RoadVitals

1992 Nissan Maxima

Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
110
Latest Apr 8, 2013
Safety recallsA safety recall is issued when a manufacturer or NHTSA determines that a vehicle has a safety-related defect or does not comply with a federal motor vehicle safety standard. Recall repairs are free. Whether a specific vehicle is covered depends on its VIN — a recall listed for a model year does not necessarily apply to every vehicle of that year.
5
Latest May 11, 2009
InvestigationsNHTSA opens an investigation to examine whether a safety defect may exist. An open investigation is not a determination that a defect exists, and many investigations close without a recall. Investigations can, however, lead to one.
2
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
18
18 injuries, 0 deaths reported

Overview

Our database contains 110 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 1992 Nissan Maxima, most frequently naming the fuel system, engine and visibility categories. 5 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; 2 NHTSA investigations name it; and 29 manufacturer communications are on file.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

What owners report

Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Safety recalls

5 campaigns cover this model year

View all 5

Recalls apply to specific vehicles, not to every vehicle of a model year. Check your VIN with NHTSA or your manufacturer's dealer to confirm whether a recall affects your vehicle.

Check a VIN on NHTSA.gov
09E025000

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS

May 11, 2009
42,540 units potentially affected
The 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.
The risk: DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
The 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.
DOPE, INC.View on NHTSA.gov
09E012000

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

Apr 7, 2009
16,270 units potentially affected
The 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.
The risk: DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
The 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.
SABERSPORTView on NHTSA.gov
06E026000

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

Mar 23, 2006
61,944 units potentially affected
The 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.
The risk: WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
The 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.
PRO-A MOTORS, INC.View on NHTSA.gov

Safety investigations

NHTSA inquiries naming this vehicle. An investigation is not a finding of a defect.

EA93024ClosedEngineering Analysis

INADVER.AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT

Opened Oct 8, 1993
Closed Jan 25, 1994

There is no summary currently available

AIR BAGSLed to recall 94V007000
PE93063ClosedPreliminary Evaluation

INADVER.AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT

Opened Jul 12, 1993
Closed Oct 8, 1993

There is no summary currently available

AIR BAGS

Recent owner complaints

Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words

View all 110
Fuel system
Filed Apr 8, 2013

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1992 NISSAN MAXIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE REFUELING, FUEL SPEWED FROM THE FILLER NECK. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 95V244000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.

NHTSA ID
10507478
Incident
Jun 1, 2011
Fuel system
Filed Oct 22, 2010

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1992 NISSAN MAXIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE ADDING GASOLINE TO THE FUEL TANK HE SMELLED FUEL AND NOTICED IT LEAKING FROM UNDERNEATH THE FUEL TANK. THE DEALER WAS INFORMED ABOUT THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT THE VENT HOLES IN THE FUEL TANK WERE CRACKED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 188419. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 188700.

NHTSA ID
10361806
Incident
Sep 25, 2010
Mileage
188,419 mi
Fuel system
Filed Aug 22, 2008

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1992 NISSAN MAXIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE IS A FUEL LEAK ON THE PIPE THAT CONNECTS TO THE GAS TANK DUE TO CORROSION. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THERE WAS A RECALL REGARDING THIS FAILURE. THE CONTACT WENT TO THE DEALER; HOWEVER, THERE WAS ONLY ONE PERSON THERE WHO COULD PERFORM THE REPAIR. NISSAN HAS THE NECESSARY PART AND THE CONTACT CAN REPAIR IT HIMSELF, BUT THEY REFUSE TO SELL HIM THE PART. THE FAILURE HAS BEEN ONGOING FOR TWO MONTHS. THE RECALL NUMBER WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 92,480.

