Owners filed 102 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the electrical system. It has been recalled 6 times.
Avoid One of the Nissan Maxima years to avoid: an unusual share of fires, crashes and deaths for a car of its age. Which Nissan Maxima years to avoid →
When it fails
08589285,892 milesMedian miles at failure
30 complaints record an odometer reading. Failures cluster around 90,000–105,000 miles.
Most common 1997 Nissan Maxima problems
36 of the 102 complaints (35%) are about the electrical system.
Component
Reports
Crashes
Fires
Injuries
Electrical System › Alternator/Generator/Regulator
Defect. DOPE, INC. IS RECALLING 42,540 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.
Risk. DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
Remedy. DOPE, INC. WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 28, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DOPE, INC. AT 1-626-272-1798.
Defect. SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.
Risk. DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
Remedy. SABERSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 11, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SABERSPORT AT 1-909-598-7589.
Filed Aug 11, 20081,921 vehiclesK2 Motor Corporation
Defect. K2 MOTOR IS RECALLING 1,921 AFTERMARKET HEADLAMPS OF VARIOUS MODELS SOLD FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LISTED VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS ARE MISSING THE AMBER SIDE REFLEX REFLECTOR WHICH FAILS TO CONFORM WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT."
Risk. WITHOUT THE AMBER SIDE REFLEX REFLECTORS, THE LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY BE AFFECTED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
Remedy. K2 MOTOR WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND. THE RECALL BEGAN ON DECEMEBER 17, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT K2 MOTOR AT 1-909-839-2992.
Filed May 24, 200627,176 vehiclesCk Motorsport, Inc.
Defect. CERTAIN CK MOTORSPORTS COMBINATION HEADLIGHTS, CLEAR CORNER, BUMPER, AND SIDE MARKER LIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON THE PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.
Risk. WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
Remedy. CK MOTORSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE NONCOMPLIANT LAMPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 1, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CK MOTORSPORT AT 1-909-610-7211.
Filed Mar 23, 200661,944 vehiclesPro-A Motors, Inc.
Defect. CERTAIN PRO-A MOTORS CORNER LAMPS, TURN SIGNALS, AND HEADLIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.
Risk. WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
Remedy. PRO-A MOTORS WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER TO REPURCHASE THE LAMPS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 3, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT PRO-A MOTORS AT 323-838-2988.
Electrical System › Alternator/Generator/Regulator02V171000
Filed Jun 24, 2002161,000 vehiclesNissan North America, Inc.
Defect. ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, ONE OF THE DIODES USED IN THE ALTERNATOR MAY HAVE BEEN DAMAGED WHEN BUILT. THIS CAN EVENTUALLY RESULT IN FAILURE OF THE DIODE AND AN ELECTRICAL SHORT WHICH COULD MELT THE PLASTIC HOUSING.
Risk. IF THE COMBUSTIBLE GAS EMITTED BY THE MELTING PLASTIC DOES NOT DISPERSE DUE TO AIR FLOW THROUGH THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT, IT COULD IGNITE AND IN TURN IGNITE THE FAN GUIDE IN THE ALTERNATOR.
Remedy. DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE ALTERNATOR. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN JULY 29, 2002. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT NISSAN AT 1-800-647-7261 OR INFINITI AT 1-800-662-6200.
All 6 campaigns on file, newest first.
What owners reported
Newest filings
Service BrakesFire
Filed Dec 31, 2018138,000 milesNY
ABS LIGHTS FLASHED ON AND OFF SEVERAL TIMES. THEN SOLID BRAKE LIGHT CAME ON. CAR GAVE OFF A STRANGE SMELL. TURNED OFF CAR. PARKED CAR IN THE STREET. 2 HOURS LATER THE POLICE ALERTED US THAT THE CAR WAS ON FIRE. THE ENGINE BAY WAS COMPLETELY ENGULFED IN FLAMES. FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS CALLED AND THEY EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. VIDEO OF THE FIRE WAS CAPTURED ON MY RING DOORBELL.
