[xxx] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6)
2002 Nissan Maxima engine problems
47 complaints (23% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 98,000. 1 crash reported.
- owner complaints
- 47
- of this car's complaints
- 23%
- typical mileage
- 98,000
- crashes
- 1
- recalls
- 1
Which part fails
- Engine8
- Exhaust system3
- Exhaust system: emission control1
- Engine: gasoline1
At what mileage
Complaints by mileage at the time of the problem.
0k-25k
25k-50k
50k-75k
75k-100k
100k-125k
125k-150k
150k-175k
175k-200k
200k+
Nissan Maxima engine problems in other years
Specific symptoms reported on the 2002 Nissan Maxima engine
Phrases found in the owners' own descriptions, so one complaint can mention several symptoms.
Stalling 19Check engine light 16Loss of power 10Won't start 8Knocking 6
Related recalls
Engine and engine cooling
- What is wrong
- 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.
- 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.
- Remedy
- 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.
Recall number 03V455000 · Recall details
What 2002 Nissan Maxima owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
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 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* 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 the federal safety agency 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 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.
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 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 the federal safety agency 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.
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 (the federal safety agency campaign #03v455000) back in 2003!!! They need to recall this again.
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 the federal safety agency campaign number: 03v455000 (engine and engine cooling). The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the crank position sensors were not replaced per the recall remedy. The vehicle was not repaired. The VIN was included in the federal safety agency campaign number: 15v287000 (air bags). The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 168,000.
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 the federal safety agency 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.
Driving on circle intersection the car shut off unable to turn steering wheel and crashed into a building totaling car.
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 nissan maxima. While driving at approximately 35 MPH, there was a sudden loss of acceleration and the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was able to restart after approximately fifteen minutes. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 150,000. The VIN was not available.
Questions about the 2002 Nissan Maxima engine
Does the 2002 Nissan Maxima have engine problems?
Owners have filed 47 complaints about the engine of the 2002 Nissan Maxima, 23% of all its complaints, more than any other problem.
At what mileage do 2002 Nissan Maxima engine problems start?
The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 98,000 miles.
Is there a recall for the 2002 Nissan Maxima engine?
Yes, 1 recall: 03V455000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.
Other 2002 Nissan Maxima problems
Airbags 29Acceleration 23Electrical 22Lights 22Brakes 20Transmission 14Suspension 13Body 11Steering 11Visibility 9Fuel system 8Tires 8Seats 7Wheels 4Driver assistance 3Seat belts 3Locks 1
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