- The problem
- Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain air bag inflator replacement service parts that may have been installed as part of a theft or collision repair. The parts include certain passenger-side air bag inflators designed to fit Infiniti 2002-2003 QX4, 2006-2010 M35 and M45; Nissan 2001-2003 Maxima, 2002-2006 Sentra, and both driver and passenger-side inflators designed to fit 2007-2012 Versa Sedan and Versa Hatchback vehicles. Please see Nissan's recall report for the specific part numbers. These replacement inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.
- The risk
- An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
- The fix
- Dealers will inspect and replace the inflators as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed September 14, 2022. Owners may contact Nissan's customer service at 1-800-867-7669.
Vehicle safety record
2002 Nissan Maxima Problems, complaints & recalls
Owners have filed 220 complaints about the 2002 Nissan Maxima with NHTSA, most often about the engine & cooling (52) and the airbags (31). Those complaints describe 28 crashes, 23 injuries and 6 deaths. It is covered by 9 recalls, the latest in August 2022 for the inflator module. For comparison, the 2001 has 181 and the 2003 has 206.
NHTSA data checked
FFar more problems than a typical Maxima year, for its age
#56 most complained-about 2002 vehicle
- Complaints
- 220
- Recalls
- 9
- Crashes
- 28
- Fires
- 0
- Injuries
- 23
- Deaths
- 6
Most common 2002 Nissan Maxima problems
Share of all 220 complaints. One complaint can name more than one area. Tap an area for its complaints and recalls.
2002 Nissan Maxima recalls 9
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
- The problem
- Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2001-2003 Maxima, 2002-2006 Sentra, 2002-2004 Pathfinder, 2007-2011 Versa Sedan and Versa Hatchback, 2001-2004 Infiniti I30 and I35, 2002-2003 Inifiniti QX4, 2003-2008 Infiniti FX35 and FX45 and 2006-2010 M35 and M45 vehicles. The vehicles are equipped with non-desiccated, frontal passenger air bag inflators containing phase stabilized ammonium nitrate (PSAN) propellant that were used as interim remedy parts for previous Takata recalls. These inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, high temperatures, and high temperature cycling.
- The risk
- An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
- The fix
- Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflators with alternate desiccated inflators, free of charge. The recall began February 12, 2020. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 888-737-9511 or Infiniti customer service at 888-810-3715.
- The problem
- Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain model year 2001-2003 Nissan Maxima, 2002-2004 Pathfinder, 2002-2006 Sentra, 2002-2003 Infiniti QX4 and I35, 2003 FX35 and FX45, and 2001 I30 vehicles. Upon deployment of the passenger side frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to rupture.
- The risk
- In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants potentially resulting in serious injury or death.
- The fix
- Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began on June 15, 2015. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-647-7261. Note: On December 18, 2015 Nissan informed NHTSA of an amendment of this recall to remove 2004-2005 Infiniti FX35 and FX45 vehicles.
- 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.
- 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.
- The problem
- On certain passenger vehicles, the circuit board for the crank position sensor or cam position sensor may have an improper solder joint due to solder deformation caused by heat stress accelerated by the existence of flux residue during the soldering process.
- The risk
- This could cause the "service engine soon" warning light to come on, create a no start condition, cause reduced engine power, or cause the engine to stop running without warning during vehicle operation, which could result in a crash.
- The fix
- Dealers will replace the crank position sensors. Camshaft position sensor(s), and in some cases, the variable timing control sensor(s). Vehicles involved in a previous recall campaign, 01v357, are also included in this new campaign. The replacement sensors used in that campaign are also affected. Owner notification began on december 22, 2003. Owners should contact nissan at 1-800-647-7261 or infiniti at 1-800-662-6200.
- The problem
- On certain passenger vehicles, the pin at the end of the front suspension transverse link (lower control arm) could break where it is mounted to the frame.
- The risk
- This can cause a knocking sound and abnormal steering. This could result in difficulty controlling the vehicle and increasing the risk of a crash.
- The fix
- Dealers will replace the transverse links on the left and right sides with new ones. Owner notification began july 29, 2002. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact nissan at 1-800-647-7261 or infiniti at 1-800-662-6200.
- The problem
- On certain passenger vehicles equipped with an electronic throttle control system, the stopper for the accelerator pedal will prevent excessive movement of the accelerator position sensor. If the driver applies overly excessive force to the accelerator pedal while at the same time pushing it to the right, the pedal can "over travel" due to the design of the pedal stopper.
- The risk
- This will cause the engine malfunction indicator lamp to come on and the engine speed to be severely limited. If this occurs unexpectedly, it could lead to a crash.
