1997 Nissan Maxima Electrical system Problems
- Complaints
- 39about this part
- Share
- 38%of 102 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 94,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 39 complaints about the electrical system of the 1997 Nissan Maxima, 38% of the 102 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 94,000 miles. 14 a fire, according to the filers. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“In the beginning I noticed it took me a couple times to start vehicle and it would loose power at certain stops or when I slowed down or came to a stop. And as time I felt it jerk and pull at times when I was not driving too fast this continued and then it was one day that it does not want to start up, new starter, new battery, tune up and it just wont start. I am just waiting to see if they find out what the problem is.”
NHTSA complaint #10426551, filed 2011-09, 20,000 miles“My wife backed the car out of the garage and noticed a burning smell. She turned off the engine and got me. When I opened the hood there was smoke and a burning smell. The alternator had started to burn as well as the wiring harness. This issue was covered by NHTSA campaign id 02v171000, but Nissan says my VIN was not among those affected and my car is not covered by the recall.”
NHTSA complaint #10144199, filed 2005-12, 103,565 miles“1997 Maxima se. I pulled into my garage and could smell something burning. I lifted the hood of the car and saw smoke coming from the alternator. It drained the battery. As I replaced the battery, the alternator caught fire.”
NHTSA complaint #10135103, filed 2005-09, 102,000 miles“My 1997 Maxima has had the check engine light periodically come on for the last 4 years. The obd code is for the speed sensor (p0500), I have the speedometer drop to zero occasionally and believe there is an issue with the circuit. I have changed the sensor four times and the problem always returns. Testing the sensor shows it is functioning normally. To get my car inspected, I reset the code and it eventually returns to normal and I can pass the emission test. This year, I have incomplete codes for EGR and catalyst monitor. There are no codes pending and I check the status daily. …”
NHTSA complaint #10242304, filed 2008-09, 100,000 miles“Car stalls without warning. It may run fine for several weeks, then suddenly stall. This has caused near-accidents, as engine suddenly fails to respond in situations where acceleration is required; passing, merging, crossing intersections. Dealer diagnosed as short in egi harness. Breakage inside the harness appears to be a frequently occuring problem in this vehicle, based on other reports on web discussion boards. …”
NHTSA complaint #10134146, filed 2005-08, 83,000 milesRelated recalls
- 02V171000Jun 24, 2002On certain passenger vehicles, one of the diodes used in the alternator may have been damaged when built. This can eventually result in failure of the diode…Covers: Nissan Maxima 1997–1998, Infiniti I30 1997–1998, Q45 1997–1998
Related 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.
- 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 1997 Nissan Maxima
12 complaintsAir bags
10 complaintsBrakes
7 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 27, 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