1994 Nissan Maxima
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Nissan › Maxima › 1994
These records cover every 1994 Nissan Maxima. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
5 recalls name the 1994 Nissan Maxima. Newest first.
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…
Risk and remedy
Risk
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.
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…
Risk and remedy
Risk
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.
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.
Risk and remedy
Risk
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.
It IS possible for a mixture of mud and salt to get trapped between the fuel filler tube and wheel housing. The trapped mud and salt can result in corrosion of the fuel filler tube and the wheel housing.
Risk and remedy
Risk
Significant corrosion of the fuel filler tube may result in fuel leaks which in the presence of an ignition source could result in a fire. In addition, the left rear seat belt retractor IS mounted to the wheel housing and in the event of significant corrosion, and the mounting could fail in a vehicle crash.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect these vehicles and corrective action will be taken depending upon the extent of the corrosion.
The aluminum wheels were clear coated several times to protect the metal finish. Some excessive coating can leave the wheel nuts an excessive distance from the wheel hub when tightened, allowing them to loosen over time.
Risk and remedy
Risk
This can cause the hub bolts to break and result in the wheel separating from the vehicle and a possible accident.
Remedy
Dealers will remove the clear plastic coating from the brake rotor mating surface on the back of each wheel and from the wheel nut mating surfaces. The wheels will be reinstalled and the wheel nuts tightened. Wheels, hub bolts, and nuts will be replaced if necessary.
Owner complaints
89 complaints6 involved a crash3 involved a fire7 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Fuel/propulsion system
Since I purchased vehicle back in 2007, this vehicle leaks gasoline when full tank IS fueled. It creates a large puddle of fuel in the rear under the fuel neck fill pipe. It takes about 20 miles of driving for the leak to stop. I had never been made aware of this being a common problem by any…
Since I purchased vehicle back in 2007, this vehicle leaks gasoline when full tank IS fueled. It creates a large puddle of fuel in the rear under the fuel neck fill pipe. It takes about 20 miles of driving for the leak to stop. I had never been made aware of this being a common problem by any service center I have taken it to. My household IS safety conscious when it comes to the use of any flammable items that could pose a risk of fire when these leaks occur. I always try not to fill the tank completely but I admit sometimes I simply forget, only realizing it after the fuel station gasoline hose stops on its own. My concern has always been that while driving and IS leaking, someone may throw out their window a cigarette or I may go over something that could trigger a spark, causing a fire/explosion. *tr
- Fuel system, gasoline · Fuel system, gasoline › Storage › Tank assembly › Filler pipe and cap
Vehicle: 1994 nissan maxima (vin# [xxx]) every time I pump in a full tank of fuel at the gas station, the fuel begins to leak and creates a puddle of fuel underneath the car. the fuel filler tube and wheel housing IS significantly corroded that has resulted in a fuel leak. in the presence of…
Vehicle: 1994 nissan maxima (vin# [xxx]) every time I pump in a full tank of fuel at the gas station, the fuel begins to leak and creates a puddle of fuel underneath the car. the fuel filler tube and wheel housing IS significantly corroded that has resulted in a fuel leak. in the presence of an ignition source, it could result in a fire. also, the left rear seat belt retractor IS mounted to the wheel and the mounting could fail in a vehicle crash. I discovered nhtsa campaign ID number: 95v244000, which was a recall on the 1994 nissan maxima fuel system, gasoline: storage tank: tank assembly: filler pipe and cap. a mixture of mud and salt got trapped between the fuel filler tube and wheel housing that resulted in corrosion of the fuel filler tube and wheel housing. this vehicle has been garaged-kept and only has 140,000 miles for a 16-year-old vehicle. on 6/18/2010, I brought the car into rosenthal nissan dealer in vienna, va for repair/replacement, but after calling nissan north america, inc., I was told that my car did not qualify for the recall and I would have to repair/replace it at my own expense (file# [xxx]). The recall was specific for the type of safety defect that I am currently experiencing on the same year and make/model vehicle, but nissan north america, inc. Refuses to heed nhtsa campaign ID number: 95v244000. information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(B)(6). *Tr
- Fuel system, gasoline · Seat belts
My maxima has a plastic shroud around the fuel filler neck, presumably to protect it from road debris, rocks, etc, blasting the filler neck. Unfortunately, the shroud traps fine dirt and moisture. This includes winter road salt. When I removed the shroud, massive amounts of fine sand & dirt fell to…
