Total Complaints
249 filings
NISSAN MAXIMA · model year
2003 NISSAN MAXIMA
249 NHTSA complaints, 20 crash reports, and 4 active recalls for this specific cohort.
NHTSA overall rating
Not crash-tested
New Car Assessment Program
The 2003NISSANMAXIMA carries 249 consumer safety complaints in NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation database for this specific model-year cohort. Within that volume, owners reported 20 crashes, 4 fires, 17 injuries, and 1 fatality. No NCAP 5-star crash-test rating is available for this model year in the federal database.
Component-level analysis is where model-year complaints become actionable: the top complaint category for the 2003 MAXIMA is engine with 43 filings, followed by engine and engine cooling (39) and air bags (27). Concentration in one or two component groups is the classic signature of a systemic defect; a flat distribution usually reflects normal aging, warranty complaints, or isolated build-plant variability. This model year has 4 active recall campaigns, which means the manufacturer is obligated to remedy the covered defect at no charge for the life of the vehicle — the full NHTSA campaign numbers are listed below.
NHTSA currently has 3 investigation files overlapping the 2003 MAXIMA. Owners comparing this cohort against neighboring years should pair the counters above with the complaint-by-year trend on the parent model page — a spike in a single year often tracks to a platform refresh, a new transmission supplier, or an updated ECU calibration. Use the related-complaint feed below to read raw owner narratives before deciding whether any pattern here affects your specific use case.
249
Complaints
20
Crashes
4
Fires
17
Injuries
1
Deaths
Crashes Reported
20 reports
Source
NHTSA ODI
Federal complaints database
Complaints vs. fleet median (215)
Above median complaint volume — review patterns below.
Complaints by Component
| Component | Count |
|---|---|
| ENGINE | 43 |
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING | 39 |
| AIR BAGS | 27 |
| EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS | 22 |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 14 |
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 10 |
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE | 10 |
| VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL | 6 |
| AIR BAGS:FRONTAL | 5 |
| FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | 4 |
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL | 3 |
| SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP | 3 |
| EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:RADIO/TAPE DECK/CD ETC. | 3 |
| POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION | 3 |
| STEERING | 3 |
Recalls (4)
03V45500017/11/2003
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
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.
15V28700015/05/2015
AIR BAGS
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 caus
22E06600009/08/2022
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
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 2
20V00800009/01/2020
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
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
Recent Complaints
20240318AIR BAGS
See attached document for complaint
20240312AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
See attached document for complaint
20230829ENGINE
The contact owns a 2003 Nissan Maxima. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light remained illuminated. Additionally, while driving approximately 20 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was later towed to the residence. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The local dealer and manufacturer were not contacted regarding the failure. The failure mileage was 225,000.
Mileage: 225,000
20210824STEERING
The steering shimmies and pulls to the right. Power steering fluids are within there limits.
20210609ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Please fix your auto fill --- it just erased everything! Anyway, the engine cuts out while driving in traffic. The engine cuts out while waiting at a red light. The engine cuts out while turning. It's ALL random! The engine code shows P0340, Bank 1 and Bank2, and sometimes P0345. I have replaced the camshaft position sensors FIVE times!!!!! I have tried both Auto Zone and Hitachi, and neither of them solves the problem. I also paid to have the crankshaft sensor below replaced, and that didn't help. I am told that this problem has been posted online and it was recommended to only use OEM parts. This is very dangerous to lose power while in traffic, and then having to wait until the engine will restart, which eventually it does. This is an ongoing problem. PLEASE help!!!
20210609ENGINE
Please fix your auto fill --- it just erased everything! Anyway, the engine cuts out while driving in traffic. The engine cuts out while waiting at a red light. The engine cuts out while turning. It's ALL random! The engine code shows P0340, Bank 1 and Bank2, and sometimes P0345. I have replaced the camshaft position sensors FIVE times!!!!! I have tried both Auto Zone and Hitachi, and neither of them solves the problem. I also paid to have the crankshaft sensor below replaced, and that didn't help. I am told that this problem has been posted online and it was recommended to only use OEM parts. This is very dangerous to lose power while in traffic, and then having to wait until the engine will restart, which eventually it does. This is an ongoing problem. PLEASE help!!!
20210223ENGINE
AS I WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY THE CAR JERKED AND FELT LIKE IT WAS LOSING ACCELERATION. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT, TCS AND SLID LIGHT TURNED ON. I BEGAN TO FEEL SCARED I HAD MY CHILD, SISTER AND BROTHER IN THE VEHICLE. I PROCEED TO DRIVE HOME WITH CAUTION. ONCE I ARRIVED HOME, I TURNED THE VEHICLE OFF AND TRIED TO RESTART IT. THE CAR WOULD NOT START.
Mileage: 220,000
20210223FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
AS I WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY THE CAR JERKED AND FELT LIKE IT WAS LOSING ACCELERATION. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT, TCS AND SLID LIGHT TURNED ON. I BEGAN TO FEEL SCARED I HAD MY CHILD, SISTER AND BROTHER IN THE VEHICLE. I PROCEED TO DRIVE HOME WITH CAUTION. ONCE I ARRIVED HOME, I TURNED THE VEHICLE OFF AND TRIED TO RESTART IT. THE CAR WOULD NOT START.
