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Vehicle safety record

1990 Nissan Maxima Problems, complaints & recalls

Owners have filed 107 complaints about the 1990 Nissan Maxima with NHTSA, most often about the fuel system (33) and the visibility & wipers (18). Those complaints describe 7 crashes, 3 fires and 7 injuries. It is covered by 4 recalls, the latest in May 2009 for the headlights. For comparison, the 1989 has 64 and the 1991 has 77.

NHTSA data checked

CAbout as many problems as a typical Maxima year, for its age

#14 most complained-about 1990 vehicle

Complaints
107
Recalls
4
Crashes
7
Fires
3
Injuries
7
Deaths
0

Most common 1990 Nissan Maxima problems

Share of all 107 complaints. One complaint can name more than one area. Tap an area for its complaints and recalls.

1990 Nissan Maxima recalls 4

Recall repairs are free. Your dealer fixes them whether or not you bought the car there - check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if yours is done. What to do

Exterior lighting: headlights

09E02500042,540 vehicles affected

The problem
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 fix
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.

Exterior lighting

09E01200016,270 vehicles affected

The problem
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 fix
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.

Exterior lighting

06E02600061,944 vehicles affected

The problem
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 fix
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.

Fuel system: filler pipe and cap

95V244000747,000 vehicles affected

The problem
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.
The 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.
The fix
Dealers will inspect these vehicles and corrective action will be taken depending upon the extent of the corrosion.

What owners say

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107 complaints about the 1990 Nissan Maxima

Newest first, as filed with NHTSA by owners. Page 1 of 5.

Fuel system

Tl* the contact owns a 1990 nissan maxima. The contact stated that while parked, he noticed a strong gasoline fuel smell being emitted from the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for diagnostic testing. The technician advised the contact that the fuel filler assembly would have to be replaced. The contact referenced nhtsa campaign id number: 95v244000 (fuel system, gasoline) but was advised by the manufacturer that the vin was not included in the recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 70,000. *Tr

Filed Incident Fuel system, gasoline · Fuel / propulsion systemNHTSA 10499653
Fuel system

Tl* the contact owns a 1990 nissan maxima. The contact stated that there was corrosion within the fuel filler neck, which caused a fuel leak and could possibly cause a fire. The manufacturer informed the contact of the recall associated with nhtsa campaign id number 95v244000 (fuel system, gasoline:storage:tank assembly:filler pipe and cap), but the vin was not included. The dealer was not notified and the vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 135,000 and the current mileage was 147,000.

Filed Incident Fuel system, gasolineNHTSA 10436618
Body, doors & structure

Tl*the contact owns a 1990 nissan maxima. The contact examined his vehicle and noticed that the rear driver's side wheel well was extremely rusted. Also, the rear driver's side seat belt had separated from the rusted wheel well. The vehicle has not been diagnosed by the dealer. The current and failure mileages were 185,149.

Filed Incident StructureNHTSA 10239081
Seats & seat belts

Tl*the contact owns a 1990 nissan maxima. While cleaning the trunk, the contact removed the carpet in order to vacuum. He discovered that the driver side seat belt retractor was rusted. His vin was not included in nhtsa campaign id number 52v244000. The current mileage was 132,000 and failure mileage was 128,000.

Filed Incident Seat beltsNHTSA 10229766
Fuel system

I have a gas leak as described in nhtsa campaign # 95v244000. Recall date was 12/15/95. I took my 1990 nissan maxima to the dealer repair and was told that there was no open recall on my vin even though I had a print out of the recall from your web site. This could present a fire hazard.

