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.
Power Window Devices AND Controls
1425.0%
Injectors
1323.2%
Filler Pipe AND CAP
916.1%
Fuel Injection System
58.9%
Tank Assembly
58.9%
Brake Lights
47.1%
Switch
35.4%
Gasoline
35.4%
When it fails
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
50,000 – 74,999 miles
323.1%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
215.4%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
538.5%
150,000+ miles
323.1%
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.
Feb 1995peak 9Feb 2013
Recalls on the 1990 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.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 199523328,450 units in Canada
Fuel System
TRAPPED MUD AND SALT CAN RESULT IN CORROSION OF THE FUEL FILLER TUBE AND THE WHEEL HOUSING. SIGNIFICANT CORROSION OF THE FUEL FILLER TUBE MAY RESULT IN FUEL LEAKS WHICH, IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, COULD RESULT IN A FIRE. IN ADDITION, THE LEFT REAR SEAT BELT RETRACTOR IS MOUNTED TO THE WHEEL HOUSING, AND IN THE EVENT OF SIGNIFICANT CORROSION, OPERATION OF THE SEAT BELT COULD BE AFFECTED. CORRECTION: VEHICLES WILL BE INSPECTED AND REPAIRED AS NECESSARY.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
Lauderdale Lakes, FLFire
INTERIOR LIGHTING
LAMP BULBS IN HIGH CENTER AUXILLARY STOP MELT SOCKETS, THEN CASING, CAUSING FIRE HAZARD ON REAR PACKAGE SHELF.
NHTSA complaint #761708 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Beltsville, MDCrashFire
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY:FILLER PIPE AND CAP
DUE TO SIGNIFICANT CORROSION OF THE FUEL FILLER TUBE RESULTED IN FUEL LEAKS, WHICH IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE COULD RESULT IN A FIRE. IN ADDITION, THE LEFT REAR SEAT BELT RETRACTOR IS MOUNTED TO THE WHEEL HOUSING AND IN THE EVENT OF SIGNIFICANT CORROSION, AND THE MOUNTING COULD FAIL IN A VEHICLE CRASH. I HAVE ALREADY CONTACTED NISSAN AND DEALER IN THIS REGARD; THE NISSAN IS NOT GIVING RESPONSE FROM LAST ONE MONTH TO THE DEALER. I HAVE A NEWBORN BABY, I AM WORRIED OF CRASH OR FIRE, PLEASE HELP ME TO SOLVE THIS ASAP. THERE IS RECALL AVAILABLE ON THESE ITEMS ALREADY BUT NISAAN IS BOT RELACING THEM. I HAVE GOT A CASE OPENED WITH NISSAN I.E 3517845. PLEASE HELP ME TO TAKE SOME STEP. I HAVE BEEN CALING NISSAN ALMOST EVERYDAY. PLEASE HELP..HELP.
NHTSA complaint #752288 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Matawan, NJ1 injured
VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD
LEFT REAR SEAT WINDOW EXPLODED, SHATTERED.
NHTSA complaint #538620 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Bradenton, FLFire
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
DRIVING VEHICLE STARTED SHAKING; HAD REPLACED MOTOR OIL; VEHICLE STILL SHAKES; DRIVING & NOTICED SMOKE FROM A/C & UNDERHOOD; VEHICLE LOST BRAKES; PULLED OVER & CALLED FIRE DEPARTMENT. UNDERHOOD NOTICED ENGINE HAD MELTED (ALUMINUM BLOCK). FIRE DEPT. SAID FUEL RELATED.
NHTSA complaint #814552 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Petaluma, CA2 injured
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:RETRACTOR
DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT BELT LOOSE, FAILING TO RESTRAIN DRIVER, CAUSING INJURY.
NHTSA complaint #519007 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Broken Arrow, OKCrash1 injured
SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:RECLINER
WHILE AT AN INTERSECTION GETTING READY TO MAKE A LEFT TURN ANOTHER VEHICLE, GOING ABOUT 30 MPH, REARENDED NISSAN, DRIVER'S SEAT COLLAPSED BACKWARDS AND TWISTED, UPON IMPACT VEHICLE WAS TOTALED.
NHTSA complaint #803188 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
at 70,000 milesOklahoma City, OK
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1990 NISSAN MAXIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE PARKED, HE NOTICED A STRONG GASOLINE FUEL SMELL BEING EMITTED FROM THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE TECHNICIAN ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THE FUEL FILLER ASSEMBLY WOULD HAVE TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT REFERENCED NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 95V244000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE) BUT WAS ADVISED BY THE MANUFACTURER THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 70,000.
