158 of the
8,853 complaints filed about the Nissan Maxima
are about the lighting —
2% of everything owners reported.
The worst model year for it is 2003.
I was driving at night when I got a headlight system error message on my instrument panel and I noticed my driver side headlight was not on. A few seconds later the light came back on and a minute or so later it went off again and came back on and I got the error message again. It came back on and has worked pretty much since but I have seen it flickering at night on a few occasions. The next day when it was light out I looked at both headlights and noticed a lot I mean a lot of condensation inside the headlight assembly. I know some fogging and some light condensation is normal on these LED lights but the amount inside the driver side headlight is not normal. And I was lucky enough to have the error and light go off and on in a fairly well lit area so thankfully I was not in an accident or driving on road that’s not well lit. There’s clearly a defect in the sealing of the headlight that’s allowing that much water in. And not having a headlight working because of an error caused by water that can disable my visibility especially on the driver side to due to the headlight not being sealed properly. There is not physical damage like a crack or anything in the housing of the headlight. And since the whole headlight needs to be replaced since it’s LED that’s $2200 before labor. And there didn’t appear to be anything wrong with the headlight no condensation when I looked at it on the car lot when I bought it on 3-4-26. I tried to have my Nissan dealer repair/replace it using the Endurance Apex Unlimited warranty I bought when I purchased the car but they won’t cover it due to a faulty seal. I’ve seen a couple post about the same side headlight on others 2019 Maxima’s with the same issue so this doesn’t appear to be a one off. And I would think headlights going out from moisture and condensation causing errors to the electric contacts controlling the headlights would be a serious safety issue that could potentially cause bodily harm or even death from an accident.
NHTSA complaint #11727083 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I have a 2013 Nissan Maxima in my headlights are horrible when they are on dim you cannot see in front of you so bad that it's liable to cause a bad wreck I have to ride with my headlights on bright and it's not much better I have replaced the bulbs in both headlights twice it has not improved anything I think it is a very dangerous thing in could call someone to get hurt because no one can see I've not been pulled over by the police or anything but I have to ride with my headlights on bright and I know it blinds people sometimes I think there needs to be a recall because I have a lot of friends that have Nissans and they have the same problem
NHTSA complaint #11706145 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The power on the dashboard goes out and I have no way of knowing my speed, the milage, or any other information on how the vehicle is operating. The radio and other dashboard instruments are off the screens are black and I can't receive any information on how the vehicle is operating. Our safety is at risk since when this happens, we don't know if it would stop abruptly and cause an accident. We have not taken it to a dealer yet but are scheduling an appointment. No other parties have inspected the vehicle yet. The Warning that came across the radio screen was this: Check the Map SD Memory Card Please see the owner's manual in detail SET: QY8100NA Application: 102 SNO: 00010697 Application: 107 E-CODE: NK-SD-11 This first happened in the later part of March on the 28th of this year. The Dash does this off and on thing randomly and sometimes it runs fine. The owner's manual didn't help.
NHTSA complaint #11662859 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2014 Nissan Maxima. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the headlights became inoperable. The contact stated that the headlights failed to function properly, and the lights were dim. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the headlight assembly had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 107,270.
NHTSA complaint #11661846 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The headlights are dim. I have replaced them with brighter H11 bulbs but I still cannot see. Others who have driven my car have indicated that the headlights are noticeably dimmer than normal. I literally cannot see the roadway. Also, I started having problems with the CVT shortly before 60,000miles. The problem was diagnosed as rudder codes. I was not financially able to replace the CVT at the time although I did ultimately replace it. The headliner inside the car has been falling down for years and I keep re gluing it around the rear view window. The panoramic sunroof has a seal that is melting away on the two side panels at the rear of the car. I keep trying to seal them, but they keep getting sticky and melting towards total deterioration.
NHTSA complaint #11654299 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Driving vehicle on road and the accelerator pedal no longer working vehicle. coasted to the side. Car had to be towed. Vehicle cranking without problem but will not accelerate pedal goes to floor. At consideration of purchase of vehicle, car fax and all details about vehicle were viewed for possible purchase. Items on recall are now a concern as a safety issue.
NHTSA complaint #11646469 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The dim lights on the vehicle are very dim, the fog lights are brighter than the dim lights. I’ve replaced the bulbs and headlights and neither fixed the issue. You can barely see in front of the car with the dim lights. It’s very unsafe to drive at night.
NHTSA complaint #11594656 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Low beam headlights are extremely/dangerously low even if the lights are brand new. In my opinion it's extremely dangerous to drive with only my high beams on but thats the only way I can see at night theres no confidence in relying on my low beams.