- The fix
- Dealers will install a new accelerator pedal stopper. Owner notification began march 11, 2002. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact nissan at 1-800-647-7261 or infiniti at 800-662-6200.
- The problem
- On certain passenger vehicles equipped with a traction control system, the odometer in the subject vehicles registers distance in kilometers instead of miles as is specified in the design. The odometer does not have a label that indicates "kilometers" or "km" as required by fmvss no. 101, "Controls and displays."
- The fix
- Dealers will inspect the odometer to determine if it is correct and, if not, will replace the speedometer/odometer assembly. Owner notification began december 12, 2001. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact nissan at 1-800-647-7261.
What owners say
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220 complaints about the 2002 Nissan Maxima
Newest first, as filed with NHTSA by owners. Page 1 of 9.
[[redacted]] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Driving vehicle on road and the accelerator pedal no longer working vehicle. coasted to the side. Car had to be towed. Vehicle cranking without problem but will not accelerate pedal goes to floor. At consideration of purchase of vehicle, car fax and all details about vehicle were viewed for possible purchase. Items on recall are now a concern as a safety issue.
unknown. Vehicle on roadway and it just stop accelerating in the middle of traffic. Research of vehicle before purchase refers to several issues that I would like to verify that those items are not a factor in my use of my vehicle. I have concern about lights, airbag, sensor, and I dont want to have a problem where I am in danger or others.
the vehicle failed front wheel bearing replacement. I took it to the mechanic because when i was driving there was a very loud noise and didn't feel well. The mechanic told me that I could have had an accident because the tire was about to come off the vehicle.
The contact owned a 2002 Nissan Maxima. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V-008000 (Air Bags) and would like to be removed from the recall distribution list as he is no longer the owner of the vehicle. The local dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was contacted.
When I first purchased this car I had immediate problems with the power steering fluid. The check engine light has remained on the entire time. But the car was hemorrhaging fluid, groaning, whining, and my steering was becoming extremely loose. I call the dealer that sold me the car, because I dropped 4 grand on what seemed like a nice vehicle with under 100k on it. Well, I bought the car right off the lot and they refused to repair it. Cool, I respect that. IF the inspection reports and other papers are clearly...
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falsified. It couldn't have passed inspection under normal situations. But since the dealer owns their own shop, they could slap stickers on busted vehicles and send them off to be sold. Eventually they do me " A favor" by replacing the power steering actuator/pump hoses & did work on towards a DTC code P0550. They give me that favor by charging me only for the parts, no labor. Totally cool, if work was done. It still has the same electrical tape in areas that was "fixed". They clear my codes and off I go. Engine light cuts on again and I'm having the same issues. My power steering fluid looks like it's boiling or bubbling as well. Still getting the P0550 code as my main DTC. Except now, I'm having major problems and my car has been sitting for a month. Not sure if the leaky fluid corroded components from before. As of now I'm throwing DTCs for P0171, P0305, P0550 (twice), believe I have a vacuum leak, my exhaust system is damaged internally from the misfire codes and has also broken apart near the rear muffler, among other pending codes. Lastly, I was coming home from work and my car completely loses power and bogs waaaay down. Engine light is flashing and I have no control or power. I limp home, park the car, and haven't drove it since other than for test drives. After countless repairs for the same issues, among new repairs and issues I'm broke. Issues started on 3/24 through 12/21 Not had this car for a year and it's been a constant pain ever since.
Tl* takata recall. The contact owns a 2002 nissan maxima. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 20v008000 (air bags). The vehicle was taken to the gilman nissan fort bend located at 26001 southwest fwy, rosenberg, tx 77471, and after two days it was confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact stated that when she picked up the vehicle, the air bag light was illuminated. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 123,000. Parts distribution disconnect.
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 nissan maxima. The contact stated that while driving at 60 mph, the vehicle stalled without warning. The dealer was not informed of the failure. The manufacturer was contacted and informed of the failure. The contact was informed that the vehicle was previously repaired under nhtsa campaign number: 03v455000 (engine and engine cooling) and would not receive a second free repair. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 130,000. *Bf consumer states that when...
