about 21 miles per gallon when driving in the city and 30 miles per gallon on the highway. This means it doesn't use too much gas, making it a good car if you want to save on fuel.

How Does the 2017 Maxima Handle in Winter Conditions?

The 2017 Nissan Maxima works okay in winter because it has front-wheel drive and stability control. But, to drive safely on snow or ice, you should use all-season or winter tires. These tires help the car grip the road better.

Are There Any Aftermarket Modifications Recommended for the 2017 Maxima?

For the 2017 Maxima, you can add parts like a new exhaust system, better air filters, and improved shock absorbers. These changes can make the car drive better and feel more powerful without breaking it.

What Is the Warranty Coverage for the 2017 Nissan Maxima?

The 2017 Nissan Maxima has a warranty that covers three years or 36,000 miles for basic needs. It also has a powertrain warranty for five years or 60,000 miles. This means if something breaks, they might fix it for free during this time.

How Does the Infotainment System Perform in the 2017 Maxima?

The infotainment system in the 2017 Nissan Maxima is mostly liked. It has easy-to-use navigation and touch controls, and you can connect your smartphone. But sometimes, it can be a little slow or have trouble connecting, which might bother some people.

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