Filed Incident Fuel system, gasolineNHTSA 10127530
Fuel system

My fuel injectors are terrible. Car has no acceleration and smells of gasoline. My mechanic said that one injector was dead at idol.*Ak

Filed Incident Fuel system, gasolineNHTSA 10116714
Seats & seat belts

Driver noticed that while driving in inclement weather water came in from the wheel welds and started leaking onto the rear seat. Driver took vehicle to the dealer, and mechanic determined that both rear seats and bolts needed to be replaced due to corrosion. *Ak

Filed Incident SeatsNHTSA 10117068
Seats & seat belts

The driver noticed that the left driver 's side seat belt anchorage rusted. This cause no support for the seat belts. The driver was able to drive the vehicle to the dealer for inspection. The mechanic informed the driver that the seat belt needed replacing on the owner expense. No recall for this vehicle the mechanic informed the driver. Please fill in additional information. *Nm

Filed Incident Seat beltsNHTSA 10082118
Fuel system

While fueling gasoline it splashed back from the filler neck onto the ground. Consumer was able to drive the vehicle to the dealer for inspection, and mechanic determined that the filler neck hose needed to be replaced. *Ak

Filed Incident Fuel system, gasolineNHTSA 10081984
Fuel system

Nissan maxima 1990: recall inspection was done ~1999 regarding possible defective gasolie filler pipe (campaign#95v244000). Since then, small leaks after top off, and now getting worse. It poured out for 2-3 min last time I filled the tank. I called nissanusa at gardena,ca for permission to respect and the lady twho answered the phone refused to grant it. I am a little afraid to drive the car now; try my best not to. I would like to ask you to help me get permission to have a free inspection at my local dealership. Thanks for a reply. Sincerely paul chan [email protected]. *Ak

Filed Incident Fuel system, gasolineNHTSA 10080809
Fuel system

Nhtsa campaign number: 95v244000.The car was recalled 1999, but has been since leaking gas sporadically after top-off or fill ups, now getting worse. Ironically, it was not leaking gas prior to the recall.*Ak I contacted nissan usa; but they refused to grant a second recall due to the mileage and age of the vehicle. To me, the car is hazardous to drive.

Filed Incident Fuel system, gasolineNHTSA 10075228
Transmission & drivetrain

Automatic transmission is not able to shift into reverse. Apparently this is a very common problem with nissan maxima's manufactured between 1989-1994. Many maxima owners have had their transmissions fail and have had to replace the transmission more than once in their nissan maxima's.*Ak

Filed Incident Power trainNHTSA 10067727
Fuel system

The vehicle's gas filler tube corroded. A recall (95v244000) was issued for the vehicle, however the dealer refused to repair it at no cost. Please provide any additional information. *Nlm

Filed Incident Fuel system, gasolineNHTSA 10051962
Fuel system

Consumer received recall 95v244000 concerning fuel tank assembly. Dealer refused to honor the recall due to the model year of the vehicle.*Ak

Filed Incident Fuel system, gasolineNHTSA 10044207
Body, doors & structure

Consumer constantly has problems with vehicle's odometer it has broken for the third time.When the vehicle has goes threw inspection the consumer has to bring a document stating the correct mileage on the car so it can pass inspection. Consumer has replaced it twice now they fell the dealership should. But nissan keeps refusing to replace the odometer. *Mr *cb

Filed StructureNHTSA 10031978
Other & unknown

THE ODOMETER WAS REPLACED 3 TIMES. *MR PH *JB

Filed Unknown or otherNHTSA 10026440
Fuel system

The vehicle experienced the same problem as stated in recall#95v244000, however the vehicle identification number was not included in the recall. *Jb

Filed Incident Fuel system, gasolineNHTSA 10018258
BrakesFuel system

The fuel and brake lines on my nissan maxima are corroded and due to the brake line failure I had a loss of brake power. I was able to stop and call a tow truck, thankfully. Also, the fuel lines are corroded and started to leak which could have caused my car to explode very easily. The placment of these lines and the carlessness of nissan motors needs to be looked at here. People could die very easily from these corroded lines.

Filed Incident Service brakes, air · Fuel system, gasolineNHTSA 10002771
Lights

I smell burned when I applied the brake. I isolated to the rear center brake lamp was not illuminated. Because the sockets were the metal can in the lamp socket moves or separates from the plastic socket housing. It is very close to the recall 96v253004.

