1997 Nissan Maxima

102 federal complaints (123 component records) · 1 recall campaigns on file · 1 federal investigation · 73 service bulletins · 1 Canadian recall
See all 42 model years of the Nissan Maxima →
Engine
3.0L 6-cyl
Fuel
Premium
Drive
FWD
EPA economy
18 city / 26 hwy
Federal complaints
102
Recall campaigns
1
Specifications show one example EPA configuration for this model year; other engines, drivetrains, and trims exist and the records below cover all of them.
How to read this file. Complaint records are unverified owner submissions to the federal safety agency. Counts are raw, not adjusted for sales volume or vehicle age. Recall campaigns apply to the model; only a VIN check shows whether this car is affected or repaired. Parts shown are named by an editorial note or listed as a search directory; none is a diagnosis. Full methodology.

Fault profile

Complaint-component records on this vehicle, grouped by family. A complaint naming two systems counts once in each.

Electrical system
41
Engine & cooling
14
Air bags
11
Suspension
9
Brakes
8
Body & structure
7
Steering
6
Power train
5
Complaints are owner-reported and not verified by the agency.

When it fails

The timing of this vehicle's reported failures, from the complaint file itself. A cluster tells you what to expect and when; it is shaped by reporting behavior as well as by the vehicle.

Vehicle age when the failure occurred

0 years old: 3 complaints01 years old: 6 complaints2 years old: 7 complaints3 years old: 8 complaints4 years old: 7 complaints5 years old: 14 complaints56 years old: 10 complaints7 years old: 14 complaints8 years old: 5 complaints9 years old: 2 complaints10 years old: 0 complaints1011 years old: 4 complaints12 years old: 1 complaints13 years old: 1 complaints14 years old: 3 complaints15 years old: 1 complaints1516 years old: 1 complaints17 years old: 0 complaints18 years old: 0 complaints19 years old: 0 complaints20+ years old: 1 complaints20+
Years between the model year and the owner's reported failure date. Based on 88 of 102 complaints with a usable failure date.

Odometer when the failure occurred

0,000 - 20,000 miles: 0 complaints020,000 - 40,000 miles: 3 complaints40,000 - 60,000 miles: 2 complaints40k60,000 - 80,000 miles: 6 complaints80,000 - 100,000 miles: 9 complaints80k100,000 - 120,000 miles: 6 complaints120,000 - 140,000 miles: 4 complaints120k140,000 - 160,000 miles: 0 complaints160,000 - 180,000 miles: 0 complaints160k180,000 - 200,000 miles: 0 complaints200,000+ miles: 0 complaints200k+
Owner-reported mileage at failure, in 20,000-mile bands. Based on 30 of 102 complaints reporting a plausible odometer (500 to 500,000 miles; unverified).

Known issues

The component families with the most complaint records against this vehicle. Counts, crash and fire figures belong to the whole family, not to any single named issue. Parts listed are related system parts, not a diagnosis.

Electrical system

41 complaint records15 fire reports
"CONSUMER STATES OF HAVING PROBLEM WITH THE ALTERNATOR. ALSO HAS A PROBLEM WITH THE ELECTRICAL HARNESS. DEALER WAS CONTACTED. TS..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse electrical system parts in the directory →

Engine & cooling

14 complaint records3 fire reports
"ENGINE CHECK LIGHT ILLUMINATED. SOMETIMES THERE WAS A GAS SMELL INSIDE CAB. DRIVER TOOK VEHICLE TO A MECHANIC, AND HE STATED THAT EVAPORATIVE SYSTEM WAS BAD. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION.*AK..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse engine & cooling parts in the directory →

Air bags

11 complaint records5 crash reports
"WHILE MAKING A LEFT TURN CONSUMER WAS HIT IN FRONT OF VEHICLE, AND NONE OF THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. CONTACTED DEALER. *AK..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse air bags parts in the directory →

Federal defect investigations

Formal investigations opened by the federal safety agency into this vehicle. An investigation is the step between a complaint pattern and a recall; not every one results in one.

