1989 Nissan Maxima Problems
- Complaints
- 62filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 146,945miles, 4 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 1campaigns on record
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
- NHTSA crash rating
- —overall rating starts with 2011 models
- EPA fuel economy
- 20 mpgcombined, 3.0L 6-cyl FWD · 18 city / 24 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 1989 Nissan Maxima (complaints, recalls, investigations), EPA fuel economy. Report an error
What owners report
Owners of this model year most often describe fuel filler tube and rear wheel housing corrosion in the trunk area, and many tie it to a fuel filler recall campaign; complaints also mention fuel odors and fuel leaks. Beyond fuel system reports, owners describe worn or broken seat belt anchors and retractors, seat backs that broke in a collision, power window regulators that fail with the glass stuck down, and occasional transmission, electrical and instrument cluster problems. Most reports arrive on high-mileage cars, and several describe rust found while inspecting the trunk or rear belts rather than during driving.
- Fuel system
Fuel filler tube and rear wheel housing corrosion
- 11 complaints (18%)
- median 121,590 mi at 16.3 yrs old (3 state mileage, few)
- filed 1999–2006
Owners describe rust and corrosion where the fuel filler tube meets the left rear fender and wheel housing, sometimes with a hole through into the trunk or rear tire area. Some report the filler tube assembly was replaced under a recall campaign, while others say the dealer declined or delayed recall work, or asked for other body repairs first. Complaints also mention fuel odors and fuel leaks in connection with the corrosion. Reported on cars from roughly 120,000 to 193,000 miles, frequently in salt-belt use.
What to check: Inspect the fuel filler tube, left rear wheel housing and trunk floor for rust, and ask whether recall 95V244000 work was completed. Check for fuel smell around the filler neck and trunk.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Since purchasing car. There has been a strong smell of gas both outside and inside the car. We took the car to the Nissan dealer after finding out about the fuel filler recall. They fixed the problem free of charge. After picking up the car, we could still smell the gas, but only in the front and sometimes inside the cabin. We called Nissan and they told us they fixed the car, and to bring it in to see what is wrong with it, with an additional cost to us. …”
NHTSA complaint #770282, filed 2002-11“Substantial rust and corrosion due to fuel filler rusting which was a recall. Exhaust fumes leaking into cabin of car. Risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. Dropped off at the dealership for recall repair, took pictures of my car sent pictures to Nissan for repairs nothing done. I picked my car up and got a call from dealership to drop car off again. Called the dealership to see what progress was and was told that they had to take pictures and send to Nissan, but I was told that this was done a month ago when it was dropped off the first time. …”
NHTSA complaint #10000073, filed 2002-12 - Seat belts
Rear seat belt anchors rusted or stuck
- 7 complaints (11%)
- typically at 9.9 yrs old
- 1 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 1995–2002
Complaints describe rear seat belt anchors that rusted away from the wheel housing, retractors that would not release, and a lap/shoulder belt that came loose in a sudden stop. Owners link the belt anchor corrosion to the same rear wheel housing rust described in the fuel filler recall, and some were told their car was not covered by the campaign. No consistent mileage in the sample; most reports describe older cars with visible rear body corrosion.
What to check: Pull each rear belt fully out and check that it retracts and latches, and inspect the anchor points in the rear wheel housings for rust.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Extreme structural rust of the strut towers/frame rails caused the vehicle to almost go out of control during a sudden stop due to flexing and breaking of both front strut towers. Rusting caused the left rear seat belt anchor to failed, allowing child to be thrown when the seat belt suddenly release during a sudden stop.”
NHTSA complaint #538849, filed 1998-08“Consumer noticed a big hole in the inside of the trunk leading to the back tire. Fuel filler tube was causing the interior wheel housing to rust. Also, seatbelt was no longer attached to the car. It rusted and came off. Consumer has small children that are normally restrained in those seats.”
NHTSA complaint #860332, filed 2000-04 - Transmission and drivetrain
Transmission and shifter problems
- 5 complaints (8%)
- typically at 12.1 yrs old
- 1 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 1998–2005
Owners describe the shifter moving out of park without force, a transmission that would not shift at some speeds until the engine was shut off and restarted, and a vehicle rolling while the indicator showed park with the parking brake set. One report describes a corroded power train axle that had to be replaced. Mileage not stated in these reports; described as intermittent and not tied to hot or cold weather.