NHTSA ID
10239391
Incident
Jun 22, 2008
Mileage
92,480 mi
Interior & seatsSeat belts
Filed May 31, 2008
Crash reported2 injuries reported

MY DAUGHTER OVER-CORRECTED AND ROLLED THE CAR 4 TIMES, WHICH SHE WAS EJECTED ON THE FIRST ROLL, BECAUSE THE DRIVER SIDE SEATBELT FAILED TO HOLD HER IN. SHE HAS MARKS ON HER NECK SHOWING WHERE THE SEATBELT BURNED HER BEFORE FAILING TO HOLD HER INSIDE THE CAR. SHE HAS OVER 200 STITCHES IN HER BODY, LUCKILY NO BROKEN BONES OR INTERNAL INJURIES. IT APPEARS THE DRIVER SIDE DOOR CAME OPEN ALSO, POSSIBLY THE EXIT POINT, SHE DOESN'T KNOW WHERE SHE WAS EJECTED FROM. *TR

NHTSA ID
10229401
Incident
May 24, 2008
Mileage
139,000 mi
ElectricalFuel system
Filed May 1, 2008

1992 NISSAN MAXIMA WITH CORROSION ON REAR WHEEL HOUSING AREA. CONSUMER STATES THAT THIS CORROSION CAUSED THE FAILURE THE LEFT REAR SEATBELT RETRACTOR. *KB THE CONSUMER STATED THE PROBLEM MAY HAVE RESULTED OF A RECALL THAT WAS PERFORMED. RECALL 95V244000. ACCORDING TO THE RECALL, THERE HAD BEEN SOME INSTANCES WHEN IT APPEARED THAT THE REPAIRED AREAS HAD NOT BEEN PROPERLY SEALED PERMITTING MUD AND SALT TO BE RETAINED AND THUS PRODUCING CORROSION. THE CONSUMER STATED HE HAD THE RECALL REPAIR COMPLETED IN DEC 2002. THE CONSUMER STATED OVER FOUR YEARS FOLLOWING THE REPAIR, HE FOUND SIGNIFICANT CORROSION DAMAGED. THE IGNITION COILS WERE REPLACED. *JB

NHTSA ID
10226275
Incident
Apr 1, 2007
Engine
Filed Jan 7, 2008

ENGINE SHUTS OF INTERMITTENTLY AND WITHOUT WARNING FOR BRIEF MOMENTS (5-10 SEC.) SOMETIMES IN ISOLATED SINGLE EVENTS, SOMETIMES IN CLUSTERS. ENGINE COMPLETELY LOSES POWER THEN RETURNS. DASHBOARD AND RADIO CONTINUE TO WORK AS IF IT IS NOT ELECTRICAL. FEELS LIKE A FUEL DELIVERY PROBLEM. IT'S VERY SCARY WHEN IT HAPPENS ON THE FREEWAY OR WHEN PULLING INTO TRAFFIC! NO CODES SHOW ON COMPUTER DIAGNOSTICS. REPLACED FUEL FILTER AND COMPUTER. WHILE SEARCHING THE NET I HAVE FOUND THIS TO BE A RECURRENT PROBLEM WITH THIS MODEL. NO KNOWN FIXES. *TR

NHTSA ID
10214126
Incident
Sep 13, 2007
Mileage
87,000 mi
Engine
Filed Jan 2, 2007

TL* - THE CONTACT SPENT OVER $3000.00 ON THE 1992 NISSAN MAXIMA. THE VEHICLE HAD A VARIETY OF FAILURES FOR THE PAST YEAR. THE CONTACT TOOK THE CAR TO BE REPAIRED ,BUT IT HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED PROPERLY. ON 1/2/07 THE REPAIR SHOP SAID THAT THE VEHICLE COULD NOT BE REPAIRED, AND THAT HE NEEDED TO GET A TOW TRUCK AND COME BACK TO THE REPAIR SHOP TO PICK UP THE VEHICLE. THE REPAIR SHOP PUT A NEW ENGINE IN THE VEHICLE, AND IT FELT AS IF THE ENGINE HAS BEEN IN THE CAR OVER 10 YEARS NOW. *AK

NHTSA ID
10177599
Incident
Jun 1, 2006
Mileage
800 mi
Fuel system
Filed Dec 27, 2006