NHTSA complaint #11580655 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
1. Both headlights on dim are so dim that you cannot drive safely, they do not project in front of the car far enough to see at night, dawn or dusk. I am concerned if other cars I meet can even see me approaching. My flashlight shines brighter and farther. I have replaced the bulbs for the dim lights and it did no good. 2. Drove to California and was in west Texas after dark, could not see the road after dark. 3. My relative is a mechanic and he has confirmed the defective illumination with my dim lights. 4. It has not been confirmed by any officials such as insurance or police. 5. I noticed this problem about 1 year ago. I have been having to run bright lights if I must drive after dark. This is dangerous, illegal if meeting another car, etc. This is a seriously dangerous problem. I have researched on the internet for several weeks looking for a solution. I finally ran across your website. I did see that the Nissan Altima had a recall for their defective headlights. This should also be a recall for the Maxima. I have driven Nissan's for many years and never had this defect. I don't know how recalls are initiated but if it is through the nhtsa it should be investigated promptly as this issue could cost someone's life. If this is the agency that initiates a recall this should happen NOW. All of us Maxima drivers who are having this issue of which according to my research are many, would appreciate any help. I'm sure many Maxima drivers are not aware there is a complaint procedure, I didn't. I am going to have to go to an auto parts retailer, buy two headlight assemblies and use a body shop to install and this will be very expensive. Thank you for your help.
NHTSA complaint #11555842 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2013 Nissan Maxima. The contact stated while driving at night, the driver’s, and passenger's side headlights were very dim, failing to properly illuminate the roadway, causing a visibility hazard for the driver. The contact stated that the light bulbs were replaced but the failure persisted. The vehicle was not repaired. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The local dealer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 120,000.
NHTSA complaint #11527029 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2022 Nissan Maxima. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle at night with the headlights illuminated, the driver’s side light beam had a dark shaded spot in the illuminated light field and the light field was directed approximately 35 degrees to the left creating both visibility hazard for the driver and a blinding hazard for oncoming traffic. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who replaced the driver side headlight assembly, but the failure persisted. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 2,700.
NHTSA complaint #11512982 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
My headlights are clouded on the inside from condensation getting inside the light. Nissan says the lights are vented and the water should drain. Water drains but condensation from water has clouded my headlights.
NHTSA complaint #11487378 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Low beam headlights are dangerously low. No matter the quality of bulbs or the clarity of the lights the low beam headlights offer extremely limited visibility. Requires high beams when driving at night. I have had numerous mechanics look at the issue and it stems from a failure of the projector in the headlamp.
NHTSA complaint #11486599 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2014 Nissan Maxima. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the headlights failed to adequately illuminate the roadway. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the dealer performed an unknown TSB; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 90,000.
NHTSA complaint #11471114 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2014 Nissan Maxima. The contact stated that while driving approximately 50 MPH at night, the headlights failed to adequately illuminate the roadway causing a visibility hazard to the driver. The contact stated that the headlight failure was more evident while driving on unlit back roads. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact had not taken the vehicle to a dealer or independent mechanic. The vehicle had not been diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 82,000.
NHTSA complaint #11459592 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I’ve been getting pulled over by the state trooper because of my headlights they’re stating they aren’t bright enough. The bulb was changed and still same problem. My Nissan was slow to accelerate while driving, then looses power, turns off.
NHTSA complaint #11458374 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
THE DIM LIGHTS APPEAR NOT TO BE ON WHEN DRIVING AT NIGHT OR EARLY MORNING. I HAVE TO DRIVE WITH MY BRIGHT LIGHTS ON. I THOUGHT THE BULB CASE WAS CLOUDY BUT THAT IS NOT THE SITUATION. THE DIM LIGHTS SIMPLY DO NOT SHINE AS THEY SHOULD. THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS TO MYSELF AND OTHER DRIVERS THAT I APPROACH. I THOUGHT I WAS THE ONLY OWNER OF A NISSAN MAXIMA WITH THIS PROBLEM BUT, I AM NOT. MY FRIEND IS HAVING THE EXACT SAME PROBLEM.
NHTSA complaint #11397891 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
DRIVER SIDE HEADLIGHT INTERMITTENTLY SHUTS OFF AND DIMS WHILE DRIVING AND STATIONARY. SWITCHING LIGHTS FROM "ON" TO "AUTOMATIC" OR VICE-VERSA RELIGHTS THE BULB.
NHTSA complaint #11375556 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.