1989 Nissan Maxima Problems
Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component
Data refreshed
What this page shows
Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 1989 Nissan Maxima, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Reports by component
Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category
- Fuel system2129.6%
- Interior & seats1014.1%
- Seat belts912.7%
- Visibility68.5%
- Transmission68.5%
- Steering45.6%
- Powertrain (other)34.2%
- Body & structure34.2%
- Engine22.8%
- Driver assistance22.8%
- Electrical22.8%
- Suspension11.4%
- Heating & air conditioning11.4%
- Brakes11.4%
Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.
Each component in detail
What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
From owner reports, verbatim
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THERE IS CORROSION BETWEEN FUEL FILLER TUBE AND LEFT REAR FENDER AND WHEEL HOUSING. THERE IS A NHTSA RECALL 95V244000, REGARDING THE FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE: STORAGE: TANK: FILLER PIPE AND CAP. THIS VEHICLE IN INCLUDED IN THIS RECALL; HOWEVER THE DEALER WILL NOT REPAIR THE PROBLEM UNTIL OTHER REPAIRS ARE MADE. THE REPAIRS THAT ARE NEEDED BEFORE THE RECALL WILL BE PREFORMED ARE AS FOLLOWS. THE LEFT REAR FENDER AND BOTTOM TRUNK PAN NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURE WAS ALERTED AND NO REPAIRS HAVE BEEN MADE.
RECALL CAMPAIGN #95V244000 ; CUSTOMER STATES R5002, CORROSION RECALL WAS PERFORMED. THE FUEL FILLER TUBE ASSEMBLY WAS REPLACED. *BF *SC *JB
Interior & seats
Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.
From owner reports, verbatim
I PURCHASED THIS CAR NEW FROM JACK BIGGER NISSAN. APPROXIMATELY 5 YEARS AFTER THE PURCHASE, IN OUR HOT SUMMERS, I NOTICED THE DIGITAL DASHBOARD (ONE OF THE FEATURES THAT ATTRACTED MY HUSBAND AND MYSELF TO THIS PARTICULAR CAR) STARTED SHOWING HORIZONTAL "STREAKS" ACROSS THE LIGHT PANEL & THE READINGS WOULD FLICKER IN AND OUT. AS THE YEARS PASSED, THE PROBLEM GREW WORSE, TO THE POINT WHERE THE LIGHTS WOULD ACTUALLY GO OUT COMPLETELY! WHEN THE PROBLEM FIRST STARTED, APPROXIMATELY 1994, I TOOK THE CAR TO THE DEALERSHIP IT WAS PURCHASED FROM AND WAS INFORMED THAT, YES, THEY HAD DISCONTINUED USING THESE DIGITAL LIGHTS JUST FOR THAT REASON! UPON INQUIRY TO REPAIR, I WAS TOLD THE CAR WAS OUT OF WARRANTY AND IT WOULD COST ROUGHLY (AT THAT TIME) $1200 - $1400 TO INSTALL THE ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS REQUIRED TO REMEDY THE PROBLEM!!! I HAD THEM SOMETIMES. I AM STILL DRIVING THE CAR AFTER 15 YRS., I NEVER HAVE ANY OF MY DASH LIGHTS - NOT SPEED, OIL, GAS, MILEAGE, CHECK ENGINE, CRUISE CONTROL OR TEMPERATURE; OR ANY OTHER READINGS I'VE LONG FORGOTTEN HAD BEEN THERE. OBVIOUSLY, SPEED AND MY GAS GAUGE ARE THE TWO THINGS I CONSIDER MISSING THE MOST. I CAN KEEP UP WITH THE GAS, I'VE ONLY RUN OUT ONCE, TO MY CREDIT. THE SPEED, HOWEVER, I FEEL IS DANGEROUS. PERHAPS NISSAN DOES NOT CARE IF I GET A TICKET OR TWO FOR BEING OVER THE SPEED LIMIT, SO PERHAPS THAT DANGER IS PERCEIVED AS "ONLY TO ME", AFTERALL, IT'S NOT LIKE THE BRAKES OR TRANSMISSION. I DO NOT AGREE. I HAVE FELT, FROM THE BEGINNING, THAT TO FIX THIS PROBLEM IS NISSAN'S RESPONSIBILITY. I KNOW THERE ARE OTHER 1989 MAXIMAS ON THE ROAD WITH NO DASH LIGHTS. I HAVE BEEN "IN THE DARK" FOR ABOUT 8 YRS. NOW AND I DO FEEL THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE. THANK YOU FOR PROVIDING THIS FORUM TO EXPLAIN THIS CAR'S PROBLEM, I DID WRITE TO NISSAN CORP. AND THE DEALERSHIP SEVERAL TIMES, JUST TO BE IGNORED. SINCERELY, JOAN L. PELZER. *AK
A/C FAILED; SANTA MONICA NISSAN CLAIMED THE WHOLE DASHBOARD COMPUTER NEEDS TO BE REPLACED AT $1000. LATER FOUND YOUR BULLETIN FC0006029. *AK
Seat belts
Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.
