1997 Nissan Maxima Engine Problems
- Complaints
- 2about this part
- Share
- 2%of 102 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 138,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 2 complaints about the engine of the 1997 Nissan Maxima, 2% of the 102 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 138,000 miles. 2 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.
“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“The contact owns a 1997 Nissan Maxima. The contact stated that smoke was emitting from the engine compartment on several occasions. The contact indicated the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic. The technician indicated that the alternator needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure was reported to the manufacturer. The approximate failure mileage was not available.”
NHTSA complaint #10636972, filed 2014-09Engine: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 1 | 20% |
| 2020 | 1 | 5% |
| 2019 | 4 | 22% |
| 2018 | 1 | 3% |
| 2017 | 8 | 8% |
| 2016 | 18 | 13% |
| 2014 | 9 | 9% |
| 2013 | 4 | 6% |
| 2012 | 11 | 10% |
| 2011 | 12 | 11% |
| 2010 | 20 | 7% |
| 2009 | 18 | 5% |
| 2008 | 5 | 6% |
| 2007 | 18 | 14% |
| 2006 | 47 | 8% |
| 2005 | 61 | 6% |
| 2004 | 51 | 4% |
| 2003 | 43 | 21% |
| 2002 | 19 | 9% |
| 2001 | 7 | 4% |
| 2000 | 9 | 3% |
| 1999 | 2 | 1% |
| 1998 | 2 | 2% |
| 1997 | 2 | 2% |
| 1996 | 1 | 1% |
Other parts of the 1997 Nissan Maxima
39 complaintsEngine cooling
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 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