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NHTSA recalls & complaints · 1995–2023

Nissan Maxima recalls, complaints and VIN decoding

NHTSA lists 23 recall campaigns and 6,044 owner complaints for the Nissan Maxima, covering model years 1995 to 2023. The 2004 model year drew the most complaints (1,425), and Power Train is the component owners name most often.

Source: NHTSA recall and complaint flat files, updated September 25, 2026.

Decode your Nissan Maxima VIN

See the model year, plant and build details of one vehicle, then the recalls for its exact year.

  • 23 recall campaigns on file
  • 6,044 owner complaints (unverified reports to NHTSA)
  • 29 model years with data (1995–2023)
  • most complaints: 2004 (1,425 for that model year)
  • top component: Power Train (2,384 complaints)
  • latest recall 20V570000 (reported Sep 22, 2020)
  • 272 complaints reporting a crash (4.5%)
  • 101 complaints reporting a fire (1.7%)
  • 189 complaints reporting an injury (3.1%)
  • 6 complaints reporting a death (0.1%)

Nissan Maxima complaints by model year

29 model years · NHTSA complaints

The 2004 model year has the most complaints: 1,425 of 6,044, or 23.6%. Next come 2005 (948) and 2006 (576). The fewest are for 2023, with 1 complaint.

Owner complaints per model yearHighest yearOther years
Nissan Maxima owner complaints to NHTSA by model year, 1995–2023Column chart of 6,044 complaints across 29 model years. The highest is 2004 with 1,425. The full figures are in the table below the chart.1995: 152 complaints15219951996: 96 complaints9619961997: 102 complaints10219971998: 113 complaints11319981999: 165 complaints16519992000: 360 complaints36020002001: 172 complaints17220012002: 205 complaints20520022003: 206 complaints20620032004: 1,425 complaints1,42520042005: 948 complaints94820052006: 576 complaints57620062007: 129 complaints12920072008: 79 complaints7920082009: 339 complaints33920092010: 275 complaints27520102011: 106 complaints10620112012: 107 complaints10720122013: 62 complaints6220132014: 96 complaints9620142015: 1 complaint120152016: 142 complaints14220162017: 103 complaints10320172018: 36 complaints3620182019: 18 complaints1820192020: 22 complaints2220202021: 3 complaints320212022: 5 complaints520222023: 1 complaint12023
Show the figures for all 29 model years
Nissan Maxima complaints by model year, with complaints reporting a crash, fire, injury or death
Nissan Maxima complaints by model year, with complaints reporting a crash, fire, injury or death
Model yearComplaintsReporting a crashReporting a fireReporting an injuryReporting a death
1995152175130
19969613370
199710271660
1998113131261
19991657510
2000360256171
20011728460
2002205270152
2003206132101
20041,4253316221
20059481610190
2006576214120
20071294130
2008797030
20093397250
20102757280
20111065170
20121076250
2013621110
20149610140
201511010
201614210470
20171037250
2018361110
2019182020
2020223020
202130000
202251110
202310000
All model years6,0442721011896

Crash, fire, injury and death columns count complaints that report at least one of them, not people.

Most-reported Nissan Maxima components

top 15 · NHTSA categories

Power Train is the component named most often, in 2,384 complaints (39.4% of all 6,044), followed by Electrical System (794) and Steering (502).

Components named most often in Nissan Maxima complaints (top 15)
Components named most often in Nissan Maxima complaints (top 15)
ComponentComplaintsShare of complaints
Power Train2,38439.4%
Electrical System79413.1%
Steering5028.3%
Air Bags4697.8%
Engine and Engine Cooling4357.2%
Engine3746.2%
Suspension3215.3%
Unknown or Other3165.2%
Structure3155.2%
Tires2434.0%
Vehicle Speed Control2373.9%
Service Brakes, Hydraulic2363.9%
Exterior Lighting1282.1%
Service Brakes1141.9%
Seats1081.8%

One complaint can name several components, so the shares add up to more than 100%. Component names are NHTSA’s top-level categories.

What NHTSA owner complaints mean

These figures count complaints that vehicle owners and other members of the public have submitted to NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation. NHTSA uses complaints, together with other data, to spot safety issues that may warrant an investigation and to check whether existing recalls go far enough.

