NHTSA files every complaint against a named sub-assembly, not just a
system. This is the difference between knowing it was "the engine" and
knowing which part of it — the list to hand a mechanic.
Injectors
1226.7%
Fuel Injection System
1124.4%
Front Underhood
613.3%
Gasoline
511.1%
Buckle Assembly
48.9%
Ignition
36.7%
Fuel Rail
24.4%
Hoses, Lines/Piping, AND Fittings
24.4%
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Jan 1995peak 13Oct 2002
NHTSA investigations into the 1986 Nissan Maxima
An investigation is the step before a recall: the agency has seen enough
complaints to look into a pattern itself. An open one means it thinks
something may be wrong and nothing has been fixed yet.
EA94018Opened 23 Jun 1994Closed 8 Nov 1995FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM
FUEL INJECTOR ASSEMBLY LEAKAGE
AN ENGINEERING ANALYSIS CLOSING REPORT IS INCLUDED IN THE PUBLIC FILE.SERVICE CAMPAIGN 95I-006.
PE94018Opened 22 Feb 1994Closed 23 Jun 1994ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRES
Recalls on the 1986 Nissan Maxima
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
United States — NHTSA
95I006000
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM
THIS IS NOT A SAFETY RECALL CAMPAIGN IN ACCORDANCE WITH FEDERAL REGULATION 573. HOWEVER, IT IS DEEMED A SAFETY IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN BY THE AGENCY. THE CAMPAIGN WILL REPLACE THE FUEL INJECTORS AND RELATED HOSES OF AFFECTED VEHICLES WHICH COULD LEAK.
Risk: FUEL LEAKS IN THE ENGINE COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.
86V096000
VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD
THERE MAY BE INSUFFICIENT THICKNESS OF ADHESIVE IN THE CONTACT AREA BETWEEN THE BOTTOM OF THE FRONT WINDSHIELD GLASS AND THE BODY. CONSEQUENCE OF DEFECT: THIS LACK OF ADHESIVE MAY CAUSE THE WINDSHIELD TO DISMOUNT IN AN ACCIDENT, THUS FAILING TO COMPLY WITH FMVSS 212, WINDSHIELD MOUNTING AND WHICH MAY ALLOW THE OCCUPANTS TO BE EJECTED OUT OF THE CAR, CAUSING MORE SERIOUS INJURIES OR DEATH.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
Bristol, TNFire
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM
SUSPECT FUEL INJECTION CAUSED FIRE. DEALER WORKED ON PROBLEM WITH GAS FUMES APX 6 WEEKS PRIOR AND DID NOT CHECK FOR RECALL ON INJECTION SYSTEM. NISSSAN CONTACTED AND DENIES INVESTIGATION.
NHTSA complaint #765992 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
NHTSA complaint #513865 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lacey, WAFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:FRONT UNDERHOOD
AFTER VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN AND PARKED FOR ABOUT 5-7 MINUTES, IT BURSTED INTO FLAMES. FIRE DEPARTMENT SAID FLAMES CAME FROM UNDER THE HOOD. ENTIRE HOOD WAS DAMAGED BY FIRE.
NHTSA complaint #825179 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Modesto, CAFire
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE
WHILE DRIVING THROUGH A DRIVE-THROUG THE CONSUMER'S VEHICLE HOOD STARTED SMOKING. THE CONSUMER AS SOON AS SHE SAW THE SMOKE SHE PULLED TO THE SIDE OF PARKING LOT WHERE SHE HAS SEEN THE VEHICLE ON FIRE; THE FIRE DEPARTMENT CAME AND THEY SAID THE FIRE HAD STARTED ON THE ENGINE. A MECHANIC SAID EVERYTHING UNDER THE HOOD WAS BURNED, THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED.
