1998 Nissan Maxima Problems and Repair Histories
1998 Nissan Maxima problems reported via the Car Repair History and Car Reliability Surveys
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Nissan Maxima
1998 Nissan Maximas for which no problems have been reported are not displayed. So the 1998 Nissan Maxima problems and repair histories you see here should not be used to infer car problem frequency.
For 1998 Nissan Maxima problem frequency, check the Car Reliability Survey result. For the problems behind the score, check the 1998 Nissan Maxima problems and repair histories that follow it.
Nissan Maxima Reliability through March 31, 2013
General NotesModels and statistics marked with an asterisk (*) have very low sample sizes. These results, visible only to logged-in members, provide only a rough estimate of car reliability.Any result under 20 repair trips per 100 cars is likely a result of the small sample size, and should be expected to increase to 20 or so in future updates.
New models often start out with high repair rates, and then improve as the manufacturer identifies and addresses common problems. MethodologyOnly successfully completed repairs are currently included in the analysis. Routine maintenance, most wear items, recalls, and problems fixed with just a reflash or warning light reset are not included.
| Year | Make/Model | Trips/Year/100 Cars | Compared to all models for the same year | |
| 1998 | Nissan Maxima | 21 Maximas, 8.0 months of data per Maxima, average 179300 miles Small sample size. Join or 21 Maximas, 8.0 months of data per Maxima, average 179300 miles Small sample size. sign in to view |
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Non-members can see only ten 1998 Nissan Maxima problems and repair histories. Log in or join us to see them all.
Repair costs are in local units.
1998 Nissan Maxima
Engine not specified
| Nissan in Rhode Island, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Jan | 2011 | 189000 | First odometer entry | |
| Mar | 2011 | 190000 | 100 | Changed knock sensor myself without removing intake |
| Nissan in California, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Jun | 2010 | 200000 | First odometer entry | |
| Jul | 2010 | 201000 | 0 | Steering wheel rattling when car's above 70mph, car drifts to the right due to alignment/tire/axle problems. |
| Mar | 2013 | 220000 | Most recent odometer entry. | |
| Nissan in Massachusetts, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Sep | 2009 | 104000 | First odometer entry | |
| Oct | 2009 | 105000 | 1350 | ABS right front sensor replaced (ABS light had come on). Starter replaced (it had failed completely). Front brake pads and rotors replaced. |
| Mar | 2010 | Most recent odometer entry. | ||
| Nissan in Wisconsin, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| May | 2012 | 145000 | First odometer entry | |
| May | 2012 | 145000 | 300 | Replaced fuel filler assembly. No non-OEM parts available, so a Nissan assembly had to be sourced. |
| Nissan in California, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Dec | 2011 | 156000 | First odometer entry | |
| Oct | 2012 | 160700 | 281 | check engine light, compression check, replace spark plugs, clean injection with injection flush and a additive in tank. |
| Nov | 2012 | 161300 | 739 | Radiator blew up. Replace radiator. Remove and replace coolant fans. Remove and replace temp sensor. |
| Mar | 2013 | 164000 | Most recent odometer entry. | |
| Nissan in Alabama, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Dec | 2012 | First odometer entry | ||
| Dec | 2012 | 0 | Transmission failed | |
| Nissan in Minnesota, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Feb | 2012 | 247000 | First odometer entry | |
| Feb | 2013 | 264000 | 60 | Transmission will soon be shot |
| Nissan in Connecticut, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Feb | 2009 | 156000 | First odometer entry | |
| Jun | 2009 | 160000 | 5 | Rear license plate light needed to be replaced. Screws were rusted and had to be drilled out. Plastic cap had to be cut, no new part available, used glue to reseal cap and new screws to attach back to bumper |
| Mar | 2010 | 166000 | 0 | Engine light came on due to knock sensor error |
| Jun | 2011 | Most recent odometer entry. | ||
| Nissan in New York, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Nov | 2009 | 121000 | First odometer entry | |
| Dec | 2009 | 122000 | 150 | Brake caliper locked up |
| Mar | 2010 | Most recent odometer entry. | ||
| Nissan in New South Wales, Australia | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Jun | 2008 | 65100 | First odometer entry | |
| Jul | 2008 | 65720 | 300 | Dashboard lights wont light up, engine lights wont come. |