InvestigationStatusComponentSubject
PE02034
opened Mar 2002
closed Jul 2002Electrical SystemALTERNATOR FIRES - led to recall 02V171000

Recall campaigns

Safety-recall remedies are normally provided at no charge. Under US federal law the mandatory free remedy applies when the vehicle was no more than 15 years old at the time the defect was determined; manufacturers often cover older vehicles voluntarily. Canadian rules differ. Confirm eligibility with the manufacturer using the VIN. Each campaign number links to the federal record.

CampaignComponentSummaryRemedy
02V171000Electrical SystemON 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.Normally free

Transport Canada recalls

Recalls issued under Canadian law for this model year, from Transport Canada's Vehicle Recalls Database. Matched by model name, so a Canadian-market variant may appear here that was sold under another name in the US. Units are Canadian vehicles affected.

RecallSystemUnits (CA)Summary
2002117
2002-06-24
Electrical7,768On certain 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.

Service bulletins and warranty extensions

Manufacturer communications to dealers on file with the federal agency: repair instructions, service campaigns, and warranty extensions. A warranty extension means the manufacturer may pay for a repair the recall table does not cover.

BulletinTypeComponentSummary
NTB08-097L
Sep 2023
SteeringDIAGNOSIS OF VEHICLE PULL (DRIFT) AND/OR STEERING WHEEL OFF-CENTER This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
NTB23-049
Jun 2023
Electrical System12 VOLT BATTERY TESTING FOR IN-SERVICE VEHICLES SERVICE INFORMATION The following Service Information lists NNA procedural recommendations for establishing good connections while performing 12V battery testing.
NTB23-053
Jun 2023
Electrical SystemSILICONE-BASED LUBRICANT OR GREASE CAN DAMAGE ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS SERVICE INFORMATION Do not apply Silicone-based lubricants or grease to, or around, any interior electrical components.
NTB13-107F
Apr 2023
Electrical SystemVEHICLE KEY NOT DETECTED / AUTHENTICATED, ENGINE WILL NOT START This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
NTB16-003C
Apr 2023
Electrical SystemINTELLIGENT KEY REPLACEMENT OR SWAPPING BETWEEN VEHICLES This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Discard all previous versions of this bulletin.
Show 55 more bulletins
BulletinTypeComponentSummary
NTB09-081J
Feb 2023
VisibilityWINDSHIELD CRACKING This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
NTB13-028H
Feb 2023
StructureREMOVING FOREIGN MATERIAL FROM THE WINDOW GLASS This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
NTB08-097K
Feb 2023
SteeringDIAGNOSIS OF VEHICLE PULL (DRIFT) AND/OR STEERING WHEEL OFF-CENTER This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
NTB10-126C
Feb 2023
WheelsWHEEL BEARING COLLISION DAMAGE This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
NTB99-001F
Dec 2021
SuspensionSTRUT AND SHOCK ABSORBER REPLACEMENT GUIDELINES This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
NTB99-001e
Feb 2021
SuspensionSTRUT AND SHOCK ABSORBER REPLACEMENT GUIDELINES This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
NTB98-067a
Aug 2020
Equipment Adaptive/MobilityVOLUNTARY SERVICE CAMPAIGN MAXIMA POWER STEERING RETURN HOSE LEAKS Service Campaign ID # P8140 is no longer active.  Repair orders opened after this bulletin’s published date are no longer eligible for reimbursement under Campaign ID # P8140.
NTB97-065a
Jul 2020
VisibilityVOLUNTARY SERVICE CAMPAIGN 1997 MAXIMA WIPER MOTOR BOLT - INSUFFICIENT TORQUE Service Campaign ID # P7143 is no longer active.  Repair orders opened after this bulletin’s published date are no longer eligible for reimbursement under Campaign ID # P7143.
