1996 Nissan Maxima Air bags Problems
- Complaints
- 16about this part
- Share
- 17%of 96 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 75,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 16 complaints about the air bags of the 1996 Nissan Maxima, 17% of the 96 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 75,000 miles. 10 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“While driving at 25 MPH, the consumer crashed the vehicle and both air bags deployed. Affects from the air bag deployment caused 60% loss of hearing. Dealer notified.”
NHTSA complaint #10026345, filed 2003-10, 135,000 miles“The air bag light on dash just started flashing intermittently then I just see that there is a recall. However my car is 1996. I am a nervous wreck trying to drive.”
NHTSA complaint #10254095, filed 2009-01“The contact owns 1996 Nissan Maxima. She stated that the air bag light flashed at all times. The dealer stated that the vehicle needed a new air bag system. The contact also stated that there was a leak on the power steering pump. The failure mileage was 75,000 and the current mileage wa 75,900. Updated 02/01/08 . The consumer also stated the radio did not work”
NHTSA complaint #10198673, filed 2007-08, 75,000 miles“The contact owns a 1996 Nissan Maxima. The contact stated that the air bag indicator constantly flashed on the instrument panel. She took the vehicle to the dealer and paid $125 for an estimate. The dealer stated that the failure was incapable of being repaired. In the summer of 2007, the manufacturer stated that they would not assist in repairing the failure. The current mileage was approximately 84,000 and failure mileage was approximately 75,000. Updated 11/28/08 the vehicle was loosing power steering fluid. The dealer stated the pump had a leak. Updated 12/02/08.”
NHTSA complaint #10248340, filed 2008-11, 75,000 miles“Consumer was sitting at a light & was hit from behind. Rear bumper was pushed in the back seat. Airbags didn't deploy & the seatbelt didn't lock. Consumer sustained facial & dental injuries. Manufacturer had an inspector to look at vehicle & found seatbelt & airbag in good working order.”
NHTSA complaint #873656, filed 2000-10Related service bulletins
- 10192305Jan 27, 2014SERVICE INFORMATION Information necessary to service the Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) safely is included in the "RESTRAINTS" section of the Electronic Service Manual (ESM)…
- 10025522Jan 27, 2014Nissan: srs precautions during service;improper maintenance, including incorrect removal and installation of the srs, can lead to a serious injury or death caused by…
Air bags: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 2 | 9% |
| 2018 | 1 | 3% |
| 2017 | 18 | 17% |
| 2016 | 14 | 10% |
| 2014 | 24 | 25% |
| 2013 | 16 | 26% |
| 2012 | 27 | 25% |
| 2011 | 23 | 22% |
| 2010 | 15 | 5% |
| 2009 | 43 | 13% |
| 2008 | 23 | 29% |
| 2007 | 18 | 14% |
| 2006 | 13 | 2% |
| 2005 | 9 | 1% |
| 2004 | 13 | 1% |
| 2003 | 35 | 17% |
| 2002 | 29 | 14% |
| 2001 | 29 | 17% |
| 2000 | 23 | 6% |
| 1999 | 18 | 11% |
| 1998 | 24 | 21% |
| 1997 | 10 | 10% |
| 1996 | 16 | 17% |
| 1995 | 25 | 16% |
| 1994 | 6 | 7% |
| 1993 | 12 | 15% |
| 1992 | 11 | 10% |
| 1991 | 1 | 1% |
| 1990 | 1 | 1% |
Other parts of the 1996 Nissan Maxima
17 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
12 complaintsElectrical system
8 complaintsSuspension
8 complaintsSteering
7 complaintsTires
7 complaintsOther or unknown
6 complaintsBrakes
5 complaintsVehicle speed control
5 complaintsEquipment
4 complaintsBody and structure
4 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
4 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1996 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