Filed Incident Exterior lightingNHTSA 10000361
Seats & seat belts

When entering vehicle driver's seat mounting bolts snapped, causing a distraction to consumer when driving. Dealer notified. Ts

Filed Incident SeatsNHTSA 10001402
Electrical system

Went to replace bulb in assembly. Found plastic brackets inside melted. Tried to replace with used part, but every assembly I found had the same problem. I had smelled something burning a number of times recently, but had never identified the problem. This could be a serious fire hazard, since its clear all vehicles will have this problem. **Dimsii ivoq entry posted after 12/12/02 cut over to artemis**768334

Filed Incident Electrical systemNHTSA 10007490
Fuel system

Consumer states that there is a leakage of fuel in the vehicle, causing strong fumes of fuel to get into the vehicle, resulting in having the driver not able to drive properly. Contacted dealer. Nlm

Filed Incident Fuel system, gasolineNHTSA 8019751
Lights

The local dealer shop personnel have heard and seen similar problems. Mr

Filed Incident Exterior lightingNHTSA 767841
Lights

Rear brake lights do not light up on a regular basis when the brake pad is applied. The connectors that touch the light bulbs are very sensitive. The slightest movement causes the connection between the bulb and connetor to fail. I have noticed this problem with numerous maximas on the road. This problem exists with the rear lights as well (not only when braking). The rear 3rd brake light assembly has corroded and does not permit the bulb to be installed. This problem existed since I purchased the car with 92,000...

Read the full complaint

miles on the odometer from a private party. Attemps to have it repaired by a local mechanic are in vein because the problem reoccurs within a couple days after being 'repaired'. Seems as if only half of the toal connectors are in everyday working condition. The other half turn on and on sporadically. This makes it seem as if I have some 'tail lights out'. This in turn gives police officers a reason to continually pull me over and let me know about the lighting situation. In addition, the non-working connectors give the car a poor appearance. Lastly, this can be very dangerous because the rear lighting may not be sufficient in certain situations. Nlm

Filed Exterior lightingNHTSA 767583
Seats & seat belts

Rear left passenger restraint webbing has separated from track due to rust. Dealer has inspected vehicle. A recall has been issued on vehicle make/model; however, this vehicle was not included due to the vin#. Feel free to provide any further information.*Ak

Filed Incident Seat beltsNHTSA 8017106

Nissan Maxima: every year compared

YearComplaintsRecallsCrashesFiresTop problemGrade
199492563Fuel systemC
199378694AirbagsC
19921125153Fuel systemD
199177482Seats & seat beltsC
1990107473Fuel systemC
198964473Fuel systemC
1988601232Fuel systemC
19871781596Fuel systemF
1986632339Fuel systemC
All Maxima years

1990 Nissan Maxima vs rivals

More sales usually means more complaints, so compare similar vehicles of the same year. The grade compares each vehicle with its own model's other years.

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Questions about the 1990 Nissan Maxima

Does the 1990 Nissan Maxima have any recalls?

Yes - NHTSA lists 4 recalls for the 1990 Nissan Maxima: headlights (May 2009); exterior lighting (April 2009); exterior lighting (March 2006); filler pipe and cap (December 1995). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether yours has been fixed.

What are the most common problems with the 1990 Nissan Maxima?

By the complaints owners filed with NHTSA, the most common problem areas are the fuel system (33), visibility & wipers (18), seats & seat belts (12).

How many complaints has the 1990 Nissan Maxima had?

107 complaints have been filed with NHTSA, the first on January 17, 1995 and the latest on February 22, 2013. Of these, 7 describe a crash and 3 a fire, and together they report 7 injuries and 0 deaths.

Is the 1990 Nissan Maxima a reliable vehicle?

Its Safety Index is 49 out of 100 (grade C: about as many problems as a typical Nissan Maxima year, for its age). The index weighs complaints, crashes, fires, injuries, deaths and recalls against how long the vehicle has been on the road, compared with the same model's other years. It is not a measure of every repair - read the complaints and owner experiences, and have any used vehicle inspected before you buy.

Which Nissan Maxima years have the most complaints?

2004 (1,426), 2005 (948), 2006 (576). See every Nissan Maxima year compared.

What should I do if my 1990 Nissan Maxima has a problem?

If it is a safety problem, stop driving it if it is unsafe and contact your dealer. Report it to NHTSA at nhtsa.gov/report-a-safety-problem - enough reports start investigations and recalls - and share your experience here so other owners know what to look for.

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) complaints and recalls, checked . Complaints are owners' own reports and are not verified. How we use the data

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