EngineFire
Filed Sep 17, 2014NC
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 NISSAN MAXIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT SMOKE WAS EMITTING FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS. THE CONTACT INDICATED THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE TECHNICIAN INDICATED THAT THE ALTERNATOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE WAS REPORTED TO THE MANUFACTURER. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
Electrical System › Alternator/Generator/Regulator
Filed Jun 20, 2012FL
1997 NISSAN MAXIMA. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO VEHICLE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM RECALL *TGW THE CONSUMER STATED HIS VEHICLE SHOULD HAVE BEEN INCLUDED IN THE RECALL, BECAUSE HE EXPERIENCED THE SAME PROBLEM AS OTHER NISSAN'S THAT WERE RECALLED. *JB
Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Sep 21, 201120,000 milesCA
IN THE BEGINNING I NOTICED IT TOOK ME A COUPLE TIMES TO START VEHICLE AND IT WOULD LOOSE POWER AT CERTAIN STOPS OR WHEN I SLOWED DOWN OR CAME TO A STOP. AND AS TIME I FELT IT JERK AND PULL AT TIMES WHEN I WAS NOT DRIVING TOO FAST THIS CONTINUED AND THEN IT WAS ONE DAY THAT IT DOES NOT WANT TO START UP, NEW STARTER, NEW BATTERY, TUNE UP AND IT JUST WONT START. I AM JUST WAITING TO SEE IF THEY FIND OUT WHAT THE PROBLEM IS. *TR
Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Jun 1, 2011IL
THE LOWER RADIATOR SUPPORT FOR THE 1995-1999 NISSAN MAXIMA. THE LOWER RADIATOR SUPPORT SUPPORTS THE RADIATOR, CONDENSER, AND THE ENGINE SUPPORT BEAM. THE LOWER RADIATOR SUPPORT STARTS TO RUST FROM THE INSIDE OF THE BEAM AND EVENTUALLY RUSTS ALL THE WAY OUT CAUSING THE RADIATOR AND THE CONDENSER TO HANG LOWER AND THE ENGINE TO HANG WITH LIMITED SUPPORT. WITHOUT THE LOWER RADIATOR SUPPORT, THE ENGINE SUPPORT BEAM HITS OFF THE GROUND DURING NORMAL DRIVING. *TR
Exterior Lighting
Filed Feb 12, 201170,000 milesCA
VEHICLE HEADLAMPS AND TAILLIGHT IF IN THE DIRECT SUN THEY FOG IN ABOUT 2-3 YEARS, VISIBILITY DROPS MORE THAN 50% IT CERTAINLY EFFECTS SAFETY AND NO LONG MEET STRICT DOT REQUIREMENTS. THE GLASS TYPE WAS PERFECTLY SUITABLE BEFORE. IF YOU NOTICE THERE IS NOW A BIG BUSINESS POLISHING LENSES. PLS START A CLASS ACTION AGAINST THE MFGS. ASK ANYONE. CHECK ANY VEHICLE OVER 5 YEARS OLD AND YOU SEE. *TR
Structure › Frame and Members
Filed Aug 9, 2010118,000 milesMA
LOWER RADIATOR SUPPORT WHICH SUPPORTS RADIATOR AND FRONT ENGINE MOUNT, RUSTS COMPLETELY THROUGH. COMMON PROBLEM (ACCORDING TO VARIOUS ON-LINE SOURCES) FROM 1995-2001 MAXIMA MODELS DRIVEN IN THE SALT BELT STATES. REPAIR CAN BE EXTENSIVE TO REPLACE ENTIRE FRONT RADIATOR ENGINE FRAME STRUCTURE. SOME SHOPS ARE REPLACING ROTTED SECTION WITH A PIECE OF ANGLE IRON AND DRILLING HOLES TO REMOUNT FRONT ENGINE MOUNT. *TR
Vehicle Speed Control
Filed Feb 12, 2010135,000 milesWA
1997 NISSAN MAXIMA SE - CRUISE CONTROL MALFUNCTIONS CAUSING EITHER UNWANTED ACCELERATION OR UNWANTED DECELERATION. HAS HAPPENED ON MULTIPLE OCCASIONS WITH DIFFERENT DRIVERS TO THE POINT WE NO LONGER USE THE CRUISE CONTROL FEATURE IN THIS SPECIFIC VEHICLE. *TR
Fuel System, Gasoline
Filed Sep 26, 200993,000 milesOH
I NEEDED TO REPLACE A MUFFLER ON MY 1997 NISSAN MAXIMA. ON 092209 I TOOK MY MAXIMA TO A MUFFLER SHOP, THE MECHANIC NOTICED A VERY STRONG RAWFUEL SMELL. HE SAID HE COULD NOT USE A FLAME TORCH DUE TO A POSSIBLE EXPLOSION. HE REPLACED THE MUFFLER BY HAND AND TOLD ME TO HAVE THE FUEL SYSTEM INSPECTED BECAUSE THIS COULD BE A DANGEROUS SITUATION. ON 092609 I HAD THE FUEL SYSTEM INSPECTED BY AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, HE DISCOVERED THAT FUMES AND POSSIBLY GAS WERE ESCAPING FROM THE FUEL FILLER NECK AND TUBE BECAUSE OF CORROSION WITHIN THE WHEEL BASE. I HAVE TRIED TO LOCATE REPLACEMENT PARTS FROM 3 SALVAGED VEHICLES AND EACH WERE ALSO CORRODED. NEW PARTS HAVE BEEN HARD TO LOCATED AND REMAIN UNCERTAIN AS TO WHETHER THEY WILL FIT. *TR