NHTSA complaint #820122 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Fort Worth, TX
EQUIPMENT:APPLIANCE:AIR CONDITIONER
THE OZONE PRODUCED BY THE FAN BRUSHES OF THE INTERNAL FAN BLOWER IS NOT VENTED TO THE OUTSIDE OF THE CAR BUT TO THE INTERNAL PASSENGER COMPARTMENT. LONG EXPOSURE TO OZONE WILL SHOW UP IN CHEST X-RAY AS CLOUDING OF THE LUNGS. I DO NOT HAVE THE EQUIPMENT TO MEASURE THE LEVELS OF OZONE CONCENTRATION AND WAS HOPING THAT NHTSA HAS THAT CAPABILITY. MR
NHTSA complaint #767760 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Bristol, TNFire
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM
SUSPECT FUEL INJECTION CAUSED FIRE. DEALER WORKED ON PROBLEM WITH GAS FUMES APX 6 WEEKS PRIOR AND DID NOT CHECK FOR RECALL ON INJECTION SYSTEM. NISSSAN CONTACTED AND DENIES INVESTIGATION.
NHTSA complaint #765992 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Philadelphia, PA
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM
THE FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM ON MY VEHICLE WAS RECALLED AND REPLACED SOMETIMES IN 1997. NOW, I EXPERIENCE THE SAME PROBLEM AS BEFORE: SMELL OF BURNING RUBBER, AND SMELL OF FUEL. I CONTACTED NISSAN. THE COMPANY REFUSED TO REPLACE THE DEFECTIVE PARTS THAT THE DEALER PUT IN MY CAR. THEY TOLD ME THAT IF THE FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM FAILED AGAIN, I WOULD HAVE TO PAY TO HAVE IT REPLACED.
NHTSA complaint #756572 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
South Holland, IL
STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS
CAR GARAGE KEPT FROM NEW/FRAME HAS RUSTED OUT ONLY IN THE AREA WHERE THE REAR ANTI SWAY BAR ATTACHES/RIGHT SIDE HAS DETACHED/LEFT SIDE ABOUT TO LET GO/IS CAR SAFE/ 85,86, AND 87 SAME PLATFORM?
NHTSA complaint #744119 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
South Holland, IL
SUSPENSION:REAR
CAR GARAGE KEPT FROM NEW/FRAME HAS RUSTED OUT ONLY IN THE AREA WHERE THE REAR ANTI SWAY BAR ATTACHES/RIGHT SIDE HAS DETACHED/LEFT SIDE ABOUT TO LET GO/IS CAR SAFE/ 85,86, AND 87 SAME PLATFORM?
NHTSA complaint #744119 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
UNK, UN
POWER TRAIN:MANUAL TRANSMISSION
MANUAL TRANSMISSION THROW OUT BEARING FAILED. NLM
NHTSA complaint #554027 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
NHTSA complaint #513865 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lacey, WAFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:FRONT UNDERHOOD
AFTER VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN AND PARKED FOR ABOUT 5-7 MINUTES, IT BURSTED INTO FLAMES. FIRE DEPARTMENT SAID FLAMES CAME FROM UNDER THE HOOD. ENTIRE HOOD WAS DAMAGED BY FIRE.
NHTSA complaint #825179 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Modesto, CAFire
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE
WHILE DRIVING THROUGH A DRIVE-THROUG THE CONSUMER'S VEHICLE HOOD STARTED SMOKING. THE CONSUMER AS SOON AS SHE SAW THE SMOKE SHE PULLED TO THE SIDE OF PARKING LOT WHERE SHE HAS SEEN THE VEHICLE ON FIRE; THE FIRE DEPARTMENT CAME AND THEY SAID THE FIRE HAD STARTED ON THE ENGINE. A MECHANIC SAID EVERYTHING UNDER THE HOOD WAS BURNED, THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED.
NHTSA complaint #820122 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Rice Lake, WIFire
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM
GAS WAS LEAKING OFF THE BACK OF THE FUEL INJECTOR, CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO CATCH FIRE. THERE IS A SAFETY CAMPAIGN OUT ON THESE VEHICLES. OWNER STATES THAT SHE HAS NOT RECEIVED THE NOTIFICATION. SHE HAS BEEN IN CONTACT WITH THE MANUFACTURER.
