The contact owns a 1999 Nissan Maxima. While driving approximately 40 mph, the contact smelled an electrical burning odor and various warning indicators illuminated on the instrument panel. The vehicle shut off completely and was pulled over to the side of the road as smoke appeared from the engine compartment. The contact then noticed flames. The contact was able to extinguish the fire with ice water she had inside the vehicle. An independent mechanic arrived at the scene and diagnosed that the alternator caught on fire. Upon investigation, the contact discovered that the 1997 and 1998 models were included in NHTSA campaign number: 02V171000 (electrical system). Although the contact's vehicle was a 1999, she found several complaints online and associated the failure with the recall. Autonation Nissan marietta (925 cobb pkwy SE, marietta, ga 30060, 770-674-6081) was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not included in a recall. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 96,000. The VIN was unknown.

- Canton, GA, USA

My 1999 Nissan Maxima SE had one coil replaced in 2003. This year I replaced the alternator as well. My airbag light flashes constantly and my clock goes in and out of service. My service engine soon light came on and the car runs very rough. When idling it sounds like a choking piece of crap and on the hills the light flashes. I was told I had a bad coil again and took it for a diagnostic that said multiple misfire and replace all six coils. I have read complaint after complaint about coils. When I bought my Maxima new I thought I was buying a car that was reliable but I am hearing that coil replacement is the rule not the exception. I also have rear brake noise....since year three of owning the car. I have replaced two sets of brake pads as well.

- Fort Madison, IA, USA

1999 Nissan Maxima - jn1ca21A 3xm300571 this complaint is in reference to Nissan's recall of 97/98 Maximas. The recall was for a faulty alternator. I have a 1999 Nissan Maxima (build date 6/98) that had the same exact problem/symptom as the recall. The campaign id / NHTSA # is R2010 or R2015 \ 02V-171. 4/8/05 - started my car and heard a humming noise coming from engine. I got out and opened the hood and saw a white smoke coming from the alternator. After further investigation saw a fire in the alternator. Ran to the passenger side removed my 4 and 2 year old children and moved them to a safe location. I then found a water bottle in the car and poured the water on the fire. 1:00 pm 4/12/05 called difeo Nissan in jersey city, NJ and they refused to do anything about the situation based upon the VIN 1:10pm 4/12/05 called Nissan Consumer Affairs and filed a report with tamika X3795 reference # 4908176 4/21/05 after numerous calls and follow ups, they responded that I call my insurance company and that my car was not part of the recall. Case closed. Rep was named wanda at Nissan Consumer Affairs at 800 647 7261 X 3814 have been without a car for weeks now.

- West Berlin, NJ, USA