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip
Filed Jun 18, 2009VT
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 NISSAN MAXIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ABS ACTIVATES ON ITS OWN SPORADICALLY. THE DEALER SPECULATED THAT DIRT OR MUD ENTERS THROUGH THE WHEEL SPEED SENSOR AND CAUSES THE FAILURE. THE DEALER CLEANED THE COMPONENT, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED SHORTLY AFTER THE REMEDY. THE CONTACT WENT BACK TO THE DEALER AND THEY REPAIRED THE VEHICLE. UPDATED 07/08/09 *BF UPDATED 07/08/09.*JB
Electrical System
Filed Sep 15, 2008100,000 milesNC
MY 1997 MAXIMA HAS HAD THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT PERIODICALLY COME ON FOR THE LAST 4 YEARS. THE OBD CODE IS FOR THE SPEED SENSOR (P0500), I HAVE THE SPEEDOMETER DROP TO ZERO OCCASIONALLY AND BELIEVE THERE IS AN ISSUE WITH THE CIRCUIT. I HAVE CHANGED THE SENSOR FOUR TIMES AND THE PROBLEM ALWAYS RETURNS. TESTING THE SENSOR SHOWS IT IS FUNCTIONING NORMALLY. TO GET MY CAR INSPECTED, I RESET THE CODE AND IT EVENTUALLY RETURNS TO NORMAL AND I CAN PASS THE EMISSION TEST. THIS YEAR, I HAVE INCOMPLETE CODES FOR EGR AND CATALYST MONITOR. THERE ARE NO CODES PENDING AND I CHECK THE STATUS DAILY. I HAVE ABOUT 500 MILES ON THE CAR SINCE THE CODE RESET AND IT CONTINUES TO REGISTER INCOMPLETE. I AM AFRAID THAT I AM GOING TO GET FINED FOR THE EXPIRED INSPECTION. ARE THERE ANY KNOWN ISSUES RELATED TO THIS PROBLEM? *TR
Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Aug 10, 2008135,000 milesMA
IT ALL STARTED WITH THE NOISES FROM THE EXHAUST. SO I FIXED THE FLEX PIPE AND NO MORE NOISE, THE MECHANIC SAID IT'S A COMMON MAXIMA PROBLEM. THEN THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. SO I FIXED THE O2 SENSOR AND THE KNOCK SENSOR, THE MECHANIC SAID IT'S A COMMON MAXIMA PROBLEM. I DROVE THE CAR TO THE INSPECTION STATION A FEW DAYS LATER AND THE LIGHT CAME ON. THE KNOCK SENSOR CODE CAME ON, THE O2 SENSOR, THE VEHICLE SPEED SENSOR, THERE WAS AN EGR MALFUNCTION, A SERIAL A/T LINK COMMUNICATION MALFUNCTION AND POSSIBLY OTHER CODES I CANNOT RECALL RIGHT NOW. THE MECHANIC SAID IT'S ALL COMMON MAXIMA PROBLEMS. I'VE SPENT SO FAR AT LEAST $800 AND THE CAR IS STILL NOT WORKING PROPERLY, AND I CANNOT PASS INSPECTION. *TR
Electrical System
Filed May 4, 2008119,000 milesVA
I OWN A 1997 NISSAN MAXIMA GLE. IN THE LAST 4 MONTHS I HAVE REPLACED THE ALTERNATOR TWICE, THE STARTER AND THE BATTERY TWICE. SOMETHING IS DEFECTIVE WITH THE CHARGING SYSTEM. THE BATTERY LIGHT AND BRAKE LIGHT KEEP COMING ON REPEATEDLY ESPECIALLY WHEN THE CAR TRAVELS MORE THAN 10-20 MILES. I HAVE HAD THE CAR STALL OUT WITH A DEAD BATTERY 5 TIMES AND EACH TIME I HAVE HAD TO HAVE A JUMP START OR CHANGE THE BATTERY ONCE. SOMETHING IS DRAINING THE SYSTEM. *TR
Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine
Filed Jun 4, 200775,000 milesPA
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 NISSAN MAXIMA. THE VEHICLE SHUTS OFF WHILE DRIVING AND FAILS TO RESTART IN A TIMELY FASHION. THE FAILURE OCCURS WITHOUT WARNING. THE DEALER WAS CONTACTED AND REPLACED THE ALTERNATOR, STARTER, AND SENSORS. HOWEVER, THE FAILURE PERSISTS. THE CURRENT MILEAGE IS 134,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 75,000.
