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G
ood
A
cceptable
M
arginal
P
oor
Nissan
Maxima 4-door sedan

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2018 Nissan Maxima

Midsize car
2017 Nissan Maxima shown
2017 Nissan Maxima shown

Print full report for this vehicle

Crashworthiness
  • Small overlap front
  • Driver-side
    G
  • Passenger-side
    G
  • Moderate overlap front
    G
  • Side
    G
  • Roof strength
    G
  • Head restraints & seats
    G

Crash avoidance & Mitigation
Front crash prevention
Crash avoidance rating
Superior

Headlights
A
only certain
trims/options

Child Seat Anchors (LATCH)
ease of use
A
Check for NHTSA recalls

The photos and videos shown here may be of a different model, model year or body type from the one selected. The ratings of one vehicle often apply to other models if they are built on the same platform. In addition, a test of a vehicle from one model year may apply to earlier or later model years if the vehicle hasn't been significantly redesigned.

Model year Small overlap front Moderate overlap front Side Roof strength Head restraints & seats Front crash prevention Headlights LATCH ease of use
Driver Passenger
2018
G
G
G
G
G
G
Crash avoidance rating
Superior
A
A
2017
G
G
G
G
G
G
Crash avoidance rating
Superior
A
A
2016
G
G
G
G
G
G
Crash avoidance rating
Superior
A
A
2014
A
G
G
A
M
Crash avoidance rating
Not available
A
2013
A
G
G
A
M
Crash avoidance rating
Not available
2012
A
G
G
A
M
Crash avoidance rating
2011
A
G
G
A
M
Crash avoidance rating
2010
A
G
G
A
M
Crash avoidance rating
2009
A
G
G
A
M
Crash avoidance rating
2008
G
M
M
Crash avoidance rating
2007
G
M
M
Crash avoidance rating
2006
G
M
P
Crash avoidance rating
2005
G
M
P
Crash avoidance rating
2004
G
M
P
Crash avoidance rating
2003
A
Crash avoidance rating
2002
A
Crash avoidance rating
2001
A
Crash avoidance rating
2000
A
Crash avoidance rating
1999
A
Crash avoidance rating
1998
A
Crash avoidance rating
1997
A
Crash avoidance rating
1996
P
Crash avoidance rating
1995
P
Crash avoidance rating

Applies to 2016-18 models

Overall evaluation
G
Structure and safety cage
G
Injury measures
Head/neck
G
Chest
G
Hip/thigh
G
Lower leg/foot
G
Restraints and dummy kinematics
A
Important: Frontal crash test ratings should be compared only among vehicles of similar weight.

The Nissan Maxima was redesigned for the 2016 model year after a one-year absence from the market.

Structure

The driver space was maintained well, with maximum intrusion of the lower interior of 12 cm at the parking brake pedal. Upper interior intrusion measured 6-7 cm at the instrument panel.

Injury measures

Measures taken from the dummy indicate a low risk of any significant injuries in a crash of this severity, including head injury risk from the head contacting the door interior trim panel.

Restraints and dummy kinematics

The dummy’s head barely contacted the frontal airbag before sliding off the left side, leaving the head vulnerable to contact with forward structure. Additionally, the seat belt allowed excessive forward excursion of the dummy’s head and torso to the extent the head hit the interior door trim and release lever. The side curtain airbag deployed and has sufficient forward coverage to protect the head from contact with side structure and outside objects.

