1997 NISSAN MAXIMA — Problems, Recalls & Safety Data

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N/A

Safety Rating

123

Owner Complaints

8 Crashes 19 Fires

6

Recalls

ACTIVE RECALL

15

Service Bulletins

1

Investigation

Overview of the 1997 NISSAN MAXIMA

The 1997 NISSAN MAXIMA has received a total of 123 safety complaints filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). There have been 6 recall campaigns affecting this vehicle, covering issues with EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS, EXTERIOR LIGHTING. 15 technical service bulletins have been issued by Nissan North America, Inc. for this model year. The most commonly reported problems involve the Electrical Systemalternatorgeneratorregulator (27 complaints), Air Bagsfrontal (5 complaints), and Electrical System (5 complaints).

Recalls for the 1997 NISSAN MAXIMA

NHTSA has recorded 6 recalls for the 1997 NISSAN MAXIMA, potentially affecting up to 310,851 vehicles.

Recall 09E025000 — EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS

| 42,540 vehicles affected

Defect: DOPE, INC. IS RECALLING 42,540 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.

Consequence: DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy: DOPE, INC. WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 28, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DOPE, INC. AT 1-626-272-1798.

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Recall 09E012000 — EXTERIOR LIGHTING

| 16,270 vehicles affected

Defect: SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.

Consequence: DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy: SABERSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 11, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SABERSPORT AT 1-909-598-7589.

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Recall 08E050000 — EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS

| 1,921 vehicles affected

Defect: K2 MOTOR IS RECALLING 1,921 AFTERMARKET HEADLAMPS OF VARIOUS MODELS SOLD FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LISTED VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS ARE MISSING THE AMBER SIDE REFLEX REFLECTOR WHICH FAILS TO CONFORM WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT."

Consequence: WITHOUT THE AMBER SIDE REFLEX REFLECTORS, THE LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY BE AFFECTED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy: K2 MOTOR WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND. THE RECALL BEGAN ON DECEMEBER 17, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT K2 MOTOR AT 1-909-839-2992.

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Recall 06E049000 — EXTERIOR LIGHTING

| 27,176 vehicles affected

Defect: CERTAIN CK MOTORSPORTS COMBINATION HEADLIGHTS, CLEAR CORNER, BUMPER, AND SIDE MARKER LIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON THE PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.

Consequence: WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.

Remedy: CK MOTORSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE NONCOMPLIANT LAMPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 1, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CK MOTORSPORT AT 1-909-610-7211.

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Recall 06E026000 — EXTERIOR LIGHTING

| 61,944 vehicles affected

Defect: CERTAIN PRO-A MOTORS CORNER LAMPS, TURN SIGNALS, AND HEADLIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.

Consequence: WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.

Remedy: PRO-A MOTORS WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER TO REPURCHASE THE LAMPS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 3, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT PRO-A MOTORS AT 323-838-2988.

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Recall 02V171000 — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ALTERNATOR/GENERATOR/REGULATOR

| 161,000 vehicles affected

Defect: 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: 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...

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Owner Complaints for the 1997 NISSAN MAXIMA

123 complaints have been filed with NHTSA for the 1997 NISSAN MAXIMA. Below is a breakdown by vehicle component.

Electrical Systemalternatorgeneratorregulator
Complaints: 27 8 Fires
Air Bagsfrontal
Complaints: 5 2 Crashes 4 Injuries
Electrical System
Complaints: 5 2 Fires
Electrical Systemwiringfront Underhood
Complaints: 5 4 Fires
Air Bags
Complaints: 4 2 Crashes 2 Injuries
Engine And Engine Cooling
Complaints: 4
Fuel System Gasoline
Complaints: 3
Engine
Complaints: 2 2 Fires
Engine And Engine Coolingengine
Complaints: 2
Engine And Engine Coolingenginegasoline
Complaints: 2 1 Fire
Engine And Engine Coolingexhaust Systememission Control
Complaints: 2
Equipmentapplianceair Conditioner
Complaints: 2
Latcheslockslinkageshoodlatch
Complaints: 2 1 Injury
Power Trainautomatic Transmission
Complaints: 2
Power Traindrivelinedifferential Unit
Complaints: 2
Service Brakes Hydraulicfoundation Components
Complaints: 2
Steeringrack And Pinion
Complaints: 2
Suspension
Complaints: 2
Suspensionfront
Complaints: 2 1 Crash
Suspensionfrontwheel Bearing
Complaints: 2
Vehicle Speed Control
Complaints: 2
Visibilitywindshield
Complaints: 2 1 Crash
Air Bagsfrontalsensorcontrol Module
Complaints: 1 1 Crash
Air Bagssidewindow
Complaints: 1
Electrical System12v24v48v Battery
Complaints: 1
Electrical Systemignition
Complaints: 1
Electrical Systemstarter Assembly
Complaints: 1
Electrical Systemwiring
Complaints: 1 1 Fire
Engine And Engine Coolingexhaust System
Complaints: 1
Engine And Engine Coolingexhaust Systemmanifoldheadermufflertail Pipe
Complaints: 1
Exterior Lighting
Complaints: 1
Fuel System Gasolinefuel Injection System
Complaints: 1
Latcheslockslinkagesdoorslatch
Complaints: 1
Latcheslockslinkagestrunk Lidlock
Complaints: 1
Parking Brakeconventionalmechanicallinkage And Cable
Complaints: 1
Power Trainmanual Transmission
Complaints: 1
Seat Beltsfrontretractor
Complaints: 1
Seats
Complaints: 1 1 Crash 1 Injury
Service Brakes
Complaints: 1 1 Fire
Service Brakes Hydraulicantilocktraction Controlelectronic Limited Slip
Complaints: 1
Service Brakes Hydraulicfoundation Componentsdisc
Complaints: 1
Service Brakes Hydraulicfoundation Componentsdisccaliper
Complaints: 1
Service Brakes Hydraulicfoundation Componentsdrum
Complaints: 1
Service Brakes Hydraulicpedals And Linkages
Complaints: 1
Steering
Complaints: 1
Steeringhydraulic Power Assisthose Piping And Connections
Complaints: 1
Steeringhydraulic Power Assistpower Steering Fluid
Complaints: 1
Steeringrack And Pinionrack
Complaints: 1
Structurebody
Complaints: 1
Structurebodybumpers
Complaints: 1
Structurebodydoorhinge And Attachments
Complaints: 1
Structurebodyhatchbackliftgatesupport Devicestrut
Complaints: 1
Structurebodyhood
Complaints: 1 1 Injury
Structurebodyhoodhinge And Attachments
Complaints: 1
Structureframe And Members
Complaints: 1
Suspensionfrontcontrol Armlower Arm
Complaints: 1
Suspensionfrontshock Absorber
Complaints: 1
Suspensionrearsprings
Complaints: 1
Tires
Complaints: 1
Tiressidewall
Complaints: 1
Unknown Or Other
Complaints: 1
Vehicle Speed Controlcruise Control
Complaints: 1