  • They are reports, not findings. Each complaint is the submitter's own account. Its presence in the database does not mean NHTSA has confirmed a defect.
  • Counts are not defect rates. The data doesn't say how many vehicles were sold, so a raw count can't tell you what share of vehicles had a problem.
  • Popular models collect more complaints. A model sold in large numbers will usually gather more complaints than a rare one, simply because more people own it.
  • One complaint can name several components. Totals by component can therefore add up to more than the number of complaints.
  • Coverage starts in 1995. NHTSA's complaint file contains complaints received since January 1, 1995.

Use complaint patterns as a prompt for questions: whether a recall covers the issue, whether the vehicle you are considering has had the fix, and what a mechanic finds on inspection. For confirmed safety defects, see the recall list for this model.

Nissan Maxima recalls

23 campaigns · newest first

Every vehicle recall campaign NHTSA lists under the model name Maxima, newest first. The 23 campaigns cover model years 1997 to 2020. The 2016 model year appears in the most campaigns (8).

  • 23 recall campaigns
  • 2 “Park Outside” advisories
Nissan Maxima recall campaigns covering each model year
DecadeYears ending in 0Years ending in 1Years ending in 2Years ending in 3Years ending in 4Years ending in 5Years ending in 6Years ending in 7Years ending in 8Years ending in 9
1997: 1 campaign1998: 1 campaign1999: no campaigns
2000: no campaigns2001: 3 campaigns2002: 6 campaigns2003: 3 campaigns2004: 2 campaigns2005: 2 campaigns2006: 2 campaigns2007: 1 campaign2008: no campaigns2009: 1 campaign
2010: 1 campaign2011: no campaigns2012: no campaigns2013: no campaigns2014: no campaigns2015: no campaigns2016: 8 campaigns2017: 4 campaigns2018: 2 campaigns2019: 1 campaign
2020: 1 campaign
Highlighted: the model year with the most campaigns.

  1. NHTSA campaign 20V570000

    Reported

    Visibility › Glass, Side/Rear

    Model year 2020

    Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2020 Altima, Maxima and Leaf vehicles. The rear window glass may not remain properly secured to the vehicle.

    Consequence:
    Rear window glass that separates from the vehicle can increase the risk of a crash.
    Remedy:
    Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will replace the back window glass, free of charge. The recall began November 4, 2020. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-867-7669. Nissan's number for this recall is PC752.

    Filed by Nissan North America, Inc.

  2. NHTSA campaign 20V008000

    Reported

    Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module

    Model years 2001–2003

    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, 2003-2008 Infiniti FX35 and FX45 and 2006-2010 M35 and M45 vehicles. The vehicles are equipped with non-desiccated, frontal passenger air bag inflators containing phase stabilized ammonium nitrate (PSAN) propellant that were used as interim remedy parts for previous Takata recalls. These inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, high temperatures, and high temperature cycling.

    Consequence:
    An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
    Remedy:
    Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflators with alternate desiccated inflators, free of charge. The recall began February 12, 2020. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 888-737-9511 or Infiniti customer service at 888-810-3715.

    Filed by Nissan North America, Inc.

  3. NHTSA campaign 19V807000

    Reported

    Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip

    Model years 2016–2018

    NHTSA “Park Outside” advisory: because of the fire risk, park affected vehicles outside and away from buildings until the recall repair is done.

    Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2015-2018 Nissan Murano, 2016-2018 Nissan Maxima, and 2017-2019 Nissan Pathfinder and Infiniti QX60 vehicles. These vehicles were previously recalled and unrepaired, or inspected and determined to not need a repair, under recall number 18V-601. In addition, this recall expands the previous population. The Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) actuator pumps may allow brake fluid to leak onto an internal circuit board.

    Consequence:
    A brake fluid leak on the circuit board may result in an electrical short, increasing the risk of a fire.
    Remedy:
    Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will replace the ABS actuator, free of charge. Owners will receive a second notice when remedy parts become available, currently expected to be during summer 2020. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-867-7669. Note: If the ABS warning light remains illuminated for more than 10 seconds after engine start up, owners are advised to park the vehicle outdoors away from other vehicles or structures and to not drive the vehicle.

    Filed by Nissan North America, Inc.

  4. NHTSA campaign 19V654000

    Reported

    Back Over Prevention › Sensing System › Camera

    Model years 2018–2019

    Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Nissan Altima, Armada, Frontier, Kicks, Leaf, Maxima, Murano, NV, NV200, Pathfinder, Rogue, Rogue Sport, Sentra, Titan, Titan Diesel, Versa Note and Versa Sedan vehicles, as well as Infiniti Q50, Q60, QX30 and QX80 vehicles. Additionally included are 2019 Nissan GT-R and Taxi and Infiniti QX50, QX60, Q70, Q70L vehicles. The back-up camera and display settings can be adjusted such that the rear view image is no longer visible and the system will retain that setting the next time the vehicle is placed in reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rear Visibility."

