DecodedCars2012 Nissan Maxima
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2012 models.
- Class
- Midsize Cars
- Body styles
- 4dr Sedan FWD 3.5sv
- Engines
- 3.5L 6-cyl
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Premium Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 22 combined · 19 city / 26 hwy
- Length
- 190.6 in
- Curb weight
- 3,594 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 0 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- No recalls so far
Watch out for
- Premium fuel requiredEvery gasoline version is rated for premium, which raises running costs.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 31 similar 2012 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2012 Nissan Maxima is a midsize car offered with a 3.5L 6-cyl engine and front-wheel drive.
It measures about 191 inches long and 73 inches wide on a 109-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,594 lb.
EPA rates its most efficient version at 22 MPG combined (19 city / 26 highway), 8% worse than the 2012 midsize car average of 23.9 MPG, for an estimated $3,750 a year in fuel.
NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.
It has 0 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 82 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the unknown or other.
What changed for 2012
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2011 Maxima — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2011; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2011 Maxima →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4dr Sedan FWD 3.5sv | 190.6 in | 73.2 in | 57.9 in | 109.4 in | 62.2 / 62.6 in | 3,594 lb | 62/38 |
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-S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 19 / 26 / 22 | -8% | $3,750 | 404 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2012 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2012 Nissan Maxima.
Similar 2012 midsize cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 Nissan Maxima (this car) | 22 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2012 Ford Mustang | 23 MPG | Not rated | 6 |
| 2012 Honda Accord | 27 MPG | Not rated | 8 |
| 2012 Chevrolet Impala | 22 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
| 2012 Toyota Camry | 40 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
| 2012 Chevrolet Camaro | 22 MPG | Not rated | 4 |
| 2012 Nissan GT-R | 19 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
Recalls (0)
No vehicle recalls on file with NHTSA for the 2012 Nissan Maxima.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗Not every 2012 Nissan Maxima is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2012 Nissan Maxima buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. No recalls on file, but check anyway.
- Electrical System — 17 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Power Train — 16 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
- Air Bags — 14 owner reports. Confirm the airbag warning light turns off after start-up and any airbag recall was completed.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 66,954 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 2012 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 |
| 2021 Maxima | 24 | 192.9 in | ★★★★★ | 0 | 3 |
| 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 |
| 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 →