Most Recent Complaints

#11164175 | ENGINE | | 138,000 miles Fire
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.
#11164175 | SERVICE BRAKES | | 138,000 miles Fire
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.
#10636972 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | | N/A miles Fire
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.
#10636972 | ENGINE | | N/A miles Fire
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.
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

View all Electrical Systemalternatorgeneratorregulator complaints →

Safety Rating for the 1997 NISSAN MAXIMA

NHTSA has not yet tested the 1997 NISSAN MAXIMA in its New Car Assessment Program.

Technical Service Bulletins for the 1997 NISSAN MAXIMA

Nissan North America, Inc. has issued 15 technical service bulletins (TSBs) for the 1997 NISSAN MAXIMA. TSBs are notices sent by manufacturers to their dealers describing a known issue and the recommended repair procedure.

NTB97-065a — EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY

VOLUNTARY SERVICE CAMPAIGN 1997 MAXIMA WIPER MOTOR BOLT - INSUFFICIENT TORQUE Service Campaign ID # P7143 is no longer active.  Repair orders opened after this bulletin’s published date are no longer eligible for reimbursement under Campaign ID # P7143.  Discard all previous versions of NTB97-065.

NTB97-065a — VISIBILITY

VOLUNTARY SERVICE CAMPAIGN 1997 MAXIMA WIPER MOTOR BOLT - INSUFFICIENT TORQUE Service Campaign ID # P7143 is no longer active.  Repair orders opened after this bulletin’s published date are no longer eligible for reimbursement under Campaign ID # P7143.  Discard all previous versions of NTB97-065.

NTB98-049e — POWER TRAIN

VOLUNTARY SERVICE CAMPAIGN F04 AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE SOLENOID VALVE ASSEMBLY Service Campaign ID # P8119 is no longer active.  Repair orders opened after this bulletin’s published date are no longer eligible for reimbursement under Campaign ID # P8119.  Discard all previous versions of NTB98-049.

NTB00054 — ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE

VEHICLES BUILT BEFORE JN1CA31D1YT746029 MAY EXHIBIT A ENGINE TIMING CHAIN NOISE. *TT

NTB99031B — SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS

SOME VEHICLE MAY EXHIBIT A GROAN OR HUMMING NOISE FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE AFTER RELEASING THE BRAKE PEDAL AND MOVING FORWARD SLOWLY AT APPROXIMATELY 5 MPH (8 MPH). *TT

NTB99022 — SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY

SUBJECT REGARDING MISSING FRONT SEAT BELT LATCH PLATE RETAINING BUTTON. *TT

NTB98097 — UNKNOWN OR OTHER

VARIOUS INFORMATION EXHIBITING INTERIOR SQUEAKS AND RATTLES WHILE DRIVING. *YC

NTB98101 — SUSPENSION:FRONT:SPRINGS:AIR SUSPENSION:SPRINGS/BAGS

EXPERIENCING FRONT SPRING RATTLE/ BUZZ NOISE. *YC

NTB98067 — STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM

CONDITIONS WITH SOME VEHICLES EXPERIENCING POWER STEERING HOSE CLAMPS NOT PROPERLY TIGHTENED AT THE TIME OF PRODUCTION. *YC

NTB98050 — ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE

EXPERIENCING SPARK KNOCK DURING ENGINE START. *YC

Showing 10 of 15 technical service bulletins.

NHTSA Investigations for the 1997 NISSAN MAXIMA

NHTSA has opened 1 investigation into potential safety defects in the 1997 NISSAN MAXIMA.

Investigation PE02034 — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM Closed

Opened:

ALTERNATOR FIRES

Other Model Years of the NISSAN MAXIMA

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Check any vehicle history by VIN - Free vehicle history report