Electrical System › Ignition
Filed Oct 22, 2006NV
THEY TOLD ME WHEN I WAS PURCHASING THE 1997 NISSAN MAXIMA THAT IT HAS BEEN THROUGH THERE INSPECTION. AS SOON AS I WAS DRIVING THE CAR HOME AND WAS AT A STOP THE ENGINE TURN OFF. IT TOOK ME TWO TIMES TO START THE ENGINE AGAIN TO START UP. THE NEXT DAY I CALLED THE DEALER AND SPOKE TO HIM ABOUT THE CAR TOOK IT IN TO GET IT REPAIRED. THE NEXT DAY THE CAR IS STILL HAVING PROBLEMS. WHILE DRIVING AND COMING TO A STOP ENGINE JUST TURNS OFF. IT TOOK ME FIVE TIMES TO PLAY AROUND WITH THE IGNITION TO GET IT STARTED AGAIN AND THE ENGINE LIGHT IS ON. IN THE GLOVER COMPARTMENT I HAVE FOUND THE ENCLOSED COPY OF THE REPAIR INVOICE FROM THE PREVIOUS OWNER THAT STATES HE WAS HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM THAT I HAVE KNOW WITH THE ENGINE. THEY NEVER MENTION TO ME THAT THE CAR WAS HAVING ANY PROBLEMS. I BOUGHT THE CAR AS IS PAID CASH. I TRIED TO RETURN THE CAR AND GET MY MONEY BACK. BUT THE DEALER SHIP SAID NO. I PURCHASED THIS CAR AT THE PLANET NISSAN 5850 CENTENNIAL CENTER BLVD. LAS VEGAS NV 89149. (702)876-8000. I'M VERY UPSET THAT THEY SOLD ME A LEMON OF A CAR THAT I PURCHASED AND THAT I HAVE BEEN PAYING OUT OF POCKET TO FIX . *NM
Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Oct 12, 200694,000 milesHI
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE STALLED HOWEVER IT WOULD RESTART. THIS HAD OCCURRED SINCE THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED. IT WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHO COULD NOT DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE PROBLEM. THERE HAVE BEEN SEVERAL REPAIRS TO THE VEHICLE INCLUDING THE REPLACEMENT OF THREE OXYGEN SENSORS, THE ALTERNATOR AND STARTER. THERE WAS A RECALL #02V171000 PERTAINING TO THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL DUE TO THE VIN. UPDATED 12/15/06. *JB
Electrical System › Alternator/Generator/RegulatorFire
Filed Dec 2, 2005103,565 milesSC
MY WIFE BACKED THE CAR OUT OF THE GARAGE AND NOTICED A BURNING SMELL. SHE TURNED OFF THE ENGINE AND GOT ME. WHEN I OPENED THE HOOD THERE WAS SMOKE AND A BURNING SMELL. THE ALTERNATOR HAD STARTED TO BURN AS WELL AS THE WIRING HARNESS. THIS ISSUE WAS COVERED BY NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID 02V171000, BUT NISSAN SAYS MY VIN WAS NOT AMONG THOSE AFFECTED AND MY CAR IS NOT COVERED BY THE RECALL. *JB
Electrical System › Alternator/Generator/RegulatorFire
Filed Sep 1, 2005102,000 milesOH
1997 MAXIMA SE. I PULLED INTO MY GARAGE AND COULD SMELL SOMETHING BURNING. I LIFTED THE HOOD OF THE CAR AND SAW SMOKE COMING FROM THE ALTERNATOR. IT DRAINED THE BATTERY. AS I REPLACED THE BATTERY, THE ALTERNATOR CAUGHT FIRE. *NM
Electrical System › Wiring › Front Underhood
Filed Aug 25, 200583,000 milesCA
CAR STALLS WITHOUT WARNING. IT MAY RUN FINE FOR SEVERAL WEEKS, THEN SUDDENLY STALL. THIS HAS CAUSED NEAR-ACCIDENTS, AS ENGINE SUDDENLY FAILS TO RESPOND IN SITUATIONS WHERE ACCELERATION IS REQUIRED; PASSING, MERGING, CROSSING INTERSECTIONS. DEALER DIAGNOSED AS SHORT IN EGI HARNESS. BREAKAGE INSIDE THE HARNESS APPEARS TO BE A FREQUENTLY OCCURING PROBLEM IN THIS VEHICLE, BASED ON OTHER REPORTS ON WEB DISCUSSION BOARDS. ALSO, MANUFACTURER HAS ISSUED TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN, SO THEY ARE AWARE THAT THIS HAPPENS, AND HAVE PUBLISHED A FIX THAT WORKS ONLY IN SOME CASES (I.E., AN UNSHIELDED WIRE SHORT). MANUFACTURER, IN SPITE OF THIS BEING A COMMON PROBLEM, REFUSES TO OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE IN REPAIRING, AND ASCRIBES IT TO NORMAL WEAR AND TEAR. THE ONLY SOLUTION FOR THE CONSUMER IS TO PAY NEARLY $3,000 TO HAVE THE ENTIRE HARNESS REPLACED, WHEN AS I EXPERIENCED, THE SHORT IS IN A SHIELDED WIRE (PER TSB).
