10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
3 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
3 / 0
Average Mileage:
82,068 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

2002 Nissan Maxima steering problems

steering problem

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2002 Nissan Maxima Owner Comments

problem #9

Mar 242021

Maxima

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

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.

- Rocky Mount, VA, USA

problem #8

Mar 012018

Maxima 6-cyl

  • 68,000 miles
[xxx] power steering system tires fuel pump air bags battery everything has been falling apart since 2018, it's been fixed and couple months later, the same problem comes up. Every mechanic that touches this car, said the same thing to check up the recall status. Because there are too many issues with it, and the mileage is low. So there is a faulty parts, that keep braking down in the middle of the road, and I have been calling roadside assistance at least 4 times since December. Brand new tires and brakes were installed and still having the same problems. Information redacted pursuant to the Freedom Of Information Act (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

- Chicago, IL, USA

problem #7

Jan 192018

Maxima

  • 212,012 miles
Over heating gurgling in over flow, had radiator flushed and topped off, still over heat, looking at my recites it says I have a leaking water hose but no one replaced it, on 9/27/16.drove my car threw winter then went to another machanic had the thermostat replaced on 6/30/17 still over heat, brought car back to Nissan dealer on 1/19/18 told them it still gurgels and there was a slight hesitation when driving and I noticed my power steering hose was leaking, was told I need a water pump and radiator, power steering said was fixed and visc valve was stuck open so replaced, said car is good to go so when my girl friend and I got in the car the check engine light was on he said it's probably because of the new parts he then took the light off said drive it 30 miles so I could have a smog done, drove South bound on hwy 101 in santa rosa going 60 mph and the car shut down and all lights where flashing, had no power to get in a safe place off the freeway, coasted down the off ramp to gas station and called Nissan, they said have it towed back, while waiting for tow I lifted my hood to find not only was my power steering still leeking but two other hoses were leeking as well. When I looked at my recite it said found that both power steering hoses were leeking as well as high pressure power line but only pressure hose was replaced, I asked why they all weren't replaced while showing them the leak they said we will order those hoses today and I don't have to pay, lol really? one day later the manager wanted to speak to me with the mechanic, long story short now I need a alternator, battery, coil, spark plugs, so I go and buy the spark plugs and alternator another $ 321 and $245 to fix, it sits now at Nissan with more problems then ever, and it almost cost my friend and I my life on the freeway, I looked up recalls on my year and found there where some on it shutting down

- Sebastopol, CA, USA

problem #6

Sep 182015

Maxima

  • 184,400 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Driving on circle intersection the car shut off unable to turn steering wheel and crashed into a building totaling car.

- Lodi, NJ, USA

problem #5

Nov 052010

Maxima

  • 140,000 miles
After the car has been driven awhile and warmed up, 30 mins or so. The steering wheel starts to jerk and the car pulls to the left. When this happens the car drives like it's on a flat tire, a kluck kluck kluck sound is coming from the front end, but the tires are not flat. I even replaced the old tires with new ones. The steering becomes very erratic. Ive taken it twice to a Nissan dealer and a sears auto center, and was told everything was tight in the front end. No one seems to know what the problem is, because they can't get the car to recreate this condition. What would be the likely cause that would make this happen?

- South Holland, IL, USA

problem #4

Feb 202009

Maxima

  • 115,000 miles
The contact owns a 2002 Nissan Maxima. The contact stated that the suspension was making a knocking sound along with a loud noise coming from the steering wheel. The noises are heard each time the steering wheel is turned to the left or right and when driving uphill. The contact also experiences difficulty controlling the steering wheel. The dealer stated that there were no recalls for his vehicle; however, they advised him to call the manufacturer to check if the VIN is included in NHTSA campaign id number 02V146000 (suspension:front:control arm:lower arm). The failure mileage was 115,000.

- Renton, WA, USA

problem #3

Mar 152003

Maxima

  • Automatic transmission
  • 19,200 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

This max had the transverse link recall performed in 9/02. At this time, the left axle was not properly placed back in the transmission. We took the car back several times and they kept blowing us off. Finally, my wife was driving the car in the mobile tunnel and the trans went out along with the steering and suspension. Nissan repaired the vehicle but it still drives like a piece of junk. These guys are ridiculous and need to be dealt with seriously. I have since filed suit but would appreciate any help.

- Brandon, MS, USA

problem #2

Jul 232002

Maxima

  • miles
While making a left turn on the highway he lost control of the vehicle. Due to the steering going out. Please provide information dealer is aware of the problem.

- Ebington, MA, USA

problem #1

May 082002

Maxima

  • miles
For unknown reason, the vehicle swerved towards the right side and the vehicle jumped the curb due to the uncontrollable steering. The tires become deflated causing damage to the rims of the front and back tires on the right side of the vehicle.

- Centreville, VA, USA

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