Mileage: 220,000
20201109AIR BAGS
2003 NISSAN MAXIMA. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO AIRBAG SAFETY RECALL. CONSUMER STATED THAT THEY NO LONGER OWN THE VEHICLE. *LD *JS
20201006ENGINE
WHEN DRIVING DOWN THE STREET IT JUST TURNED OFF. SAID IT WAS CRANK/ CAM POSITION SENSORS WELL CHANGED THEM AND PUT NEW THROTTLE BODY. AND NOW TO FIND THERE IS A RECALL HOWEVER MY VIN IS NOT PART OF IT. WELL IT SHOULD BE. AND BE FIXED. I HAVE BEEN TRYING TO FIX FOR 9 MONTHS. BEEN SITTING LONGER. FIRST HAD TO FIGURE OUT WHERE TO START.
Mileage: 170,000
20200630ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
THE CAR HAS STALLED WHEN STOPPED AND WHILE DRIVING. SLIP LIGHT AND TSP WARNING LIGHTS GO ON ALONG WITH SERVICE ENGINE. I NOTICED THE RECALL FROM 2003 WAS FOR SIMILAR PROBLEMS. HOWEVER I PUT IN MY VIN # AND I'M ASSUMING MY CAR DOES NOT APPLY. VERY VERY DANGEROUS. MY YOUNG DAUGHTER WAS DRIVING WHEN IT DIED. WOULD LIKE TO KNOW IF REPAIRS WOULD BE COVERED UNDER PREVIOUS RECALL.
Mileage: 138,240
20200624ENGINE
IT HAS THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ON, IT TAKES TIME TO START AND WHEN IT IS DRIVING IT TURNS OFF (BUT IT TURNS ON).IT GOES OFF ON FLAT SURFACES, AND WHEN YOU ARE ON A RISE THAT'S WHERE IT TAKES TO CATCH ON. *TR
Mileage: 188,000
20200624FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
IT HAS THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ON, IT TAKES TIME TO START AND WHEN IT IS DRIVING IT TURNS OFF (BUT IT TURNS ON).IT GOES OFF ON FLAT SURFACES, AND WHEN YOU ARE ON A RISE THAT'S WHERE IT TAKES TO CATCH ON. *TR
Mileage: 188,000
20200624EXTERIOR LIGHTING
IT HAS THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ON, IT TAKES TIME TO START AND WHEN IT IS DRIVING IT TURNS OFF (BUT IT TURNS ON).IT GOES OFF ON FLAT SURFACES, AND WHEN YOU ARE ON A RISE THAT'S WHERE IT TAKES TO CATCH ON. *TR
Mileage: 188,000
20200624ENGINE
IT HAS THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ON, WHEN THE CAR IS UP, IT TAKES TIME TO START AND WHEN IT IS DRIVING IT SOMETIMES TURNS OFF, BUT IF THEY TURN IT ON AGAIN IF IT STARTS. *TR
Mileage: 188,000
20200624FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
IT HAS THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ON, WHEN THE CAR IS UP, IT TAKES TIME TO START AND WHEN IT IS DRIVING IT SOMETIMES TURNS OFF, BUT IF THEY TURN IT ON AGAIN IF IT STARTS. *TR
Mileage: 188,000
20200624EXTERIOR LIGHTING
IT HAS THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ON, WHEN THE CAR IS UP, IT TAKES TIME TO START AND WHEN IT IS DRIVING IT SOMETIMES TURNS OFF, BUT IF THEY TURN IT ON AGAIN IF IT STARTS. *TR
Mileage: 188,000
20200320ENGINE
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 NISSAN MAXIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE STALLED WHILE ATTEMPTING TO EXCEED 3,000 RPM. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE IDLING, THE VEHICLE STALLED WHILE STOPPED AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT. THE CONTACT SHIFTED THE TRANSMISSION TO NEUTRAL AND THE VEHICLE REMAINED ON. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE VIN WAS SUBJECTED TO NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 03V455000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 143,000.
Mileage: 143,000
20200126CrashAIR BAGS
THE AIRBAGS DEPLOYED WITHOUT BEING IN AN ACCIDENT
Mileage: 175,000
20191002UNKNOWN OR OTHER
CAR STALLS AT LIGHTS AND JUST STOPS RUNNING WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE STREET. THE STALLING PROBLEM HAS BEEN GOING ON FOR YEARS BUT THE CAR STALLING WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD IS FAIRLY NEW. STALLS AT LIGFHTS, STALLS WHILE IN MOTION
Mileage: 20,000
Compare 2003NISSANMAXIMA to Similar Vehicles
NHTSA Investigations
Frequently Asked Questions
How many complaints does the 2003 NISSAN MAXIMA have?▼
The 2003 NISSAN MAXIMA has 249 NHTSA complaints, 20 crashes, 4 fires, 17 injuries, and 1 deaths reported.
Are there any recalls for the 2003 NISSAN MAXIMA?▼
Yes, the 2003 NISSAN MAXIMA has 4 recall(s). The most common affected component is ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING. Recalls are issued by NHTSA and manufacturers must provide a free remedy.
What are the most common problems with the 2003 NISSAN MAXIMA?▼
The most-complained component for the 2003 NISSAN MAXIMA is ENGINE with 43 complaints. Other frequently reported areas include ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING and AIR BAGS.
Is the 2003 NISSAN MAXIMA safe to buy?▼
Review the complaint history, crash and fire reports, safety ratings, and recall status on this page to make an informed decision. No NHTSA crash test rating is available for this model year. Compare with other model years using the links above.
Where does this data come from?▼
All complaint, recall, and safety rating data is sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Complaints are filed by vehicle owners through NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation.
Vehicle Safety Guides
Data as of 2025. Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) complaints database, NHTSA recall campaign API, NHTSA NCAP crash-test ratings, and NHTSA FARS for fatality cross-reference.
Read our methodology — how this data is sourced, computed, and verified.