Steering › Rack and Pinion › Rack
Filed Jun 24, 200575,673 milesCA
CONSUMER STATES: DEALER SAYS NEED A POWER STEERING RACK. DEALER REPLACED LIGHT ON THE DASH BOARD FOR THE SEAT BELT AND HAD THEM CHECK IT THEN THEY CAME BACK TOLD US WE NEEDED POWER STEERING RACK. *AK *TT *NM
Structure › Body
Filed Jun 8, 200580,500 milesFL
DT: CONSUMER'S DAUGHTER IS UNABLE TO DRIVE VEHICLE DUE TO FACT THAT VEHICLE WASI NOT DESIGNED PROPERLY, VEHCILE DOES NOT COMFORTABLY FIT A PERSON OF AT LEAST 6 FOOT TALL, CONSUMER BELIEVES THERE SHOULD BE A WARNING LABEL ADVISING PERSONS OF AT LEAST 6 FOOT IN HEIGHT NOT TO PURCHASE THIS VEHICLE, VEHICLE IS UN-SAFE TO DRIVE FOR A PERSON OF THIS HEIGHT TO DRIVE.*AK
Electrical System › Alternator/Generator/Regulator
Filed Mar 14, 2005GA
NHTSA RECALL CAMPAIGN 02V171000 CONCERNING THE ALTERNATOR. A FEW MONTHS AFTER HAVING THE ALTERNATOR REPLACED THE PROBLEM RECURRED, AND THE ALTERNATOR WAS REPLACED AGAIN.*AK
Electrical System › Alternator/Generator/Regulator
Filed Mar 10, 2005IL
97 NISSAN MAXIMA - I GOT THE ALTERNATOR RECALL AND TOOK IT INTO A NISSAN DEALTERSHIP. AFTER THEY FIXED IT THEY TOLD ME THAT THEY HAD TAKEN OUT A "BOLT" OFF A CERTAIN PART, AND THEY COULD NOT PUT IT BACK ON, AND THAT MY CAR WOULD MAKE NOISES IT I DIDN'T PAY TO GET THAT PART FIXED. NOW FOR 2 YEARS MY CAR MAKES A SCREACHING NOISE WHEN I TURN IT ON FOR ABOUT 45 SEC - WHICH WAKES UP THE WHOLE NEIGHBORHOOD. THE REASON I AM FILING THIS IS BECUASE, BEFORE THE RECALL THE CAR WAS FINE. I DID SOME RESEARCH ON THE INTERNET, AND IT SEEMS THAT MANY PEOPLE HAVE HAD THE SAME NOISE, SO I FEEL AS IF IT IS ALMOST AN EPIDEMIC AMONGST NISSAN'S, MAXIMAS SPECIFICALLY. PLEASE ADVISE. *AK
Fuel System, Gasoline › Fuel Injection System
Filed Jan 28, 2005FL
WHILE SHIFTING GEARS THE VEHICLE STALLED. DRIVER WAS ABLE TO RESTART VEHICLE, AND IT WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION. MECHANIC DETERMINED THAT THE ELECTRONIC FUEL INJECTION HARNESS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. *AK
Electrical System › Alternator/Generator/Regulator
Filed Dec 9, 2004NY
WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE CONSUMER TRIED TO RESTART THE VEHICLE BUT WAS UNSUCCESSFUL. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION. THE MECHANIC INFORMED THE CONSUMER THAT THE ALTERNATOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER DETAILS. *JB
Electrical System › Alternator/Generator/RegulatorFire
Filed Dec 3, 2004129,000 milesNE
RECALL 02V171000 CONCERNING ALTERNATOR. CONSUMER WAS IN THE PARKING LOT AND NOTICED A BURNING SMELL, THEN SAW SMOKE COMING OUT FROM UNDER THE HOOD. CONSUMER LIFTED UP THE HOOD AND FLAMES CAME OUT FROM THE ALTERNATOR. CONSUMER HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO THE DEALER. CONSUMER CONTACTED THE MANUFACTURER, AND WAS TOLD THAT THEY HAD RECORDS INDICATING THAT THE ALTERNATOR WAS REPLACED. CONSUMER WAS TOLD THAT THE RECALL WAS WARRANTED FOR 1 YEAR. IT WAS PAST A YEAR, AND THERE WAS NOTHING THEY COULD DO. *AK