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vehicle was purchased the service engine soon light came on. Consumer states that when vehicle is driven at 60 mph it shuts off. Consumer says the crank position sensors, cam shaft position sensors, and variable timing control sensors codes came up. Consumer says these are the same codes that were covered under the recall. *Dl
[[redacted]] power steering system tires fuel pump air bags battery everything has been falling apart since 2018, it's been fixed and couple months later, the same problem comes up. Every mechanic that touches this car, said the same thing to check up the recall status. Because there are too many issues with it, and the mileage is low. So there is a faulty parts, that keep braking down in the middle of the road, and I have been calling roadside assistance at least 4 times since december. Brand new tires and brakes were installed and still having the same problems. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.S.C. 552(B)(6). *Tr
CAR STARTS BUT DIES DOWN AFTER A FEW MILES
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 nissan maxima. While driving low speeds, the vehicle stalled. The contact pulled over and restarted the vehicle. There were no warning indicators illuminated. The failure occurred intermittently. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 125,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 nissan maxima. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 15v287000 (air bags). The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. Fred anderson nissan of raleigh (9225 glenwood ave, raleigh, nc 27617, (919) 324-3443) was contacted and confirmed that the parts were not available for the recall remedy. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and was not able to confirm when the parts were to become available. The contact had not experienced a failure.
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 nissan maxima. The contact stated that the vehicle would not start. An independent mechanic diagnosed that the cam shaft position sensor and the variable timing sensor failed, which were both connected to the circuit board. The vehicle was taken to headquarter nissan (1725 whittlesey rd, columbus, ga 31904) and the contact was informed that the only recall pertaining to the vehicle was for nhtsa campaign number: 15v287000 (air bags). The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by the dealer. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 88,000.
Over heating gurgling in over flow, had radiator flushed and topped off,still over heat,looking at my recites it says I have a leaking water hose but no one replaced it, on 9/27/16.Drove my car threw winter then went to another machanic had the thermostat replaced on 6/30/17 still over heat, brought car back to nissan dealer on 1/19/18 told them it still gurgels and there was a slight hesitation when driving and I noticed my power steering hose was leaking, was told I need a water pump and radiator, power steering...
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said was fixed and visc valve was stuck open so replaced , said car is good to go so when my girl friend and I got in the car the check engine light was on he said it's probably because of the new parts he then took the light off said drive it 30 miles so I could have a smog done, drove south bound on hwy 101 in santa rosa going 60 mph and the car shut down and all lights where flashing, had no power to get in a safe place off the freeway, coasted down the off ramp to gas station and called nissan, they said have it towed back, while waiting for tow I lifted my hood to find not only was my power steering still leeking but two other hoses were leeking as well. When I looked at my recite it said found that both power steering hoses were leeking as well as high pressure power line but only pressure hose was replaced, I asked why they all weren't replaced while showing them the leak they said we will order those hoses today and I don't have to pay, lol really? One day later the manager wanted to speak to me with the mechanic ,long story short now I need a alternator, battery, coil,spark plugs,so I go and buy the spark plugs and alternator another $ 321 and $245 to fix , it sits now at nissan with more problems then ever,and it almost cost my friend and I my life on the freeway, I looked up recalls on my year and found there where some on it shutting down
I own a 2002 nissan maxima with low miles, approximately 102,000. The engine turns over but does not start. The dealer states that the problem within the electrical harness and behaves as if the alarm remains armed. The dealer stated that he owned the same car around that year and the same thing occurred. The car has been cared for properly over the years and feel the manufacturer should assume some responsibility for the repair.
Takata recall!!! My passenger air bag seat light is flashing. Also I bought the top crankshaft position sensor and it had a recall, is my vehicle covered? My control arm needs to be changed can you please advise me on the next decision I should make.. I'm taking it to gerald nissan in north aurora for the second time for the airbag.
Electric seat will not move forward it goes up and down reclines and goes up. But I cannot get it to move forward. Since I never change my driving position and have no need to move it. It should still work. My car is in prime condition everything on the car is in working and excellent condition. Dealer said I have to get a new "seat and track; I don't understand why then never removed the two bolts and looked to see if the wire may have come off the unit? 2000.00 Dollars to repair sound like a rip off. Your thoughts. Bg
Airbags didn't deploy after front end collision. (June 2017) pictures after accident available.
Takata recall our 17 yr old daughter was in a accident on the interstate, her car rolled multiple times....The air bag never deployed-her neck (c7) was fractured. If the air bag would have deployed maybe her neck wouldn't have fractured...Updated 10/19/17 *bf updated 7/24/18*jb *tr
The car experiences significantly reduced engine power, u nable to rev above 2500 without it feeling limited. The engine suddenly stops running without warning during vehicle operation making it difficult to steer or brake to get to a safe location.This has occurred 3 times this past week and I have stopped driving the vehicle. I'm now wondering if the dealer actually performed the recall (nhtsa campaign #03v455000) back in 2003!!! They need to recall this again.
