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.
Fuel Injection System
4134.5%
Injectors
3630.3%
Front Underhood
1310.9%
Gasoline
1210.1%
Delivery
54.2%
Hoses, Lines/Piping, AND Fittings
43.4%
Exhaust System
43.4%
Engine
43.4%
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 11Nov 2012
NHTSA investigations into the 1987 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.
DP92009Opened 20 Apr 1992Closed 20 Aug 1992VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:LINKAGES
SUDDEN ACCELERATION
Complaints that involved harm
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
Coronado, CAFire
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM
1987 NISSAN MAXIMA. THE CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARD TO VEHICLE FIRE UNDER THE HOOD. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED WHILE DRIVING, ONE OF THE PASSENGERS STARTED TO SMELL BURNING WIRE. SOON AFTER HIS WIFE NOTICED SMOKE COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD. THE CONSUMER MANAGED TO GET TO A SAFE SPOT AND WAS ABLE TO PUT THE FIRE OUT. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A REPAIR SHOP WHERE THE HE WAS INFORMED THE INJECTORS DID NOT WANT TO SHUT DOWN. THE CONSUMER WAS ALSO INFORMED A RECALL HAD BEEN ISSUED FOR AN INJECTOR PROBLEM AND THE RECALL HAD NEVER BEEN PERFORMED.
NHTSA complaint #10486801 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Coronado, CAFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
1987 NISSAN MAXIMA. THE CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARD TO VEHICLE FIRE UNDER THE HOOD. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED WHILE DRIVING, ONE OF THE PASSENGERS STARTED TO SMELL BURNING WIRE. SOON AFTER HIS WIFE NOTICED SMOKE COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD. THE CONSUMER MANAGED TO GET TO A SAFE SPOT AND WAS ABLE TO PUT THE FIRE OUT. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A REPAIR SHOP WHERE THE HE WAS INFORMED THE INJECTORS DID NOT WANT TO SHUT DOWN. THE CONSUMER WAS ALSO INFORMED A RECALL HAD BEEN ISSUED FOR AN INJECTOR PROBLEM AND THE RECALL HAD NEVER BEEN PERFORMED.
NHTSA complaint #10486801 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 178,276 milesConcord, CAFire
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM
VEHICLE WAS BEING OPERATED AND THEN WAS PARKED DUE TO FUEL LEAKING. ENGINE CAUGHT ON FIRE, AND VEHICLE WAS COMPLETELY DESTROYED. FIRE DEPARTMENT DETERMINED FUEL LEAK DUE TO FAULTY FUEL LINE AND FUEL INJECTION.
NHTSA complaint #10079091 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Riverside, CAFire
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM
RECALL 95I00600, 15 MINUTES AFTER STARTING VEHICLE CONSUMER COULD SEE FLAMES COMING FROM ENGINE NEAR FUEL INJECTORS. CONSUMER WAS 2ND OWNER OF VEHICLE, AND MANUFACTURER SENT A LETTER SHOWING THAT IT WAS DONE. PROBLEM HAS REOCCURRED, AND CONSUMER WAS LOOKING FORWARD TO MANUFACTURER TO AT LEAST SENT SOMEONE OR GIVE DEALER AUTHORIZATION TO INSPECT VEHICLE.
NHTSA complaint #882097 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Evansville, INFire
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM
WE HAD LIABILITY COVERAGE ONLY. NISSAN UNWILLING TO SETTLE FOR VALUE OF CAR.
NHTSA complaint #733793 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Cottage Grove, WIFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:FRONT UNDERHOOD
HAD COME UPON A STOP LIGHT, STARTED TO TAKE OFF & SMELLED FUEL. NOTICED SMOKE COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD. PULLED OVER & LIFTED HOOD. NOTICED FLAMES & PUT OUT FIRE. VEHICLE TOWED TO DEALERSHIP. MECHANIC CHECKED VIN & NOTICED A RECALL AFFECTING THIS VEHICLE. HOWEVER, MANUFACTURER REFUSED RECALL REPAIRS DUE TO LACK OF MAINTENANCE RECORDS. *AK
NHTSA complaint #863632 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Coronado, CAFire
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM
1987 NISSAN MAXIMA. THE CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARD TO VEHICLE FIRE UNDER THE HOOD. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED WHILE DRIVING, ONE OF THE PASSENGERS STARTED TO SMELL BURNING WIRE. SOON AFTER HIS WIFE NOTICED SMOKE COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD. THE CONSUMER MANAGED TO GET TO A SAFE SPOT AND WAS ABLE TO PUT THE FIRE OUT. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A REPAIR SHOP WHERE THE HE WAS INFORMED THE INJECTORS DID NOT WANT TO SHUT DOWN. THE CONSUMER WAS ALSO INFORMED A RECALL HAD BEEN ISSUED FOR AN INJECTOR PROBLEM AND THE RECALL HAD NEVER BEEN PERFORMED.