From owner reports, verbatim
DRIVER'S SIDE REAR SEATBELT WILL NOT COME OUT OF RETRACTOR. TOOK TO DEALER, AND THEY STATED THAT WHEEL HOUSING WAS CORRODED. CONSUMER STATED THERE WAS A RECALL 99V244000 FOR SAME PROBLEM.THIS VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDEDIN RECALL DUE TO VIN. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION.*AK
DRIVER'S RESTRAINT CHOKED DRIVER UPON IMPACT, CAUSING MINOR INJURIES. MANUFACTURER NOTIFIED.*AK
Visibility
Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.
From owner reports, verbatim
FRONT DRIVER AND REAR PASSENGER WINDOW REGULATORS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. *AK
THE HEATER CORE IS ALUMINUM (INSIDE) WE HAVE BEEN TOLD THAT A GROUND SOMEWHERE IN THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM IS CAUSING THE ELEMENT IN THE HEATER CORE TO MELT OVER A PERIOD OF TIME. IF YOU HAVE ANY INFORMATION THAT COULD HELP ME PLEASE RESPOND
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Transmission
Reports naming the automatic or manual transmission, including shifting behaviour, shudder, slipping and transmission control modules.
From owner reports, verbatim
CONSUMER COULD MOVE THE SHIFTER ON ITS OWN OUT OF PARK WITHOUT APPLYING FORCE. ALSO, STEERING COLUMN FAILED TO LOCK. CONSUMER WILL CONTACT THE DEALER FOR AN APPOINTMENT. *AK
TRANSMISSION FAILED AT 92,000. MANY REPLACEMENT PARTS AND PROBLEMS. *AK
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Steering
Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.
From owner reports, verbatim
CONSUMER COULD MOVE THE SHIFTER ON ITS OWN OUT OF PARK WITHOUT APPLYING FORCE. ALSO, STEERING COLUMN FAILED TO LOCK. CONSUMER WILL CONTACT THE DEALER FOR AN APPOINTMENT. *AK
THE SPEEDOMETER NEEDLE KEEPS SHOWING 15MPH EVENTHOUGH THE VEHICLE IS A T STOP. ALSO, THE GAS GAUGE SOMETIMES SHOWS EMPTY EVENTHOUGH THE TANK IS FULL. THOSE PROBLEMS HAPPEN VERY OFTEN. IN ADDITION, THE TRANSMISSION WON'T SHIFT GEAR AT DIFFERENT SPEEDS. I HAVE TO SHUT OFF THE ENGINE AND RESTART AGAIN, THEN THE TRANSMISSION BECOMES NORMAL. IT DOESN'T MATTER IN HOT OR COLD WEATHER. ACCORDING TO THE PREVIOUS OWNER, HE HAD THE PROBLEM WITH THE SPEEDOMETER WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS ON 30,000 MILES. THE VEHICLE WAS REPLACED THE NEW FACTORY SPEEDOMETER BY NISSAN DEALER. *AK
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Powertrain (other)
Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.
From owner reports, verbatim
WHILE TURNING THE DRIVER HEARD A LOUD CLANKING NOISE COMING FROM THE LEFT FRONT OF THE VEHICLE. WHILE ACCELERATING 35MPH, THE CLANKING NOISE ESCALATED LOUDER. THE DRIVER DROVE THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER. THE DRIVER INFORMED THE MECHANIC THAT THE POWER TRAIN AXLE NEEDED TO BE REPLACEMENT DUE TO CORROSION. PLEASE FILL IN ADDITIONAL INFORMATION.
SPEEDOMETER FAILURE, SPEEDOMETER NO LONGER READS 100% OF THE TIME. *AK
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Body & structure
Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.
From owner reports, verbatim
YESTERDAY JULY 18 2011, PASSPORT NISSAN INDICATED TO ME THAT NISSAN IS WILLING TO GIVE ME A $1200, ( TWELVE HUNDRED) FOR THE MAXIMA 1989 THAT YOU HAVE INSPECTED. NISSAN WANTS MY CAR FOR THAT AMOUNT, I MADE A COUNTER OFFER TO HIM. AT ANY RATE I DECIDED ,THAT NISSAN SHOULD JUST FIX MY CAR. THANK YOU, TO: RBITTINGER <[email protected]> SENT: FRI, JUN 24, 2011 10:53 AM SUBJECT: MAXIMA 89 MORNING, FOR YOUR INFORMATION I AM FORWARDING THE FOLLOWING LINKS REGARDING MY MAXIMA 89, SEE YOU TUESDAY THE 28 OF JUNE. THANKS, SUMMARY HTTP://WWW-ODI.NHTSA.DOT.GOV/CARS/PROBLEMS/RECALLS/RECALLSUMMARY.CFM?RCL_CAMPAIGN_ID=95V244000&PROD_ID=11205&MODULETYPE=VEHICLE&MAKE=NISSAN&MODEL=MAXIMA&VEH_MODEL_YEAR=1989&SEARCHTYPE=DRILLDOWN RECALL BULLETIN HTTP://WWW-ODI.NHTSA.DOT.GOV/ACMS/DOCSERVLET/ARTEMIS/PUBLIC/RECALLS/1995/V/RCMN-95V244-6337.PDF RON SEE PAGES 7 AND 8 ON THIS PDF FILE IT CALLS FOR WHEEL HOUSING AND TRUNK REPAIR HTTP://WWW-ODI.NHTSA.DOT.GOV/ACMS/DOCSERVLET/ARTEMIS/PUBLIC/RECALLS/1995/V/RC-95V244-NN.PDF