NTB98-049e
Jul 2020
Power TrainVOLUNTARY SERVICE CAMPAIGN F04 AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE SOLENOID VALVE ASSEMBLY Service Campaign ID # P8119 is no longer active.  Repair orders opened after this bulletin’s published date are no longer eligible for reimbursement under Campaign ID # P8119.
NTB-08-055-A
Jan 2014
Air BagsNISSAN: SRS PRECAUTIONS DURING SERVICE;IMPROPER MAINTENANCE, INCLUDING INCORRECT REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION OF THE SRS, CAN LEAD TO A SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH CAUSED BY UNINTENTIONAL ACTIVATION OF THE SRS ON ALL NISSAN MODELS WITH THE SRS SYSTEMS. *PE UPDATED 2/21/14. *PE
NTB08055C
Jan 2014
Air BagsSERVICE INFORMATION Information necessary to service the Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) safely is included in the "RESTRAINTS" section of the Electronic Service Manual (ESM) for each vehicle.
NTB92123D
Aug 2013
EquipmentNissan Original Equipment or Genuine Accessory Alloy wheels, along with their finish coating (clear, chrome, titanium, etc.), are specifically developed to achieve Nissan design and performance standards.
NTB00033E
Jul 2013
SuspensionSERVICE INFORMATION - This bulletin is to assist you in responding to customer questions about brake operation, and provides diagnostic and repair information for each item listed, if any should occur. - Most brake incidents fall into the following categories: a.
NTB04094A
Jul 2013
Service BrakesIf YOU CONFIRM: A vehicle needs to have the brake rotors resurfaced (front or rear). ACTION: Use the ProCut PFM Series on-car brake lathe to perform brake rotor resurfacing and follow the tips listed in this bulletin.
NTB98018G
Jun 2013
Electrical SystemAs part of an enhanced emissions test for Inspection & Maintenance (I/M), some States may require the System Readiness Test (SRT) status be checked.
NTB-13-038
Apr 2013
Latches/Locks/LinkagesNISSAN: LOCK/UNLOCK REQUEST BUTTON ON OUTSIDE HANDLE DOES NOT RESPOND. *JS
NTB99001A
Mar 2013
SuspensionSERVICE INFORMATION This bulletin provides information to identify: - A leaking strut or a shock absorber that qualifies for replacement under warranty.
NTB-09-101
Sep 2010
TiresNISSAN: TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING SYSTEM (TPMS) WARNING LIGHT ON/FLASHING. NO MODELS OR MODEL YEARS LISTED. *PE UPDATED ON 08-11-2011. *KB
NTB-09-129
Sep 2010
EquipmentNISSAN: VENT CONTROL VALVE REPLACEMENT. WHEN REPLACING THE EVAP CANISTER VENT CONTROL VALVE FOR REASON: USE THE ONE LISTED ON PAGE 2; FOR VENT CONTROL VALVE REPLACEMENT PROCEDURE, REFER TO THE APPROPRIATE SECTION OF THE ELECTRONIC SERVICE MANUALS (ESM; WHEN INSTALLING THE NEW...
NTB-09-030
Apr 2009
Electrical SystemNISSAN: THE 12 VOLT BATTERY IS AN IMPORTANT PART OF THE VEHICLE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM AND IS REQUIRED TO STAY CONNECTED WHEN THE ENGINE IS RUNNING. TO PREVENT DAMAGE TO VEHICLE ELECTRONIC COMPONENTS FOLLOW THE INSTRUCTIONS/CAUTIONS. NO MODEL YEARS LISTED. *PE
99022
Oct 2005
Seat BeltsFRONT SEAT BELT LATCH PLATE RETAINING BUTTON MISSING. *TT
NTB99067A
Nov 2003
Unknown Or OtherNISSAN INTEGRATED HOMELINK TRANSMITTER SYSTEM USED TO ACTIVATE MOST ELECTRONIC GARAGE DOORS AND SECURTY GATES. VARIOUS MODELS INCLUDING THE 2004 PATHFINDER ARMADA. *TT
NTB99022C
Aug 2003
Seat BeltsFRONT SEAT BELT LATCH PLATE RETAINING BUTTON MISSING. *TT
NTB99053B
Jan 2002
Unknown Or OtherINFORMATION ON NISSAN REVISED TPS ADJUSTMENT PROCDURE. *SLC
NTB01063
Sep 2001
Unknown Or OtherINFORMATION ON VALVE SHIM LIFTER SET.*JB
NTB01057
Aug 2001
Unknown Or OtherSUBJECT PERTAINING TO REVISED MAINTENANCE PROCEDURES.*JB
NTB01044
Jun 2001