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 nissan maxima. While driving approximately 55 mph, the vehicle stalled. The contact coasted the vehicle to the shoulder and it would not restart. The vehicle was jumpstarted and driven to an independent mechanic (auto zone in rochester, minnesota) who diagnosed that the alternator failed. The vehicle was repaired by an independent mechanic, but the vehicle stalled again. The friend of the independent mechanic diagnosed that the bushing failed. The vehicle was taken to the contact's residence and had not been driven since. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 155,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 nissan maxima. While driving at a low speed, the vehicle stalled. The contact was able to restart the vehicle. The air bag warning indicator illuminated and "service engine soon" was displayed across the message board. The failure recurred on numerous occasions. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the vehicle was previously repaired per nhtsa campaign number: 03v455000 (engine and engine cooling). The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed...
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that the crank position sensors were not replaced per the recall remedy. The vehicle was not repaired. The vin was included in nhtsa campaign number: 15v287000 (air bags). The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 168,000.
In sept. 2014, My car was in for service and recall number "03v455000" was performed. The 2 camshaft sensors and 1 crankshaft sensor were to all be replaced. In april 2016, my car was experiencing problems with all 3 sensors. My car would stop at any moment (stopped or driving). I've been in many intersections or the interstate and it'll die on me and take a long time to crank back up. I had to pay over $120 at the dealership to get the diagnosis. Upon looking at my recall paperwork, only the crankshaft sensor was...
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replaced. When bringing that info to dealer, they claimed it was a kit that included all 3 sensors. Every single internet search, including nissan's own public parts website, says that part # 23731-al60c is a single crankshaft sensor and could not prove that their internal/private parts system claimed it was a kit. I them reached out to the nissan recall number (1-800-647-7261) listed on the recall to explain the issue with all the sensors not being replaced. After a few calls, my info was routed to a regional associate. I asked her if she needed to explain the story to her and she said she didn't. After 5 days, the regional associate called me back and explained to me that she reached out to the dealership and said that nissan is agreeing with the dealership and cannot assist me any further. She could see the work information, but seemed simply sided with the dealership without any further info or questioning me for a better understanding.
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 nissan maxima. The contact stated that the air bag warning light illuminated. The dealer diagnosed that the air bag and air bag module needed replacement. The contact notified the manufacturer. The approximate failure mileage was 110,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 nissan maxima. While driving approximately 45 mph, the vehicle started to make hissing noises and completely shut down. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired and the contact was informed that the vehicle was included in nhtsa campaign number: 15v287000 (air bags). The technician made the manufacturer aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 68,000. The consumer stated the air bag was replaced. Also, the check engine light illuminated. However, the dealer stated there would be a charge to diagnose it. Updated 03/17/16.*Jb
Nissan Maxima: every year compared
| Year | Complaints | Recalls | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2006 | 576 | 2 | F |
| 2005 | 948 | 2 | F |
| 2004 | 1,426 | 2 | F |
| 2003 | 206 | 4 | D |
| 2002 | 220 | 9 | F |
| 2001 | 181 | 7 | D |
| 2000 | 376 | 3 | F |
| 1999 | 174 | 4 | D |
| 1998 | 115 | 6 | D |
2002 Nissan Maxima vs rivals
| Vehicle | Complaints | Recalls | Grade | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2002 Nissan Maxima | 220 | 9 | F | |
| 2002 Nissan Altima | 1,062 | 12 | F | Compare |
| 2002 Nissan Sentra | 333 | 14 | F | Compare |
| 2002 Nissan Xterra | 172 | 6 | F | Compare |
| 2002 Nissan Pathfinder | 171 | 9 | F | Compare |
| 2002 Nissan Frontier | 139 | 8 | F | Compare |
| 2002 Nissan Quest | 44 | 0 | A | Compare |
| 2002 Nissan Altra EV | 16 | 0 | - | Compare |
| 2002 Nissan Crew Cab | 5 | 0 | C | Compare |
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.
Questions about the 2002 Nissan Maxima
Does the 2002 Nissan Maxima have any recalls?
Yes - NHTSA lists 9 recalls for the 2002 Nissan Maxima: inflator module (August 2022); inflator module (January 2020); air bags (May 2015); headlights (May 2009) and more. 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 2002 Nissan Maxima?
By the complaints owners filed with NHTSA, the most common problem areas are the engine & cooling (52), airbags (31), lights (25).
How many complaints has the 2002 Nissan Maxima had?
220 complaints have been filed with NHTSA, the first on January 2, 2002 and the latest on March 24, 2025. Of these, 28 describe a crash and 0 a fire, and together they report 23 injuries and 6 deaths.
Is the 2002 Nissan Maxima a reliable vehicle?
Its Safety Index is 18 out of 100 (grade F: far more problems than 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 2002 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