What to check: Test that the shifter locks firmly in park and that the car holds on an incline with the parking brake; drive through several upshifts and downshifts and check for clunks from the front axle.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“While turning the driver heard a loud clanking noise coming from the left front of the vehicle. While accelerating 35mph, the clanking noise escalated louder. The driver drove the vehicle to the dealer. The driver informed the mechanic that the power train axle needed to be replacement due to corrosion. Please fill in additional information.”
NHTSA complaint #10114963, filed 2005-03“Vehicle was parked on a slight incline with the ignition off with gear shift indicator indicating park. Emergency parking brake in use, the vehicle rolled over an enbankment into a park. Hitting merry go round before stopping. The manufacturer has been notified about problem.”
NHTSA complaint #829363, filed 1998-10
Buying note. The fuel filler and rear wheel housing corrosion campaign is the item most worth confirming on this model year: verify whether recall 95V244000 work was done and inspect the trunk, filler neck and rear belt anchors for rust. Given the age and typical mileage, also check the seat frames, power windows and shifter operation before buying.
Summary written with AI from a sample of 31 NHTSA complaints for this model year (picked at random, with complaints that state a mileage and recent ones taken first), then checked automatically against the source records. Where a problem shows a complaint count, every complaint for this model year was matched with fixed keyword rules (written with AI and tested against the sample), and the mileage, age and repair figures are calculated from those complaints; owners' figures are as stated, not verified. Other counts refer to the sample. The excerpts come from NHTSA's public complaint records and are unverified; capitalisation is normalised, NHTSA staff notes are removed, and shortened text ends with “…”. Something wrong? Request a correction.
NHTSA recorded 62 consumer complaints for the 1989 Nissan Maxima. 4 of the complaints include a mileage, and 0% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 146,945 miles. Of all complaints, 7 involved a crash, 2 a fire, 9 an injury, 1 a death, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign and 3 technical service bulletins for this model year.
Not compared (before 2008). Model years 2008–2023 of the same vehicle that have at least 25 complaints are compared, and a model needs at least 3 of them.
Which parts are reported most
Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.
- Fuel system21 34%
- Seat belts9 15%
- Electrical system8 13%
- Seats4 6.5%
- Steering4 6.5%
- Body and structure3 4.8%
- Engine cooling2 3.2%
- Other or unknown2 3.2%
Also reported: Vehicle speed control (2), Brakes (1), Equipment (1), Exterior lighting (1), Suspension (1).
Example complaints
Fuel system: “The consumer is experiencing corrosion from the filler pipe and gas tank. The consumer contacted the manufacturer and was given a file number. Two weeks have gone by and the owner is unable to contact anyone from the manufacturer who can assist in getting this defect repaired. Provide further details.”
NHTSA complaint #10107474, filed 2005-01, 120,000 milesSeat belts: “Driver's side rear seatbelt will not come out of retractor. Took to dealer, and they stated that wheel housing was corroded. Consumer stated there was a recall 99v244000 for same problem.this vehicle was not includedin recall due to VIN. Please provide any further information.”
NHTSA complaint #8017348, filed 2002-08Transmission and drivetrain: “Consumer could move the shifter on its own out of park without applying force. Also, steering column failed to lock. Consumer will contact the dealer for an appointment.”
NHTSA complaint #10090402, filed 2004-09Electrical system: “I purchased this car new from jack bigger Nissan. Approximately 5 years after the purchase, in our hot summers, I noticed the digital dashboard (one of the features that attracted my husband and myself to this particular car) started showing horizontal streaks across the light panel & the readings would flicker in and out. As the years passed, the problem grew worse, to the point where the lights would actually go out completely! …”
NHTSA complaint #10078454, filed 2004-06Mileage when problems were reported
0% of the 4 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 121,590 and 172,300 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Trend: stable. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 1989 Nissan Maxima version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).
| Version | Engine | Transmission | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Maxima FWD | 3.0L 6-cyl | 5-speed manual | 18 | 24 | 20 | $4,100 |
| Maxima FWD | 3.0L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 17 | 24 | 19 | $4,350 |
Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.
Recalls and investigations
- 95V244000Dec 15, 1995Fuel system, gasoline › Storage › Tank assembly › Filler pipe and capCovers: Nissan Maxima 1989–1994, Stanza 1990–1992
It is possible for a mixture of mud and salt to get trapped between the fuel filler tube and wheel housing. The trapped mud and salt can result in corrosion of the fuel filler tube and the wheel housing.