Electrical System › Alternator/Generator/Regulator
Filed Dec 2, 2004NE
CONSUMER RECEIVED RECALL 02V171000 CONCERNING ALTERNATOR. VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, AND MECHANIC REPLACED THE ALTERNATOR. WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH CONSUMER NOTICED SMOKE COMING FROM THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE. CONSUMER WAS ABLE TO MAINTAIN CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE, AND PULLED OVER. VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION, AND MECHANIC DETERMINED THAT THE ATERNATOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. *AK
Electrical System › Alternator/Generator/Regulator
Filed Oct 29, 2004102,000 milesGA
RECALL 02V171000 CONCERNING ALTERNATOR. WHILE STARTING THE VEHICLE CONSUMER NOTICED A GRINDING NOISE AND A ODOR OF SOMETHING BURNING. CONSUMER CONTACTED THE DEALER CONCERNING THIS RECALL. DEALER INFORMED CONSUMER THAT THIS VEHICLE WAS NOT COVERED UNDER THE RECALL DUE TO VIN. *AK *NM
Air Bags › Frontal
Filed Oct 26, 2004DC
WITH EXTENSIVE FRONT-END DAMAGE THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. *BF WHILE DRIVING OUR VEHICLE ON THE INTERSTATE, MY SON REAR-ENDED A FORD WINSTAR VAN. HE BELIEVES THAT HE WAS GOING APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH AND WAS ABLE TO BRAKE TO SOME EXTENT BEFORE HITTING HER REAR BUMPER. FORTUNATELY NO ONE WAS INJURED. HOWEVER THERE WAS EXTENSIVE DAMAGE TO THE FRONT OF THE MAXIMA. THIS INCLUDED THE FRONT BUMPER, GRILL, RADIATOR, HOOD AND OTHER COMPONENTS THAT I WAS UNABLE TO ASSESS. HOWEVER OUR BODY SHOP AND INSURANCE COMPANY FELT THAT THE COST OF REPAIRS EXCEEDED THE VALUE OF THE VEHICHLE SUCH THAT THEY "TOTALED" THE CAR. MY CONCERN WAS THAT WITH SUCH EXTENSIVE FRONT-END DAMAGE THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. NISSAN SEEMS TO THINK THAT THIS WAS APPROPRIATE. HOW CAN WE DETERMINE IF THIS IS CORRECT. PLEASE ADVISE. THANK YOU. *AK FOLLOW UP LETTER FROM 10078979 *TC
Air Bags › Side/Window
Filed Oct 26, 2004CA
PASSENGER'S SIDE AIR BAG WENT OFF INADVERTENTLY WHILE TRAVELING 20 MPH. CONSUMER WAS NOT INJURED, AND WAS ABLE TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE HOME. CONSUMER WILL CONTACT THE DEALER THE NEXT DAY. *AK
Structure › Body › Bumpers
Filed Aug 31, 2004NY
VEHICLE DAMAGED AT NISSAN SERVICE.*MR WHILE VEHICLE WAS BEING SERVICED FOR A WHEEL ALIGNMENT AND AN OIL CHANGE, A SERVICE EMPLOYEE DAMAGED THE FRONT BUMPER. AFTER NOTICING THE DAMAGE TWO DAYS LATER, CONSUMER RETURNED THE VEHICLE TO THE SERVICE DEPT. ONCE THERE, THE ASSISTANT SERVICE MANAGER MADE ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE REPAIRS TO BE MADE BY THEIR SUB CONTRACTOR. WHILE IN THE CARE OF THE SUB CONTRACTORS, THE DRIVER SIDE MIRROR WAS STOLEN. THE ASSISTANT SERVICE MANAGER RECTIFIED THAT PROBLEM ALSO.
