Summary
The Nissan Maxima has 25 recalls spanning the 1989 through 2020 model years, with the most serious recent issue being a brake fluid leak on 2015-2017 vehicles where fluid can reach the anti-lock brake control unit's circuit board, cause an electrical short, and start a fire.
The 2015-2017 era carries several additional brake-related concerns. On 2016 models, a separate issue with the anti-lock brake actuator can delay pressure control when anti-lock brakes activate, reducing stability during hard stops. There is also a 2016 recall where the anti-lock brake system can produce insufficient fluid pressure, extending stopping distances. Rounding out the recent production years, the 2020 model has a rear window glass that can detach from the vehicle while driving. The 2016 model also has a fuel sending unit O-ring that may not have been seated correctly, which can leak fuel in a crash and raise the risk of fire.
Going back to mid-2000s production, the 2007 model has a steering wheel lock that can engage with the ignition in the off position while the transmission is not in park, potentially locking the steering when turning right. On 2006 vehicles, a rear suspension subframe bracket can crack and allow the rear lower suspension link to separate, which can compromise stability under hard driving. The 2005 model, on vehicles with the driver preferred package, has a seat power lumbar wiring harness that can be pinched under the seat and short-circuit from vibration, starting a seat fire. The same wiring routing problem exists on 2004 models equipped with a driver seat power lumbar support. Also on 2004 models, the optional Skyview Roof glass can develop internal stress from an improper hardening process and shatter unexpectedly.
For early 2000s models, the 2001 Maxima has a Takata-type passenger airbag inflator that can rupture during deployment, sending fragments into the cabin. Also on 2001 vehicles, the front lower control arm pin can break where it attaches to the frame, producing a knocking sound and causing erratic steering response. The 2002 model has an accelerator pedal that can travel beyond its normal range if pushed with excessive sideways force, triggering an engine protection mode that sharply limits power and can catch a driver off guard.
In the late 1990s, the 1997 Maxima has an alternator with a potentially damaged diode that can fail, melt its housing, and ignite nearby components in the engine compartment. Going further back, the 1993 model has aluminum wheels that were over-coated with clear coat, allowing wheel nuts to loosen over time and hub bolts to break, leading to wheel separation. The 1992 model has an airbag sensor that can trigger the driver's airbag during underbody impacts when it does not need to deploy, startling the driver and causing loss of control. The 1990 and 1989 model years both have a fuel filler tube that can corrode from trapped salt and mud between the tube and wheel housing, leading to fuel leaks and a fire risk near an ignition source.
