The 1995 Nissan Maxima has 5 safety recalls and 152 owner complaints on file with NHTSA. The most-reported problem area is air bags (26 complaints).
Recalls5safety recalls
Complaints152filed by owners
Crashes · fires17 · 5reported in complaints
Injuries · deaths15 · 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 › Headlights
NHTSA recall 08E050000 · Aug 11, 2008 · 1,921 vehicles · opened after NHTSA action (OVSC)
Problem: 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.
Fix: 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.
Exterior lighting
NHTSA recall 06E049000 · May 24, 2006 · 27,176 vehicles · opened after NHTSA action (OVSC)
Problem: 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.
Fix: 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.
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.
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
1995 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
21mpg combined
City / highway
18 / 26 mpg
Fuel
Premium Gasoline
3 L · 6 cyl · Automatic 4-spd · Front-Wheel Drive · about $3,900/year to fuel
Maxima
21mpg combined
City / highway
19 / 25 mpg
Fuel
Premium Gasoline
3 L · 6 cyl · Manual 5-spd · Front-Wheel Drive · about $3,900/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; Frontal › Sensor/control module
26
9
1
11
138,000 mi
Engine and engine cooling Engine › Gasoline; Exhaust system › Emission control
23
0
2
0
—
Electrical system Starter assembly; Ignition › Switch
22
0
2
0
—
Seats Front assembly › Power adjust; Front assembly › Recliner
21
0
0
0
—
Structure Body › Door; Body › Hood
17
0
0
2
159,904 mi
Power train Automatic transmission; Automatic transmission › Lever and linkage › Column shift
12
1
0
0
—
Suspension Front; Rear
10
2
0
0
—
Visibility Power window devices and controls; Windshield
9
0
0
0
—
Steering Steering wheel/handle bar; Linkages
8
1
1
1
—
Service brakes, hydraulic Foundation components › Disc › Pads; Foundation components
8
2
0
0
—
Equipment Appliance › Air conditioner; Electrical › Radio/tape deck/cd etc.
7
0
0
0
—
Fuel system, gasoline Fuel injection system › Injectors; Storage › Tank assembly
7
0
0
0
—
*Median odometer reading when the problem happened, where owners gave one. One complaint can name several problem areas.
Recent owner complaints
Jun 22, 2011 · 175,000 milesStructure › Body THE LOWER RADIATOR SUPPORT, AN INTEGRAL PART OF THE FRAME NEEDED FOR ALIGNMENT AND TO HOLD UP THE FRONT MOTOR MOUNTS RUSTED THROUGH. THIS SEEMS TO BE A COMMON COMPLAINT ON NISSAN FORUMS. *TR
Dec 21, 2009 · 159,904 milesStructure › Frame and members LOWER RADIATOR SUPPORT, WHICH CONNECTS TO FRONT MOTOR MOUNT, ROTS THROUGH. THIS CAUSES FRONT MOTOR MOUNT TO DROP DOWN. SUPPORT IS INTEGRAL TO CHASSIS STRUCTURE AND ALIGNMENT. SUPPORT HAD TO BE REPLACED. COMMON ISSUE ON 1995-1999 BODY STYLE. *TR
Nov 13, 2009 · 131,000 milesElectrical system › Ignition › Switch TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1995 NISSAN MAXIMA. WHEN DRIVING THE VEHICLE AT ANY SPEEDS, IT WOULD STALL WITHOUT ANY PRIOR WARNINGS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALERSHIP AND A TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THE IGNITION SWITCH NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 151000.