| Nov | 2009 | 72540 | 0 | For over a year the HVAC blower sometimes works, sometimes doesn't, not reparing due to costs. |
| Nissan in New Jersey, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Feb | 2008 | 230000 | First odometer entry | |
| Mar | 2008 | 236000 | 843 | Leaking upper oil pan gasket. |
| Mar | 2010 | Most recent odometer entry. | ||
1998 Nissan Maxima 4-door
6-cylinder manual 2WD
| Nissan in Georgia, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Aug | 2010 | 190000 | First odometer entry | |
| Jun | 2011 | 193000 | 20 | One of the cooling fan motors did not work and caused the car to overheat in traffic. Installed one from the junk yard which solved the problem |
| May | 2012 | 204000 | 200 | Alternator and battery cable went. No big deal, although the compressor had to be loosened to get the alternator out of the bottom. There is just enough play in the AC lines to get it through |
| Sep | 2012 | 208000 | Most recent odometer entry. | |
| Nissan in Massachusetts, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Apr | 2008 | 246000 | First odometer entry | |
| May | 2008 | 247000 | 50 | The rear plate lights were burnt out, but it requires replacement of the mounting bracket to repair. |
| Jun | 2008 | 247000 | 20 | Rear plate light was broken and the socket needed to be replaced. Installed the new parts. |
| Aug | 2008 | 252000 | 1100 | Center muffler and exhaust pipes replaced. Front brake pads and rotors replaced. |
| Mar | 2009 | 265000 | 850 | CV Joints and axles replaced. Also needs EGR solenoid and ABS wheel sensor not replaced this time. |
| Jun | 2009 | 272000 | 0 | Third brake light burned out. This is attached to the spoiler on the car and is expensive to replace |
| Sep | 2009 | 272000 | 205 | Radiator cracked and was replaced rear muffler was rusted out and was replaced Third brake light wasn't working. replaced a connector in the wiring harness to the light. Repaired one of the LED lights in the third brake light as well. |
| Oct | 2009 | Most recent odometer entry. | ||
| Nissan in California, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Mar | 2008 | 82000 | First odometer entry | |
| Apr | 2008 | 82000 | 700 | Check engine light - one O2 sensor replaced, one knock sensor replaced. |
| Sep | 2008 | 86000 | 200 | New radiator fan in Sept 08, done by a shop, $200, in shop one day, radiator fan was making noise. Repair successful. |
| Oct | 2008 | Most recent odometer entry. | ||
| Nissan in Minnesota, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Jan | 2010 | 103000 | First odometer entry | |
| Oct | 2010 | 108000 | 900 | Replaced CV joints. Replaced front right and left ball joints and bearings and sway bar links, rear brakes, bled and replaced all brake fluid. |
| May | 2011 | 111000 | 360 | Rear shock rusted and could no longer support spring. Mounting ripped and no longer supported the weight of the car. |
| Jul | 2011 | 112000 | 0 | LF Wheel bearing was replaced for the third time, 2nd time by dealer. Under warranty |
| Oct | 2011 | Most recent odometer entry. | ||
1998 Nissan Maxima 4-door
6-cylinder automatic 2WD
| Nissan in British Columbia, Canada | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Feb | 2011 | 98580 | First odometer entry | |
| Mar | 2011 | 98580 | 40 | both outer cv boots broken LR brake caliper stiff, uneven pad wear, caliper and pads replaced |
| Nov | 2011 | 99800 | 0 | Exhaust pipe separated from flange where it connects to short pipe that is part of muffler. Cleaned flange, welded approx a 4 inch length of new pipe, approx 2 1/8 inch inside diameter, to fit over the pipe that separated. No clamp required |
| Feb | 2012 | Most recent odometer entry. | ||
| Nissan in New Jersey, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Aug | 2009 | 259000 | First odometer entry | |
| Apr | 2011 | 274000 | 0 | Car would not start. Shop replace wiring at fuse box to engine. |
| Apr | 2012 | Most recent odometer entry. | ||
| Nissan in Massachusetts, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Apr | 2011 | 193000 | First odometer entry | |
| Aug | 2011 | 195000 | 350 | Clogged muffler ruptured |
| Sep | 2011 | Most recent odometer entry. | ||
| Nissan in New Jersey, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Jun | 2007 | 170000 | First odometer entry | |
| Oct | 2007 | 175000 | 160 | coil failure |
| Sep | 2008 | 210000 | 300 | Replaced rear struts |
| Mar | 2010 | Most recent odometer entry. | ||
| Nissan in Michigan, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Nov | 2007 | 82000 | First odometer entry | |
| Dec | 2007 | 83000 | 75 | Headlights left on after key removed indicator was not beeping. Taillights were not functioning, bad wiring. |
