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1997 Nissan Maxima

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

Similar to other model years

Owner complaints for the 1997 Nissan Maxima do not stand out strongly from the model-year median of 99.

About this comparison →

How this year compares

Owner complaints by model year

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Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.

What owners reported most

All reported categories

Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.

When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

30 reports with mileage · 72 unknown

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Electrical System. Review the 39 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Engine And Engine Cooling. Review the 12 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Air Bags. Review the 10 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

7 crash reports16 fire reports6 injury reports

What owners actually said

102 reports
138,000 miles · Dec 31, 2018
EngineService BrakesFire

ABS LIGHTS FLASHED ON AND OFF SEVERAL TIMES. THEN SOLID BRAKE LIGHT CAME ON. CAR GAVE OFF A STRANGE SMELL. TURNED OFF CAR. PARKED CAR IN THE STREET. 2 HOURS LATER THE POLICE ALERTED US THAT THE CAR WAS ON FIRE. THE ENGINE BAY WAS COMPLETELY ENGULFED IN FLAMES. FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS CALLED AND THEY EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. POLICE REP…

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ABS LIGHTS FLASHED ON AND OFF SEVERAL TIMES. THEN SOLID BRAKE LIGHT CAME ON. CAR GAVE OFF A STRANGE SMELL. TURNED OFF CAR. PARKED CAR IN THE STREET. 2 HOURS LATER THE POLICE ALERTED US THAT THE CAR WAS ON FIRE. THE ENGINE BAY WAS COMPLETELY ENGULFED IN FLAMES. FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS CALLED AND THEY EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. VIDEO OF THE FIRE WAS CAPTURED ON MY RING DOORBELL.

NHTSA ODI #11164175

Mileage unknown · Sep 17, 2014
Electrical SystemEngineFire

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 NISSAN MAXIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT SMOKE WAS EMITTING FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS. THE CONTACT INDICATED THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE TECHNICIAN INDICATED THAT THE ALTERNATOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE WAS REPORT…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 NISSAN MAXIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT SMOKE WAS EMITTING FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS. THE CONTACT INDICATED THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE TECHNICIAN INDICATED THAT THE ALTERNATOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE WAS REPORTED TO THE MANUFACTURER. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS NOT AVAILABLE.

NHTSA ODI #10636972

Mileage unknown · Jun 20, 2012
Electrical System

1997 NISSAN MAXIMA. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO VEHICLE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM RECALL *TGW THE CONSUMER STATED HIS VEHICLE SHOULD HAVE BEEN INCLUDED IN THE RECALL, BECAUSE HE EXPERIENCED THE SAME PROBLEM AS OTHER NISSAN'S THAT WERE RECALLED. *JB

NHTSA ODI #10460481

20,000 miles · Sep 21, 2011
Electrical SystemEngine And Engine CoolingVehicle Speed Control

IN THE BEGINNING I NOTICED IT TOOK ME A COUPLE TIMES TO START VEHICLE AND IT WOULD LOOSE POWER AT CERTAIN STOPS OR WHEN I SLOWED DOWN OR CAME TO A STOP. AND AS TIME I FELT IT JERK AND PULL AT TIMES WHEN I WAS NOT DRIVING TOO FAST THIS CONTINUED AND THEN IT WAS ONE DAY THAT IT DOES NOT WANT TO START UP, NEW STARTER, NEW BATTER…

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IN THE BEGINNING I NOTICED IT TOOK ME A COUPLE TIMES TO START VEHICLE AND IT WOULD LOOSE POWER AT CERTAIN STOPS OR WHEN I SLOWED DOWN OR CAME TO A STOP. AND AS TIME I FELT IT JERK AND PULL AT TIMES WHEN I WAS NOT DRIVING TOO FAST THIS CONTINUED AND THEN IT WAS ONE DAY THAT IT DOES NOT WANT TO START UP, NEW STARTER, NEW BATTERY, TUNE UP AND IT JUST WONT START. I AM JUST WAITING TO SEE IF THEY FIND OUT WHAT THE PROBLEM IS. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10426551