Jun 1, 2006 · 144,000 miles · fireSteering TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1995 NISSAN MAXIMA. DURING THE SUMMER MONTHS, THE CONTACT NOTICED SMOKE COMING OUT OF THE STEERING WHEEL COVER WHERE THE AIR BAG WAS LOCATED. HE WILL TAKE THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER FOR A DIAGNOSIS. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 144,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 167,000. UPDATED 01/09/09. *LJ UPDATED 01/09/09.*JB
Jul 11, 2006 · 127,000 milesStructure WE JUST PURCHASED OUR DAUGHTER HER FIRST CAR,A VERY NICE LOOKING 1995 NISSAN MAXIMA. IT ONLY HAD ONE SMALL RUST SPOT ONE THE REAR FENDER,AND IT SEEMED TO RUN GREAT,SO WE BOUGHT IT HOME. TWO DAYS LATER WE NOTICED A THUMPING NOISE UNDER THE HOOD. UPON INVESTIGATION, FOUND THAT THE LOWER RADIATOR SUPPORT HAS TOTALLY ROTTED AWAY IN THE MIDDLE ,WHERE THE FRONT MOTOR MOUNT BOLTS ON. THIS CAUSED THE MOTOR TO TILT FORWARD ABOUT THREE INCHES. IT WONT BE LONG TILL THE MOTOR FALLS OUT ON THE GROUND... WHEN I CALLED LOCAL DEALER THEY SAID THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM. WHAT A PIECE OF JUNK,NOW THE CAR IS UNSAFE TO DRIVE. I AM THE SECOND OWNER AND THIS CAR WAS METICULOUSLY MAINTAINED BY THE FIRST OWNER AND…
Apr 17, 2006 · 155,000 milesTires › Tread/belt DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE TRAVELING 70 MPH THE PASSENGER FRONT TIRE BLEW OUT. THE VEHICLE WAS PULLED OVER AND THE TIRE WAS CHANGED. THE TIRE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE AUTOMOTIVE SHOP WHERE IT WAS PURCHASED, BUT THEY WERE UNABLE TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE TREAD SEPARATION. UPDATED 5/28/2006 - *NM
Apr 1, 2005 · 138,000 miles · crash · 1 injuryAir bags › Frontal WHILE TRAVELING AT 50 MPH IN THE RAIN CONSUMER SAW A TREE THAT FELL ON THE ROAD. CONSUMER COULD NOT AVOID HITTING THE TREE. IMPACT FLATTENED THE HOOD, AND THE WINDOW SHIELD CAME INTO THE VEHICLE. ALSO, SUN ROOF WAS SMASHED. UPON IMPACT, AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. CONSUMER STRUCK HER HEAD ON THE STEERING WHEEL. VEHICLE WAS TOTALED.*AK
Sep 18, 2004 · fireElectrical system › Wiring › Front underhood 1995 MAXIMA HAS A MAJOR ELECTRICAL PROBLEM, THE CAR HAD A FIRE ERUPTING INSIDE THE STEERING WHEEL COLUMN CAUSED BY A SHORT CIRCUIT IN THE STEERING WHEEL COLUMN . THE MANUFACTURER SAID ITS NOTHING UNUSUAL. IN OTHER WORDS, ITS VERY NORMAL FOR AN 8 YEAR OLD CAR TO CATCH FIRE WHILE DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY. YES, BELIEVE IT OR NOR. NISSAN NORTH AMERICA DID NOT STAND BEHIND THEIR PRODUCTS. DONT BE FOOLED BY THE NICE LOOKS OF THAT CAR. I HAD TO CHANGE THE O2, KNOCK SENSOR EVERY TWO YEARS.*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
EA95032 · opened Oct 31, 1995 · closed Feb 28, 1997SEAT TRACK SEE EA95-032 CLOSING REPORT EA95-032 WAS OPENED OCTOBER 31, 1995 TO CONTAINUE EVALUATIONS OF THE EXTENT AND CONSEQUENCES OF PARTIAL ENGAGEMENT OF MANUAL FRONT SEAT TRACK LATCHES IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLES.
PE95038 · opened Jun 20, 1995 · closed Oct 31, 1995SEAT TRACKS There is no summary currently available
DP95002 · opened Jun 8, 1995 · closed Jun 20, 1995FT SEAT LATCH MECHANISM FAILURE There is no summary currently available