The 1993 Nissan Maxima has 6 safety recalls and 78 owner complaints on file with NHTSA. The most-reported problem area is air bags (13 complaints).
Recalls6safety recalls
Complaints78filed by owners
Crashes · fires9 · 4reported in complaints
Injuries · deaths13 · 0reported in complaints
Safety recalls
Exterior lighting › Headlights
NHTSA recall 09E025000 · May 11, 2009 · 42,540 vehicles · opened after NHTSA action (OVSC)
Problem: 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.
Fix: 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.
Exterior lighting
NHTSA recall 09E012000 · Apr 7, 2009 · 16,270 vehicles · opened after NHTSA action (OVSC)
Problem: 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.
Fix: 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.
Exterior lighting
NHTSA recall 06E026000 · Mar 23, 2006 · 61,944 vehicles · opened after NHTSA action (OVSC)
Problem: 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.
Fix: 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.
Fuel system, gasoline › Storage › Tank assembly › Filler pipe and cap
NHTSA recall 95V244000 · Dec 15, 1995 · 747,000 vehicles
Problem: IT IS POSSIBLE FOR A MIXTURE OF MUD AND SALT TO GET TRAPPED BETWEEN THE FUEL FILLER TUBE AND WHEEL HOUSING. THE TRAPPED MUD AND SALT CAN RESULT IN CORROSION OF THE FUEL FILLER TUBE AND THE WHEEL HOUSING.
Risk: SIGNIFICANT CORROSION OF THE FUEL FILLER TUBE MAY RESULT IN FUEL LEAKS WHICH IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE COULD RESULT IN A FIRE. IN ADDITION, THE LEFT REAR SEAT BELT RETRACTOR IS MOUNTED TO THE WHEEL HOUSING AND IN THE EVENT OF SIGNIFICANT CORROSION, AND THE MOUNTING COULD FAIL IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
Fix: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THESE VEHICLES AND CORRECTIVE ACTION WILL BE TAKEN DEPENDING UPON THE EXTENT OF THE CORROSION.
Wheels
NHTSA recall 94V194000 · Oct 5, 1994 · 97,000 vehicles
Problem: THE ALUMINUM WHEELS WERE CLEAR COATED SEVERAL TIMES TO PROTECT THE METAL FINISH. SOME EXCESSIVE COATING CAN LEAVE THE WHEEL NUTS AN EXCESSIVE DISTANCE FROM THE WHEEL HUB WHEN TIGHTENED, ALLOWING THEM TO LOOSEN OVER TIME.
Risk: THIS CAN CAUSE THE HUB BOLTS TO BREAK AND RESULT IN THE WHEEL SEPARATING FROM THE VEHICLE AND A POSSIBLE ACCIDENT.
Fix: DEALERS WILL REMOVE THE CLEAR PLASTIC COATING FROM THE BRAKE ROTOR MATING SURFACE ON THE BACK OF EACH WHEEL AND FROM THE WHEEL NUT MATING SURFACES. THE WHEELS WILL BE REINSTALLED AND THE WHEEL NUTS TIGHTENED. WHEELS, HUB BOLTS, AND NUTS WILL BE REPLACED IF NECESSARY.
Air bags › Frontal
NHTSA recall 94V007000 · Jan 12, 1994 · 65,000 vehicles · opened after NHTSA action (ODI)
Problem: IN SOME UNDERBODY IMPACTS THE AIRBAG SENSOR ACTIVATES AND SENDS A SIGNAL TO THE AIRBAG, LOCATED IN THE CENTER OF THE STEERING WHEEL, CAUSING THE DRIVER'S SIDE AIRBAG TO INFLATE.
Risk: AIRBAG INFLATION MAY OCCUR WHEN IT IS NOT NEEDED TO PROTECT THE DRIVER AND MAY RESULT IN MINOR INJURIES TO THE DRIVER FROM THE INFLATING AIRBAG.
Fix: A TUNNEL SENSOR OF DIFFERENT DESIGN WILL BE INSTALLED ON THE AFFECTED VEHICLES.
Recall repairs are free at any authorised dealer. A recall listed here may already have been fixed on a particular car: enter its 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see open recalls.
Crash test ratings
1993 Nissan Maxima 4-DR.
Overall
Not Rated
Frontal crash
Not Rated
Side crash
Not Rated
Rollover
Not Rated
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (New Car Assessment Program). Ratings are comparable only between vehicles of similar size and weight, and ratings from 2011 on use tougher tests than earlier years. Photos: NHTSA.
