1N4AA6AP0JC3691412018 NISSAN Maxima
Executive Summary
2018 NISSAN Maxima was analyzed across NHTSA recalls, owner complaints, crash test data, and public auction records. There are 2 open recalls on record — these are safety-critical and should be addressed immediately. 35 owner complaints include 1 reported injury, indicating real-world safety incidents beyond normal wear.
- ▸2 open recalls including safety-critical systems (Fire risk — park outdoors recall; Brake system recall)
- ▸1 injury reported across 35 owner complaints
- ▸Complaint rate is accelerating — issues appear to be getting worse, not better
- ▸Brakes is flagged in both recalls and owner complaints — double-confirmed failure pattern
- ▸Component failure cascade detected — a known defect pattern that typically leads to more severe downstream damage
No auction records available. Title brand status could not be verified — request title history from seller or state DMV.
- Make
- NISSAN
- Model
- Maxima
- Year
- 2018
- Body Style
- Sedan/Saloon
- Vehicle Type
- PASSENGER CAR
- Drive Type
- 4x2
- Fuel Type
- Gasoline
- Engine
- 6-cyl 3.5L
- Doors
- 4
- Manufacturer
- NISSAN NORTH AMERICA, INC.
- Assembly
- SMYRNA, TENNESSEE, UNITED STATES (USA)
- GVWR
- Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less)
- Base MSRP
- $33,420
Nissan's largest US plant. Builds Altima, Rogue, and Maxima with consistent quality.
- ✓JD Power IQS top-ranked compact car (select years)
- ▸Fire risk — park outdoors recall
- ▸Brake system recall
- ▸1 complaint(s) involved a fire
- ⚠Safety system appears in both official recalls and owner complaints
Lemon law eligibility depends on state law, number of repair attempts, and days out of service. Consult an attorney for actual eligibility.
The same components appear in both official NHTSA recalls and owner-filed complaints — a double-confirmed failure signal.
Worn chain tensioners cause timing chain skip or snap — common on GM 5.3L/6.2L, Ford EcoBoost, VW/Audi EA888, BMW N47/N63. Listen for cold-start rattles.
Water pump failure causes rapid overheating. If the engine overheats even once, head gasket damage is likely — turning a $400 part into a $3,000+ repair.
Degraded transmission fluid destroys clutch packs and solenoids. CVT transmissions are especially sensitive — neglected fluid can result in a $4,000–$8,000 replacement.
Degraded coolant loses corrosion inhibitors and attacks aluminum engine components. Can cause head gasket failure and water pump corrosion.
Worn spark plugs cause misfires that can foul and crack catalytic converters. A $150 tune-up can prevent a $1,200 catalytic converter replacement.
Dirty or failing injectors cause rough idle, reduced fuel economy, and increased emissions. Cleaning costs $100–$200; replacement $800–$1,600.
NHTSA VIN-specific recall lookup returned no data for this VIN. The 2 recalls below are model-wide and may or may not apply to this exact vehicle depending on production date. Verify at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Average repair completion across 2 recalls is ~71%. Always ask the seller for dealer service records confirming each repair.
Statistical model based on recall age, component type, and manufacturer. Not a repair confirmation. Demand dealer service records.
NISSAN completes recalls at a fair rate (84%). If this vehicle has open recalls, follow up with a dealer — average remedy time is ~21 months.
Avg time to remedy open recall: ~21 months · Source: NHTSA Recall Completion Rate Reports
BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA
SummaryNissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Nissan Altima, Armada, Frontier, Kicks, Leaf, Maxima, Murano, NV, NV200, Pathfinder, Rogue, Rogue Sport, Sentra, Titan, Titan Diesel, Versa Note and Versa Sedan vehicles, as well as Infiniti Q50, Q60, QX30 and QX80 vehicles. Additionally included are 2019 Nissan GT-R and Taxi and Infiniti QX50, QX60, Q70, Q70L vehicles. The back-up camera and display settings can be adjusted such that the rear view image is no longer visible and the system will retain that setting the next time the vehicle is placed in reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rear Visibility."Read full details...