Recall details for the 1989 Nissan Maxima → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
Technical service bulletins
TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 3 on record; the latest 3 are shown.
- 10031305Sep 30, 2010Tires. Nissan: tire pressure monitoring system (tpms) warning light on/flashing. No models or model years listed. *pe updated on 08-11-2011.
- 10032506Sep 13, 2010Equipment. Nissan: vent control valve replacement. When replacing the evap canister vent control valve for reason: use the one listed on page 2; for vent control valve replacement procedure, refer to the…
- 10030165Apr 6, 2009Electrical system. Nissan: 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 electronic components…
Other model years of the Nissan Maxima
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 5 | 2,700 | 0 | 5 | 24 | — | Not enough data |
| 2020 | 22 | 23,000 | 1 | 5 | 24 | — | Stable |
| 2019 | 18 | 12,500 | 1 | — | 24 | — | Falling |
| 2018 | 36 | 36,500 | 2 | 5 | 25 | 44 · Typical | Falling |
| 2017 | 106 | 27,908 | 4 | 5 | 25 | 100 · More | Stable |
| 2016 | 142 | 40,000 | 8 | 5 | 25 | 100 · More | Stable |
| 2014 | 96 | 50,400 | 0 | 4 | 22 | 44 · Typical | Falling |
| 2013 | 62 | 62,000 | 0 | 4 | 22 | 17 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2012 | 107 | 55,000 | 0 | 4 | 22 | 55 · Typical | Falling |
| 2011 | 106 | 67,500 | 0 | — | 22 | 40 · Typical | Falling |
| 2010 | 275 | 65,000 | 1 | — | 22 | 87 · More | Falling |
| 2009 | 339 | 70,500 | 1 | — | 22 | 100 · More | Falling |
| 2008 | 79 | 75,000 | 0 | — | 21 | 30 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2007 | 129 | 85,000 | 1 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2006 | 576 | 83,500 | 2 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2005 | 948 | 85,000 | 2 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2004 | 1,426 | 80,000 | 2 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2003 | 206 | 86,600 | 3 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2002 | 205 | 64,200 | 6 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2001 | 172 | 72,000 | 3 | — | 22 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2000 | 360 | 60,000 | 0 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1999 | 165 | 79,000 | 0 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1998 | 113 | 110,000 | 1 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1997 | 102 | 85,696 | 1 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1996 | 96 | 100,300 | 0 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1995 | 152 | 129,000 | 0 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1994 | 89 | 114,500 | 2 | — | 19 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1993 | 78 | 108,000 | 3 | — | 19 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1992 | 110 | 134,500 | 2 | — | 20 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1991 | 76 | 173,922 | 1 | — | 20 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1990 | 106 | 130,000 | 1 | — | 20 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1989 | 62 | 146,945 | 1 | — | 20 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1988 | 60 | — | 0 | — | 18 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1987 | 176 | 152,500 | 0 | — | 18 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1986 | 60 | — | 1 | — | 18 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1985 | 54 | 90,000 | 1 | — | 19 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1984 | 30 | — | 0 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1983 | 5 | — | 0 | — | — | — | Not enough data |
All Nissan Maxima model years · Best and worst years by complaints
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 1989 Nissan Maxima?
Owners of this model year most often describe fuel filler tube and rear wheel housing corrosion in the trunk area, and many tie it to a fuel filler recall campaign; complaints also mention fuel odors and fuel leaks. The issues reported most often: Fuel filler tube and rear wheel housing corrosion; Rear seat belt anchors rusted or stuck; Transmission and shifter problems.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 1989 Nissan Maxima have?
NHTSA recorded 62 consumer complaints for the 1989 Nissan Maxima as of Oct 28, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 1989 Nissan Maxima is reported most often?
Fuel system is named most often, in 21 complaints (34% of the total), followed by seat belts with 9.
Has the 1989 Nissan Maxima been recalled?
NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 1989 Nissan Maxima get?
The EPA rates the 1989 Nissan Maxima (Maxima, 3.0L 6-cyl) at 20 mpg combined, 18 city and 24 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $4,100 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 1989 Nissan Maxima reported?
Among the 4 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 146,945 miles and the middle half falls between 121,590 and 172,300 miles; 0% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 28, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).
Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.