NHTSA complaint #10486801 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Coronado, CAFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
1987 NISSAN MAXIMA. THE CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARD TO VEHICLE FIRE UNDER THE HOOD. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED WHILE DRIVING, ONE OF THE PASSENGERS STARTED TO SMELL BURNING WIRE. SOON AFTER HIS WIFE NOTICED SMOKE COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD. THE CONSUMER MANAGED TO GET TO A SAFE SPOT AND WAS ABLE TO PUT THE FIRE OUT. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A REPAIR SHOP WHERE THE HE WAS INFORMED THE INJECTORS DID NOT WANT TO SHUT DOWN. THE CONSUMER WAS ALSO INFORMED A RECALL HAD BEEN ISSUED FOR AN INJECTOR PROBLEM AND THE RECALL HAD NEVER BEEN PERFORMED.
NHTSA complaint #10486801 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 13,000 milesOxon Hill, MD
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM
FUEL INJECTOR FAILURE.
NHTSA complaint #10208189 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 178,276 milesConcord, CAFire
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM
VEHICLE WAS BEING OPERATED AND THEN WAS PARKED DUE TO FUEL LEAKING. ENGINE CAUGHT ON FIRE, AND VEHICLE WAS COMPLETELY DESTROYED. FIRE DEPARTMENT DETERMINED FUEL LEAK DUE TO FAULTY FUEL LINE AND FUEL INJECTION.
NHTSA complaint #10079091 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 150,000 milesAnchorage, AK
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:RETRACTOR
DRIVER;S SIDE AUTOMATIC SEAT BELT MALFUNCTION; STOPPED HALF WAY. NOW IT DOES NOT WORK AT ALL. *NLM
NHTSA complaint #10049229 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 155,000 milesCanfield, OH
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY
RE: 1987 NISSAN MAXIM I OWN 3 OF THESE VEHICLES. IN 2 OF THEM, THE PRESSURIZED FUEL LINE COMING OUT OF THE GAS TANK HAS FAILED, ALLOWING STRONG FUEL VAPORS TO ENTER THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT. THIS LINE IS DIRECTLY UNDER THE REAR PASSENGER SEAT AND RAW FUEL ALSO IS ABLE TO FLOW UNDER THE SEAT.
NHTSA complaint #10045344 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
FUEL INLECTORS LEAKING, THE CONSUMER STATES THAT THERE IS AN INJECTOR RECALL. (RECALL NOT LIFETIME WARRANTY)-DEALER MADE THE REPAIRS *SCC
NHTSA complaint #567954 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Buena Park, CA
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:ANCHORAGE
SEAT BELT ON DRIVER'S SIDE IS INOPERABLE. DOESNOT MOVE WHEN OPENING DOOR. PLEASE ADD VIN.
NHTSA complaint #8009152 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Oklahoma City, OK
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:ACCELERATOR PEDAL
CONSUMER IS CALLING TO REPORT THAT ACCELERATOR PEDAL STICKS. DEALER HAS YET TO BE CONTACTED. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER DETAILS.
NHTSA complaint #896064 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Riverside, CAFire
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM
RECALL 95I00600, 15 MINUTES AFTER STARTING VEHICLE CONSUMER COULD SEE FLAMES COMING FROM ENGINE NEAR FUEL INJECTORS. CONSUMER WAS 2ND OWNER OF VEHICLE, AND MANUFACTURER SENT A LETTER SHOWING THAT IT WAS DONE. PROBLEM HAS REOCCURRED, AND CONSUMER WAS LOOKING FORWARD TO MANUFACTURER TO AT LEAST SENT SOMEONE OR GIVE DEALER AUTHORIZATION TO INSPECT VEHICLE.
NHTSA complaint #882097 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Evansville, INFire
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM
WE HAD LIABILITY COVERAGE ONLY. NISSAN UNWILLING TO SETTLE FOR VALUE OF CAR.
