1997 Nissan Maxima Brakes Problems
- Complaints
- 7about this part
- Share
- 7%of 102 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 98,750miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 7 complaints about the brakes of the 1997 Nissan Maxima, 7% of the 102 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 98,750 miles. 1 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.
“I have always kept the maintenance current on my car on a regular basis. Over the past month I have started hearing a noise from the rear of my car. After having it looked at by the local dealer I was informed there is a problem with the parking brake not releasing and allowing the tire to turn freely. The dealer informed me that a memo from Nissan was recently received stating this has become a known problem. Now I am being told my car is not under warranty and I will have to pay for the repairs.”
NHTSA complaint #10072953, filed 2004-05, 98,750 miles“Abs lights flashed on and off several times. Then solid brake light came on. Car gave off a strange smell. Turned off car. Parked car in the street. 2 hours later the police alerted us that the car was on fire. The engine bay was completely engulfed in flames. Fire department was called and they extinguished the fire. Police report was filed. Video of the fire was captured on my ring doorbell.”
NHTSA complaint #11164175, filed 2018-12, 138,000 miles“Rear brakes/calipers and discs overheated, had been serviced 3 times in 1 month for new brakes twice. Brakes have burned up with calipers which locked, and have almost gone on fire.”
NHTSA complaint #10030942, filed 2003-08, 52,000 miles“The contact owns a 1997 Nissan Maxima. The contact stated that the ABS activates on its own sporadically. The dealer speculated that dirt or mud enters through the wheel speed sensor and causes the failure. The dealer cleaned the component, but the failure recurred shortly after the remedy. The contact went back to the dealer and they repaired the vehicle. Updated 07/08/09 updated 07/08/09.”
NHTSA complaint #10274261, filed 2009-06“While driving at any speed and applying the brakes, brakes are grinding and squeaking. Vehicle has been in the repair shop four times, and dealer can't determine the problem.”
NHTSA complaint #837761, filed 1999-05Related service bulletins
- 10192217Jul 23, 2013If YOU CONFIRM: A vehicle needs to have the brake rotors resurfaced (front or rear). ACTION: Use the ProCut PFM Series on-car brake lathe to perform brake rotor resurfacing and…
- 10192216Jul 23, 2013SERVICE INFORMATION - This bulletin is to assist you in responding to customer questions about brake operation, and provides diagnostic and repair information for each item…
Brakes: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 1 | 20% |
| 2020 | 5 | 23% |
| 2019 | 3 | 17% |
| 2018 | 8 | 22% |
| 2017 | 10 | 9% |
| 2016 | 21 | 15% |
| 2014 | 4 | 4% |
| 2013 | 2 | 3% |
| 2012 | 2 | 2% |
| 2011 | 3 | 3% |
| 2010 | 3 | 1% |
| 2009 | 7 | 2% |
| 2008 | 3 | 4% |
| 2007 | 24 | 19% |
| 2006 | 59 | 10% |
| 2005 | 28 | 3% |
| 2004 | 72 | 5% |
| 2003 | 7 | 3% |
| 2002 | 20 | 10% |
| 2001 | 23 | 13% |
| 2000 | 33 | 9% |
| 1999 | 9 | 5% |
| 1998 | 10 | 9% |
| 1997 | 7 | 7% |
| 1996 | 5 | 5% |
| 1995 | 7 | 5% |
| 1994 | 5 | 6% |
| 1993 | 11 | 14% |
| 1992 | 6 | 5% |
| 1991 | 6 | 8% |
| 1990 | 7 | 7% |
| 1989 | 1 | 2% |
| 1987 | 2 | 1% |
| 1986 | 2 | 3% |
| 1985 | 2 | 4% |
| 1984 | 1 | 3% |
Other parts of the 1997 Nissan Maxima
39 complaintsEngine cooling
12 complaintsAir bags
10 complaintsBody and structure
7 complaintsSuspension
7 complaintsSteering
6 complaintsFuel system
4 complaintsLatches, locks and linkages
4 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
4 complaintsVehicle speed control
3 complaintsEngine
2 complaintsEquipment
2 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1997 Nissan Maxima
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 30, 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