NHTSA complaint #10499653 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 70,000 milesOklahoma City, OK
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1990 NISSAN MAXIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE PARKED, HE NOTICED A STRONG GASOLINE FUEL SMELL BEING EMITTED FROM THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE TECHNICIAN ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THE FUEL FILLER ASSEMBLY WOULD HAVE TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT REFERENCED NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 95V244000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE) BUT WAS ADVISED BY THE MANUFACTURER THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 70,000.
NHTSA complaint #10499653 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 135,000 milesDetroit, MI
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1990 NISSAN MAXIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS CORROSION WITHIN THE FUEL FILLER NECK, WHICH CAUSED A FUEL LEAK AND COULD POSSIBLY CAUSE A FIRE. THE MANUFACTURER INFORMED THE CONTACT OF THE RECALL ASSOCIATED WITH NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 95V244000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY:FILLER PIPE AND CAP), BUT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED. THE DEALER WAS NOT NOTIFIED AND THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 135,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 147,000.
NHTSA complaint #10436618 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 185,149 milesReading, PA
STRUCTURE:BODY
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1990 NISSAN MAXIMA. THE CONTACT EXAMINED HIS VEHICLE AND NOTICED THAT THE REAR DRIVER'S SIDE WHEEL WELL WAS EXTREMELY RUSTED. ALSO, THE REAR DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT BELT HAD SEPARATED FROM THE RUSTED WHEEL WELL. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN DIAGNOSED BY THE DEALER. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 185,149.
NHTSA complaint #10239081 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 128,000 milesWesterville, OH
SEAT BELTS
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1990 NISSAN MAXIMA. WHILE CLEANING THE TRUNK, THE CONTACT REMOVED THE CARPET IN ORDER TO VACUUM. HE DISCOVERED THAT THE DRIVER SIDE SEAT BELT RETRACTOR WAS RUSTED. HIS VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 52V244000. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 132,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 128,000.
NHTSA complaint #10229766 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 54,000 milesCastle Shannon, PA
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY:FILLER PIPE AND CAP
I HAVE A GAS LEAK AS DESCRIBED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN # 95V244000. RECALL DATE WAS 12/15/95. I TOOK MY 1990 NISSAN MAXIMA TO THE DEALER REPAIR AND WAS TOLD THAT THERE WAS NO OPEN RECALL ON MY VIN EVEN THOUGH I HAD A PRINT OUT OF THE RECALL FROM YOUR WEB SITE. THIS COULD PRESENT A FIRE HAZARD.
NHTSA complaint #10127530 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
MY FUEL INJECTORS ARE TERRIBLE. CAR HAS NO ACCELERATION AND SMELLS OF GASOLINE. MY MECHANIC SAID THAT ONE INJECTOR WAS DEAD AT IDOL.
NHTSA complaint #10116714 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Kansas City, MO
SEATS:MID/REAR ASSEMBLY
DRIVER NOTICED THAT WHILE DRIVING IN INCLEMENT WEATHER WATER CAME IN FROM THE WHEEL WELDS AND STARTED LEAKING ONTO THE REAR SEAT. DRIVER TOOK VEHICLE TO THE DEALER, AND MECHANIC DETERMINED THAT BOTH REAR SEATS AND BOLTS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED DUE TO CORROSION.
NHTSA complaint #10117068 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Buffalo, NY
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:ANCHORAGE
THE DRIVER NOTICED THAT THE LEFT DRIVER 'S SIDE SEAT BELT ANCHORAGE RUSTED. THIS CAUSE NO SUPPORT FOR THE SEAT BELTS. THE DRIVER WAS ABLE TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION. THE MECHANIC INFORMED THE DRIVER THAT THE SEAT BELT NEEDED REPLACING ON THE OWNER EXPENSE. NO RECALL FOR THIS VEHICLE THE MECHANIC INFORMED THE DRIVER. PLEASE FILL IN ADDITIONAL INFORMATION.
NHTSA complaint #10082118 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lake Forest, CA
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY:FILLER PIPE AND CAP
WHILE FUELING GASOLINE IT SPLASHED BACK FROM THE FILLER NECK ONTO THE GROUND. CONSUMER WAS ABLE TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION, AND MECHANIC DETERMINED THAT THE FILLER NECK HOSE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED.