NHTSA complaint #733793 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Colts Neck, NJ
TIRES
DUNLOP QUALIFIER, ALL SEASON, STEEL RADIAL TIRES, P195/60R15, FAILED EARLY DUE TO BUBBLES FORMING IN THE TIRE WALLS. *SLC
NHTSA complaint #870936 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Pacifica, CA
SEAT BELTS
SEAT BELT ON THE DRIVER SIDE HAS OIL ON IT. CONSUMER SAID THAT OIL WAS COMING FROM THE SEAT BELTS AND ARE RUINING HER CLOTHES. CONSUMER TOOK VEHICLE TO THE DEALERSHIP, AND THE MECHANIC HAS NO IDEA FROM WERE THE OIL WAS LEAKING.
NHTSA complaint #865681 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Cottage Grove, WIFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:FRONT UNDERHOOD
HAD COME UPON A STOP LIGHT, STARTED TO TAKE OFF & SMELLED FUEL. NOTICED SMOKE COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD. PULLED OVER & LIFTED HOOD. NOTICED FLAMES & PUT OUT FIRE. VEHICLE TOWED TO DEALERSHIP. MECHANIC CHECKED VIN & NOTICED A RECALL AFFECTING THIS VEHICLE. HOWEVER, MANUFACTURER REFUSED RECALL REPAIRS DUE TO LACK OF MAINTENANCE RECORDS. *AK
NHTSA complaint #863632 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Houston, TX
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM
I KEPT SMELLING GAS THEN I KNEW THE INJECTORS HAD BEEN REPLACED BECAUSE I HAD A STARTER REPLACED AND TOM PEACOCK NISSAN RAN A CHECK TO INSURE THE RECALL HAD BEEN PERFORMED IT WAS ALREADY DONE SO I WAS CONVINCED THE PROBLEM WAS RESOLVED, SO ABOUT A YEAR LATER I'M SMELLING GAS ME AND MY FATHER LOOKED UNDER THE HOOD AND SAW THAT FUEL WAS LEAKING FROM AN INJECTOR SO I CALLED TOM PEACOCK NISSAN.CONSIDERING THEY SUPPOSEDLY FIXED THE PROBLEM CONCERNING INJECTORS FAILING RESULTING IN FIRES THEY SAID IT HAD ALREADY BEEN REPLACED AND THEIR BEST ADVICE WAS TO PAY $915 FOR ALL NEW REPLACEMENT INJECTORS,SO MY REACTION WAS WHY WOULD I REPLACE ALL OF THEM IF ONLY ONE OF THEM IS LEAKING,SO I THOUGHT ABOUT IT AND SAID I WILL JUST BUY ONE CONSIDERING THE OTHERS ARE STILL FUNCTIONING SO I CALLED TOM PEACOCK NISSAN AND ORDERED ONE INJECTOR IT COST ME $115.00 SO I THAT'S FINE I'LL ORDER IT AND LET THEM PUT THE INJECTOR IN WHEN THE INJECTOR CAME IN I WAITED A WEEK FOR MY NEXT PAY CHECK TO PAY FOR THE REPAIRS,THAT TIME CAME AND I CALLED TOM PEACOCK TO SET UP A TIME TO BRING IN THE CAR, I NOTIFIED THEM THAT I HAD ALREADY BOUGHT THE INJECTOR I JUST NEEDED IT INSTALLED THEY SAID THEY DON'T WORK ON CARS 10 YEARS OR OLDER AND REFERRED ME TO A GORDON AUTOMOTIVE, WHICH SURPRISED ME CONSIDERING THEY MADE THE CAR AND GUY I SPOKE WITH PREVIOUSLY SAID JUST BRING THE CAR BUY WE WILL REPLACE THE INJECTORS ALL OF THEM FOR $915 I AM JUST VERY UPSET WITH NISSAN WHY MAKE CAR THAT CAN YOU CAN'T REPAIR,IF THEY HAD A RECALL ON THE SAME PROBLEM,WHY SHOULD I HAVE TO PAY ANYTHING REGARDING SOMETHING THEY WERE FORCED INTO A RECALL IN 1996,ALL I SEE IS THE SAME PROBLEM OCCURING AGAIN AND AGAIN I'M SURE I'M NOT THE ONLY ONE WITH THIS PROBLEM.I HOPE YOU CAN HELP ME WITH THIS PROBLEM BECAUSE IT IS NOT BEING RESOLVED IT'S BEING AVOIDED.
NHTSA complaint #721872 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Colorado Springs, CO
SEAT BELTS
AUTOMATIC SEAT BELT RETRACTOR CABLE POPPED OUT AND IT WOULD'NT MOVE. NOW IT ONLY WORKS MANUALLY.
NHTSA complaint #859548 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Collins, MS
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOVE VEHICLE.