    Consequence:
    The lack of an image in the back-up camera display increases the risk of a crash.
    Remedy:
    Nissan will notify owners in phases, having dealers update the back-up camera settings software, free of charge. The recall began November 11, 2019 and all affected VINs should be activated. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-867-7669 or INFINITI customer service at 1-800-662-6200.

    Filed by Nissan North America, Inc.

  5. NHTSA campaign 18V601000

    Reported

    Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip

    Model years 2016–2017

    NHTSA “Park Outside” advisory: because of the fire risk, park affected vehicles outside and away from buildings until the recall repair is done.

    Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2015-2017 Nissan Murano, 2016-2017 Nissan Maxima, 2017-2018 Nissan Pathfinder, and 2017 Infiniti QX60 vehicles. The Anti-Lock Brake (ABS) actuator pumps may allow brake fluid to leak onto an internal circuit board.

    Consequence:
    A brake fluid leak on the circuit board may result in an electrical short, increasing the risk of a fire.
    Remedy:
    Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the serial number on the ABS actuator, replacing it as necessary, free of charge. The recall began October 29, 2018. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-867-7669. Note: When brake fluid has leaked onto the circuit board, the ABS warning lamp will remain illuminated for more than 10 seconds after engine start up. If this occurs, owners are advised to park the vehicle outdoors away from other vehicles or structures and to not drive the vehicle.

    Filed by Nissan North America, Inc.

  6. NHTSA campaign 16V911000

    Reported

    Air Bags › Sensor › Occupant Classification

    Model year 2016

    Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain model year 2013-2015 Altima vehicles manufactured January 3, 2013, to July 29, 2013, 2015-2016 Rogue vehicles manufactured October 14, 2014, to August 12, 2016, and 2016 Maxima vehicles manufactured June 4, 2015, to August 19, 2015. An incorrect Occupant Classification System (OCS) Electronic Control Unit (ECU) may have been installed in the front passenger seat. The incorrect ECU and seat combination may misclassify the front passenger seat occupant.

    Consequence:
    If the front passenger seat occupant is misclassified, the air bag may deploy incorrectly in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
    Remedy:
    Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will replace the ECU and update the OCS software free of charge. The recall began February 13, 2017. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-647-7261.

    Filed by Nissan North America, Inc.

  7. NHTSA campaign 16V636000

    Reported

    Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip

    Model years 2016–2017

    Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain model year 2016-2017 Nissan Maxima vehicles manufactured February 10, 2015, to August 19, 2016 and equipped with Intelligent Cruise Control, 2015-2017 Murano vehicles manufactured August 22, 2014, to August 19, 2016 and equipped with Intelligent Cruise Control, and 2015-2016 Murano Hybrid vehicles manufactured August 22, 2014, to July 19, 2016. The affected vehicles have Anti-Lock Brake (ABS) actuator pumps that may allow brake fluid to leak onto an internal electrical circuit board.

    Consequence:
    A brake fluid leak onto the circuit board may result in an electrical short, increasing the risk of a fire.
    Remedy:
    Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the ABS Actuator, replacing it as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on December 12, 2016. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-647-7261. Note: When brake fluid has leaked onto the circuit board, the ABS warning lamp will remain illuminated for more than 10 seconds after engine start up. If this occurs, owners are advised to park the vehicle outdoors away from other vehicles or structures and to not drive the vehicle.

    Filed by Nissan North America, Inc.

  8. NHTSA campaign 16V244000

    Reported

    Air Bags › Sensor › Occupant Classification

    Model years 2016–2017

    Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain model year 2016-2017 Nissan Maxima, 2013-2016 Nissan Altima, NV200, LEAF, Sentra, and Pathfinder, 2014-2016 Nissan NV200 Taxi, Infiniti QX60, QX60 Hybrid, and Q50 Hybrid, 2014-2017 Nissan Rogue and Infiniti Q50, 2015-2016 Nissan Murano, Murano Hybrid, and Chevrolet City Express, 2014-2015 Nissan Pathfinder Hybrid, and 2013 Infiniti JX35 vehicles. In these vehicles, the front seat passenger Occupant Classification System (OCS) may incorrectly classify an adult passenger as a child or classify the seat as empty despite it being occupied. As a result, the passenger frontal air bag may be turned off and not deploy in the event of a crash.