Tested vehicle specifications

Tested vehicle 2016 Nissan Maxima S 4-door
Weight 3,481 lbs.
Side airbags front and rear head curtain airbags and front seat-mounted torso airbags
Wheelbase 109 in.
Length 193 in.
Width 73 in.
Engine 3.5 L V6
EPA ratings 22 mpg city / 30 mpg highway

How this test is conducted

Measures of occupant compartment intrusion on driver side

Test ID CEN1523
Lower occupant compartment
Lower hinge pillar max (cm) 11
Footrest (cm) 8
Left toepan (cm) 5
Brake pedal (cm) 3
Parking brake (cm) 12
Rocker panel lateral average (cm) 1
Upper occupant compartment
Steering column 0
Upper hinge pillar max (cm) 3
Upper dash (cm) 6
Lower instrument panel (cm) 7

Driver injury measures

Test ID CEN1523
Head
HIC-15 168
Peak gs at hard contact not meas.
Neck
Tension (kN) 1.7
Extension bending moment (Nm) 10
Maximum Nij 0.30
Chest maximum compression (mm) 15
Femur (kN)
Left 0.2
Right 0.1
Knee displacement (mm)
Left 0
Right 0
Knee-thigh-hip injury risk (%)
Left 0
Right 0
Maximum tibia index
Left 0.51
Right 0.43
Tibia axial force (kN)
Left 2.1
Right 0.4
Foot acceleration (g)
Left 63
Right 60

Applies to 2016-18 models

Overall evaluation
G
Structure and safety cage
A
Passenger injury measures
Head/neck
G
Chest
G
Hip/thigh
G
Lower leg/foot
G
Passenger restraints and dummy kinematics
G
Driver injury measures
Head/neck
G
Chest
G
Hip/thigh
G
Lower leg/foot
G
Driver restraints and dummy kinematics
G
Important: Frontal crash test ratings should be compared only among vehicles of similar weight.

The Nissan Maxima was redesigned for the 2016 model year after a one-year absence from the market.

Structure

The passenger space was maintained reasonably well, with maximum intrusion of the lower interior of 16 cm at the lower hinge pillar. Maximum upper interior intrusion measured 8-11 cm at the dashboard.

Passenger injury measures

Measures taken from the dummy indicate a low risk of any significant injuries in a crash of this severity.

Passenger restraints and dummy kinematics

The dummy’s movement was well controlled. The dummy’s head loaded the frontal airbag, which stayed in front of the dummy until rebound. The side curtain airbag deployed and has sufficient forward coverage to protect the head from contact with side structure and outside objects.

Driver injury measures

Measures taken from the dummy indicate a low risk of any significant injuries in a crash of this severity.

Driver restraints and dummy kinematics

The dummy’s movement was well controlled. The dummy’s head loaded the frontal airbag, which stayed in front of the dummy until rebound.

Tested vehicle specifications

Tested vehicle 2017 Nissan Maxima S 4-door
Weight 3,469 lbs.
Side airbags front and rear head curtain airbags and front seat-mounted torso airbags
Wheelbase 109 in.
Length 193 in.
Width 73 in.
Engine 3.5 L V6
EPA ratings 21 mpg city / 30 mpg highway

How this test is conducted

Measures of occupant compartment intrusion on passenger side

Test ID CEP1702
Lower occupant compartment
Lower hinge pillar max (cm) 16
Footrest (cm) 12
Right toepan (cm) 8
Center toepan (cm) 5
Rocker panel lateral average (cm) 3
Upper occupant compartment
Center dash (cm) 5
Upper hinge pillar max (cm) 6
Upper dash (cm) 8
Right lower dash (cm) 11

Passenger injury measures

Test ID CEP1702
Head
HIC-15 96
Peak gs at hard contact no contact
Neck
Tension (kN) 0.6
Extension bending moment (Nm) 22
Maximum Nij 0.17
Chest maximum compression (mm) 18
Femur (kN)
Left 0.2
Right 1.2
Knee displacement (mm)
Left 0
Right 0
Knee-thigh-hip injury risk (%)
Left 0
Right 0
Maximum tibia index
Left 0.53
Right 0.51
Tibia axial force (kN)
Left 1.5
Right 1.0
Foot acceleration (g)
Left 45
Right 43