My maxima has a plastic shroud around the fuel filler neck, presumably to protect it from road debris, rocks, etc, blasting the filler neck. Unfortunately, the shroud traps fine dirt and moisture. This includes winter road salt. When I removed the shroud, massive amounts of fine sand & dirt fell to the ground. When I cleaned out what was stuck up inside the rear quarter panel area, I swept up 3 full dustpans. It was close to 10lbs of crap. the filler neck was badly rusted. The rear quarter panel was rusted badly. When I started to dismantle, I went to remove seatbelt bolt. I was shocked to find the entire area where the seatbelt attached was behind filler neck and completely rusted out. The sheet metal twisted apart easily and would not have protected the left rear passenger in a 5 mph collision. It would have just tore away. years ago my '86 honda prelude had a rusty filler neck. I removed it and went to buy the part, and was told there was a recall on it. It was considered a safety issue. When I asked nissan a few months ago, there was no recall for this serious safety issue (on 2 issues: strong fuel odors and no seatbelt protection). I find that unacceptable, especially now that I can see the flawed design. I have also seen many other nissan owners with similar complaints for nissan axxess and nissan murano ( and I haven't even searched or looked for these complaints). also, I have been investigating auto mvas for 25 years. *Tr
- Tires
Tl*the contact owns a 1994 nissan maxima. the vehicle has cooper trendsetter SE, size p206/65r15 (na) tires. the contact stated that she saw a defective trend in several cooper tires that she purchased. she bought four tires initially in august of 2006. the contact returned one tire on december…
Tl*the contact owns a 1994 nissan maxima. the vehicle has cooper trendsetter SE, size p206/65r15 (na) tires. the contact stated that she saw a defective trend in several cooper tires that she purchased. she bought four tires initially in august of 2006. the contact returned one tire on december 6, 2007 because it was defective. the failure was noticed while driving 55 mph. the dealer and manufacturer have not been notified. the vin, purchase date, transmission type, number of cylinders, engine size, and powertrain were unknown. the current mileage was 178,000 and failure mileage was 176,307.
- Tires › Sidewall
Tl*the contact owns a 1994 nissan maxima. the vehicle has goodyear eagle rs-a, size p245/45r18 tires. the contact stated that the front driver side tire had a cracked sidewall. goodyear was notified. there was a buy back program on this tire that expired on december 31, 2007. the current and failure mileages were 43,000.
- Engine and engine cooling · Fuel system, gasoline › Delivery › Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
There was a faulty fuel line in consumers 1994 nissan maxima. *Ts the vehicle overheated. The dealer replaced the radiator cap and temperature sensor. *jb
- Fuel system, gasoline › Storage
Fuel tank leaks during fill-ups and if car IS positioned on an incline.
- Equipment · Power train › Automatic transmission
My transmission went out in 2003 I got it rebuilt it went out again in 2004 every person I know own a 1991-1994 nissan maxima has these problems and I dont think its right.so there should be a recall on the cars transmission.
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine › Gasoline · Fuel system, gasoline › Fuel injection system · Visibility › Defroster/defogger/hvac system
Dt: for the past year smelled gas. been took to dealer for this problem several times. Done repairs to hoses,exhaust, etc. later discovered this was an issue with the fuel injection. System. When air conditioner was on high the smell was evident. also, this was present in the morning when the…
Dt: for the past year smelled gas. been took to dealer for this problem several times. Done repairs to hoses,exhaust, etc. later discovered this was an issue with the fuel injection. System. When air conditioner was on high the smell was evident. also, this was present in the morning when the car was started for the first 5 minutes. took to service dealer, and found no leaks, but did perform smoke test and numerous inspections, but was unable to locate this problem. also, IS was present when IS defrost was turned on. gas smell iwasstronger when accelerating about 25 mph or so in stop or go traffic. *ak
- Fuel system, gasoline › Storage › Tank assembly › Filler pipe and cap
Nhtsa recall 95v244000 concerning fuel tank assembly pipe filler neck. vehicle was taken to the dealer for the recall. however, dealer charged consumer $1,700.00 for recall repairs. *ak
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine · Fuel system, gasoline · Wheels
Consumer took the vehicle to dealer for recalls 95v244000 and 94v194000 repairs concerning wheels and the fuel filler. Consumer was charged for the labor, and the repairs on the wheels was not performed. *ak the vehicle had a fuel leak under the intake manifold. a broke vacuum line caused the vehicle to idle poorly. the vehicle's water pump was replaced. *nm
- Visibility › Sun/moon roof assembly
While driving 60 mph, the sunroof exploded. The dealership mechanic repaired the problem once, but the problem recurred. Please provide any additional information. *nm
- Fuel system, gasoline · Fuel system, gasoline › Delivery · Fuel system, gasoline › Delivery › Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings · Fuel system, gasoline › Fuel injection system · Fuel system, gasoline › Fuel injection system › Injectors · Fuel system, other
1994 nissan maxima has a strong odor of gasoline when started in the mornings. usually, but not always, odor goes away after 20-30 minutes of driving. this IS a random problem, and appears to be worse in cooler weather but has occurred in warm weather. strength of the odor varies day by day.…
