10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
2 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
1 / 0
Average Mileage:
37,495 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

The NHTSA is the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints can be spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem. See the Back button — blue bar at the very top of the page — to explore more.

Get notified about new defects, investigations, recalls & lawsuits for the 2003 Nissan Maxima:

Unsubscribe any time. We don't sell/share your email.

problem #6

Aug 012018

Maxima

  • 100,000 miles
I have experienced problems cranking the car, I purchased a new battery and battery terminals. This appeared to quick fix it but soon after the speedometer stopped working and the check engine light came on. Soon after followed tcs control and ABS light came on. I took it to a mechanic and the diagnosis involved a problem with the camshaft position sensors and crankshaft position sensors. I purchased a book about the car and read that my make and model had a recall. After double checking online about the recall I noticed it appeared to be the exact same problem. Convinced, I went to my local Nissan dealership to have them check however it was explained to me that my VIN number was not recalled. I want to have my VIN number placed on the NHTSA recall list so that I may have my vehicle repaired. If this is not possible please advise further. Thank you.

- Colorado Springs, CO, USA

problem #5

Apr 302013

Maxima

  • 73,000 miles
While driving, car suddenly stops responding, the steering wheel locks into position, the engine looses power, and stops running. It happened four times over the past two years. The speed of the vehicle during the incidents was between 20 - 35 mph.

- Pittsburgh, PA, USA

problem #4

Jun 022014

Maxima

  • miles
The contact owns a 2003 Nissan Maxima. The contact stated that while making a left turn, the vehicle accelerated independently causing the contact to crash into three parked vehicles. The air bags failed to deploy. A police report was filed and no injuries were reported. The failure recurred on numerous occasions. Also, the contact stated that the after preceding from a stop, the vehicle would stall without warning. The vehicle was taken to a certified mechanic who diagnosed that the crank cam position sensor needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The VIN was unavailable. The failure mileage was unavailable.

- Santa Rosa , CA, USA

problem #3

Jul 112005

Maxima

  • Automatic transmission
  • 27,000 miles
The consumer stated on 2003 Nissan Maxima the rear brakes went out at 27,000 miles. After they were fixed in June there was a clicking noise coming from them. The vehicle died on July 11, 2005, while in traffic. She pulled the vehicle over and after 5 tries the vehicle finally started. The temperature gauge went all the way to hot, and the set light came on. The dealer stated that 7 service codes came up and they stated that the computer needed to be replaced. About 10 miles before this happened the vehicle surged, but no lights came on. It was a really hot day, she was going about 60 mph. The vehicle is currently at the service department for both issues.

- Fairfield, CA, USA

problem #2

Jun 302004

Maxima

  • miles
While pulling inside of the parking lot vehicle suddenly accelerated. Consumer applied the brakes, and pedal went to the floor. Consumer placed both feet on the brake pedal and vehicle continued to accelerate. Then, consumer lost control of the vehicle and collided into a building. Upon impact, driver's side air bag did not deploy. But passenger's side air bag did deploy. Driver sustained injuries, and went to the hospital on his own. Vehicle was towed to a body shop.

- Stamford, CT, USA

problem #1

Feb 122004

Maxima 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 24,970 miles
While stopped at a traffic light with my foot on the brake pedal the engine began to race. I pushed hard on the brake pedal to keep from being launched into the car ahead of me as the engine continued to accelerate. I put the gear shift in neutral and tapped on the gas pedal to see if that would affect the revved up engine. I don't know that this was the source of solving the problem but in a couple of seconds the engine did return to regular idle speed. I didn't think to look at the tachometer to check the RPM but can tell you from the noise inside the car it was high. All of this took place in a period of about 5-10 seconds.

- Sandy, UT, USA