Driver injury measures

Test ID CEP1702
Head
HIC-15 54
Peak gs at hard contact no contact
Neck
Tension (kN) 0.7
Extension bending moment (Nm) 10
Maximum Nij 0.17
Chest maximum compression (mm) 20
Femur (kN)
Left 0.1
Right 0.1
Knee displacement (mm)
Left 0
Right 0
Knee-thigh-hip injury risk (%)
Left 0
Right 0
Maximum tibia index
Left 0.41
Right 0.21
Tibia axial force (kN)
Left 0.2
Right 0.3
Foot acceleration (g)
Left 43
Right 23

Applies to 2016-18 models

Overall evaluation
G
Structure and safety cage
G
Injury measures
Head/neck
G
Chest
G
Leg/foot, left
G
Leg/foot, right
A
Restraints and dummy kinematics
G
Important: Frontal crash test ratings should be compared only among vehicles of similar weight.

The Nissan Maxima was redesigned for the 2016 model year after a one-year absence from the market. Moderate overlap frontal ratings are assigned by the Institute based on a test conducted by Nissan as part of frontal crash test verification.

Injury measures

Measures taken from the head, neck, and chest indicate low risk of injuries to these body regions in a crash of this severity. Forces on the right tibia indicate that lower leg injuries would be possible.

Restraints and dummy kinematics

Dummy movement was well controlled. The driver side curtain airbag deployed during the crash. As the dummy moved forward into the frontal airbag, its head also contacted the side curtain airbag.

Tested vehicle specifications

Tested vehicle 2016 Nissan Maxima SV 4-door
Weight 3,497 lbs.
Side airbags Front and rear head curtain airbags and front seat-mounted torso airbags
Wheelbase 109 in.
Length 193 in.
Width 73 in.
Engine 3.5 L V6
EPA ratings 22 mpg city / 30 mpg highway

How this test is conducted

Measures of occcupant compartment intrusion on driver side

Test ID VTF1502
Footwell intrusion
Footrest (cm) 3
Left (cm) 5
Center (cm) 5
Right (cm) 3
Brake pedal (cm) 4
Instrument panel rearward movement
Left (cm) 1
Right (cm) 1
Steering column movement
Upward (cm) -3
Rearward (cm) -8
A-pillar rearward movement (cm) 1

Driver injury measures

Test ID VTF1502
Head
HIC-15 235
Peak gs at hard contact no contact
Neck
Tension (kN) 1.3
Extension bending moment (Nm) 19
Maximum Nij 0.31
Chest maximum compression (mm) 22
Legs
Femur force - left (kN) 2.1
Femur force - right (kN) 0.7
Knee displacement - left (mm) 1
Knee displacement - right (mm) 1
Maximum tibia index - left 0.47
Maximum tibia index - right 0.92
Tibia axial force - left (kN) 2.3
Tibia axial force - right (kN) 1.6
Foot acceleration (g)
Left 57
Right 76

Applies to 2016-18 models

Overall evaluation
G
Structure and safety cage
G
Driver injury measures
Head/neck
G
Torso
G
Pelvis/leg
G
Head protection
G
Rear passenger injury measures
Head/neck
G
Torso
G
Pelvis/leg
G
Head protection
G
Side crash test ratings can be compared across vehicle categories.

The Nissan Maxima was redesigned for the 2016 model year after a one-year absence from the market. Side ratings are assigned by the Institute based on a test conducted by Nissan as part of side crash test verification.

Injury measures

Driver — Measures taken from the dummy indicate a low risk of any significant injuries in a crash of this severity.

Passenger — Measures taken from the dummy indicate a low risk of any significant injuries in a crash of this severity.

Head protection

Driver — The dummy’s head was protected from being hit by any hard structures, including the intruding barrier, by a side curtain airbag that deployed from the roof.

Passenger — The dummy’s head was protected from being hit by any hard structures, including the intruding barrier, by a side curtain airbag that deployed from the roof.