1994 nissan maxima has a strong odor of gasoline when started in the mornings. usually, but not always, odor goes away after 20-30 minutes of driving. this IS a random problem, and appears to be worse in cooler weather but has occurred in warm weather. strength of the odor varies day by day. the car has been checked for faulty fuel injectors, the hosing has been checked, the fuel filter changed. there are no "clean spots" indicating gas leakage on an old dirtier engine. odor IS so strong at times that the car has to be parked outside the garage at home for fear that a spark from the hot water heater will ignite the fumes. also, fire from engine heat IS a concern as IS driving the car and having another motorist toss out a cigarette butt. I've been told that 95 models had a device installed in the fuel line because of this problem.*ak
- Electrical system · Electrical system › Alternator/generator/regulator · Electrical system › Wiring · Electrical system › Wiring › Front underhood · Electrical system › Wiring › Interior/under dash
1994 nissan maxima has 138,000 miles. Alternator has been replaced twice within the past 2 months. when driving, the digital readout on the car clock begins to fade. then the radio cuts on and off. then, all lights on the dash are lost, the air bag light comes on, and the car dies. after being…
1994 nissan maxima has 138,000 miles. Alternator has been replaced twice within the past 2 months. when driving, the digital readout on the car clock begins to fade. then the radio cuts on and off. then, all lights on the dash are lost, the air bag light comes on, and the car dies. after being towed, the battery was recharged, the alternator showed it was charging the battery, and the car cranked and ran fine. it will run fine for a day or two, then it totally cuts off when it IS being driven. to make things more interesting, the passenger front door window will go down when the car IS first started, but will not go up until the car IS driven for about 20-30 minutes. individual tail lights are out at times, but it IS never the same bulb at any time and the bulb IS not bad.*ak
- Seats
The front seat failed.*dt *jb
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
Brake line corroded, consumer found out about corroded brake line while driving. Contacted dealer who was not willing to do anything.*akthe dealer estimated damages at 1500 dollars. the brake line and three gas lines (fuel, return and send) needed replacing due to corrosion. the brake line leaks at the point under the left front door. corrosion could be due to road salt. *jg
- Engine and engine cooling › Exhaust system › Manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe
The bolts on exhaust manifold from engine are breaking off, consumer states it IS due to poor design of exhaust system from engine, the exhaust pipe IS pulling on manifold off engine.*jb
- Equipment › Electrical › Radio/tape deck/cd etc.
Bose radio/cd/tape player fails particularly in cold weather/now only works intermittently. *Ak
- Power train › Automatic transmission
While driving up a hill between 45 and 55 mph transmission will start vibrating. Consumer had taken vehicle to mechanic, and he said that noise and vibration was due to shifting gear. please provide more information.*ak
- Visibility › Power window devices and controls
Power window regulator failed. had to replace every one of the 4 windows. *Ak
- Power train › Automatic transmission
Automatic transmission holding 1ST gear until 5000-6000 rpms. rides fine at highway speeds. dealer diagnosed problem with transmission requiring replacement, including new radiator & labor at a cost of $3,600. dealer failed to mention the tsbs associated with transmission problems. perhaps…
Automatic transmission holding 1ST gear until 5000-6000 rpms. rides fine at highway speeds. dealer diagnosed problem with transmission requiring replacement, including new radiator & labor at a cost of $3,600. dealer failed to mention the tsbs associated with transmission problems. perhaps, addressing the issues outlined in the tsb would mitigate the problem i.e., a/t solenoid replacement procedure. nissan powertrain warranty IS 5 year or 60K. auto has 52K original highway miles. contacted the manufacture to request liberal interpretation of warranty policy in light of the low mileage. *ak
- Equipment › Appliance › Air conditioner · Visibility › Power window devices and controls
Power window - regulator arm broke, heater & a/c - cabin fan only runs on high speed
- Seats
Offset frontal collision occurred with manual seat adjustment that failed to engage causing seat and driver togo 6 to 18" forward in crash that should have resulted in no injury. Injury to right foot and ankle. *Ak
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine
Crankshaft intake makes a clicking noise when driving. faster vehicle goes noise gets louder. *Ak
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine › Gasoline · Equipment › Electrical › Radio/tape deck/cd etc. · Fuel system, gasoline › Fuel injection system › Injectors · Structure › Body › Door · Visibility › Sun/moon roof assembly
The sunroof cracked. *slc
Service bulletins
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
- 10243708DIAGNOSIS 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.
- 10239062SILICONE-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.
- 1023906012 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/
- 10235710INTELLIGENT 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.
- 10235707VEHICLE 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.