    Consequence:
    If the passenger frontal air bag does not deploy as intended in the event of a crash, the passenger is at an increased risk of injury.
    Remedy:
    Nissan will notify their owners. Chevrolet City Express owners will be notified by General Motors. Dealers will reprogram the Air Bag Control Unit (ACU) and OCS Electronic Control Unit (ECU) in Altima, Maxima, Murano, Rogue, and Sentra vehicles, and replace the OCS ECU in LEAF, NV200, NV200 Taxi, Pathfinder, Infiniti Q50, JX35, and QX60 and Chevrolet City Express vehicles, free of charge. Interim notices were sent to owners on May 31, 2016. Owners will receive a second notice when remedy parts become available. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-867-7669, Infiniti customer service at 1-888-833-3216 or Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020.

    Filed by Nissan North America, Inc.

  9. NHTSA campaign 16V193000

    Reported

    Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip

    Model year 2016

    Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain model year 2016 Murano vehicles manufactured December 17, 2015, to February 11, 2016, and 2016 Maxima vehicles manufactured November 25, 2015, to February 12, 2016 and equipped with an antilock braking system (ABS) and Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC). The ABS actuator may have a damaged O-ring that may result in a lack of brake fluid pressure.

    Consequence:
    Insufficient brake fluid pressure may lengthen the distance needed to stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
    Remedy:
    Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the ABS actuator, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on May 16, 2016. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-647-7261.

    Filed by Nissan North America, Inc.

  10. NHTSA campaign 15V733000

    Reported

    Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Disc › Caliper

    Model year 2016

    Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain model year 2015 Altima and 2016 Maxima vehicles manufactured October 6, 2015, to October 7, 2015. The affected vehicles have front brake calipers whose mounting bolts may not be properly tightened.

    Consequence:
    If the bolts were not properly tightened, the caliper may detach and reduce braking ability, increasing the risk of a crash.
    Remedy:
    Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will check the brake caliper mounting bolts, tightening them as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on December 14, 2015. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-647-7261.

    Filed by Nissan North America, Inc.

Show 13 more recalls

  1. NHTSA campaign 15V486000

    Reported

    Fuel System, Gasoline

    Model year 2016

    Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) notified the agency on July 31, 2015, that they are recalling certain model year 2016 Nissan Maxima vehicles manufactured February 10, 2015, to August 18, 2015. On October 14, 2015, Nissan expanded the recall to cover an additional 41,388 vehicles, including certain model year 2013-2015 Altima 3.5 vehicles equipped with a V6 engine manufactured March 30, 2012, to August 18, 2015 as well as the vehicles covered by the July 31, 2015 notification. In the affected vehicles, due to an improperly installed o-ring that may not have been seated correctly at the time of assembly, fuel may leak during a crash from the area where the fuel sending unit attaches to the fuel tank.

    Consequence:
    If fuel leaks from between the fuel sending unit and the tank, it may increase the risk of a fire in the event of a crash.
    Remedy:
    Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will install a retainer ring between the fuel tank and the fuel sending unit. The recall began on September 28, 2015. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-647-7261.

    Filed by Nissan North America, Inc.

  2. NHTSA campaign 15V287000

    Reported

    Air Bags

    Model years 2001–2003

    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. Upon deployment of the passenger side frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to rupture.

    Consequence:
    In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants potentially resulting in serious injury or death.
    Remedy:
    Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began on June 15, 2015. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-647-7261. Note: On December 18, 2015 Nissan informed NHTSA of an amendment of this recall to remove 2004-2005 Infiniti FX35 and FX45 vehicles.

    Filed by Nissan North America, Inc.

  3. NHTSA campaign 09V358000

    Reported

    Suspension

    Model years 2009–2010

    Nissan is recalling certain model year 2009 and 2010 altima and Maxima passenger cars. The upper front strut insulators may have been manufactured out of specification resulting in a potential for the strut insulator to crack.

    Consequence:
    If the strut insulator is cracked, there is a potential for the strut rod to come out of its mounting position, which could affect vehicle stability and increase the risk of a crash.
    Remedy:
    Nissan will notify owners and dealers will replace both left and right side front strut insulators free of charge. The safety recall began October 2009. Owners may contact Nissan at 1-800-NISSAN1 (1-800-647-7261).

    Filed by Nissan North America, Inc.

  4. NHTSA campaign 06V402000

    Reported

    Steering › Column Locking › Anti-Theft Device

    Model year 2007

    Certain passenger vehicles equipped with an 'intelligent key' fail to conform to the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 114, "theft protection." During an inspection of some vehicles at the assembly plant, it was found that the steering wheel was locked with the ignition knob in the "off" position but the vehicle transmission not being in the "park" position.