Tested vehicle specifications

Tested vehicle 2016 Nissan Maxima S 4-door
Weight 3,478 lbs.
Side airbags standard front and rear head curtain airbags and standard front seat-mounted torso airbags
Wheelbase 109 in.
Length 193 in.
Width 73 in.
Engine 3.5 L V6
EPA ratings 22 mpg city / 30 mpg highway

How this test is conducted

Measures of occupant compartment intrusion on driver side

Test ID VTS1503
B-pillar to longitudinal centerline of driver's seat (cm)
Negative numbers indicate the amount by which the crush stopped short of the seat centerline.		 -15.0

Driver injury measures

Test ID VTS1503
Head HIC-15 443
Neck
Tension (kN) 1.1
Compression (kN) 0.0
Shoulder
Lateral deflection (mm) 31
Lateral force (kN) 1.4
Torso
Maximum deflection (mm) 35
Average deflection (mm) 29
Maximum deflection rate (m/s) 2.80
Maximum viscous criterion (m/s) 0.39
Pelvis
Iliac force (kN) 0.8
Acetabulum force (kN) 1.1
Combined force (kN) 1.9
Left femur
L-M force (kN) 1.0
L-M moment (Nm) 141
A-P moment (Nm) 65

Passenger injury measures

Test ID VTS1503
Head HIC-15 203
Neck
Tension (kN) 0.3
Compression (kN) 0.1
Shoulder
Lateral deflection (mm) 25
Lateral force (kN) 1.4
Torso
Maximum deflection (mm) 33
Average deflection (mm) 28
Maximum deflection rate (m/s) 2.53
Maximum viscous criterion (m/s) 0.40
Pelvis
Iliac force (kN) 0.6
Acetabulum force (kN) 0.5
Combined force (kN) 1.0
Left femur
L-M force (kN) 1.4
L-M moment (Nm) 177
A-P moment (Nm) 51

Applies to 2016-18 models

Overall evaluation
G
Curb weight 3,479 lbs
Peak force 15,738 lbs
Strength-to-weight ratio 4.52
Tested vehicle
 2016 Nissan Maxima S 4-door
Roof strength test ratings can be compared across vehicle categories.

In the test, the strength of the roof is determined by pushing a metal plate against one side of it at a slow but constant speed. The force applied relative to the vehicle's weight is known as the strength-to-weight ratio. This graph shows how the ratio varied as the test of this vehicle progressed. The peak strength-to-weight ratio recorded at any time before the roof is crushed 5 inches is the key measurement of roof strength.

A good rating requires a strength-to-weight ratio of at least 4. In other words, the roof must withstand a force of at least 4 times the vehicle's weight before the plate crushes the roof by 5 inches. For an acceptable rating, the minimum required strength-to-weight ratio is 3.25. For a marginal rating, it is 2.5. Anything lower than that is poor.

How this test is conducted

Applies to 2016-18 models

Overall evaluation
G
Dynamic rating
G
Seat/head restraint geometry
G
Important: Ratings for head restraints & seats should be compared only among vehicles of similar weight.

Seat type

Power cloth seat

How this test is conducted

Seat type Power cloth seat
Geometry
Backset (mm) 20
Distance below top of head (mm) 30
Seat design parameters
Pass/fail Pass
Max T1 acceleration (g) 13.5
Head contact time (ms) 63
Force rating 1
Neck forces
Max neck shear force (N) 0
Max neck tension (N) 591

Applies to 2018 models

System details

  • Standard Forward Emergency Braking

Overall evaluation
Crash avoidance rating
Superior
5 points total

Forward collision warning

This system meets the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's criteria for forward collision warning.
 1 point

Low-speed autobrake

In the 12 mph IIHS test, this vehicle avoided a collision. 		2 points

High-speed autobrake

In the 25 mph IIHS test, impact speed was reduced by 11 mph. 		2 points

How this rating is determined

Ratings are given for 2 different headlight variations available for this vehicle.
Trim level(s)
  • SR trim
  • SR midnight trim
  • Platinum trim
Low-beam headlight type LED projector
High-beam headlight type Halogen reflector
Curve-adaptive? No
Automatically switches between low beams and high beams (high-beam assist)? No
Overall rating
A
Distance at which headlights provide at least 5 lux illumination:
car-simpler car-simpler car-simpler car-simpler car-simpler 0 ft 100 ft 200 ft 300 ft 400 ft 500 ft 600 ft Low beams Optimal low-beam illumination High beams Optimal high-beam illumination

Low beams

On the straightaway, visibility was good on the right side of the road and fair on the left side. On curves, visibility was good on the gradual right curve, fair on the sharp right and sharp left curves, and inadequate on the gradual left curve.

