Verdict · NHTSA data
A typical year for this model
The 1986 Nissan Maxima sits mid-pack among Maxima years: 74 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 128, with 2 recalls and 2 closed investigations.
The trouble concentrates in one system: fuel system issues account for 49% of all reports (36 of 74), far ahead of electrical system at 12.
74
NHTSA complaints
2
Recalls
2
Investigations
3
Crash-involved
47
Fires reported
2
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fuel System | 36 | 49% | — flat |
| Electrical System | 12 | 16% | ▲ up |
| Engine | 10 | 14% | — flat |
| Seat Belts | 5 | 7% | ▲ up |
| Brakes | 2 | 3% | — flat |
| Speed Control | 2 | 3% | ▲ up |
| Steering | 2 | 3% | ▲ up |
| Suspension | 2 | 3% | ▲ up |
| Climate Control (A/C & Heat) | 1 | 1% | new |
| Body & Structure | 1 | 1% | — flat |
| Transmission | 1 | 1% | ▼ down |
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.
“PARKED ALL DAY; DROVE LESS THAN TWO MILES, WHILE PARKING THE VEHICLE STARTED TO SMOKE UNDER THE HOOD, RESULTING IN A FIRE. *AK FIRE WAS CAUSED DUE TO A FUEL LEAK, RECALL 95I006 DESCRIBES PROBLEMS CONSUMER EXPERIENCED. ENGINE BELTS REPLACED. STRUT FAILURE CAUSED NOISE WHILE DRIVING OVER BUMPS. SPARK…”
“PARKED ALL DAY; DROVE LESS THAN TWO MILES, WHILE PARKING THE VEHICLE STARTED TO SMOKE UNDER THE HOOD, RESULTING IN A FIRE. *AK FIRE WAS CAUSED DUE TO A FUEL LEAK, RECALL 95I006 DESCRIBES PROBLEMS CONSUMER EXPERIENCED. ENGINE BELTS REPLACED. STRUT FAILURE CAUSED NOISE WHILE DRIVING OVER BUMPS. SPARK…”
“WHILE DRIVING THROUGH A DRIVE-THROUG THE CONSUMER'S VEHICLE HOOD STARTED SMOKING. THE CONSUMER AS SOON AS SHE SAW THE SMOKE SHE PULLED TO THE SIDE OF PARKING LOT WHERE SHE HAS SEEN THE VEHICLE ON FIRE; THE FIRE DEPARTMENT CAME AND THEY SAID THE FIRE HAD STARTED ON THE ENGINE. A MECHANIC SAID…”
“VEHICLE WAS IMPACTED AT 9:00 POSITION, VEHICLE WAS AT A COMPLETE STOP, DRIVER'S SIDE LAP/SHOULDER DID NOT RETRACT. SEAT BELT RELEASED AND UNLATCHED DUE TO IMPACT. *AK”
“PARKED ALL DAY; DROVE LESS THAN TWO MILES, WHILE PARKING THE VEHICLE STARTED TO SMOKE UNDER THE HOOD, RESULTING IN A FIRE. *AK FIRE WAS CAUSED DUE TO A FUEL LEAK, RECALL 95I006 DESCRIBES PROBLEMS CONSUMER EXPERIENCED. ENGINE BELTS REPLACED. STRUT FAILURE CAUSED NOISE WHILE DRIVING OVER BUMPS. SPARK…”
Its record is better than the model's norm: 74 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), electrical system (12 complaints), engine (10 complaints).
Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 1986 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.