2003 Nissan Maxima: headlights failing or too dim

Filed Dec 31, 2010 · Lights · 90,000 miles · MN

The xenon headlights on my 2003 nissan maxima have become clouded with dramatically reduced lighting effectiveness. I have had to replace one headlight two years ago, and the other needs to be replaced shortly. This is a safety issue.

Filed Jul 31, 2007 · Lights · 5,000 miles · FL

Tl*the contact owns a 2003 nissan maxima. The contact stated that the automatic headlight control sensor does not automatically activate. The sensor activates when conditions are completely dark. The failure has occurred ever since the vehicle was purchased, however, the contact first realized it at 5,000 miles. She has attempted to speak with the dealer on numerous occasions and was informed that someone would return her call. Her call has not yet been returned. The VIN, purchase date, powertrain, and engine size were unknown. The current mileage was 35,000 and failure mileage was 5,000. Updated 02-01-08 *bf updated 02/01/08

Filed Sep 1, 2004 · Lights · NY

Headlights stolen from vehicle twice in 4 months. April 15, 2004 and september 1, 2004. Because of designe head lights can be removed quickly with a long sharp object.

Filed Aug 31, 2004 · Lights · 27,000 miles · NY

The xenon headlights were stolen. Headlights could be removed in just a matter of minutes. Consumer navigated into the federal safety agency web and found many complaints on the same issue. *ak

Filed Aug 2, 2004 · Lights · 22,000 miles · NY

The headlights to a 2003 nissan maxima have been stolen on two separate occasions. On both occssions the thiefs bent the internal metal frame that mounts the bumper to the car to provide access to the headlight from below. This frame is a sheet metal stamping that can easily be bent by applying a small amount of a persons body weight to the structure. The sheet metal construction of the fender and hood also allow a thief to gain access to the headlight by forcibly bending back these structures. The plastic bracket that houses the headlight and mounts it to the frame of the car is shattered by prying it from the frame with a tool. This plastic structure is not sufficiently strong enough to deter a thief from stealing the headlight. There is an additional sheet metal structure that mounts the plastic headlight housing to the frame of the car. This structure has an electrical box attached to it. In both cases of theft this structure was forcibly bent back to access the rear of the headlight for removal. This structure too is not strong enough to prevent a thief from forcibly gaining access to the headlight. It is worth mentioning that the above mentioned structures were compromised so easily, this vehicle's armed, properly functioning, factory equipped alarm system was not set off during the theft. After the first occurrence, I brought the car to poughkeepsie nissan for them to install the 'anti-theft device'. I don't know if or what was done but obviously it did not deter the thief(s). I have been financially burdened by this. Not only do I have to pay a deductible but have to rent a car.

Filed Jul 13, 2004 · Lights · FL

Nissan knew since at least september 2002 that thieves were targeting the xenon headlamps in maximas, they failed to inform consumers purchasing 2002 and 2003 maximas, as well as existing owners and lessees, of the risk of theft of the xenon headlamps, and failed to inform owners and lessees of the cars of the availability of the anti-theft kit., repairs for the 3 thefts have cost over $7000 within an 8 month time frame. Nissan should be held responsible for a faulty design that is costing consumers thousands of dollars each day in either insurance premium increases or headlight replacement. The company has redesigned the xenon high intensity headlights for the 2004 model. And they now offer a model with halogen instead of xenon. I propose an investigation as to why nissan corp has not recalled these cars and replaced the xenon lights with a more reasonable lighting system at their expense.

Filed Mar 4, 2004 · Lights · 20,000 miles · NJ

Hid headlights stolen from 2003 nissan maxima. Police, insurance company, and repair shop all indicated that this is a frequent occurrence specific to this vehicle. This is poor vehicle design and manufacturer should develop a solution and recall and correct the condition. Dealer installed an additional alarm for headlights at a cost of $400 to me. The alarm failed to function.

Filed Dec 25, 2003 · NY

Nissan xenon (hid) headlights stolen, second time in three days. After the first incident, nissan installed an anti-theft system which should have prevented theft. But that did nothing. Vehicle lights were stolen during daylight in heavy populated area. This is becoming very frustrating, especially because of its frequency. Safety concerns should be considered because individuals with these nissans are driving with no headlights when stolen, no lights no turn signals. Nssan motor will not offer any assistance to aide in solving this problem, upon calling them they basically said they could not assist.

Filed Dec 2, 2003 · Lights · NJ

Headlights are very easily removed.as a result, two sets of headlights were stolen.

Filed Oct 12, 2003 · Lights · NJ

Problems with theft of vehicle's headlights.*mr vehicle was vandalize three times for the headlights. After the second incident, an anti-theft device was installed. After the third incident, the manufacturer offered a $500.00 incentive towards a trade in. Consumer suggested nissan give him another vehicle without the headlights, refund his money, or recall the vehicles due to poor assembly. The dealership that purchased the vehicle from the consumer would make a reasonable deal. *ph

Filed Oct 12, 2003 · Lights · NJ

Vehicle head lights were stolen from a 2003 nissan maxima. *mr *scc

Filed Sep 12, 2003 · Lights · VA

Consumer stated the vehicle had a design defect which make it easy for the headlights to be stolen by just "popping" them out. There was an excessive amount of space between headlamp assembly and vehicle's frame. Any object can be inserted in the space to dislodge the headlamp. *ph *scc