    Consequence:
    If the key is turned to the "off" position without the transmission being in the "park" position, it is possible that the steering wheel can lock when turned to the right.
    Remedy:
    Dealers will inspect and replace the steering wheel lock assembly free of charge. The recall began on December 18, 2006. Owners may contact Nissan at 1-800-647-7261.

    Filed by Nissan North America, Inc.

  5. NHTSA campaign 06V046000

    Reported

    Suspension › Rear

    Model year 2006

    On certain vehicles, the rear subframe may have been manufactured incorrectly, which could result in a crack in a bracket which holds part of the rear suspension.

    Consequence:
    If the bracket is cracked, the stability of the vehicle may be affected under severe driving conditions. This could lead to a loss of control of the vehicle which could result in a crash.
    Remedy:
    Dealers will inspect the rear subframe to determine if it was manufactured incorrectly and replace it, if necessary. The recall began on February 27, 2006. Owners may contact Nissan at 1-800-647-7261.

    Filed by Nissan North America, Inc.

  6. NHTSA campaign 05V512000

    Reported

    Seats › Front Assembly › Power Adjust

    Model years 2004–2006

    On certain passenger vehicles equipped with the driver preferred package, the wire harness from the driver's seat power lumbar support switch may be routed incorrectly and could be pinched under the driver seat.

    Consequence:
    A pinched harness, in combination with driving vibration, may result in a short circuit in the harness that could lead to a fire in the seat.
    Remedy:
    Dealers will replace the wire harness and route it correctly. The recall began on January 16, 2006. Owners may contact Nissan at 1-800-647-7261.

    Filed by Nissan North America, Inc.

  7. NHTSA campaign 05V338000

    Reported

    Child Seat › Latch Strap

    Model year 2005

    Certain vehicles fail to conform to the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 225, "child restraint anchorage systems." The lower anchorage brackets in the rear seats do not meet the location requirement in this standard. This may cause difficulty in attaching some child seats to these brackets.

    Consequence:
    If a child seat is not properly secured, there is an increased risk of injury to the seat occupant in the event of a crash.
    Remedy:
    Dealers will replace the lower anchorage brackets with modified brackets to ensure that the standard is met. The recall began on August 28, 2006. The Infiniti Q45 model vehicles are being campaigned under a separate recall (please see 05V374000). Owners should contact Nissan at 1-800-647-7261 or Infiniti at 1-800-662-6200.

    Filed by Nissan North America, Inc.

  8. NHTSA campaign 04V326000

    Reported

    Visibility › Sun/Moon Roof Assembly

    Model year 2004

    On certain passenger vehicles equipped with skyview roofs, the glass for the roof may not have been quenched properly after the forming process, resulting in temper imbalance.

    Consequence:
    This could create excessive internal stress in the glass and eventually cause the glass to shatter, creating a risk of injury.
    Remedy:
    Dealers will inspect and replace the glass in the skyview roof. The recall began on September 7, 2004. Owners should contact Nissan at 1-800-647-7261.

    Filed by Nissan North America, Inc.

  9. NHTSA campaign 03V455000

    Reported

    Engine and Engine Cooling

    Model years 2002–2003

    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 flux residue during the soldering process.

    Consequence:
    This could cause the "service engine soon" warning light to come on, create a no start condition, cause reduced engine power, or cause the engine to stop running without warning during vehicle operation, which could result in a crash.
    Remedy:
    Dealers will replace the crank position sensors. Camshaft position sensor(s), and in some cases, the variable timing control sensor(s). Vehicles involved in a previous recall campaign, 01V357, are also included in this new campaign. The replacement sensors used in that campaign are also affected. Owner notification began on December 22, 2003. Owners should contact Nissan at 1-800-647-7261 or Infiniti at 1-800-662-6200.

    Filed by Nissan North America, Inc.

  10. NHTSA campaign 02V171000

    Reported

    Electrical System › Alternator/Generator/Regulator

    Model years 1997–1998

    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.

    Consequence:
    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.
    Remedy:
    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.

    Filed by Nissan North America, Inc.

  11. NHTSA campaign 02V146000

    Reported

    Suspension › Front › Control Arm › Lower Arm

    Model years 2001–2002

    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.

    Consequence:
    This can cause a knocking sound and abnormal steering. This could result in difficulty controlling the vehicle and increasing the risk of a crash.
    Remedy:
    Dealers will replace the transverse links on the left and right sides with new ones. 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.

