Carlexica

1993 Nissan Maxima: problems, recalls and reliability

6 recalls and 78 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is air bags (14% of complaints).

Data updated weekly · latest recall May 2009

6
recalls
78
owner complaints
4
fire reports
108,000
typical failure mileage, mi

All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.

Among the quietest Maxima years (#28 of 30 by complaints, age-adjusted)Problems tend to appear late (median 108,000 mi)4 fire reports

Common problems

Computed from 78 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.

Air Bags (airbags and crash sensors)14% · 11 complaints
Visibility (windshield, wipers, defroster, mirrors)14% · 11 complaints
Service Brakes, Hydraulic (brakes)10% · 8 complaints
Electrical System (battery, wiring, electronics)10% · 8 complaints
Engine And Engine Cooling (engine, radiator, overheating)10% · 8 complaints
Vehicle Speed Control (unintended acceleration, cruise control)9% · 7 complaints
My front drivers side automatic seat belt only works sometimes. It is mostly stuck in the open position (it does not automatically slide to the rear, secure position when the door is closed and engine is on). Occasionally, it will work as it is supposed to, but does not the majority of the time.Owner report · Seat Belts · Feb 2018
Tl* the contact owns a 1993 nissan maxima. The contact stated that the fuel tank leaked. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted about the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle was not included in NHTSA campaign number: 95v244000 (fuel system, gasoline). The failure mileage was approximately 128,000. Updated 07/09/13*lj updated 07/16/2013 *jsOwner report · Fuel/Propulsion System · Jun 2013
Recall campaign 95v244000 concerning fuel tank assembly: pipe filler neck: while refilling the vehicle consumer notice that fuel was leaking from the filler neck tube onto the ground. Consumer noticed this recall information on NHTSA website and contacted the dealer, who informed the consumer that this vehicle was not covered under this recall due to VIN. *akOwner report · Fuel System, Gasoline · Mar 2005
Show 7 more owner reports
While parking tire sidewall blew out. Consumer managed to change. Goodyear, p205/65r15. *ak.....tire had approximately 12000 mikes on it. Examined sidewall area for signs on external damage- no scoff or abrasion areas visible. Vehicle was driven one hour and 60 mph before failure. Consume rhas never seen z tire fail like this. *akOwner report · Tires · Dec 2004
Service brakes make a pulsating soud when brake pedal is applied as if the ABS system is not functioning. I had vehicle serviced by two different nissan dealership with no satisfaction. 1st dealership replaced front and rear brake pads.2nd dealership bled hydraulic system. Problem not corrected. *akOwner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Nov 2004
The fiberglass material under the hood caught on fire at high temperature engine operation. The material was old and frayed. And the engine compartment caught fire as a result. I notified nissan and they have been reluctant to help me. They offered to inspect the vehicle at a charge (by phone). When I went to the dealer, they said they didnt want to touch it and that I should take it somewhere else. I asked nissan if there was a known issue with the insulation, or recall info and they replied no. I would like to know if anyone else has had any problems of the sort and if nissan is planning on doing anything!*akOwner report · Structure · Feb 2004
Goodyear eagle 205-65-15 tire blew out suddenly. There was no impact prior to the blowout, it just suddenly occurred. I reported the incident to goodyear, and they secured the tire and have denied any problem with their tire. Sudden NHTSA for their review and investigation in the events others have been subject to such incidents .*akOwner report · Tires · May 2003
While driving 35 mph the vehicle was involved in a frontal collision. The drivers air bag deployed and as a result the driver sustained second degree burns to the face. *nlm *sccOwner report · Air Bags · Apr 2003
Brake system.. When the brakes were applied there was noise and a delayed reaction. The consumer stated the vehicle has all new brakes pads, however the mechanic was unable to determine where the noise was coming from. *jbOwner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Feb 2003
Nissan maxima-1993-52000 miles-anti-lock brake failed(brake light on).dealer turned light off, added fluid, told me "no problem".next day, and every day after , brake light stayed on. After a few days, brakes felt squishy. Returned to dealer thurs. Jan.23.03, who now said, "need new anti-lock brake - $1250". I agreed. New part would be in on monday, jan. 27,03; recommended I leave car, because not safe to drive- (will have been without car for 4-5 days).Owner report · Parking Brake · Jan 2003

When filing, owners marked a crash in 9 of these complaints and injuries in 13 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.

Recalls - 6 campaigns

WHEELS94V194000 · Oct 1994

THE ALUMINUM WHEELS WERE CLEAR COATED SEVERAL TIMES TO PROTECT THE METAL FINISH. SOME EXCESSIVE COATING CAN LEAVE THE WHEEL NUTS AN EXCESSIVE DISTANCE FROM THE WHEEL HUB WHEN TIGHTENED, ALLOWING THEM TO LOOSEN OVER TIME.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REMOVE THE CLEAR PLASTIC COATING FROM THE BRAKE ROTOR MATING SURFACE ON THE BACK OF EACH WHEEL AND FROM THE WHEEL NUT MATING SURFACES. THE WHEELS WILL BE REINSTALLED AND THE WHEEL NUTS TIGHTENED. WHEELS, HUB BOLTS, AND NUTS WILL BE REPLACED IF NECESSARY.

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS09E025000 · May 2009

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.

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.

EXTERIOR LIGHTING06E026000 · Mar 2006

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.

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.

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL94V007000 · Jan 1994

IN SOME UNDERBODY IMPACTS THE AIRBAG SENSOR ACTIVATES AND SENDS A SIGNAL TO THE AIRBAG, LOCATED IN THE CENTER OF THE STEERING WHEEL, CAUSING THE DRIVER'S SIDE AIRBAG TO INFLATE.

Remedy: A TUNNEL SENSOR OF DIFFERENT DESIGN WILL BE INSTALLED ON THE AFFECTED VEHICLES.

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY:FILLER PIPE AND CAP95V244000 · Dec 1995

IT IS POSSIBLE FOR A MIXTURE OF MUD AND SALT TO GET TRAPPED BETWEEN THE FUEL FILLER TUBE AND WHEEL HOUSING. THE TRAPPED MUD AND SALT CAN RESULT IN CORROSION OF THE FUEL FILLER TUBE AND THE WHEEL HOUSING.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THESE VEHICLES AND CORRECTIVE ACTION WILL BE TAKEN DEPENDING UPON THE EXTENT OF THE CORROSION.

EXTERIOR LIGHTING09E012000 · Apr 2009

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.

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.

Specifications

Factory options offered for the 1993 model year, decoded from the NHTSA vPIC database. Individual vehicles have one of each.

Engines3.0L
Cylinders6
Drive type4WD/4-Wheel Drive/4x4

How other years compare

Check your exact Maxima by VIN

Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.

Open VIN decoder

Frequently asked questions

Is the 1993 Nissan Maxima reliable?

NHTSA has 78 owner complaints and 6 recall campaigns on record for the 1993 Nissan Maxima. The most complained-about area is air bags (14% of complaints).

At what mileage do 1993 Nissan Maxima problems usually appear?

Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 108,000 miles or less.

Does the 1993 Nissan Maxima have open recalls?

6 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning wheels. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.