~31% chance this recall was never fixed
Moderate RiskSource: NHTSA statistical model by recall age & component type
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP
SummaryNissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2015-2018 Nissan Murano, 2016-2018 Nissan Maxima, and 2017-2019 Nissan Pathfinder and Infiniti QX60 vehicles. These vehicles were previously recalled and unrepaired, or inspected and determined to not need a repair, under recall number 18V-601. In addition, this recall expands the previous population. The Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) actuator pumps may allow brake fluid to leak onto an internal circuit board.Read full details...
~27% chance this recall was never fixed
Moderate RiskSource: NHTSA statistical model by recall age & component type
⚠ One or more recalls have been open for over 5 years — may never have been repaired on this vehicle.
55% of complaints about "SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP" were filed AFTER recall campaign 19V807000 (2019-08-11) — the recall remedy may not have fully resolved the issue.
Continuing complaints after a recall may indicate an inadequate fix, a new failure mode, or that many vehicles never had the recall performed. Verify recall completion status directly with NHTSA.
18 months elapsed between first complaint and recall issuance — a significant delay in consumer protection.
⚠ Complaint rate is accelerating — issue may be getting worse
31% of complaints filed in Jul & Sep — may indicate temperature-sensitive or weather-related failures.
▸ Loss of brake assist and ABS in emergency — can significantly extend stopping distances
The blue line shows 35 total NHTSA complaints filed over 9 years, with the worst year being 2019 (15 complaints).
The amber reliability line shows an improving trend — scores have risen from the earlier years toward 84/100 more recently, suggesting the most serious issues are older and may have been addressed through repairs or recalls.
The recall (red dashed line) followed the first complaints by 1 year — a typical response window; neither unusually fast nor a pattern of denial.
Red dots on the amber line flag 2021, a year when complaints included crash events — these are the highest-severity incidents in the dataset.
Estimates use EPA fuel economy data, AAA 2024 national averages for insurance and maintenance, and a standard depreciation curve. Actual costs vary by location, driving habits, and vehicle condition.
Estimated 5-year cost of ownership: $38,898 (~$648/mo). Repair risk buffer is standard due to vehicle risk profile.
Based on original MSRP of $33,420 with sedan depreciation curve. Range reflects ±15% market variance. Actual value depends on condition, options, and local demand.
20% estimated recall probability — some indicators present but not alarming.
- ▸Accelerating complaint rate — increasing pressure on NHTSA to act
Maintenance intervals vary significantly by make, model, year, engine, and driving conditions. Always follow the manufacturer's official schedule — not generic industry estimates.
Tip: Request the seller's service records and compare against the manufacturer schedule. Missing intervals are a negotiation point.
Based on 2024 national avg ($2,011/yr full coverage). Individual rates vary by driver, location & insurer. Always compare 3+ quotes.
NISSAN has been fined $3M+ by NHTSA. Most recently in 2014: Failure to file required Early Warning Reports on vehicle defects.
Select your state to see what consumer protection laws, lemon law coverage, and title disclosure requirements apply to this vehicle purchase.
Vehicle Identity
| VIN | 1N4AA6AP0JC369141 |
| Model Year | 2018 |
| Make | NISSAN |
| Model | Maxima |
| Vehicle Type | PASSENGER CAR |
Body & Configuration
| Body Style | Sedan/Saloon |
| Doors | 4 |
| Seat Rows | 5 |
| Drive Type | 4x2 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline |
Engine
| Engine Cylinders | 6 |
| Displacement (L) | 3.5 |
Manufacturer
| Manufacturer | NISSAN NORTH AMERICA, INC. |
| Assembly City | SMYRNA |
| Assembly Country | UNITED STATES (USA) |
VIN Structure
| WMI (Chars 1–3) | 1N4 |
| Check Digit (Char 9) | 0 |
| Model Year Code (Char 10) | J |
| Plant Code (Char 11) | C |
| Sequence (Chars 12–17) | 369141 |
Safety Data
| NHTSA Recall Count | 2 |
| NHTSA Complaint Count | 35 |
Disclaimer: Data sourced from NHTSA public APIs and scraped auction listings. For informational purposes only. Not a substitute for a paid vehicle history report. Retrieved: 4/17/2026, 9:03:16 AM.