VehicleVerdict

1998 Nissan Maxima electrical system problems

The 1998 Nissan Maxima has 24 electrical system complaints filed with NHTSA — 18% of the year's total, and down from the prior model year.

24

Electrical System complaints

18%

Share of year

0

Crash-involved

1

Related recalls

Electrical System complaints by year

Related recalls

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.

What owners report

DT: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE PULLING OUT OF THE DRIVEWAY THE ALTERNATOR CAUGHT ON FIRE, AND THE FIRE WAS IMMEDIATELY EXTINGUISHED. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN TAKEN TO DEALERSHIP YET FOR INSPECTION. THE ALTERNATOR WAS REPLACED PRIOR TO THIS INCIDENT UNDER NHTSA RECALL 02V171000 .THE MANUFACTURER HAS…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · December 15, 2005 · fire

Common questions

How many electrical system complaints does the 1998 Nissan Maxima have?

NHTSA has 24 complaints about the 1998 Nissan Maxima electrical system — 18% of all complaints filed for that model year.

Are there recalls for the 1998 Nissan Maxima electrical system?

Yes — 1 NHTSA recall campaign for this model year is tied to the electrical system: 02V171000.

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.