Fuel economy
Maxima
20mpg combined
City / highway
18 / 24 mpg
Fuel
Premium Gasoline
3 L · 6 cyl · Manual 5-spd · Front-Wheel Drive · about $4,100/year to fuel
Maxima
19mpg combined
City / highway
17 / 23 mpg
Fuel
Premium Gasoline
3 L · 6 cyl · Automatic 4-spd · Front-Wheel Drive · about $4,350/year to fuel
Maxima
19mpg combined
City / highway
17 / 24 mpg
Fuel
Premium Gasoline
3 L · 6 cyl · Automatic 4-spd · Front-Wheel Drive · about $4,350/year to fuel
EPA estimates from fueleconomy.gov for each engine and transmission sold. Annual cost is the EPA's estimate for 15,000 miles a year at its current fuel and electricity price assumptions. Your results will vary.
What owners report
Problem area
Complaints
Crashes
Fires
Injuries
Typical mileage*
Air bags Frontal
13
7
1
11
—
Visibility Power window devices and controls; Glass, side/rear
13
0
0
0
—
Engine and engine cooling Engine › Gasoline; Exhaust system › Manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe
12
0
0
0
—
Service brakes, hydraulic Foundation components; Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip
11
3
0
2
—
Electrical system Ignition; Wiring › Front underhood
11
0
1
0
—
Fuel system, gasoline Fuel injection system › Injectors; Storage › Tank assembly
9
0
2
0
105,200 mi
Power train Automatic transmission; Driveline › Differential unit
8
0
0
0
—
Vehicle speed control Linkages
7
1
0
0
—
Tires Sidewall
4
2
0
2
—
Structure Body › Hood › Hinge and attachments; Body › Door
4
0
1
1
—
Seat belts Front › Warning light/devices
3
0
0
0
—
Equipment Appliance › Air conditioner; Mechanical › Carrier/rack
2
0
0
0
—
*Median odometer reading when the problem happened, where owners gave one. One complaint can name several problem areas.
Recent owner complaints
Feb 2, 2018 · 246,000 milesSeat belts MY FRONT DRIVERS SIDE AUTOMATIC SEAT BELT ONLY WORKS SOMETIMES. IT IS MOSTLY STUCK IN THE OPEN POSITION (IT DOES NOT AUTOMATICALLY SLIDE TO THE REAR, SECURE POSITION WHEN THE DOOR IS CLOSED AND ENGINE IS ON). OCCASIONALLY, IT WILL WORK AS IT IS SUPPOSED TO, BUT DOES NOT THE MAJORITY OF THE TIME.
Jun 10, 2013 · 128,000 milesFuel/propulsion system TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1993 NISSAN MAXIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FUEL TANK LEAKED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED ABOUT THE FAILURE AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 95V244000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 128,000. UPDATED 07/09/13*LJ UPDATED 07/16/2013 *JS
Jan 19, 2007Fuel system, gasoline › Delivery › Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings I HAVE A 1993 NISSAN MAXIMA. WHILE FILLING MY GAS TANK UP IN JAN 07 I NOTICE A STEADY STREAM OF GAS LEAKING FROM THE TANK. I THOUGHT MAYBE I JUST OVER FILLED IT AND IT HAPPEN SEVERAL TIMES. I TOOK IT TOO SEVERAL SHOPS AND THEY WANTED TO CHARGE ME MORE THAN I CAN AFFORD. SO I DON'T FILL IT UP ANYMORE AND PRAY EACH AND EVERY TIME I GET IN THE CAR. I SAW THAT MY CAR HAS A RECALL AND TOOK IT TO THE NISSAN DEALER IN MY AREA. THEY SAW THAT THE CAR HAD A RECALL BUT SAID THAT THEY WILL NOT FIX THE CAR AND TRIED TO TALK ME INTO BUYING A NEW ONE WHICH IS NOT POSSIBLE FOR ME RIGHT NOW. I LOVE MY CAR IS STILL RUNS GREAT, I JUST DON'T WANT TO DIE IN IT. I'M AFRAID IF I GET HIT FROM BEHIND THAT THE CAR…
