Verdict · NHTSA data
Among the better years
The 1985 Nissan Maxima is among the quieter years of the Maxima on NHTSA's books: 64 complaints (50% below the model's median year), 2 recalls, and no open investigations.
The trouble concentrates in one system: fuel system issues account for 56% of all reports (36 of 64), far ahead of engine at 13.
64
NHTSA complaints
2
Recalls
2
Investigations
2
Crash-involved
43
Fires reported
1
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fuel System | 36 | 56% | — flat |
| Engine | 13 | 20% | ▲ up |
| Electrical System | 7 | 11% | ▲ up |
| Transmission | 2 | 3% | new |
| Brakes | 2 | 3% | ▲ up |
| Visibility & Wipers | 1 | 2% | — flat |
| Speed Control | 1 | 2% | new |
| Steering | 1 | 2% | — flat |
| Tires & Wheels | 1 | 2% | new |
2 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Defect
THIS IS NOT A SAFETY RECALL CAMPAIGN IN ACCORDANCE WITH FEDERAL REGULATION 573. HOWEVER, IT IS DEEMED A SAFETY IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN BY THE AGENCY. THE CAMPAIGN WILL REPLACE THE FUEL INJECTORS AND RELATED HOSES OF AFFECTED VEHICLES WHICH COULD LEAK.
Consequence
FUEL LEAKS IN THE ENGINE COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.
Remedy
NISSAN DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FUEL INJECTORS AND RELATED HOSES ON THE AFFECTED VEHICLES.
Defect
THERE MAY BE INSUFFICIENT THICKNESS OF ADHESIVE IN THE CONTACT AREA BETWEEN THE BOTTOM OF THE FRONT WINDSHIELD GLASS AND THE BODY. CONSEQUENCE OF DEFECT: THIS LACK OF ADHESIVE MAY CAUSE THE WINDSHIELD TO DISMOUNT IN AN ACCIDENT, THUS FAILING TO COMPLY WITH FMVSS 212, WINDSHIELD MOUNTING AND WHICH MAY ALLOW THE OCCUPANTS TO BE EJECTED OUT OF THE CAR, CAUSING MORE SERIOUS INJURIES OR DEATH.
Remedy
ADD MORE ADHESIVE TO BOTTOM OF FRONT WINDSHIELD GLASS.
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“ENGINE CAUGHT FIRE AS A RESULT OF ADMITTED DEFECTIVE FUEL INJECTORS(ON RECALL). NISSAN REPLACED FUEL INJECTORS AT NO CHARGE, BUT WOULD NOT REPLACE OTHER DAMAGED ITEMS SUCH AS, POWER STEERING, "SEVERE" SEAL DAMAGE CAUSING LARGE OIL LEAK, AND OTHER DAMAGES. I HAVE CALLED AND WRITTEN NISSAN.…”
“ENGINE CAUGHT FIRE AS A RESULT OF ADMITTED DEFECTIVE FUEL INJECTORS(ON RECALL). NISSAN REPLACED FUEL INJECTORS AT NO CHARGE, BUT WOULD NOT REPLACE OTHER DAMAGED ITEMS SUCH AS, POWER STEERING, "SEVERE" SEAL DAMAGE CAUSING LARGE OIL LEAK, AND OTHER DAMAGES. I HAVE CALLED AND WRITTEN NISSAN.…”
“STARTED VEHICLE AT NOON. AFTER VEHICLE HAD BEEN SITTING FOR 2 HOURS, SAW SMOKE THEN FLAMES UNDER THE HOOD AREA OF VEHICLE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT PUT FIRE OUT. *AK”
Its record is better than the model's norm: 64 NHTSA complaints, below the typical Maxima year, with 2 recalls and no open investigations.
According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are fuel system (36 complaints), engine (13 complaints), electrical system (7 complaints).
Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 1985 Nissan Maxima. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.
NHTSA opened 2 investigations into this model year; all are now closed.
Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Maxima years to avoid are 2004, 2005, 2006, 2000, 2009, 2010, 2002, 2003, 2001, 2016, 1999, 1995, 1987. The cleanest record among Maxima years belongs to 2023.
Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.
Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.