Model year record

1997 Nissan Maxima recalls & problems

The 1997 Nissan Maxima has 6 safety recalls and 102 owner complaints on file with NHTSA. The most-reported problem area is electrical system (41 complaints).

Recalls6safety recalls

Complaints102filed by owners

Crashes · fires7 · 16reported in complaints

Injuries · deaths7 · 0reported in complaints

1997 Nissan Maxima in an NHTSA crash test — NHTSA crash test

Safety recalls

Exterior lightingMay 11, 2009

Headlights

Recall 09E02500042,540 vehiclesopened 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 lightingApr 7, 2009

Exterior lighting

Recall 09E01200016,270 vehiclesopened 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 lightingAug 11, 2008

Headlights

Recall 08E0500001,921 vehiclesopened 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 lightingMay 24, 2006

Exterior lighting

Recall 06E04900027,176 vehiclesopened 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 lightingMar 23, 2006

Exterior lighting

Recall 06E02600061,944 vehiclesopened 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.

Electrical systemJun 24, 2002

Alternator/generator/regulator

Recall 02V171000161,000 vehiclesopened after NHTSA action (ODI)

Problem: 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.
Fix: 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.

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

1997 Nissan Maxima 4-DR.

OverallNot 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 / 24 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*
Electrical systemAlternator/generator/regulator; Wiring › Front underhood	41	0	15	0	94,000 mi
Engine and engine coolingEngine › Gasoline; Exhaust system › Emission control	12	0	1	0	84,000 mi
Air bagsFrontal; Frontal › Sensor/control module	11	5	0	6	—
SuspensionFront; Front › Wheel bearing	9	1	0	0	—
Service brakes, hydraulicFoundation components; Pedals and linkages	7	0	0	0	52,000 mi
StructureBody › Hatchback/liftgate › Support device/strut; Body › Hood › Hinge and attachments	7	0	0	1	—
SteeringRack and pinion; Hydraulic power assist › Power steering fluid	6	0	0	0	—
Power trainAutomatic transmission; Driveline › Differential unit	5	0	0	0	—
Latches/locks/linkagesHood › Latch; Trunk lid › Lock	4	0	0	1	—
Fuel system, gasolineFuel injection system	4	0	0	0	—
Vehicle speed controlCruise control	3	0	0	0	85,892 mi
EquipmentAppliance › Air conditioner	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

Service brakesFire
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.
Dec 27, 2018 · 138,000 miles
EngineFire
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.
Nov 2, 2013
Electrical system › Alternator/generator/regulator
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
Jun 1, 2012
Engine and engine cooling
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
Aug 12, 2011 · 20,000 miles
Engine and engine cooling
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
May 31, 2011
Exterior lighting
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
Feb 11, 2011 · 70,000 miles
Structure › Frame and members
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
Aug 9, 2010 · 118,000 miles
Vehicle speed control
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
Apr 15, 2008 · 135,000 miles

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

ALTERNATOR FIRESClosedLed to recall 02V171000
PE02034 · opened Mar 15, 2002 · closed Jul 22, 2002