HIGHWAY SAFETY RESEARCH & COMMUNICATIONS
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Nissan Maxima

2004-08 models

SIDE IMPACT TEST

OVERALL EVALUATION: Marginal

  Injury measures Head protection Structure/safety cage
Head/neck Torso Pelvis/leg
Driver Good Poor Acceptable Good Marginal
Rear passenger Good Good Good Good

Important: Side impact crash test ratings can be compared across vehicle type and weight categories.

Good Good Acceptable Acceptable Marginal Marginal Poor Poor

Test details:

The Nissan Maxima was redesigned for the 2004 model year.

Injury measures:

Driver — Measures taken from the dummy indicate that rib fractures and/or internal organ injuries would be likely in a crash of this severity. A left femur fracture would also be possible.

Rear 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.

Rear 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.

Watch crash test footage for this vehicle on YouTube Tested model year and trim level only; see "Tested vehicle specifications" below

Left to right:

  • View of the vehicle and barrier just after the crash test.
  • View of the vehicle after the crash with doors removed, showing the side airbags and damage to the occupant compartment.
  • Action shot taken during the side impact crash test showing the driver dummy's head was protected from being hit by hard structures by the side curtain airbag.
  • Smeared greasepaint shows where the rear passenger dummy's head was protected by the side airbag.

Additional features:

  • Side airbags: front and rear head curtain airbags and front seat-mounted torso airbags
  • Electronic stability control (optional)
  • Antilock brakes

Tested vehicle specifications:

  • 2005 Nissan Maxima SE 4-door
  • Class: Midsize moderately priced car
  • Weight: 3,481 lbs.
  • Side airbags: standard front and rear head curtain airbags and standard front seat-mounted torso airbags
  • Wheelbase: 111 in.
  • Length: 194 in.
  • Width: 72 in.
  • Engine: 3.5 L V6
  • EPA ratings: 20 mpg city | 28 mpg highway

See all test results for Nissan Maxima

Last updated: October 23, 2007

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