Air Bags › Frontal › Sensor/Control ModuleCrash
Filed Jun 29, 200464,139 milesVA
WHILE DRIVING OUR VEHICLE ON THE INTERSTATE, MY SON REAR-ENDED A FORD WINSTAR VAN. HE BELIEVES THAT HE WAS GOING APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH AND WAS ABLE TO BRAKE TO SOME EXTENT BEFORE HITTING HER REAR BUMPER. FORTUNATELY NO ONE WAS INJURED. HOWEVER THERE WAS EXTENSIVE DAMAGE TO THE FRONT OF THE MAXIMA. THIS INCLUDED THE FRONT BUMPER, GRILL, RADIATOR, HOOD AND OTHER COMPONENTS THAT I WAS UNABLE TO ASSESS. HOWEVER OUR BODY SHOP AND INSURANCE COMPANY FELT THAT THE COST OF REPAIRS EXCEEDED THE VALUE OF THE VEHICHLE SUCH THAT THEY "TOTALED" THE CAR. MY CONCERN WAS THAT WITH SUCH EXTENSIVE FRONT-END DAMAGE THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. NISSAN SEEMS TO THINK THAT THIS WAS APPROPRIATE. HOW CAN WE DETERMINE IF THIS IS CORRECT. PLEASE ADVISE. THANK YOU. *AK
Parking Brake › Conventional › Mechanical › Linkage and Cable
Filed May 21, 200498,750 milesNC
I HAVE ALWAYS KEPT THE MAINTENANCE CURRENT ON MY CAR ON A REGULAR BASIS. OVER THE PAST MONTH I HAVE STARTED HEARING A NOISE FROM THE REAR OF MY CAR. AFTER HAVING IT LOOKED AT BY THE LOCAL DEALER I WAS INFORMED THERE IS A PROBLEM WITH THE PARKING BRAKE NOT RELEASING AND ALLOWING THE TIRE TO TURN FREELY. THE DEALER INFORMED ME THAT A MEMO FROM NISSAN WAS RECENTLY RECEIVED STATING THIS HAS BECOME A KNOWN PROBLEM. NOW I AM BEING TOLD MY CAR IS NOT UNDER WARRANTY AND I WILL HAVE TO PAY FOR THE REPAIRS. *AK
Electrical System › Wiring › Front UnderhoodFire
Filed Apr 7, 200494,000 milesCA
AFTER STARTING THE VEHICLE A FIRE ERUPTED UNDER THE HOOD. DEALERSHIP WAS NOTIFIED, BUT DID NOT RESOLVE THE PROBLEM. *AK FIRE WAS CAUSED BY PROBLEMS WITH THE ALTERNATOR. *MR
Electrical SystemFire
Filed Apr 7, 2004CA
FAX LTR FM GEORGIA CHESTER (CA) REQUEST RE-START OF A 2002 RECALL ON THE 1997 NISSAN MAXIMA, HER MAXIMA CAUGHT ON FIRE, REPLY ATTN MARIA COBIAN/OXNARD, A DISTRICT OFFICE, ES HAVE NO REC OF PREVIOUS CORR. FM MS. CHESTER. *PH THE CONSUMER ER'S VEHICLE WAS NOT COVERED UNDER RECALL 02V-171 BECAUSE IT WAS PRODUCED PRIOR TO FEBRUARY 13, 1997, WHEN NISSAN BEGAN TO USE THE DEFECTIVE ALTERNATORS. *NM
Suspension › Front › Wheel Bearing
Filed Mar 24, 2004PA
I HAD MY 1997 NISSAN MAXIMA REPAIRED BECAUSE OF A DEFECTIVE AXLE FROM THE FACTORY. THERE WERE SEVERAL BEARINGS MISSING AND IT LOOKED LIKE WHAT APPEARED TO BE WASHERS LOOSE. ACCORDING TO THE SERVICE CENTER WHERE I HAD MY CAR REPAIRED, THEIR OPINION WAS THAT IT WAS A MANUFACTURER DEFECT (THEY HAD NEVER SEEN ANYTHING LIKE IT) AND FELT THAT WE WERE FORTUNATE TO HAVE "CAUGHT" IT IN TIME. I SAW THE DEFECTIVE PART MYSELF AND STILL HAVE IT FOR INSPECTION. *JB
Electrical System › 12v/24v/48v Battery
Filed Jan 15, 2004CT
THE CAR STALLS OUT AND PROBLEMS WITH RESTARTING THE ENGINE. THE NISSAN DEALER SAID IT IS DUE TO A WIRING HARNESS PROBLEM AND WOULD COST $1600.00 FOR THE HARNESS AND $700.00 FOR INSTALLATION. I BELIEVE THAT A WIRING HARNESS IS NOT SOMETHING THAT SHOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED UNLESS THERE WERE AN INHERENT PROBLEM WITH THE HARNESS. PLEASE ADVISE. THANK YOU.
