1986 Nissan Maxima Electrical system Problems
- Complaints
- 10about this part
- Share
- 17%of 60 total for the year
- Median mileage
- —not reported
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 10 complaints about the electrical system of the 1986 Nissan Maxima, 17% of the 60 complaints for this model year. 10 a fire, according to the filers.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Parked all day; drove less than two miles, while parking the vehicle started to smoke under the hood, resulting in a fire. Fire was caused due to a fuel leak, recall 95i006 describes problems consumer experienced. Engine belts replaced. Strut failure caused noise while driving over bumps. Spark plugs replaced. Front and rear brake pads replaced, rotors turned. Power steering hose leak.”
NHTSA complaint #804868, filed 1996-11“While driving along smelled gas, and kind of ignored it because was told by a mechanic that nothing was wrong with automobile. Kept going and was told that his automobile was on fire- he received help to put out the fire.”
NHTSA complaint #817353, filed 1997-10“After vehicle was driven and parked for about 5-7 minutes, it bursted into flames. Fire department said flames came from under the hood. Entire hood was damaged by fire.”
NHTSA complaint #825179, filed 1998-07“While driving down road consumer began to smell smoke then saw black smoke coming up through the dash, after getting out and opening hood the flames took over.”
NHTSA complaint #804536, filed 1996-11Related service bulletins
- 10030165Apr 6, 2009Nissan: the 12 volt battery is an important part of the vehicle electrical system and is required to stay connected when the engine is running. To prevent damage to vehicle…
Electrical system: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 2 | 9% |
| 2019 | 2 | 11% |
| 2018 | 5 | 14% |
| 2017 | 11 | 10% |
| 2016 | 31 | 22% |
| 2014 | 8 | 8% |
| 2013 | 2 | 3% |
| 2012 | 20 | 19% |
| 2011 | 12 | 11% |
| 2010 | 79 | 29% |
| 2009 | 79 | 23% |
| 2008 | 6 | 8% |
| 2007 | 5 | 4% |
| 2006 | 26 | 5% |
| 2005 | 38 | 4% |
| 2004 | 56 | 4% |
| 2003 | 17 | 8% |
| 2002 | 22 | 11% |
| 2001 | 27 | 16% |
| 2000 | 171 | 48% |
| 1999 | 83 | 50% |
| 1998 | 24 | 21% |
| 1997 | 39 | 38% |
| 1996 | 8 | 8% |
| 1995 | 19 | 13% |
| 1994 | 4 | 4% |
| 1993 | 11 | 14% |
| 1992 | 6 | 5% |
| 1991 | 8 | 11% |
| 1990 | 6 | 6% |
| 1989 | 8 | 13% |
| 1988 | 6 | 10% |
| 1987 | 22 | 13% |
| 1986 | 10 | 17% |
| 1985 | 7 | 13% |
| 1984 | 2 | 7% |
Other parts of the 1986 Nissan Maxima
36 complaintsEngine cooling
9 complaintsSeat belts
5 complaintsBrakes
2 complaintsSteering
2 complaintsSuspension
2 complaintsVehicle speed control
2 complaintsEquipment
1 complaintsBody and structure
1 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1986 Nissan Maxima
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 29, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology