Engine
3.5L 6-cyl
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.
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
Years between the model year and the owner's reported failure date. Based on 186 of 205 complaints with a usable failure date.
Odometer when the failure occurred
Owner-reported mileage at failure, in 20,000-mile bands. Based on 127 of 205 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.
Engine & cooling
49 complaint records1 crash report
"THE DEALERSHIP DID NOT HAVE THE PARTS TO PERFORM THE CRANK POSITION SENSOR WELD RECALL 03V455000 FOR ALMOST 3 MONTHS. *JB..."- 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
30 complaint records14 crash reports
"VEHICLE WAS MOVING ABOUT 25 TO 30 MPH WHEN IT WAS HIT IN THE FRONT AND THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. PROVIDE FURTHER DETAILS. *JB..."- 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 →
Electrical system
25 complaint records1 crash report
"EXCESSIVE CRANKING TIME BEFORE ENGINE TURNS OVER. OCCASIONALLY HAVE TO ATTEMPT TO START MORE THAN ONCE. ONCE STARTED ENGINE MAKES A CHATTERING NOISE AS THE RPM'S DROP TO IDLE... DEALER STATES "CANNOT DUPLICATE AT THIS TIME". *NLM..."- 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 →
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.
| Investigation | Status | Component | Subject |
|---|---|---|---|
| EA21002 opened Sep 2021 | OPEN | Air Bags | Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture From 2000 through 2017, Takata produced millions of air bag inflators using two types of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate ("PSAN") propellant -- propellant 2004 and propellant 2004L. |
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.
| Campaign | Component | Summary | Remedy |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20V008000 | Air Bags | Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2001-2003 Maxima, 2002-2006 Sentra, 2002-2004 Pathfinder, 2007-2011 Versa Sedan and Versa Hatchback, 2001-2004 Infiniti I30 and I35, 2002-2003 Inifiniti QX4,... | Normally free |
| 15V287000 | Air Bags | Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain model year 2001-2003 Nissan Maxima, 2002-2004 Pathfinder, 2002-2006 Sentra, 2002-2003 Infiniti QX4 and I35, 2003 FX35 and FX45, and 2001 I30 vehicles. | Normally free |
| 03V455000 | Engine And Engine Cooling | ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE CIRCUIT BOARD FOR THE CRANK POSITION SENSOR OR CAM POSITION SENSOR MAY HAVE AN IMPROPER SOLDER JOINT DUE TO SOLDER DEFORMATION CAUSED BY HEAT STRESS ACCELERATED BY THE EXISTENCE OF... | Normally free |
| 02V146000 | Suspension | ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE PIN AT THE END OF THE FRONT SUSPENSION TRANSVERSE LINK (LOWER CONTROL ARM) COULD BREAK WHERE IT IS MOUNTED TO THE FRAME. | Normally free |
| 02V043000 | Vehicle Speed Control | ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AN ELECTRONIC THROTTLE CONTROL SYSTEM, THE STOPPER FOR THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WILL PREVENT EXCESSIVE MOVEMENT OF THE ACCELERATOR POSITION SENSOR. | Normally free |
| 02V010000 | Power Train | ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM, THE ODOMETER IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLES REGISTERS DISTANCE IN KILOMETERS INSTEAD OF MILES AS IS SPECIFIED IN THE DESIGN. | 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.
| Recall | System | Units (CA) | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020003 2020-01-10 | Airbag | 21,192 | Issue: This recall is for certain vehicles that had an airbag inflator replaced as a part of an earlier recall campaign. This recall provides a final repair. |
| 2014272 2014-07-02 | Airbag | 20,412 | On certain vehicles, the passenger (frontal) airbag inflator could produce excessive internal pressure during airbag deployment. |
| 2013117 2013-04-11 | Airbag | 55,824 | On certain vehicles, the passenger (frontal) airbag inflator could produce excessive internal pressure during airbag deployment. |
| 2003267 2003-11-05 | Engine | 74,143 | On certain vehicles, the circuit board for the crank position sensor may have an improper solder joint. This could cause the Service Engine Soon warning light to come on, create a no start condition, cause reduced engine power, or cause... |
| 2002088 2002-05-29 | Suspension | 4,800 | On certain vehicles the pin at the inboard end of the front lower control arm may break. This may result in difficulty in directional control and tire contact with the inner fender. Correction: Dealers will replace the front control arms. |
Show 1 more Canadian recalls
| Recall | System | Units (CA) | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2002022 2002-02-14 | Other | 2,851 | Certain passenger vehicles equipped with an electronic throttle control system. The stopper for the accelerator pedal will prevent excessive movement of the accelerator position sensor. |
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.
| Bulletin | Type | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| NTB09-131C Apr 2026 | Structure | CERTIFICATION LABEL AND VIN PLATE REPLACEMENT SERVICE INFORMATION Because of collision damage or other vehicle repair, a replacement “Certification Label” or “VIN Plate/Label” may be needed. HINT: Certification Label = FMVSS (Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards) label. | |
| NTB13-107G May 2024 | Electrical System | VEHICLE 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. | |
| NTB09-081K Apr 2024 | Visibility/Wiper | WINDSHIELD CRACKING This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin. | |
| NTB13-028I Apr 2024 | Visibility/Wiper | REMOVING 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. | |
| NTB17-019H Apr 2024 | Visibility/Wiper | WINDOW GLASS WARRANTY INFORMATION This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin. |
Show 55 more bulletins
| Bulletin | Type | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| NTB08-097L Sep 2023 | Steering | DIAGNOSIS 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 System | 12 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 System | SILICONE-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 System | VEHICLE 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 System | INTELLIGENT 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. | |
| NTB09-081J Feb 2023 | Structure | WINDSHIELD CRACKING This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin. | |
| NTB13-028H Feb 2023 | Structure | REMOVING 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 | Steering | DIAGNOSIS 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 | Wheels | WHEEL 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 | Suspension | STRUT 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 | Suspension | STRUT AND SHOCK ABSORBER REPLACEMENT GUIDELINES This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin. | |
| Nissan Aftersale Jan 2019 | Air Bags | Subject: Takata Completion Objectives for Q4 Nissan is continuing to ask its dealers to urgently help increase customer participation in the Takata recalls and to help it achieve 100% customer recall participation for the following vehicles: - 2007-11 Versa Sedan - 2007-12 Versa... | |
| NPSB18-382 - Tak Nov 2018 | Air Bags | Dealer Engagement for Takata Awareness Nissan is committed to the safety and security of its customers and their passengers. As you are likely aware, Nissan has initiated multiple field actions to execute the Takata Airbag Recall in accordance with the schedule set by the... | |
| PC650_PC655 - Fr Oct 2018 | Engine | Free Oil Change Specific Vehicles Subject to the Takata Recall *****Detailed Information***** To help accelerate repair completions on specific populations of vehicles recalled for the Takata airbag, Nissan is offering a special incentive for certain populations of affected... | |
| NTB09131B Apr 2016 | Equipment | SERVICE INFORMATION Because of collision damage or other vehicle repair, a replacement "Certification Label" or "VIN Plate / Label" may be needed. These items may be available from Nissan by request if certain criteria are met. | |
| NTB13028A Nov 2015 | Visibility | SERVICE INFORMATION Windshield "foreign material" that is on the surface of the glass in some cases can be cleaned off with a very particular type and grade of steel wool. | |
| NTB15-059 Jul 2015 | Equipment | NISSAN 2002-2006 ALTIMA AND 2004-2008 BULLETIN INFORMATION INVOLVING FLOOR PAN REPAIR INSTRUCTIONS DUE TO RUST. *LJ | |
| NTB00042D Jan 2015 | Air Bags | SERVICE INFORMATION Changes or modifications to the front seat assembly trim materials may affect the proper operation of the Front Seat-Mounted Side-Impact Supplemental Air Bags and Passenger Occupant Classification Sensor and could result in serious personal injury or death. | |
| NTB-08-055-A Jan 2014 | Air Bags | NISSAN: 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 | Equipment | SERVICE 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. | |
| NTB-03-074-C Nov 2013 | Exterior Lighting | NISSAN: EXTERIOR LAMP FOGGING. OCCASIONALLY WATER IS NOTICED IN THE EXTERIOR LAMPS. THIS IS GENERALLY NOT DUE TO A DEFECT. ALL CURRENT EXTERIOR LAMP ASSEMBLIES ARE VENTED TO THE ATMOSPHERE (NOT SEALED). | |
| NTB92123D Aug 2013 | Equipment | Nissan 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 | Service Brakes | SERVICE 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 Brakes | If 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 System | As 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/Linkages | NISSAN: LOCK/UNLOCK REQUEST BUTTON ON OUTSIDE HANDLE DOES NOT RESPOND. *JS | |
| NTB99001A Mar 2013 | Suspension | SERVICE 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 | Tires | NISSAN: 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 | Equipment | NISSAN: 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 System | NISSAN: 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 | |
| 03030 Apr 2007 | Exterior Lighting | EXTERIOR LAMP FOGGING. *KB | |
| 06009 Mar 2006 | Engine And Engine Cooling | MIL ON WITH DTC U1000 OR U1010 STORED IN ENGINE CONTROL UNIT. *TT | |
| 06029 Mar 2006 | Engine And Engine Cooling | ENGINE OIL COOLER GASKET AVAILABLE. *TT | |
| 06009 Feb 2006 | Engine And Engine Cooling | MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP ON WITH DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE U1000 OR U1010 STORED IN ENGINE CONTROL UNIT. *AK | |
| 02120A Nov 2005 | Service Brakes | ANTILOCK BRAKING SYSTEM (ABS) LIGHT ON AND / OR DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE FOR ABS WHEEL SPEED SENSOR. *TT | |
| 99022 Oct 2005 | Seat Belts | FRONT SEAT BELT LATCH PLATE RETAINING BUTTON MISSING. *TT | |
| 99063C May 2005 | Engine And Engine Cooling | ENGINE WILL NOT START. NISSAN VEHICLE IMMOBILIZER SYSTEM / NISSAN ANTI-THEFT SYSTEM (NVIS/NATS) DESCRIPTION KEY REGISTRATION. *TT UPDATE. *TT | |
| 03060 Mar 2005 | Engine And Engine Cooling | RATTLE NOISE WHEN STARTED COLD. *TT UPDATED *EH | |
| 04133 Feb 2005 | Visibility | AUTO-DIMMING ELECTROCHROMIC (EC) MIRROR DIAGNOSIS. *TT | |
| 04107 Sep 2004 | Engine And Engine Cooling | ENGINE WILL NOT CRANK (NO START) WITH OUTSIDE TEMPERATURE BELOW 0 DEGREES F. *TT | |
| 04081 Jul 2004 | Engine And Engine Cooling | ENGINE COVER LOGO REPLACEMENT. *TT | |
| 04077 Jun 2004 | Equipment | A/C EVAPORATOR AND EXPANSION VALVE SERVICE. *MJ | |
| 04001A Jan 2004 | Equipment | REMOTE KEYLESS ENTRY REPLACEMENT PARTS. THIS BULLETIN REPLACES NTB04-001. *TT | |
| NTB99067A Nov 2003 | Unknown Or Other | NISSAN INTEGRATED HOMELINK TRANSMITTER SYSTEM USED TO ACTIVATE MOST ELECTRONIC GARAGE DOORS AND SECURTY GATES. VARIOUS MODELS INCLUDING THE 2004 PATHFINDER ARMADA. *TT | |
| 103003 Oct 2003 | Exterior Lighting | OWNER LETTER FOR THE XENON HEADLIGHT THEFT DETERRENT AND POLICE SUPPORT PROGRAM. *TT | |
| NTB99022C Aug 2003 | Seat Belts | FRONT SEAT BELT LATCH PLATE RETAINING BUTTON MISSING. *TT | |
| 02051A Jul 2003 | Unknown Or Other | MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP ON WITH REAR O2 SENSOR DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES P0138, P0139, P0158, P0159, P1147 AND P1167 SET. *TT | |
| NTB02051A Jul 2003 | Unknown Or Other | MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP ON WITH REAR 02 SENSOR DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES P0138, P0139, P0158, P0159, P1147 AND P1167 SET. *TT | |
| 03022 Mar 2003 | Engine And Engine Cooling | HESITATION ON ACCELERATION WITH MANUAL TRANSMISSION. *TT | |
| 03023 Mar 2003 | Engine And Engine Cooling | LACK OF POWER. *TT | |
| 03017 Feb 2003 | Equipment | LEFT SIDE SPEAKERS INOPERATIVE. *TT | |
| 02120 Dec 2002 | Service Brakes | ANTILOCK BRAKING SYSTEM (ABS) LIGHT ON AND / OR DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE FOR ABS WHEEL SPEED SENSOR. *TT | |
| 02117 Dec 2002 | Equipment | XENON HEADLAMP THEFT DETERRENT KIT (ANTI-THEFT KIT). *TT | |
| 02109 Nov 2002 | Engine And Engine Cooling | MIL"ON" WITH DTC P0102/P1102 (MASS AIRFLOW SENSOR-MAFS) STORED.*MR | |
| NTB02096 Sep 2002 | Electrical System | SUBJECT REGARDING THE AVAILABILITY OF THE XENON HEADLAMP CONNECTOR REPLACEMENT KIT. *TT |
Showing 60 of 78 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Run the VIN against open recalls before you negotiate.This vehicle has 6 recall campaigns 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.
- 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 →