1997 Nissan Maxima engine and engine cooling problems

12 owner complaints about engine and engine cooling on the 1997 Nissan Maxima have been filed with NHTSA and 1 fire. The average reported mileage at failure is 73,500 miles. No recall currently covers this component on this model year.

12complaints
0crashes
1fires
0injuries
73,500avg. miles at failure

What exactly fails

Owner complaints

Sep 21, 2011 · failed Aug 12, 2011 · 20,000 miles · CA

In the beginning I noticed it took me a couple times to start vehicle and it would loose power at certain stops or when I slowed down or came to a stop. And as time I felt it jerk and pull at times when I was not driving too fast this continued and then it was one day that it does not want to start up, new starter, new battery, tune up and it just wont start. I am just waiting to see if they find out what the problem is. *tr

Jun 1, 2011 · failed May 31, 2011 · IL

The lower radiator support for the 1995-1999 nissan maxima. The lower radiator support supports the radiator, condenser, and the engine support beam. The lower radiator support starts to rust from the inside of the beam and eventually rusts all the way out causing the radiator and the condenser to hang lower and the engine to hang with limited support. Without the lower radiator support, the engine support beam hits off the ground during normal driving. *tr

Sep 26, 2009 · failed Sep 22, 2009 · 93,000 miles · OH

I needed to replace a muffler on my 1997 nissan maxima. On 092209 I took my maxima to a muffler shop, the mechanic noticed a very strong rawfuel smell. He said he could not use a flame torch due to a possible explosion. He replaced the muffler by hand and told me to have the fuel system inspected because this could be a dangerous situation. On 092609 I had the fuel system inspected by an independent mechanic, he discovered that fumes and possibly gas were escaping from the fuel filler neck and tube because of corrosion within the wheel base. I have tried to locate replacement parts from 3 salvaged vehicles and each were also corroded. New parts have been hard to located and remain uncertain as to whether they will fit. *tr

Aug 10, 2008 · failed Apr 1, 2008 · 135,000 miles · MA

It all started with the noises from the exhaust. So I fixed the flex pipe and no more noise, the mechanic said it's a common maxima problem. Then the check engine light came on. So I fixed the o2 sensor and the knock sensor, the mechanic said it's a common maxima problem. I drove the car to the inspection station a few days later and the light came on. The knock sensor code came on, the o2 sensor, the vehicle speed sensor, there was an egr malfunction, a serial a/t link communication malfunction and possibly other codes I cannot recall right now. The mechanic said it's all common maxima problems. I've spent so far at least $800 and the car is still not working properly, and I cannot pass inspection. *tr

Jun 4, 2007 · failed Apr 7, 2005 · 75,000 miles · PA

Tl*the contact owns a 1997 nissan maxima. The vehicle shuts off while driving and fails to restart in a timely fashion. The failure occurs without warning. The dealer was contacted and replaced the alternator, starter, and sensors. However, the failure persists. The current mileage is 134,000 and failure mileage was 75,000.

Oct 12, 2006 · failed Aug 30, 2006 · 94,000 miles · HI

Dt*: the contact stated while driving various speeds, the vehicle stalled however it would restart. This had occurred since the vehicle was purchased. It was taken to a dealer who could not determine the cause of the problem. There have been several repairs to the vehicle including the replacement of three oxygen sensors, the alternator and starter. There was a recall #02V171000 pertaining to the electrical system. The vehicle was not included in the recall due to the VIN. Updated 12/15/06. *jb

Jan 29, 2003 · KY

The check engine light was illuminated, and there was a noise coming from the suspension.*jb ph

Jan 15, 2003 · failed Jan 8, 2003 · 24,000 miles · WA

Failure of rear o2 sensor three times over the past 5 years

Mar 5, 2002 · failed Feb 6, 2002 · FL · fire

Consumer's vehicle engine burst into falmes without any apparent reason.

Feb 28, 2002 · failed Feb 11, 2002 · PA

Engine check light illuminated. Sometimes there was a gas smell inside cab. Driver took vehicle to a mechanic, and he stated that evaporative system was bad. Please provide any further information.*ak

Jan 25, 2001 · failed Dec 15, 2000 · WA

This represents very early failure of the components. No safety defect mentioned. *ak

Sep 25, 1998 · UN

Vehicle stalls causing loss of power steering and vehicle control. Dealer has been unable to repair.

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