Mileage unknown · Jun 1, 2011
Engine And Engine Cooling

THE LOWER RADIATOR SUPPORT FOR THE 1995-1999 NISSAN MAXIMA. THE LOWER RADIATOR SUPPORT SUPPORTS THE RADIATOR, CONDENSER, AND THE ENGINE SUPPORT BEAM. THE LOWER RADIATOR SUPPORT STARTS TO RUST FROM THE INSIDE OF THE BEAM AND EVENTUALLY RUSTS ALL THE WAY OUT CAUSING THE RADIATOR AND THE CONDENSER TO HANG LOWER AND THE ENGINE TO …

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THE LOWER RADIATOR SUPPORT FOR THE 1995-1999 NISSAN MAXIMA. THE LOWER RADIATOR SUPPORT SUPPORTS THE RADIATOR, CONDENSER, AND THE ENGINE SUPPORT BEAM. THE LOWER RADIATOR SUPPORT STARTS TO RUST FROM THE INSIDE OF THE BEAM AND EVENTUALLY RUSTS ALL THE WAY OUT CAUSING THE RADIATOR AND THE CONDENSER TO HANG LOWER AND THE ENGINE TO HANG WITH LIMITED SUPPORT. WITHOUT THE LOWER RADIATOR SUPPORT, THE ENGINE SUPPORT BEAM HITS OFF THE GROUND DURING NORMAL DRIVING. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10404120

70,000 miles · Feb 12, 2011
Exterior Lighting

VEHICLE HEADLAMPS AND TAILLIGHT IF IN THE DIRECT SUN THEY FOG IN ABOUT 2-3 YEARS, VISIBILITY DROPS MORE THAN 50% IT CERTAINLY EFFECTS SAFETY AND NO LONG MEET STRICT DOT REQUIREMENTS. THE GLASS TYPE WAS PERFECTLY SUITABLE BEFORE. IF YOU NOTICE THERE IS NOW A BIG BUSINESS POLISHING LENSES. PLS START A CLASS ACTION AGAINST THE MF…

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VEHICLE HEADLAMPS AND TAILLIGHT IF IN THE DIRECT SUN THEY FOG IN ABOUT 2-3 YEARS, VISIBILITY DROPS MORE THAN 50% IT CERTAINLY EFFECTS SAFETY AND NO LONG MEET STRICT DOT REQUIREMENTS. THE GLASS TYPE WAS PERFECTLY SUITABLE BEFORE. IF YOU NOTICE THERE IS NOW A BIG BUSINESS POLISHING LENSES. PLS START A CLASS ACTION AGAINST THE MFGS. ASK ANYONE. CHECK ANY VEHICLE OVER 5 YEARS OLD AND YOU SEE. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10381680

118,000 miles · Aug 9, 2010
Structure

LOWER RADIATOR SUPPORT WHICH SUPPORTS RADIATOR AND FRONT ENGINE MOUNT, RUSTS COMPLETELY THROUGH. COMMON PROBLEM (ACCORDING TO VARIOUS ON-LINE SOURCES) FROM 1995-2001 MAXIMA MODELS DRIVEN IN THE SALT BELT STATES. REPAIR CAN BE EXTENSIVE TO REPLACE ENTIRE FRONT RADIATOR ENGINE FRAME STRUCTURE. SOME SHOPS ARE REPLACING ROTTED SECTI…

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LOWER RADIATOR SUPPORT WHICH SUPPORTS RADIATOR AND FRONT ENGINE MOUNT, RUSTS COMPLETELY THROUGH. COMMON PROBLEM (ACCORDING TO VARIOUS ON-LINE SOURCES) FROM 1995-2001 MAXIMA MODELS DRIVEN IN THE SALT BELT STATES. REPAIR CAN BE EXTENSIVE TO REPLACE ENTIRE FRONT RADIATOR ENGINE FRAME STRUCTURE. SOME SHOPS ARE REPLACING ROTTED SECTION WITH A PIECE OF ANGLE IRON AND DRILLING HOLES TO REMOUNT FRONT ENGINE MOUNT. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10348360