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THERE IS CORROSION BETWEEN FUEL FILLER TUBE AND LEFT REAR FENDER AND WHEEL HOUSING. THERE IS A NHTSA RECALL 95V244000, REGARDING THE FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE: STORAGE: TANK: FILLER PIPE AND CAP. THIS VEHICLE IN INCLUDED IN THIS RECALL; HOWEVER THE DEALER WILL NOT REPAIR THE PROBLEM UNTIL OTHER REPAIRS ARE MADE. THE REPAIRS THAT ARE NEEDED BEFORE THE RECALL WILL BE PREFORMED ARE AS FOLLOWS. THE LEFT REAR FENDER AND BOTTOM TRUNK PAN NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURE WAS ALERTED AND NO REPAIRS HAVE BEEN MADE.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
MOTOR MOUNTS FAILED CAUSED THE VEHCLE TO JERK AND STALL ON THE ROAD. YH
IN ADDITION TO THE RECALL 95V244 FOR 89-93 NISSAN MAXIMAS FOR A FUEL FILLER REPLACEMENT, ANOTHER PROBLEM I HAVE IS THE REAR WHEEL HOUSINGS WHICH ROT THROUGH (NOTED SOMEWHAT IN 95V244 AS "REAR SEAT BELT ATTACHMENT TO WHEEL HOUSING"). WHEN THERE IS REAR WHEEL HOUSING DAMAGE DUE TO CORROSION (SALT), SINCE THERE IS NO PLASTIC "LINER" FOR THE HOUSING, WATER (WHEN RAINING) IS ALLOWED TO ENTER THE REAR PASSENGER COMPARTMENT FLOODING IT - BUT ONLY WHEN THE DRIVER RIDES IN THE RAIN. (THE REAR WHEEL THROWS THE WATER HIGH AND A WATER TRAIL FINDS ITS WAY DOWN THE REAR SEAT EDGE THAT CONTACTS THE WHEEL HOUSING. THIS OPEN, CORRODED AREA COULD ALSO LET EXHAUST FUMES IN. NISSAN SHOULD HAVE PUT A PLASTIC WHEEL HOUSING LINER IN THE REAR AS THEY DID IN THE FRONT TO AVOID THIS POSSIBILITY. (IS THERE ONE AVAILABLE)? THIS IS A POPULAR CAR AND BUT IT MIGHT 6-9 YEARS FOR THIS CORROSION TO COME THROUGH.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
WHILE BACKING OUT VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED UNCONTROLLABLY. DRIVER APPLIED THE BRAKES AND PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR. THE VEHICLE CONTINUE TO ACCELERATE. THIS CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO CRASH INTO A TREE. THE DRIVER WAS KILLED ON IMPACT. AN AMBULANCE AND POLICE DEPARTMENT ARRIVED, AND AN ACCIDENT REPORT WAS ISSUED. *AK
THE DIGITAL DASH IS COMPLETELY INOPERATIVE AND HAS TO BE REPLACED.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
WAS DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD. SMOKE COME FROM HOOD. COASTED TIL GOT OFF MAIN ROAD. CAR STARTED FLAMING UNDER HOOD. WROTE UP AS TOTAL LOSS. *AK
ACCESSORY FUSE BLOWS WHEN DRIVER'S SEAT BELT RETRACTS WHEN VEHICLE IS STILL RUNNING. *SKD
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Suspension
Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.
From owner reports, verbatim
EXTREME STRUCTURAL RUST OF THE STRUT TOWERS/FRAME RAILS CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO ALMOST GO OUT OF CONTROL DURING A SUDDEN STOP DUE TO FLEXING AND BREAKING OF BOTH FRONT STRUT TOWERS. RUSTING CAUSED THE LEFT REAR SEAT BELT ANCHOR TO FAILED, ALLOWING CHILD TO BE THROWN WHEN THE SEAT BELT SUDDENLY RELEASE DURING A SUDDEN STOP.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Heating & air conditioning
Reports naming the heating, ventilation and air-conditioning system.
From owner reports, verbatim
A/C FAILED; SANTA MONICA NISSAN CLAIMED THE WHOLE DASHBOARD COMPUTER NEEDS TO BE REPLACED AT $1000. LATER FOUND YOUR BULLETIN FC0006029. *AK
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
WHILE DRIVING AT 45 MPH THERE WAS SMOKE COMING FROM VEHICLE, AND WITHOUT ANY PRIOR WARNING, CONSUMER HAD TO HOLD FOOT DOWN ON THE BRAKES. ALSO BRAKE LIGHT STAYED ON, AND THE SOCKET WAS BURNED OUT. BRAKES STARTED TO SMOKE. *AK
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.
Elsewhere on this vehicle
Data sources
- NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation — owner-reported complaints and the components recorded on them
Data on this page last refreshed .