Verdict · NHTSA data
A typical year for this model
The 1988 Nissan Maxima sits mid-pack among Maxima years: 73 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 128, with a single recall and 2 closed investigations. Reports tied to this model year include 2 deaths and 2 injuries, per the complaint records themselves.
The trouble concentrates in one system: fuel system issues account for 44% of all reports (32 of 73), far ahead of engine at 12.
73
NHTSA complaints
1
Recalls
2
Investigations
3
Crash-involved
35
Fires reported
2
Injuries
2
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fuel System | 32 | 44% | ▼ down |
| Engine | 12 | 16% | ▼ down |
| Seat Belts | 10 | 14% | ▼ down |
| Electrical System | 6 | 8% | ▼ down |
| Steering | 3 | 4% | ▲ up |
| Body & Structure | 2 | 3% | ▲ up |
| Speed Control | 2 | 3% | ▼ down |
| Visibility & Wipers | 2 | 3% | ▼ down |
| Transmission | 1 | 1% | ▼ down |
| Suspension | 1 | 1% | ▼ down |
| Lighting | 1 | 1% | ▼ down |
| Tires & Wheels | 1 | 1% | ▼ down |
1 NHTSA recall campaign 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.
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“RECALL 95I-006 000 NISSAN/FUEL INGECTION SYSTEM: VEHICLE EXPERIENCED AN UNDER HOOD FIRE WHILE PULLING INTO A PARKING SPACE. CONSUMER BELIEVED NHTSA RECALL MAYBE WAS THE CAUSE OF FIRE. ASKING NHTSA HELP IN THIS MATTER. DEALER/MFR WAS NOT CONTACTED AT THIS TIME. *AK”
“THERE WAS A VERY BAD GAS SMELL IN CAR, TOOK VEHICLE TO MECHANIC AND THEY SAID GAS WAS POURING OUT OF INJECTORS. CONSUMER STATED THAT DEALER CORRECTED INJECTOR RECALL, AND THAT RECALL CAUSED A PROBLEM WITH MASS AIR FLOW AND IDLE AIR CONTROL. *AK”
“TURNED OFF VEHICLE AND THEN WENT INSIDE OF STORE. THEN, SAW SMOKE AND FLAMES COMING FROM UNDER GLOVE COMPARTMENT. TRIED TO OPEN HOOD, AND FIRE WAS COMING FROM HOOD. FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS CALLED. VEHICLE WAS TOTALED. *AK”
“FAILURE ON THE STEERING WHEEL AND COLUMN, THE STEERING WHEEL IS SOFT, CAUSING THE CONSUMER TO LOSE CONTROL OF VEHICLE WHEN MAKING A TURN. *AK”
Its record is better than the model's norm: 73 NHTSA complaints, below the typical Maxima year, with 1 recall and no open investigations.
According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are fuel system (32 complaints), engine (12 complaints), seat belts (10 complaints).
Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 1988 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.