Jul 6, 2006 · 102,321 milesFuel system, gasoline › Fuel injection system FUEL SYSTEM:FUEL INJECTOR FAILURE. FUEL INJECTORS HAVE FAILED SEVERAL TIMES IN THE RECENT PAST. WAS ADVISED BY NISSAN FACTORY TRAINED MECHANIC AT NISSAN DEALERSHIP THAT THE PROBLEM IS IN THE WIRING HARNESS AND THAT NISSAN KNOWS ABOUT THIS PARTICULAR PROBLEM AND HAS ISSUED A "SECRET" ADVISORY TO THEIR SERVICE PERSONNEL ABOUT THIS POSSIBLY BEING A FIRE HAZARD, BUT HAVE NOT SEEN ANY PUBLIC INFORMATION CONCERNING THIS PROBLEM. THIS PROBLEM DEVELOPED AFTER I TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALERSHIP FOR A STALLING PROBLEM THAT WAS FINALLY DECIDED TO BE THE ECM MODULE. THE ECM MODULE WAS REPLACED COSTING OVER $1000, BUT THE PROBLEM PERSISTED. NISSAN MECHANIC THEN REPLACED A WIRE IN THE WIRING HARNESS,…
Nov 2, 2005 · 77,450 milesElectrical system › Alternator/generator/regulator MY CAR WAS LOSING POWER. CAR WOULD NOT START AND MY RADIO HASN'T WORKED FOR THE LAST YEAR. I HAVE HAD TO REPLACE MY ALTERNATOR IN MY NISSAN MAXIMA FOR THE THIRD TIME IN APPROXIMATELY 6 YEARS. WHEN I PURCHASED THE LAST ALTERNATOR ON 11/02/05 FROM ADVANCE AUTO PARTS. I RECEIVED A PRINTOUT THAT THERE HAVE BEEN SEVERAL FACTORY SERVICE BULLETINS PRODUCED BY NISSAN TO CORRECT CHARGING SYSTEM PROBLEMS ON MAXIMAS. I'VE CALLED NISSAN AND THEY HAVE TOLD ME THAT THERE IS NO TYPE OF RECALL ON THIS PROBLEM. THE PROBLEMS ARE POOR CONNECTIONS: THE BATTERY WIRE MAY NOT BE ABLE TO CARRY ALL THE CURRENT FROM THE ALTERNATOR TO THE BATTERY. THE SYMPTOMS OF THIS INCLUDE ALTERNATOR OVERHEATING, ALTERNATOR…
Mar 28, 2005 · 105,200 milesFuel system, gasoline › Storage › Tank assembly › Filler pipe and cap RECALL CAMPAIGN 95V244000 CONCERNING FUEL TANK ASSEMBLY: PIPE FILLER NECK: WHILE REFILLING THE VEHICLE CONSUMER NOTICE THAT FUEL WAS LEAKING FROM THE FILLER NECK TUBE ONTO THE GROUND. CONSUMER NOTICED THIS RECALL INFORMATION ON NHTSA WEBSITE AND CONTACTED THE DEALER, WHO INFORMED THE CONSUMER THAT THIS VEHICLE WAS NOT COVERED UNDER THIS RECALL DUE TO VIN. *AK
Nov 20, 2004 · 134,000 milesService brakes, hydraulic › Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip SERVICE BRAKES MAKE A PULSATING SOUD WHEN BRAKE PEDAL IS APPLIED AS IF THE ABS SYSTEM IS NOT FUNCTIONING. I HAD VEHICLE SERVICED BY TWO DIFFERENT NISSAN DEALERSHIP WITH NO SATISFACTION. 1ST DEALERSHIP REPLACED FRONT AND REAR BRAKE PADS.2ND DEALERSHIP BLED HYDRAULIC SYSTEM. PROBLEM NOT CORRECTED. *AK
Dec 25, 2004 · 158,000 milesTires › Sidewall WHILE PARKING TIRE SIDEWALL BLEW OUT. CONSUMER MANAGED TO CHANGE. GOODYEAR, P205/65R15. *AK.....TIRE HAD APPROXIMATELY 12000 MIKES ON IT. EXAMINED SIDEWALL AREA FOR SIGNS ON EXTERNAL DAMAGE- NO SCOFF OR ABRASION AREAS VISIBLE. VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN ONE HOUR AND 60 MPH BEFORE FAILURE. CONSUME RHAS NEVER SEEN Z TIRE FAIL LIKE THIS. *AK
Owner complaints are submitted to NHTSA by the public and are not verified. Shown as filed (NHTSA removes personal details); long reports are shortened.
NHTSA defect investigations
EA93024 · opened Oct 8, 1993 · closed Jan 25, 1994 · led to recall 94V007000INADVER.AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT There is no summary currently available