The low beams never exceeded glare limits.

High beams

On the straightaway, visibility was good on the right side of the road and fair on the left side. On curves, visibility was good on the gradual right curve and fair on the sharp right and both left curves.

How this test is conducted

Trim level(s)
  • S trim
  • SV trim
  • SL trim
Low-beam headlight type Halogen projector
High-beam headlight type Halogen reflector
Curve-adaptive? No
Automatically switches between low beams and high beams (high-beam assist)? No
Overall rating
P
Distance at which headlights provide at least 5 lux illumination:
car-simpler car-simpler car-simpler car-simpler car-simpler 0 ft 100 ft 200 ft 300 ft 400 ft 500 ft 600 ft Low beams Optimal low-beam illumination High beams Optimal high-beam illumination

Low beams

On the straightaway, visibility was fair on the right side of the road and inadequate on the left side. On curves, visibility was inadequate in all 4 tests.

The low beams never exceeded glare limits.

High beams

On the straightaway, visibility was good on the right side of the road and inadequate on the left side. On curves, visibility was fair on the gradual right curve and inadequate on the sharp right and both left curves.

How this test is conducted

Trim level(s)
  • SR trim
  • SR midnight trim
  • Platinum trim
Low-beam headlight type LED projector
High-beam headlight type Halogen reflector
Curve-adaptive? No
High-beam assist? No
Overall rating
Applies to 2016-18 models
A
LOW BEAMS Average minimum useful
illumination distance (5 lux)		 Amount glare
exceeded threshold
Straightaway right edge 96.3 m None
Straightaway left edge 48.3 m None
250m radius right curve, right edge 65.0 m None
250m radius left curve, right edge 45.9 m None
150m radius right curve, right edge 52.5 m None
150m radius left curve, left edge 48.8 m None
HIGH BEAMS Average minimum useful
illumination distance (5 lux)
Straightaway right edge 163.2 m
Straightaway left edge 135.4 m
250m radius right curve, right edge 76.7 m
250m radius left curve, left edge 72.0 m
150m radius right curve, right edge 57.4 m
150m radius left curve, left edge 58.3 m
Trim level(s)
  • S trim
  • SV trim
  • SL trim
Low-beam headlight type Halogen projector
High-beam headlight type Halogen reflector
Curve-adaptive? No
High-beam assist? No
Overall rating
Applies to 2016-18 models
P
LOW BEAMS Average minimum useful
illumination distance (5 lux)		 Amount glare
exceeded threshold
Straightaway right edge 81.2 m None
Straightaway left edge 34.4 m None
250m radius right curve, right edge 52.4 m None
250m radius left curve, left edge 35.8 m None
150m radius right curve, right edge 40.3 m None
150m radius left curve, left edge 32.3 m None
HIGH BEAMS Average minimum useful
illumination distance (5 lux)
Straightaway right edge 156.1 m
Straightaway left edge 122.3 m
250m radius right curve, right edge 70.3 m
250m radius left curve, left edge 63.0 m
150m radius right curve, right edge 51.1 m
150m radius left curve, left edge 47.9 m

Applies to 2016-18 models

How this rating is determined

Overall evaluation
A
Vehicle trim S
Seat type cloth

This vehicle has 2 rear seating positions with complete child seat attachment (LATCH) hardware.

It has 1 additional seating position with a tether anchor only.

