1990 Nissan Maxima Exterior lighting Problems
- Complaints
- 8about this part
- Share
- 8%of 106 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 146,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 8 complaints about the exterior lighting of the 1990 Nissan Maxima, 8% of the 106 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 146,000 miles.
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.
“I smell burned when I applied the brake. I isolated to the rear center brake lamp was not illuminated. Because the sockets were the metal can in the lamp socket moves or separates from the plastic socket housing. It is very close to the recall 96v253004.”
NHTSA complaint #10000361, filed 2002-12, 146,000 miles“Rear brake lights do not light up on a regular basis when the brake pad is applied. The connectors that touch the light bulbs are very sensitive. The slightest movement causes the connection between the bulb and connetor to fail. I have noticed this problem with numerous maximas on the road. This problem exists with the rear lights as well (not only when braking). The rear 3rd brake light assembly has corroded and does not permit the bulb to be installed. This problem existed since I purchased the car with 92,000 miles on the odometer from a private party. …”
NHTSA complaint #767583, filed 2002-09“We noticed the 3rd brake light (high mounted stop light) was burned out on this vehicle. Upon inspection, the heat from the 2 lamps inside the unit had melted the housing holding the bulbs as well as the red lens. The melting was serious enough to deform the underside of the unit. I attempted to locate a replacement unit at an auto wrecking yard, and found that the only unit available out of all of the compatible cars had the same problem as my car. I am concerned that this is evidence of a widespread failure of this necessary safety item and possible fire hazard.”
NHTSA complaint #720639, filed 2000-03“While driving in heavy traffic, 3rd brake light used extensively, housing started smoking, caused by plastic housing melting on light bulbs, local service sation disengaged power, could have caused fire.”
NHTSA complaint #801803, filed 1996-09Exterior lighting: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 1 | 20% |
| 2019 | 2 | 11% |
| 2017 | 2 | 2% |
| 2016 | 7 | 5% |
| 2014 | 19 | 20% |
| 2013 | 9 | 15% |
| 2012 | 1 | 1% |
| 2011 | 2 | 2% |
| 2010 | 2 | 1% |
| 2009 | 1 | 0% |
| 2008 | 1 | 1% |
| 2006 | 6 | 1% |
| 2005 | 3 | 0% |
| 2004 | 9 | 1% |
| 2003 | 26 | 13% |
| 2002 | 22 | 11% |
| 2001 | 4 | 2% |
| 2000 | 7 | 2% |
| 1998 | 1 | 1% |
| 1997 | 1 | 1% |
| 1996 | 1 | 1% |
| 1995 | 1 | 1% |
| 1992 | 1 | 1% |
| 1991 | 3 | 4% |
| 1990 | 8 | 8% |
| 1989 | 1 | 2% |
| 1988 | 1 | 2% |
| 1987 | 1 | 1% |
Other parts of the 1990 Nissan Maxima
36 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
20 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
10 complaintsBrakes
7 complaintsEngine cooling
7 complaintsElectrical system
6 complaintsSeat belts
6 complaintsSeats
6 complaintsEquipment
3 complaintsLatches, locks and linkages
3 complaintsSteering
3 complaintsBody and structure
3 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1990 Nissan Maxima
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 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