| Jun | 2008 | 89000 | 700 | Exhaust system was rusted out, with exception of catalytic converter. |
| Jul | 2009 | 102000 | 600 | Battery and brake lights blinked and car begin powering down while driving. We were towed to the Nissan dealer and they diagnosed that the alternator was in need of repair. |
| Nov | 2009 | 106000 | 0 | Radiator fixed. |
| Mar | 2010 | 110000 | 0 | Fan assembly needed replacing when wrecked. Airbag light on when wrecked. |
| Nissan in Florida, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Aug | 2007 | 152000 | First odometer entry | |
| Sep | 2007 | 153000 | 0 | Air compressor froze, sending metal into air conditioning system. Replaced expansion valve, compressor, filter, coolant, etc. Took it back for noises. I was told that the radiator fan needed replacing and that was done. It took two hours. The noise continued, so I took it back and was told I would just have to live with the noise and that it couldn’t be fixed. That trip took two hours. I reported this to the regional office and the Regional manager requested that I take it back one more |
| Oct | 2007 | 154000 | 1700 | They said they replaced the expansion valve (again-this time with a genuine Nissan part-at my insistence) and lowered the coolant charge to less than the maximum. It has worked properly and quietly since then. |
| Jun | 2008 | 167000 | 285 | Replaced rotors and brake pads. Also coil pack going bad, but not bad enough to determine which one. Waiting for problem to worsen. |
| Jul | 2008 | 169000 | 400 | Engine skipping; took it in, but not bad enough to determine where problem existed. When it got worse, took it in and shop replaced 2 coil packs. Problem lessened, then worsened until exactly as bad as before. |
| Nov | 2008 | 175000 | 1900 | Fuel injection system cleaned; spark plugs replaced. Valve gaskets replaced. Rack and pinion replaced. |
| Mar | 2009 | 175000 | 936 | Same problem of engine skipping, especially while idling. Replaced all 6 ignition coil packs and problem has not reappeared so far. |
| Feb | 2010 | 180000 | 780 | We took the car in for a minor problem and the dealership gave a huge list of things to repair, including oil pan leaking $2600 worth. Friend (mechanic) did necessary repairs but not extras (leaking timing belt cover and right axle seal). Replaced upper and lower oil pan gaskets. Replaced oxygen sensor. Replaced rear engine mount. |
| Jul | 2010 | 188000 | 370 | Harmonic balancer and belts. |
| Nov | 2010 | 189000 | 80 | Protective panel on underside of engine. |
| Dec | 2010 | Most recent odometer entry. | ||
| Nissan in Oregon, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Nov | 2009 | 168000 | First odometer entry | |
| Jun | 2010 | 170000 | 800 | problems with engine and transmission. Bought both and I'm just waiting to install them, meanwhile the car is in the garage. Driving another car while problem is solved |
| May | 2011 | 170000 | Most recent odometer entry. | |
| Nissan in Virginia, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| May | 2008 | 160000 | First odometer entry | |
| Oct | 2009 | 180000 | 1000 | rusted muffler was replaced. parts and labor about $1000 |
| Dec | 2009 | Most recent odometer entry. | ||
| Nissan in Illinois, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Jun | 2009 | 89000 | First odometer entry | |
| Dec | 2009 | 91000 | 89 | Replaced Starter, battery ground cable, and spark plugs. Starter output was very weak, and car wouldn't start, and then became flooded. |
| Apr | 2011 | 99000 | 140 | New rear Calipers, pads, and rotors |
| Aug | 2011 | 101000 | 75 | Replaced the Starter |
| Mar | 2013 | 110000 | 0 | Valve cover gasket. |
| Nissan in Illinois, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Dec | 2007 | 59000 | First odometer entry | |
| Jul | 2008 | 63000 | 350 | New brake rotors and pads. Front suspension joints rusted. Replaced. |
| Aug | 2009 | 71000 | 780 | Replaced rear brake rotors, pads and calipers due to wear and rust in calipers as car was parked for 3 months when I was out of country. Replace after market lug nuts due to broken key. |
| Sep | 2010 | 80000 | 500 | replaced exhaust resonator and muffler |
| Apr | 2011 | 82700 | 350 | The A/C compressor bearing was rusting and was making a lot of noise. A/C still working fine, but wanted to get it repaired as summer is close. Remanufactured compressor - $350. |
| Jul | 2011 | Most recent odometer entry. | ||
| Nissan in Missouri, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Jul | 2007 | 131000 | First odometer entry | |
| Aug | 2007 | 132000 | 255 | O2 Sensor Replacement |
| Sep | 2007 | 132000 | 273 | Needed new front right wheel bearing. |