Unknown Or OtherSERVICE INFORMATION REGARDING INNER TIE ROD WRENCHES. *SB
NTB99022B
May 2001
Seat BeltsSEAT BELT LATCH PLATE RETAINING BUTTON MISSING. *TT
NTB01023
Apr 2001
Unknown Or OtherINFORMATION REGARDING ESSENTIAL TOOL: THROTTLE POSITION SENSOR TEST CONNECTOR. *SLC
NTB00079
Sep 2000
EquipmentON APPLIED VEHICLES, THE POWER AUDIO ANTENNA IS INOPERATIVE, THE ANTENNA ASSEMBLY CIRCUIT BOARD MAY BE CORRODED DUE TO IMPROPER WATER DRAINAGE. *TT
NTB00054
Jun 2000
Engine And Engine CoolingVEHICLES BUILT BEFORE JN1CA31D1YT746029 MAY EXHIBIT A ENGINE TIMING CHAIN NOISE. *TT
NTB99031B
May 2000
Service BrakesSOME VEHICLE MAY EXHIBIT A GROAN OR HUMMING NOISE FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE AFTER RELEASING THE BRAKE PEDAL AND MOVING FORWARD SLOWLY AT APPROXIMATELY 5 MPH (8 MPH). *TT
NTB99017A
Feb 2000
Engine And Engine CoolingSOME CUSTOMERS MAY INDICATE THAT A LIGHT TICKING OR HUMMING NOISE CAN BE HEARD COMING FROM THE BLOWER MOTOR OF AN APPLIED VEHICLE WHEN THE MOTOR IS RUN AT LOW FAN SPEEDS. *TT
NTB00015
Feb 2000
StructureCONCERNS WITH THE TRUCK LID POPPING OPEN. *TT
NTB00001
Dec 1999
VisibilitySOME VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT SUNROOF BINDS; SUNROOF MOTOR RUNS BUT THE SUNROOF WILL NOT OPEN OR CLOSE; SUNROOF LEAKS. *TT
NTB99082
Nov 1999
Seat BeltsTHIS BULLETINS STATES THAT THE SECOND SASH GUIDE WAS DELETED FROM THE SERVICE PART SEAT BELT ASSEMBLY, HOWEVER; DELETION OF THE SECOND SASH GUIDE DOES NOT AFFECT THE OPERATION OF THE SEAT BELT ASSEMBLY. *TT
NTB99067
Sep 1999
Unknown Or OtherNISSAN INTEGRATED HOMELINK TRANSMITTER SYSTEM USED TO ACTIVATE MOST ELECTRONIC GARAGE DOORS AND SECURTY GATES. *TT
NTB98008B
Sep 1999
Electrical SystemSUBJECT REGARDING EGI HARNESS WIRE BREAKAGE DIAGNOSIS AND REPAIR PROCEDURE. *TT
NTB99022A
Aug 1999
Seat BeltsCONCERNS WITH THE FRONT SEAT BELT LATCH PLATE STOPPER BUTTON MISSING. *TT
NTB99030A
Jun 1999
Power TrainINFORMATION REGARDING AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE OUTPUT GEAR WHINE (60 - 70 MPH). *TT
NTB99005A
Jun 1999
Service BrakesKEY VALUE BRAKE PAD SERVICE INFORMATION. *TT
NTB99031A
May 1999
Service BrakesVEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT A GROAN OR HUMMING NOISE FROM REAR AFTER RELEASING BRAKE PEDAL. *TT
NTB99031
May 1999
Service BrakesEXHIBITING REAR BRAKE GROAN / HUMMING NOISE AFTER RELEASING BRAKE PEDAL. *TT
NTB99030
May 1999
Power TrainSOME VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT A WHINE NOISE WHEN THE VEHICLE IS DRIVEN BETWEEN 60 AND 70 MPH, IN THIRD AND FOURTH GEAR. *TT
NTB99022
Apr 1999
Seat BeltsSUBJECT REGARDING MISSING FRONT SEAT BELT LATCH PLATE RETAINING BUTTON. *TT
NTB99024
Apr 1999
StructureREPAIR PROCEDURES FOR VEHICLES EXHIBITNG WIND NOISE. *TT
NTB99005
Mar 1999
Service BrakesSERVICE INFORMATION ON KEY VALUE BRAKE PADS. *TT
NTB98097
Dec 1998
Unknown Or OtherVARIOUS INFORMATION EXHIBITING INTERIOR SQUEAKS AND RATTLES WHILE DRIVING. *YC
NTB98101
Dec 1998
SuspensionEXPERIENCING FRONT SPRING RATTLE/ BUZZ NOISE. *YC
NTB98081
Oct 1998
SuspensionVEHICLES EXHIBITING STEERING PULL AND / OR DRIFT WHEN DRIVEN AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. *YC
NTB98080
Oct 1998
SeatsSOME OWNERS MAY COMMENT THAT THE DRIVER'S OR PASSENGER'S POWER SEAT DOES NOT MOVE FORWARD OR BACKWARD. *TT
NTB98076
Sep 1998
StructureSERVICE PROCEDURES FOR CONSOLE LID REPAIR. *YC
NTB98067
Jul 1998
SteeringCONDITIONS WITH SOME VEHICLES EXPERIENCING POWER STEERING HOSE CLAMPS NOT PROPERLY TIGHTENED AT THE TIME OF PRODUCTION. *YC
NTB98049
Jul 1998
Power TrainINFORMATION ON F04 AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE SOLENOID VALVE ASSEMBLY. *YC
NTB98054
Jun 1998
SteeringINFORMATION REGARDING SECURITY SYSTEM FALSE ALARMS. *YC