NHTSA complaint #10081984 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 180,000 milesLake Forest, CA
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY:FILLER PIPE AND CAP
NISSAN MAXIMA 1990: RECALL INSPECTION WAS DONE ~1999 REGARDING POSSIBLE DEFECTIVE GASOLIE FILLER PIPE (CAMPAIGN#95V244000). SINCE THEN, SMALL LEAKS AFTER TOP OFF, AND NOW GETTING WORSE. IT POURED OUT FOR 2-3 MIN LAST TIME I FILLED THE TANK. I CALLED NISSANUSA AT GARDENA,CA FOR PERMISSION TO RESPECT AND THE LADY TWHO ANSWERED THE PHONE REFUSED TO GRANT IT. I AM A LITTLE AFRAID TO DRIVE THE CAR NOW; TRY MY BEST NOT TO. I WOULD LIKE TO ASK YOU TO HELP ME GET PERMISSION TO HAVE A FREE INSPECTION AT MY LOCAL DEALERSHIP. THANKS FOR A REPLY. SINCERELY PAUL CHAN PKC228@COX.NET.
NHTSA complaint #10080809 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 190,000 milesLake Forest, CA
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY:FILLER PIPE AND CAP
NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 95V244000.THE CAR WAS RECALLED 1999, BUT HAS BEEN SINCE LEAKING GAS SPORADICALLY AFTER TOP-OFF OR FILL UPS, NOW GETTING WORSE. IRONICALLY, IT WAS NOT LEAKING GAS PRIOR TO THE RECALL.*AK I CONTACTED NISSAN USA; BUT THEY REFUSED TO GRANT A SECOND RECALL DUE TO THE MILEAGE AND AGE OF THE VEHICLE. TO ME, THE CAR IS HAZARDOUS TO DRIVE.
NHTSA complaint #10075228 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Rochester, NY
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION IS NOT ABLE TO SHIFT INTO REVERSE. APPARENTLY THIS IS A VERY COMMON PROBLEM WITH NISSAN MAXIMA'S MANUFACTURED BETWEEN 1989-1994. MANY MAXIMA OWNERS HAVE HAD THEIR TRANSMISSIONS FAIL AND HAVE HAD TO REPLACE THE TRANSMISSION MORE THAN ONCE IN THEIR NISSAN MAXIMA'S.
NHTSA complaint #10067727 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 130,000 milesSparta, MI
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY:FILLER PIPE AND CAP
THE VEHICLE'S GAS FILLER TUBE CORRODED. A RECALL (95V244000) WAS ISSUED FOR THE VEHICLE, HOWEVER THE DEALER REFUSED TO REPAIR IT AT NO COST. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY ADDITIONAL INFORMATION. *NLM
NHTSA complaint #10051962 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Clawson, MI
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY
CONSUMER RECEIVED RECALL 95V244000 CONCERNING FUEL TANK ASSEMBLY. DEALER REFUSED TO HONOR THE RECALL DUE TO THE MODEL YEAR OF THE VEHICLE.
NHTSA complaint #10044207 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Morristown, NJ
STRUCTURE
CONSUMER CONSTANTLY HAS PROBLEMS WITH VEHICLE'S ODOMETER IT HAS BROKEN FOR THE THIRD TIME.WHEN THE VEHICLE HAS GOES THREW INSPECTION THE CONSUMER HAS TO BRING A DOCUMENT STATING THE CORRECT MILEAGE ON THE CAR SO IT CAN PASS INSPECTION. CONSUMER HAS REPLACED IT TWICE NOW THEY FELL THE DEALERSHIP SHOULD. BUT NISSAN KEEPS REFUSING TO REPLACE THE ODOMETER. *MR
NHTSA complaint #10031978 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Morristown, NJ
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
THE ODOMETER WAS REPLACED 3 TIMES. *MR PH
NHTSA complaint #10026440 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Flushing, NY
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY:FILLER PIPE AND CAP
THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED THE SAME PROBLEM AS STATED IN RECALL#95V244000, HOWEVER THE VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL.
NHTSA complaint #10018258 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 122,500 milesAlbuquerque, NM
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING
WENT TO REPLACE BULB IN ASSEMBLY. FOUND PLASTIC BRACKETS INSIDE MELTED. TRIED TO REPLACE WITH USED PART, BUT EVERY ASSEMBLY I FOUND HAD THE SAME PROBLEM. I HAD SMELLED SOMETHING BURNING A NUMBER OF TIMES RECENTLY, BUT HAD NEVER IDENTIFIED THE PROBLEM. THIS COULD BE A SERIOUS FIRE HAZARD, SINCE ITS CLEAR ALL VEHICLES WILL HAVE THIS PROBLEM. **DIMSII IVOQ ENTRY POSTED AFTER 12/12/02 CUT OVER TO ARTEMIS**768334
NHTSA complaint #10007490 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 90,000 milesBrookings, SD
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
THE FUEL AND BRAKE LINES ON MY NISSAN MAXIMA ARE CORRODED AND DUE TO THE BRAKE LINE FAILURE I HAD A LOSS OF BRAKE POWER. I WAS ABLE TO STOP AND CALL A TOW TRUCK, THANKFULLY. ALSO, THE FUEL LINES ARE CORRODED AND STARTED TO LEAK WHICH COULD HAVE CAUSED MY CAR TO EXPLODE VERY EASILY. THE PLACMENT OF THESE LINES AND THE CARLESSNESS OF NISSAN MOTORS NEEDS TO BE LOOKED AT HERE. PEOPLE COULD DIE VERY EASILY FROM THESE CORRODED LINES.