Electrical System › Alternator/Generator/Regulator
Filed Nov 10, 2003OR
WHILE DRIVING AT NORMAL SPEED VEHICLE SHUT OFF WITHOUT WARNING. TOOK VEHICLETO A MECHANIC, AND THEY SAID THAT ALTERNATOR NEEDED REPLACEMENT. *AK
Electrical System › Alternator/Generator/Regulator
Filed Oct 27, 2003SC
PROBLEMS WITH VEHICLE'S ALTERNATOR.*MR (NAR) DEALER WAS NOTIFIED AND CONSUMER WAS REJECTED THE RECALL ISSUED FOR THE VEHICLE BECAUSE OF MISSING DOCUMENTATION. PLEASE REVIEW FOR FURTHER INVESTIGATIONS. *CB *JB
Suspension › Front › Control Arm › Lower Arm
Filed Oct 23, 200332,000 milesCA
VEHICLE EXPERIENCED THE SAME DEFECT AS STATED IN RECALL 02V146000 CONCERNING CONTROL ARM:LOWER CONTROL ARM. HOWEVER, THIS VEHICLE WAS NOT COVERED UNDER THE RECALL DUE TO VIN. *AK
Electrical System › Alternator/Generator/Regulator
Filed Oct 23, 200385,500 milesIN
ALTERNATOR HAS FAILED, BURNING SMELL FROM UNDER HOOD. VEHICLE HAS MISSED RECALL BY 16 DAYS. *LA
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Disc › Caliper
Filed Aug 6, 200352,000 milesNY
REAR BRAKES/CALIPERS AND DISCS OVERHEATED, HAD BEEN SERVICED 3 TIMES IN 1 MONTH FOR NEW BRAKES TWICE. BRAKES HAVE BURNED UP WITH CALIPERS WHICH LOCKED, AND HAVE ALMOST GONE ON FIRE. *AK
Vehicle Speed Control › Cruise Control
Filed Jul 28, 200385,892 milesNY
CLICKING NOISE FROM MY 1997 NISSAN MAXIMA 5 - SPEED ODOMETER. SHIFTING PROBLEMS, NO CRUISE CONTROL AND NO MPH READING OR ODOMETER READING AFTER CLICKING STOPPED. SHIFTING COMPLETELY FAILED AFTER ABOUT A MONTH. MECHANIC THAT FIXED THE PROBLEM SAID THAT THE ODOMETER BOX LOCATED NEAR THE GEARS FELL APART AND THE PIECES OF THE ODOMETER COMPONENTS FELL INTO MY GEARS DAMAGING THEM AND ULTIMATELY PREVENTING THE USE OF MY VEHICLE. MECHANIC ALSO TOLD ME IT WAS NOTHING I HAD DONE TO CONTRIBUTE TO THIS FAILURE.*AK
Visibility › WindshieldCrash
Filed Jul 11, 200380,000 milesNY
THE VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A COLLISION AND THE WINDSHIELD SHATTERED INTO SHARP PIECES INSTEAD OF ROUND PEBBLES. *JB PH *JB
Electrical System › Alternator/Generator/Regulator
Filed May 21, 2003AL
THE ALTERNATOR BURNED OUT TWICE. *NLM
Air BagsCrash1 injured
Filed May 19, 2003VA
THE VEHICLE WAS HIT AT 25 MPH IN THE FRONT CENTER BUT THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY WHICH CAUSED MINOR INJURIES TO THE CONSUMER. *NLM
Structure › Body › Door › Hinge and Attachments
Filed Apr 14, 2003CA
THE REAR DRIVER SIDE DOOR CAME OFF THE HINGE, AND FELL ONTO THE HIGHWAY. *JB
Fuel System, Gasoline
Filed Feb 21, 2003FL
THERE WAS A STRONG FUEL SMELL THAT ENTERED THE VEHICLE THROUGH THE VENTS. *JB THE HEAVY GAS SMELL WOULD FILL THE VEHICLE WHILE DRIVING, AND WITHOUT A/C ON. THE REPAIR SHOP COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. *SCC
Electrical System › Alternator/Generator/Regulator
Filed Feb 10, 2003CA
CAR INITIALLY HAD TROUBLE STARTING. THE CAR LATER WOULD NOT START AT ALL; TOWED TO SERICE DEALER. I ALSO NOTICED A PROBLEM WITH THE FRONT RIGHT SUSPENSION. IT IS MAKING A NOISE WITH EACH BUMP IN THE ROAD OR WHEN A LEFT TURN IN MADE.
Suspension
Filed Jan 29, 2003KY
THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED, AND THERE WAS A NOISE COMING FROM THE SUSPENSION.*JB PH
Complaints 1-50 of 102, newest first, reproduced as filed.
No unusual pattern of severe incidents in the complaint record.
Complaint counts track how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road as much as they track quality. A common model from 2013 has had a decade to accumulate reports; a rare one from last year has not. The signal worth weighing is in the severity columns, in whether the same component keeps appearing, and in whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.
Recall repairs are free for as long as the recall stands. Check whether a specific car still has open work at NHTSA's VIN lookup.
Most recent recall on file: May 11, 2009. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.