Showing 60 of 73 distinct bulletins on file for this vehicle.

Before you buy this vehicle

A test-drive checklist generated from this vehicle's own complaint and recall record.

  1. Sit in it with the engine off and test everything that has a switch.Windows, locks, lights, the cluster, the radio. Electrical faults are this vehicle's story and the hardest to see on a drive: an intermittent no-start waits for the second week of ownership. Ask for the battery's age and whether any control module has been replaced.
  2. Cold-start it yourself and listen for the first thirty seconds.Knocking, ticking that fades as it warms, or blue or white smoke on startup are the sounds of this vehicle's engine cluster. Check the oil level and the coolant color, and ask whether the engine or its head gaskets have ever been out.
  3. Watch the airbag warning light through a full key cycle.It should light on start and go out within seconds. A light that stays on, or never lights at all, means the system needs attention. Run the VIN for inflator recalls specifically.
  4. Run the VIN against open recalls before you negotiate.This vehicle has 1 recall campaign on file. An open recall needs VIN-specific confirmation. Many are quick, no-charge fixes and worth negotiating over; an unresolved do-not-drive advisory, or a remedy the manufacturer has not yet made available, should stop the purchase until it is resolved.
  5. Ask for the service history in writing, then read it against this page.The complaint families above are where owners of this vehicle report trouble. Repairs in exactly those systems are evidence the car had the problem; no such repairs could mean it never developed it, or that it was never fixed. The test-drive items above are how you tell those apart.

Parts search directory

The generic parts list for this vehicle has its own page: a search launcher for every system, filtered by fuel type and era but not by engine, trim, or brake type. It is not a diagnosis and not a fitment guarantee.

Open the parts directory for this Nissan Maxima →