DecodedCars2021 Nissan Maxima
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2021 models.
- Class
- Midsize Cars
- Body styles
- 4dr Sedan
- Engines
- 3.5L 6-cyl
- Transmission
- CVT
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive
- Seats
- 5
- Fuel
- Premium Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 24 combined · 20 city / 30 hwy
- Length
- 192.9 in
- Curb weight
- 3,587 lb
- NHTSA rating
- ★★★★★
- Recalls
- 0 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- 5-star NHTSA safety ratingTop overall score in federal crash tests.
- Lots of standard safety tech4 of 5 key driver aids standard on the versions we checked.
- Few owner complaints3 complaints filed with NHTSA versus about 27 for similar models.
- No recalls so far
Watch out for
- Below-average fuel economyBest version gets 24 MPG combined, 12% below the 2021 midsize car average of 27.4 MPG.
- Premium fuel requiredEvery gasoline version is rated for premium, which raises running costs.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 23 similar 2021 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2021 Nissan Maxima is a midsize car offered with a 3.5L 6-cyl engine and front-wheel drive.
It measures about 193 inches long and 73 inches wide on a 109-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,587 lb.
EPA rates its most efficient version at 24 MPG combined (20 city / 30 highway), 12% worse than the 2021 midsize car average of 27.4 MPG, for an estimated $3,400 a year in fuel.
In NHTSA crash testing it earned the top 5-star overall rating.
It has 0 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 3 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the electrical system.
What changed for 2021
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2020 Maxima — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2020; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2020 Maxima →
Trims, performance & features
Trims
Safety & driver-assist features
Built in: Smyrna, Tennessee
NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 2 2021 Maxima configurations; may not list every trim. How we calculate this →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4dr Sedan | 192.9 in | 73.2 in | 56.7 in | 109.4 in | 62.2 / 62.2 in | 3,587 lb | 61/39 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Maxima | 3.5L 6-cyl | Automatic (AV-S7) | Front-Wheel Drive | 20 / 30 / 24 | -12% | $3,400 | 370 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2021 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Driver / passenger | Side | Side pole | Rollover | Rollover risk |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 Nissan Maxima 4 DR FWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 5★ / 5★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 9.5% |
Similar 2021 midsize cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 Nissan Maxima (this car) | 24 MPG | ★★★★★ | 0 |
| 2021 Ford Mustang | 25 MPG | ★★★★★ | 6 |
| 2021 Honda Accord | 48 MPG | ★★★★★ | 4 |
| 2021 Toyota Camry | 52 MPG | ★★★★★ | 1 |
| 2021 Chevrolet Camaro | 25 MPG | ★★★★★ | 4 |
| 2021 Nissan GT-R | 18 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2021 Dodge Charger | 23 MPG | ★★★★★ | 2 |
Recalls (0)
No vehicle recalls on file with NHTSA for the 2021 Nissan Maxima.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗Not every 2021 Nissan Maxima is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2021 Nissan Maxima buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. No recalls on file, but check anyway.
- Electrical System — 1 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Structure › Body — 1 owner reports. Open and close every door, the hood and tailgate; look for rust or misaligned panels.
- Engine And Engine Cooling — 1 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 72,600 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2021 Nissan Maxima. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other Maxima years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 Maxima | 24 | 192.9 in | ★★★★★ | 0 | 1 |
| 2022 Maxima | 24 | 192.9 in | ★★★★★ | 0 | 5 |
| 2020 Maxima | 24 | 192.9 in | ★★★★★ | 1 | 22 |
| 2019 Maxima | 24 | 192.9 in | Not rated | 1 | 18 |
| 2018 Maxima | 25 | 192.9 in | ★★★★★ | 2 | 36 |
| 2017 Maxima | 25 | 192.9 in | ★★★★★ | 4 | 106 |
| 2016 Maxima | 25 | 192.9 in | Not rated | 8 | 142 |
| 2014 Maxima | 22 | 190.6 in | Not rated | 0 | 90 |
| 2013 Maxima | 22 | 190.6 in | Not rated | 0 | 52 |
| 2012 Maxima | 22 | 190.6 in | Not rated | 0 | 82 |
| 2011 Maxima | 22 | 190.6 in | Not rated | 0 | 83 |
| 2010 Maxima | 22 | 190.6 in | Not rated | 0 | 156 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Nissan. How we calculate this →