NHTSA complaint #817594 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Dover, DEFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING
WHILE DRIVING ALONG SMELLED GAS, AND KIND OF IGNORED IT BECAUSE WAS TOLD BY A MECHANIC THAT NOTHING WAS WRONG WITH AUTOMOBILE. KEPT GOING AND WAS TOLD THAT HIS AUTOMOBILE WAS ON FIRE- HE RECEIVED HELP TO PUT OUT THE FIRE.
NHTSA complaint #817353 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Golgsneck, NJ
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM
RECEIVED RECALL NOTICE (95I006000) & MADE APPT. TOOK VEHICLE IN. WORK WAS DONE. VEHILCE FAILED TO WORK PROPERLY. TOOK IT BACK. INFORMED ANOTHER PART IS NEEDED THAT'S NOT ON RECALL & OWNER WOULD HAVE TO PAY.
NHTSA complaint #815525 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Austin, TXFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:FRONT UNDERHOOD
TURNED ON THE IGNITION AND FLAMES SHOT OUT FROM UNDER THE HOOD. VEHICLE WAS TOTALLY ENGULFED IN FLAMES.
NHTSA complaint #800034 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Stanton Island, NY
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM
OWNER RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE FOR HIS FUEL INJECTORS AND WAS TOLD THAT PARTS WERE NOT GOING TO BE AVAILABE FOR 6 MONTHS. RECALL NO.951006000.
NHTSA complaint #809474 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Staten Island, NY
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM
DEALER SAYS NO PARTS AVAILABLE, IT WOULD BE A FEW MONTHS BEFORE PARTS ARE AVAILABLE.
NHTSA complaint #808452 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
NHTSA complaint #505324 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Corona, CAFire
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS
PARKED ALL DAY; DROVE LESS THAN TWO MILES, WHILE PARKING THE VEHICLE STARTED TO SMOKE UNDER THE HOOD, RESULTING IN A FIRE. *AK FIRE WAS CAUSED DUE TO A FUEL LEAK, RECALL 95I006 DESCRIBES PROBLEMS CONSUMER EXPERIENCED. ENGINE BELTS REPLACED. STRUT FAILURE CAUSED NOISE WHILE DRIVING OVER BUMPS. SPARK PLUGS REPLACED. FRONT AND REAR BRAKE PADS REPLACED, ROTORS TURNED. POWER STEERING HOSE LEAK. *SLC
NHTSA complaint #804868 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Corona, CAFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:FRONT UNDERHOOD
PARKED ALL DAY; DROVE LESS THAN TWO MILES, WHILE PARKING THE VEHICLE STARTED TO SMOKE UNDER THE HOOD, RESULTING IN A FIRE. *AK FIRE WAS CAUSED DUE TO A FUEL LEAK, RECALL 95I006 DESCRIBES PROBLEMS CONSUMER EXPERIENCED. ENGINE BELTS REPLACED. STRUT FAILURE CAUSED NOISE WHILE DRIVING OVER BUMPS. SPARK PLUGS REPLACED. FRONT AND REAR BRAKE PADS REPLACED, ROTORS TURNED. POWER STEERING HOSE LEAK. *SLC
NHTSA complaint #804868 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Corona, CAFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION
PARKED ALL DAY; DROVE LESS THAN TWO MILES, WHILE PARKING THE VEHICLE STARTED TO SMOKE UNDER THE HOOD, RESULTING IN A FIRE. *AK FIRE WAS CAUSED DUE TO A FUEL LEAK, RECALL 95I006 DESCRIBES PROBLEMS CONSUMER EXPERIENCED. ENGINE BELTS REPLACED. STRUT FAILURE CAUSED NOISE WHILE DRIVING OVER BUMPS. SPARK PLUGS REPLACED. FRONT AND REAR BRAKE PADS REPLACED, ROTORS TURNED. POWER STEERING HOSE LEAK. *SLC
NHTSA complaint #804868 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.