NHTSA complaint #10002771 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 90,000 milesBrookings, SD
SERVICE BRAKES, AIR:SUPPLY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
THE FUEL AND BRAKE LINES ON MY NISSAN MAXIMA ARE CORRODED AND DUE TO THE BRAKE LINE FAILURE I HAD A LOSS OF BRAKE POWER. I WAS ABLE TO STOP AND CALL A TOW TRUCK, THANKFULLY. ALSO, THE FUEL LINES ARE CORRODED AND STARTED TO LEAK WHICH COULD HAVE CAUSED MY CAR TO EXPLODE VERY EASILY. THE PLACMENT OF THESE LINES AND THE CARLESSNESS OF NISSAN MOTORS NEEDS TO BE LOOKED AT HERE. PEOPLE COULD DIE VERY EASILY FROM THESE CORRODED LINES.
NHTSA complaint #10002771 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 146,000 milesSAN Jose, CA
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS
I SMELL BURNED WHEN I APPLIED THE BRAKE. I ISOLATED TO THE REAR CENTER BRAKE LAMP WAS NOT ILLUMINATED. BECAUSE THE SOCKETS WERE THE METAL CAN IN THE LAMP SOCKET MOVES OR SEPARATES FROM THE PLASTIC SOCKET HOUSING. IT IS VERY CLOSE TO THE RECALL 96V253004.
NHTSA complaint #10000361 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Henderson, KY
SEATS
WHEN ENTERING VEHICLE DRIVER'S SEAT MOUNTING BOLTS SNAPPED, CAUSING A DISTRACTION TO CONSUMER WHEN DRIVING. DEALER NOTIFIED. TS
NHTSA complaint #10001402 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Plainview, NY
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH
THE LOCAL DEALER SHOP PERSONNEL HAVE HEARD AND SEEN SIMILAR PROBLEMS. MR
NHTSA complaint #767841 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Culver City, CA
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS
REAR BRAKE LIGHTS DO NOT LIGHT UP ON A REGULAR BASIS WHEN THE BRAKE PAD IS APPLIED. THE CONNECTORS THAT TOUCH THE LIGHT BULBS ARE VERY SENSITIVE. THE SLIGHTEST MOVEMENT CAUSES THE CONNECTION BETWEEN THE BULB AND CONNETOR TO FAIL. I HAVE NOTICED THIS PROBLEM WITH NUMEROUS MAXIMAS ON THE ROAD. THIS PROBLEM EXISTS WITH THE REAR LIGHTS AS WELL (NOT ONLY WHEN BRAKING). THE REAR 3RD BRAKE LIGHT ASSEMBLY HAS CORRODED AND DOES NOT PERMIT THE BULB TO BE INSTALLED. THIS PROBLEM EXISTED SINCE I PURCHASED THE CAR WITH 92,000 MILES ON THE ODOMETER FROM A PRIVATE PARTY. ATTEMPS TO HAVE IT REPAIRED BY A LOCAL MECHANIC ARE IN VEIN BECAUSE THE PROBLEM REOCCURS WITHIN A COUPLE DAYS AFTER BEING 'REPAIRED'. SEEMS AS IF ONLY HALF OF THE TOAL CONNECTORS ARE IN EVERYDAY WORKING CONDITION. THE OTHER HALF TURN ON AND ON SPORADICALLY. THIS MAKES IT SEEM AS IF I HAVE SOME 'TAIL LIGHTS OUT'. THIS IN TURN GIVES POLICE OFFICERS A REASON TO CONTINUALLY PULL ME OVER AND LET ME KNOW ABOUT THE LIGHTING SITUATION. IN ADDITION, THE NON-WORKING CONNECTORS GIVE THE CAR A POOR APPEARANCE. LASTLY, THIS CAN BE VERY DANGEROUS BECAUSE THE REAR LIGHTING MAY NOT BE SUFFICIENT IN CERTAIN SITUATIONS. NLM
NHTSA complaint #767583 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.