1996 Nissan Maxima Electrical system Problems
- Complaints
- 8about this part
- Share
- 8%of 96 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 202,288miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 8 complaints about the electrical system of the 1996 Nissan Maxima, 8% of the 96 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 202,288 miles. 3 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.
“My 1996 Nissan Maxima caught on fire by itself in the midnight, and it was almost completely destroyed by the fire. I received the vehicle from my friend as a gift, which was in a very good condition. And I also paid the buckner's auto service center at knoxville, tn for checking the car in detail and getting it repaired. But 8 days after, the car was on fire. During the 8 days, the car was parked in the parking lot in front of my apartment, and nobody ever touched the car. It's cloudy or rainy in all these days. …”
NHTSA complaint #10286192, filed 2009-10, 206,576 miles“On going / intermittent problem with engine stalling, usually it occurs when accelerating from a stop postion or accelerating from a low speed. Vehicle been in / out of dealer shop on five occasions, and problem still reoccurring. Dealer replaced front timing covers, gaskets, intake manifold collector, coil packs, plugs, and performed throttle chamber service, now vehicle has an oil leak. Transmission failed and was replaced. Starter motor failed and was replaced.”
NHTSA complaint #883027, filed 2001-03“While driving engine suddenly shut off without warning, loss of vehicle power, including brakes/steering, could have caused an accident, according to dealer, caused by computer unit failure.”
NHTSA complaint #806755, filed 1996-12Related service bulletins
- 10239062Jun 16, 2023SILICONE-BASED LUBRICANT OR GREASE CAN DAMAGE ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS SERVICE INFORMATION Do not apply Silicone-based lubricants or grease to, or around, any interior electrical…
- 10239060Jun 16, 202312 VOLT BATTERY TESTING FOR IN-SERVICE VEHICLES SERVICE INFORMATION The following Service Information lists NNA procedural recommendations for establishing good connections while…
- 10235707Apr 27, 2023VEHICLE KEY NOT DETECTED / AUTHENTICATED, ENGINE WILL NOT START This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this…
- 10235710Apr 17, 2023INTELLIGENT KEY REPLACEMENT OR SWAPPING BETWEEN VEHICLES This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Discard all previous versions of this bulletin.
- 10181007Sep 9, 2020VOLUNTARY SERVICE CAMPAIGN 1996 MAXIMA MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LIGHT (MIL) ISSUES Service Campaign ID #s P8132 & P8152 are no longer active. ï· Repair orders opened after this…
- 10192192Jun 7, 2013As part of an enhanced emissions test for Inspection & Maintenance (I/M), some States may require the System Readiness Test (SRT) status be checked. - The SRT is used to indicate…
- 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 1996 Nissan Maxima
17 complaintsAir bags
16 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
12 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 28, 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