The Maxima is equipped with six airbags, including seat-mounted side-impact airbags for the first row and side curtain airbags for both rows. It received the highest overall score of Good in front and side-impact crash tests conducted by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, but was rated Acceptable for roof strength and Marginal for rear-impact whiplash protection.

The Maxima also earned five-star ratings from the federal government's National Highway Traffic Safety Administration in front, side and rollover tests using 2010 testing guidelines. The government has since revised its testing to take into account more variables during crashes, but the Maxima hasn't been put through these new tests yet. You can read about the new testing system here.