1 2 3


Good
Acceptable
Marginal
Poor
Seating positions that rely on borrowed lower anchors or have only a tether anchor available are not rated.
Tether anchor
Lower anchors
Lower anchor(s) can be borrowed from adjacent positions(s)
No hardware available

Details by seating position

1
Tether anchor
easy-to-find location
no other hardware could be confused for anchor
Lower anchors
too deep in seat
not too much force needed to attach
easy to maneuver around anchors
2
Tether anchor
easy-to-find location
no other hardware could be confused for anchor
Lower anchors
none available
3
Tether anchor
easy-to-find location
no other hardware could be confused for anchor
Lower anchors
too deep in seat
not too much force needed to attach
easy to maneuver around anchors

Seat position 21

3
Lower anchor A
Open access rated No
Depth (cm) 2-4
Force (lbs) 28
Clearance angle (degrees) 63
Lower anchor B
Open access rated No
Depth (cm) 2-4
Force (lbs) 31
Clearance angle (degrees) 70
Tether anchor
Location Rear deck
Confusing hardware present No
Has contrasting label
within 3 inches of tether anchor		 No

Seat position 22

2
Lower anchor A
No lower latch for this seat position
Lower anchor B
No lower latch for this seat position
Tether anchor
Location Rear deck
Confusing hardware present No
Has contrasting label
within 3 inches of tether anchor		 No

Seat position 23

1
Lower anchor A
Open access rated No
Depth (cm) 2-4
Force (lbs) 31
Clearance angle (degrees) 70
Lower anchor B
Open access rated No
Depth (cm) 2-4
Force (lbs) 28
Clearance angle (degrees) 67
Tether anchor
Location Rear deck
Confusing hardware present No
Has contrasting label
within 3 inches of tether anchor		 No

Applies to 2016-18 models

How this rating is determined

Overall evaluation
A
Vehicle trim SL
Seat type leather

This vehicle has 2 rear seating positions with complete child seat attachment (LATCH) hardware.

It has 1 additional seating position with a tether anchor only.

1 2 3


Good
Acceptable
Marginal
Poor
Seating positions that rely on borrowed lower anchors or have only a tether anchor available are not rated.
Tether anchor
Lower anchors
Lower anchor(s) can be borrowed from adjacent positions(s)
No hardware available

Details by seating position

1
Tether anchor
easy-to-find location
no other hardware could be confused for anchor
Lower anchors
too deep in seat
not too much force needed to attach
easy to maneuver around anchors
2
Tether anchor
easy-to-find location
no other hardware could be confused for anchor
Lower anchors
none available
3
Tether anchor
easy-to-find location
no other hardware could be confused for anchor
Lower anchors
too deep in seat
not too much force needed to attach
easy to maneuver around anchors

Seat position 21

3
Lower anchor A
Open access rated No
Depth (cm) 2-4
Force (lbs) 28
Clearance angle (degrees) 63
Lower anchor B
Open access rated No
Depth (cm) 2-4
Force (lbs) 31
Clearance angle (degrees) 64
Tether anchor
Location Rear deck
Confusing hardware present No
Has contrasting label
within 3 inches of tether anchor		 No

Seat position 22

2
Lower anchor A
No lower latch for this seat position
Lower anchor B
No lower latch for this seat position
Tether anchor
Location Rear deck
Confusing hardware present No
Has contrasting label
within 3 inches of tether anchor		 No

Seat position 23

1
Lower anchor A
Open access rated No
Depth (cm) 2-4
Force (lbs) 22
Clearance angle (degrees) 68
Lower anchor B
Open access rated No
Depth (cm) 2-4
Force (lbs) 26
Clearance angle (degrees) 67
Tether anchor
Location Rear deck
Confusing hardware present No
Has contrasting label
within 3 inches of tether anchor		 No
1
Side airbags: front and rear head curtain airbags and front seat-mounted torso airbags
2
Rollover sensor: designed to deploy the side curtain airbags in the event of an impending rollover
3
Electronic stability control
4
Antilock brakes
5
Daytime running lights

©1996-2018, Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, Highway Loss Data Institute | www.iihs.org