- 10232658REMOVING FOREIGN MATERIAL FROM THE WINDOW GLASS This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
- 10232657WHEEL BEARING COLLISION DAMAGE This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
- 10232656WINDSHIELD CRACKING This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
- 10232652DIAGNOSIS 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.
- 10206391STRUT AND SHOCK ABSORBER REPLACEMENT GUIDELINES This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
- 10192305SERVICE INFORMATION Information necessary to service the Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) safely is included in the "RESTRAINTS" section of the Electronic Service Manual (ESM) for each vehicle. IMPORTANT: Turn the ignition switch OFF, disconnect both battery terminals, and wait at least 3 minutes before performing any service on the SRS. See this bulletin for further detail.
- 10192233Nissan Original Equipment or Genuine Accessory Alloy wheels, along with their finish coating (clear, chrome, titanium, etc.), are specifically developed to achieve Nissan design and performance standards. These Original Equipment or Genuine Accessory wheels are subjected to testing to ensure they meet Nissan's standards. Nissan Original Equipment Alloy or Genuine Accessory wheels subjected to aftermarket chroming may no longer continue to meet these standards and may be seriously damaged. Therefore, Nissan most strongly discourages, and recommends that these wheels NEVER be subjected to, aftermarket chroming. See this bulletinfor further detail.
- 10192217If YOU CONFIRM: A vehicle needs to have the brake rotors resurfaced (front or rear). ACTION: Use the ProCut PFM Series on-car brake lathe to perform brake rotor resurfacing and follow the tips listed in this bulletin. - The ProCut PFM Series brake lathe has been chosen as the approved tool for rotor resurfacing. - The ProCut PFM Series brake lathe can be ordered from TECH-MATE at 1-800-662-2001. - ProCut technical support or service can be obtained by calling 1-800-543-6618. NOTE: Brake rotors may need to be resurfaced during routine brake repair or for brake "judder" incidents. - Brake judder: A brake pedal pulsation and/or steering wheel shimmy when braking that occurs when there is too much thickness variation of the brake rotors (see NTB00-033). See this bulletin for further detail.
- 10192216SERVICE INFORMATION - This bulletin is to assist you in responding to customer questions about brake operation, and provides diagnostic and repair information for each item listed, if any should occur. - Most brake incidents fall into the following categories: a. Brake Noise: A squeak, squeal, clunk, or groan that occurs when the brakes are applied or released. b. Brake Judder: A vibration that can be felt in the vehicle, steering wheel or brake pedal when the brakes are applied. c. Pedal Feel: The effort needed to operate the brakes is too high or too low. SERVICE PROCEDURE 1. Verify the condition by road testing the vehicle with the customer. 2. Determine the specific brake incident based on the description in the Service Information above. 3. Follow the appropriate repair procedure(s), listed on the following pages, for your specific incident. See this bulletin for further details.
- 10192145SERVICE INFORMATION This bulletin provides information to identify: - A leaking strut or a shock absorber that qualifies for replacement under warranty. - A strut or shock absorber that has slight oil seepage, a condition which is considered normal, does not affect strut/shock absorber operation or performance, and does not require replacement. - A strut or shock absorber that should be replaced due to rod resistance/noise issues. See this bulletin for further detail.
- 10188377STRUT AND SHOCK ABSORBER REPLACEMENT GUIDELINES This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
- 10051767Nissan: lock/unlock request button on outside handle does not respond.
- 10032506Nissan: vent control valve replacement. When replacing the evap canister vent control valve for reason: use the one listed on page 2; for vent control valve replacement procedure, refer to the appropriate section of the electronic service manuals (esm; when installing the new valve, do not add any lube to its o ring; for frontier (D40 series) only, install the protector listed in parts information. Includes 2005-09 frontier. Updated 12/8/10.
- 10031305Nissan: tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) warning light on/flashing. No models or model years listed. Updated on 08-11-2011.
- 10030165Nissan: the 12 volt battery IS an important part of the vehicle electrical system and IS required to stay connected when the engine IS running. To prevent damage to vehicle electronic components follow the instructions/cautions. No model years listed.
- 10025522Nissan: srs precautions during service;improper maintenance, including incorrect removal and installation of the srs, can lead to a serious injury or death caused by unintentional activation of the srs on all nissan models with the srs systems. Updated 2/21/14.
- 606182Key value brake pad service information.
- 604301Service information on key value brake pads.
- 45008New non-asbestos replacement pads and shoes.
- 39330Vehicles may exhibit noise from the vtc (variable timing control) intake camshaft sprockets under certain operating conditions.
- 37997Automatic transmission slipping.
- 37722Broadcast message to dealers announcing the backorder of recall repair parts due to heavy pre-campaign ordering - recall 94v-194.
Every Nissan Maxima model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.