| Dec | 2007 | 135000 | 624 | Replaced oil pan due to leaks. replaced a seal as well |
| Apr | 2008 | 139000 | 400 | Replaced front axles. |
| Aug | 2008 | 143000 | 550 | Rreplaced mass airflow sensor. |
| Dec | 2012 | 182000 | Most recent odometer entry. | |
| Nissan in Iowa, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Jul | 2009 | 102000 | First odometer entry | |
| Feb | 2010 | 113000 | 20 | Cleaned throttle body & replace air filter to solve poor cold starts. |
| Apr | 2010 | Most recent odometer entry. | ||
| Nissan in Minnesota, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Aug | 2009 | 161000 | First odometer entry | |
| Apr | 2010 | 171000 | 95 | Resurface rotors to eliminate pulsation. Worst pothole season I can remember in MN. Lots of brake and front end repairs are being done this spring. |
| Nov | 2010 | 173000 | 425 | Rear struts finally gave out. The car was hopping all over the road. Could not drive safely over 55. Rear struts replaced and the car drives straight and true and smoothly down the road. |
| Dec | 2010 | 173000 | 425 | Middle exhaust pipe between converter and muffler was replaced. Remainder of exhaust is original. |
| Mar | 2011 | 180000 | 700 | Replaced front struts. Did the drive axles at the same time to save on future cost. The boots had been ripped open for over a year. |
| Apr | 2011 | 181300 | 150 | Soft brake pedal. Shop bled them twice in last few months. They replaced Master Cyl this time. Not corrected. Bled twice more in the next week. Getting some air out and brakes are getting better but not corrected yet. Discounted costs. |
| May | 2011 | 182700 | 140 | The slide on the bottom of the caliper was frozen so that only the top of caliper was movable. Caliper replaced, problem of soft pedal finally resolved! |
| Aug | 2011 | 186700 | 150 | A/C system was intermittent. Evacuated system, measured volume and recharged with correct amount. |
| Apr | 2012 | 199700 | 300 | Front left wheel bearing and hub was replaced. |
| Feb | 2013 | 210000 | 342 | Engine was flooding, but no relevant codes. Replaced plugs, cleaned throttle body and MAF. Ran rough for 50 miles as it burned off chemicals from O2 sensor. Running great again now. (Starter replaced at cost as it burned out during repair.) |
| Nissan in Hawaii, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| May | 2009 | 102000 | First odometer entry | |
| Jun | 2009 | 105000 | 600 | Engine had a rough idle and shook car. Replaced the radiator and spark plugs. Fixed the problem. Car also has a leaking valve cover gasket. |
| Mar | 2010 | Most recent odometer entry. | ||
1998 Nissan Maxima 4-door
4-cylinder automatic 2WD
| Nissan in Alabama, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Sep | 2009 | 229000 | First odometer entry | |
| Oct | 2009 | 230000 | 530 | Alternator replaced. This makes the third one. This time we also replaced the battery. The original replacement was supposed to be covered by Nissan since there was a full recall for the alternator. Nissan refused to honor the recall for this problem. |
| May | 2010 | 241000 | 764 | Here we go again --ANOTHER alternator and battery. This makes the 4th one. Nissan had a recall on the original but refused our claim to fix the problem under the recall notice. The general mgr. states that Nissan is using inferior parts!! |
| Oct | 2010 | 245000 | 525 | replaced starter and battery. valve cover gaskets replaced |
| Jun | 2011 | 247000 | 400 | replaced valve cover gaskets and plenum gasket |
| Nov | 2011 | 249000 | Most recent odometer entry. | |
| Nissan in Texas, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Feb | 2009 | 139000 | First odometer entry | |
| Jun | 2011 | 171000 | 500 | Key would not start car when turned |
| Jan | 2012 | 174000 | 20 | Replaced lights in info screen |
| Mar | 2012 | Most recent odometer entry. | ||
| Nissan in Tennessee, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Mar | 2009 | 258000 | First odometer entry | |
| Jun | 2009 | 259000 | 0 | Check engine light kept coming on, we would just get it turned off. |
| Nissan in Manitoba, Canada | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Dec | 2008 | 81220 | First odometer entry | |
| Jun | 2009 | 82460 | 0 | SES light came on, downloaded codes and cleared codes from car's computer. Codes have not reappeared after more than a week |
| Apr | 2010 | 88040 | 187 | Needed new muffler |
| Jun | 2010 | 88660 | 1700 | A/C not working |
| Sep | 2010 | 89900 | 290 | O2 sensors replaced |
| Feb | 2011 | 92160 | 60 | Airbag light came on. No problem found after diagnosis. Light reset. |
| Sep | 2011 | Most recent odometer entry. | ||
Expert 1998 Nissan Maxima Repair Advice
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