    Filed by Nissan North America, Inc.

  12. NHTSA campaign 02V043000

    Reported

    Vehicle Speed Control

    Model year 2002

    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. If the driver applies overly excessive force to the accelerator pedal while at the same time pushing it to the right, the pedal can "over travel" due to the design of the pedal stopper.

    Consequence:
    This will cause the engine malfunction indicator lamp to come on and the engine speed to be severely limited. If this occurs unexpectedly, it could lead to a crash.
    Remedy:
    Dealers will install a new accelerator pedal stopper. Owner notification began March 11, 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 800-662-6200.

    Filed by Nissan North America, Inc.

  13. NHTSA campaign 02V010000

    Reported

    Power Train

    Model year 2002

    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. The odometer does not have a label that indicates "kilometers" or "km" as required by FMVSS No. 101, "controls and displays."

    Remedy:
    Dealers will inspect the odometer to determine if it is correct and, if not, will replace the speedometer/odometer assembly. Owner notification began December 12, 2001. 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.

    Filed by Nissan North America, Inc.

Recall text is shown as NHTSA publishes it; older campaigns, which NHTSA stores in capital letters, are shown in sentence case. NHTSA’s Vehicle Safety Hotline, 1-888-327-4236, also answers recall questions.

How to read this recall list

This list shows every safety recall campaign NHTSA has on file for this make, model and model year. It is not specific to one vehicle: a recall often covers only vehicles built in a certain date range or with a certain part, and many of the vehicles it covers will already have been repaired.

What each recall field means
What each recall field means
FieldWhat it tells you
Campaign numberNHTSA's unique ID for the recall, such as 20V771000. Quote it to a dealer or when searching NHTSA's site.
ComponentThe system or part involved, for example air bags, brakes or electrical software.
SummaryWhat the defect or non-compliance is and which vehicles are covered.
ConsequenceThe safety risk if the problem isn't fixed.
RemedyWhat the manufacturer will do, such as a repair, replacement or software update, and whether it is free.
  • Some recalls carry an NHTSA consumer advisory, “Do Not Drive” or “Park Outside”. Follow it until the repair is done.
  • A single campaign often covers several models or model years, so the same campaign number can appear in more than one list.
  • Recalls are shown as NHTSA publishes them. Very recent campaigns may take time to appear.

Does your vehicle have an open recall? Only a VIN check can tell you. Enter the VIN at NHTSA's recall lookup (opens in a new tab) or on the manufacturer's website. Our VIN recall check guide explains what each option covers.

Nissan Maxima questions

5 questions

How many recalls does the Nissan Maxima have?

NHTSA lists 23 vehicle recall campaigns for the Nissan Maxima, covering model years 1995 to 2023. The most recent, 20V570000, was reported on September 22, 2020 and is filed under “Visibility”. The 2016 model year is covered by the most campaigns (8).

Which Nissan Maxima model year has the most complaints?

The 2004 model year, with 1,425 of the 6,044 complaints in NHTSA’s file (23.6%). The next are 2005 (948) and 2006 (576). Complaint counts also reflect how many vehicles of each year were sold and how long they have been on the road, so they are not a reliability ranking.

What is the most common Nissan Maxima complaint?

Power Train is the component named most often: 2,384 complaints, or 39.4% of all 6,044. Electrical System (794) and Steering (502) follow. Complaints are unverified reports from owners, not confirmed defects, and one complaint can name several components.

Does every recall on this page apply to my Nissan Maxima?

Not necessarily. Each campaign lists specific model years, and many cover only vehicles built in a certain period or fitted with a certain part; repairs already carried out aren’t shown. To see whether a recall is open on your vehicle, enter its VIN at NHTSA’s recall lookup (opens in a new tab) or ask a Nissan dealer.

How many Nissan Maxima complaints report a crash, fire, injury or death?

Of the 6,044 complaints, 272 report a crash, 101 a fire, 189 at least one injury and 6 at least one death. These figures count complaints, not people, and each complaint is the submitter’s own unverified account.

Other Nissan models

8 models · most complaints first

The Nissan models with the most NHTSA complaints, and the Nissan VIN decoder with every Nissan model page, WMI code and VIN note.

All Nissan models and WMI codesLook up recalls by year

Data: NHTSA recalls and complaints flat files, updated September 25, 2026. Recall campaigns are vehicle (V) campaigns listed for this model name; complaints are counted once per NHTSA ODI number and model year.