135,000 miles · Feb 12, 2010
Vehicle Speed Control

1997 NISSAN MAXIMA SE - CRUISE CONTROL MALFUNCTIONS CAUSING EITHER UNWANTED ACCELERATION OR UNWANTED DECELERATION. HAS HAPPENED ON MULTIPLE OCCASIONS WITH DIFFERENT DRIVERS TO THE POINT WE NO LONGER USE THE CRUISE CONTROL FEATURE IN THIS SPECIFIC VEHICLE. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10310064

93,000 miles · Sep 26, 2009
Engine And Engine CoolingFuel System, Gasoline

I NEEDED TO REPLACE A MUFFLER ON MY 1997 NISSAN MAXIMA. ON 092209 I TOOK MY MAXIMA TO A MUFFLER SHOP, THE MECHANIC NOTICED A VERY STRONG RAWFUEL SMELL. HE SAID HE COULD NOT USE A FLAME TORCH DUE TO A POSSIBLE EXPLOSION. HE REPLACED THE MUFFLER BY HAND AND TOLD ME TO HAVE THE FUEL SYSTEM INSPECTED BECAUSE THIS COULD BE A DANGE…

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I NEEDED TO REPLACE A MUFFLER ON MY 1997 NISSAN MAXIMA. ON 092209 I TOOK MY MAXIMA TO A MUFFLER SHOP, THE MECHANIC NOTICED A VERY STRONG RAWFUEL SMELL. HE SAID HE COULD NOT USE A FLAME TORCH DUE TO A POSSIBLE EXPLOSION. HE REPLACED THE MUFFLER BY HAND AND TOLD ME TO HAVE THE FUEL SYSTEM INSPECTED BECAUSE THIS COULD BE A DANGEROUS SITUATION. ON 092609 I HAD THE FUEL SYSTEM INSPECTED BY AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, HE DISCOVERED THAT FUMES AND POSSIBLY GAS WERE ESCAPING FROM THE FUEL FILLER NECK AND TUBE BECAUSE OF CORROSION WITHIN THE WHEEL BASE. I HAVE TRIED TO LOCATE REPLACEMENT PARTS FROM 3 SALVAGED VEHICLES AND EACH WERE ALSO CORRODED. NEW PARTS HAVE BEEN HARD TO LOCATED AND REMAIN UNCERTAIN AS TO WHETHER THEY WILL FIT. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10285327

Mileage unknown · Jun 18, 2009
Service Brakes, Hydraulic

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 NISSAN MAXIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ABS ACTIVATES ON ITS OWN SPORADICALLY. THE DEALER SPECULATED THAT DIRT OR MUD ENTERS THROUGH THE WHEEL SPEED SENSOR AND CAUSES THE FAILURE. THE DEALER CLEANED THE COMPONENT, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED SHORTLY AFTER THE REMEDY. THE CONTACT WENT BACK TO THE DE…

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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 NISSAN MAXIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ABS ACTIVATES ON ITS OWN SPORADICALLY. THE DEALER SPECULATED THAT DIRT OR MUD ENTERS THROUGH THE WHEEL SPEED SENSOR AND CAUSES THE FAILURE. THE DEALER CLEANED THE COMPONENT, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED SHORTLY AFTER THE REMEDY. THE CONTACT WENT BACK TO THE DEALER AND THEY REPAIRED THE VEHICLE. UPDATED 07/08/09 *BF UPDATED 07/08/09.*JB

NHTSA ODI #10274261

Official recalls

1

02V171000 · Electrical System:alternator/generator/regulator

Jun 24, 2002

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 & remedy

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.

Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗

NHTSA investigations

1

PE02034 · Alternator Fires

Opened Mar 15, 2002 · Closed Jul 22, 2002

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Electrical System

No summary supplied.