NHTSA complaint #719613 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Eagle Point, OR
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC
CONTINUALLY SQUEAKS AT ANY SPEED, EVEN WITH NEW BRAKES.
NHTSA complaint #717258 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Suffolk, VAFire
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM
RECEIVED NOTICE 95I006000. CONTACTED DEALERSHIP. TOOK VEHICLE FOR FUEL INJECTION SYSTEMS RECALL REPAIRS. MECHANIC REPLACED OLD CLIPS WITH SAME TYPE OF FUEL INJECTOR CLIPS. VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE DUE TO CLAMPS PIECED TOGETHER WRONGLY. RETURNED HOSE PIECED TOGETHER WITH METAL TUBE.
NHTSA complaint #854518 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Hamilton, TXFire
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM
I WAS GIVEN A RECALL NOTICE AT THE TIME OF PURCHASE 6-10-99. I TOOK THE CAR TO DON DAVIS NISSAN TWO TIMES. BOTH TIMES THEY TOLD ME THEY DIDN'T HAVE THE PARTS IN STOCK TO REPAIR THE DEFECT. THEY TOLD ME TO RETURN LATER. I CALLED THEM TWO MORE TIMES AND BOTH TIMES THEY TOLD ME THEY WERE " TOO BUSY " AND THE SHOP WAS "TOO FULL" AT THE TIME I CALLED. ABOUT SIX MONTHS FROM THE TIME OF PURCHASE THE RUBBER FUEL LINES ON THE FUEL INJECTOR HOSES CAUGHT FIRE AND BURNED THE INJECTORS, INJECTOR WIRES, AND OTHER WIRES ON TOP OF THE ENGINE. I HAD THE CAR TOWED TO DON DAVIS NISSAN. THEY CHARGED ME $60 FOR A DAMMAGE ESTIMATE WHICH THEY SENT TO NISSAN CORP. , ALONG WITH PHOTOS OF THE DAMAGE. THREE MONTHS LATER, 3-24-99 NISSAN CORP. NOTIFIED DON DAVIS NISSAN THAT THEY WOULD NOT PAY FOR THE DAMAGE, BECAUSE I DIDN'T HAVE ENOUGH MAINTAINANCE RECORDS OF OIL CHANGES AND TUNE-UPS. I HAD THE CAR TOWED TO MY FATHER'S HOUSE WHERE IT REMAINS. I HAVE CALLED NISSAN AND ARGUED WITH THEM. THE MOST RECENT TIME 7-23-99 CASE OR CALL # 2865398. I TOLD THEM DURING THIS LAST CALL I WAS GOING TO FILE THIS COMPLAINT WITH THE NHTSA. THEY TOLD ME TO GO AHEAD AND FILE THAT YOU COULDN'T DO ANYTHING ABOUT MY PROBLEM ANYWAY BECAUSE THE RECALL WAS VOLUNTARY ON NISSAN'S PART. CAN YOU PLEASE HELP ME? MY CAR BURNED AND HASN'T RUN FOR MONTHS BECAUSE OF THIS MANUFACTURER'S DEFECT. SARAH ASH
NHTSA complaint #709070 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Masury, OH
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
WHILE DRIVING AT 40 MPH TIMING BELT BLEW OUT FOR THE FOURTH TIME, AND DEALER CAN'T DETERMINE THE CAUSE.
NHTSA complaint #842450 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Sacramento, CA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:INTERIOR/UNDER DASH
HAVE OCAISIONALLY FOUND PARKING LIGHTS ON FIRST THING IN THE MORNING. SOMETIMES BATTERY IS DEAD. CAN TURN OFF BY ROTATING SW HARD TO "OFF". ONLY HAPPENS IN SPRING (?) 2 YRS. RUNNING NOW. RUBBER BAND HOLDING SW IN "OFF" WORKS MOST DAYS.
NHTSA complaint #707726 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Anaheim, CA
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE
VEHICLE EXPERIENCED ROUGH IDLE, DUE TO ENGINE FAILURE.
NHTSA complaint #545605 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Anaheim, CAFire
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM
FUEL INJECTOR FAILED PRIOR TO RECALL NOTICE 12-95, RECALL WORK PREFORMED ON 7-31-97, HOWEVER FAILED RESULTING IN VEHICLE FIRE DUE TO LEAKAGE ONTO EXHAUST PIPE.
NHTSA complaint #545605 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Arlington, TXFire
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM
FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM RECALLED, WAS NOT REPAIRED DUE TOO LACK OF PARTS, VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE DUE TO POSSIBLE FUEL INJECTION FAILURE AND LACK OF RECALL REPAIR.
NHTSA complaint #513853 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.