VehicleVerdict

1997 Nissan Maxima problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Worth extra scrutiny

The 1997 Nissan Maxima is a recall-heavy year with an otherwise ordinary complaint record: 6 NHTSA recall campaigns apply, yet its 123 owner complaints run below the Maxima median. The recalls matter more than the complaint count here — verify every campaign was completed before buying.

Electrical System leads the complaint categories with 41 reports (33% of the total).

123

NHTSA complaints

6

Recalls

1

Investigations

8

Crash-involved

19

Fires reported

9

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1997 compare to other Maxima years?

Maxima NHTSA complaints by model year, 1997 highlighted1,725 complaints1982: 4 complaints1983: 8 complaints1984: 40 complaints1985: 64 complaints1986: 74 complaints1987: 194 complaints1988: 73 complaints1989: 78 complaints1990: 138 complaints1991: 99 complaints1992: 140 complaints1993: 102 complaints1994: 128 complaints1995: 195 complaints1996: 117 complaints1997: 123 complaints1998: 133 complaints1999: 215 complaints2000: 467 complaints2001: 225 complaints2002: 278 complaints2003: 249 complaints2004: 1,725 complaints2005: 1,152 complaints2006: 733 complaints2007: 169 complaints2008: 99 complaints2009: 460 complaints2010: 399 complaints2011: 138 complaints2012: 137 complaints2013: 71 complaints2014: 126 complaints2015: 2 complaints2016: 224 complaints2017: 154 complaints2018: 46 complaints2019: 28 complaints2020: 33 complaints2021: 4 complaints2022: 6 complaints2023: 2 complaints
Maxima NHTSA complaints by model year, 1997 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Maxima years to avoid →

What are the most common 1997 Nissan Maxima problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Electrical System4133%
Engine1411%
Airbags119%
Brakes97%
Suspension97%
Body & Structure76%
Steering65%
Transmission54%
Fuel System43%
Latches & Locks43%
Speed Control32%
Visibility & Wipers22%
Climate Control (A/C & Heat)22%
Tires & Wheels22%
Seat Belts11%
Lighting11%
Other11%
Seats11%

Does the 1997 Nissan Maxima have recalls?

6 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

09E025000LightingMay 11, 2009 · 42,540 units

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.

09E012000LightingApril 7, 2009 · 16,270 units

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.

08E050000LightingAugust 11, 2008 · 1,921 units

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.

06E049000LightingMay 24, 2006 · 27,176 units

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.

06E026000LightingMarch 23, 2006 · 61,944 units

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.

02V171000Electrical SystemJune 24, 2002 · 161,000 units

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 AT 1-800-647-7261 OR INFINITI AT 1-800-662-6200.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“MY WIFE BACKED THE CAR OUT OF THE GARAGE AND NOTICED A BURNING SMELL. SHE TURNED OFF THE ENGINE AND GOT ME. WHEN I OPENED THE HOOD THERE WAS SMOKE AND A BURNING SMELL. THE ALTERNATOR HAD STARTED TO BURN AS WELL AS THE WIRING HARNESS. THIS ISSUE WAS COVERED BY NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID 02V171000, BUT NISSAN…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · June 18, 2005 · 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…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · December 27, 2018 · fire

“TRAVRELING 45MPH WHEN ANOTHER VEHICLE WAS MAKING A TURN IN FRONT, CONSUMER'S VEHICLE SWERVED TO AVOID HITTING THE OTHER VEHICLE. INSTEAD, HIT VEHICLE ON DRIVER'S SIDE THEN ON PASSENGER'S SIDE. UPON IMPACT, THE AIR BAGS BEPLOYED BUT MUST HAVE POPPED OR FIZZLED OUT. DRIVER'S HEAD MADE CONTACT WITH…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · June 6, 1999 · crash

“WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED PREMATURE FRONT WHEEL LOCKUP, CAUSING EXTENSIVE UNDERCARRIAGE DAMAGE, SUCH AS STRUDS/CONTROL ARM, ETC. *AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Suspension · April 14, 1997 · crash

“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…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · December 27, 2018 · fire

1997 Nissan Maxima — common questions

Is the 1997 Nissan Maxima reliable?

It is close to typical for the Maxima: 123 NHTSA complaints, 6 recalls, and 1 investigation on file.

What are the most common 1997 Maxima problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are electrical system (41 complaints), engine (14 complaints), airbags (11 complaints).

Does the 1997 Nissan Maxima have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 6 recall campaigns affecting the 1997 Nissan Maxima. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 1997 Nissan Maxima under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened one investigation into this model year; all are now closed.

Which Nissan Maxima years should you avoid?

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.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.