I HAVE READ WHERE MANY NISSAN MAXIMA OWNERS HAVE HAD PROBLEMS WITH LEAKS IN THE FUEL FILLER TUBE DUE TO RUST AND CORROSION (BETWEEN '88 AND'94). I HAVE ALSO SEEN THAT NISSAN IS VERY SELECTIVE IN DECIDING WHICH CARS ARE COVERED BASED ON THE VIN. I ALSO SEE THAT MANY HAVE ASKED FOR HELP FROM A MR. LARRY LONG AT THE NHTSA AND THAT'S HE'S BEEN VERY HELPFUL. I AM FACING A SIMILAR SITUATION NOW. I KNOW THERE IS A LEAK IN MY FILLER TUBE, AND NISSAN SAYS MY 1992 NISSAN MAXIMA GXE DOES NOT HAVE ANY OUTSTANDING RECALLS. I BOUGHT THE CAR USED, AND THEY DID NOT TELL ME IF IT HAD BEEN FIXED OR NOT. IS IT POSSIBLE TO GET THIS MESSAGE TO MR. LARRY LONG OR WHOMEVER IS WORKING ON SITUATIONS LIKE THIS? A LEAK IN THE FUEL FILLER TUBE IS POTENTIALLY VERY SERIOUS -- AND EXPENSIVE TO FIX. THANKS IN ADVANCE FOR YOUR HELP AND CONSIDERATION. *JB

NHTSA ID
10177131
Incident
Dec 27, 2006

Manufacturer communications

A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.

NTB08-097L

STEERING

DIAGNOSIS OF VEHICLE PULL (DRIFT) AND/OR STEERING WHEEL OFF-CENTER This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.

NTB23-049

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

12 VOLT BATTERY TESTING FOR IN-SERVICE VEHICLES SERVICE INFORMATION The following Service Information lists NNA procedural recommendations for establishing good connections while performing 12V battery testing. These recommendations are expected to promote uniformity during the connection process, therefore reducing the number of incorrect “Test with DCA” and “Replace” results. HINT: If 12 volt batteries are allowed to discharge for a prolonged period of time, battery life may be drastically reduced. This condition may lead to premature battery replacement and customer dissatisfaction. IMPORTANT:  CPX-900 is now an accepted testing tool to use along with or in place of the DSS-5000  CPX-900 operating instructions are found at: https://nissancpx900.midtronics.com/  DSS-5000 operating instructions are found at: https://nissandss5000.midtronics.com/  DCA-8000 is now a required testing tool to be used for all warranty replacement decisions. The DCA-8000 is also a more efficient charger than previously available, and will charge any available 12 volt lead acid battery safely and accurately as long as all precautions and inputs are made correctly. The DCA-8000 operating instructions are found at: https://nissandca8000.midtronics.com/

NTB23-053

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

SILICONE-BASED LUBRICANT OR GREASE CAN DAMAGE ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS SERVICE INFORMATION Do not apply Silicone-based lubricants or grease to, or around, any interior electrical components. To avoid the risk of death or severe personal injury, do not directly spray Silicone-based lubricant or grease, or inadvertently overspray Silicone-based lubricant or grease onto any interior electrical components. These types of lubricants can be detrimental to the proper operation of electrical components.

NTB13-107F

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

VEHICLE KEY NOT DETECTED / AUTHENTICATED, ENGINE WILL NOT START This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.

NTB16-003C

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

INTELLIGENT KEY REPLACEMENT OR SWAPPING BETWEEN VEHICLES This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Discard all previous versions of this bulletin.

NTB09-081J

STRUCTURE; VISIBILITY

WINDSHIELD CRACKING This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.

Manufacturers file copies of the bulletins they send to dealers with NHTSA. These often describe diagnostic or repair procedures for a known condition. They are not recalls: repairs described in a bulletin are usually only free if the vehicle is still under warranty or the manufacturer has extended coverage.

Compare model years

Complaint and recall counts across every year of this model

Nissan Maxima by model year
YearComplaintsRecallsInvestigationsIssue Index
2023100—
2022500—
2021300—
2020211044.5
2019181050.4
2018362155.1
20171034162.5
20161428159.4
2015100—
2014950040.1
2013620034.2
20121070036.8
20111060036.5
20102751038.8
20093391038.4
2008780140.7
20071291140.9
20065762044.8
20059482045.1
20041,4252149.3
20032064153.8
20022059159.5
20011727154.2
20003603051.0
19991654050.3
19981136057.5
19971026163.2
1996965054.9
19951525363.1
1994895052.5
1993786161.1
1992Viewing1105262.7
1991764054.0
19901064053.2
1989624055.9
1988601263.3
19871761265.2
1986602270.7
1985542271.4
1984300251.1
1983502—
1982402—
1981000—
1980000—

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. Older model years have had longer for reports to accumulate.