2002 Nissan Maxima Exterior lighting Problems
- Complaints
- 22about this part
- Share
- 11%of 205 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 12,700miles
- Trend
- RisingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 22 complaints about the exterior lighting of the 2002 Nissan Maxima, 11% of the 205 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 12,700 miles.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Theft of 2002 Nissan Maxima xenon headlights and grill causing over $3500 of damage. I believe that faulty Nissan design has lead to widespread theft of these lights. According to local police, headlights can be stolen in one minute or less. Nissan has turned a deaf ear to complaints other than theft deterrent kit which will not prevent would-be thief from damaging vehicle in attempt to steal lights. I believe Nissan has responsibility to correct this awful situation.”
NHTSA complaint #10023544, filed 2003-06, 7,027 miles“The hid headlights on my 2002 Nissan Maxima gle were stolen at about 12.30 in the afternoon while I was visiting a friend in downtown newark, nj. I took the car to the nearest dealer, nissanworld of springfield, nj. While there I met other 6 other Maxima owners who had the same experience in other parts of nj. The service manager told us that 48 other maximas in hillside, nj had their hid headlights stolen. Nissan ought to do something about this. Some owners had their hid headlights stolen more than once. They have since been replaced but at additional insurance cost.”
NHTSA complaint #10013701, filed 2003-03, 3,200 miles“Headlights were stolen from the vehicle. Damage was done to the electrical system/hood and bumper. The brackets holding each $724 light were made of plastic and could easily be snapped or broken.”
NHTSA complaint #10044983, filed 2003-12, 12,700 miles“Moisture developed in the headlights which could cause the headlights to malfunction at anytime. Dealership refused to inspect the vehicle to find the cause of the moisture.”
NHTSA complaint #10079645, filed 2004-06, 3,450 miles“On march 21, the headlights on my Nissan Maxima were stolen for the second time. The first time it happened few months ago. It's really difficult to pay a $500 deductible every time the headlights are going to be stolen. I think it's going to continue all the time. If I knew the headlights were such a target for thieves, I would have never bought the Maxima.”
NHTSA complaint #10063969, filed 2004-03Related service bulletins
- 10032306Nov 27, 2013Nissan: exterior lamp fogging. Occasionally water is noticed in the exterior lamps. This is generally not due to a defect. All current exterior lamp assemblies are vented to the…
- 10021508Apr 18, 2007Exterior lamp fogging.
Exterior lighting: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 1 | 20% |
| 2019 | 2 | 11% |
| 2017 | 2 | 2% |
| 2016 | 7 | 5% |
| 2014 | 19 | 20% |
| 2013 | 9 | 15% |
| 2012 | 1 | 1% |
| 2011 | 2 | 2% |
| 2010 | 2 | 1% |
| 2009 | 1 | 0% |
| 2008 | 1 | 1% |
| 2006 | 6 | 1% |
| 2005 | 3 | 0% |
| 2004 | 9 | 1% |
| 2003 | 26 | 13% |
| 2002 | 22 | 11% |
| 2001 | 4 | 2% |
| 2000 | 7 | 2% |
| 1998 | 1 | 1% |
| 1997 | 1 | 1% |
| 1996 | 1 | 1% |
| 1995 | 1 | 1% |
| 1992 | 1 | 1% |
| 1991 | 3 | 4% |
| 1990 | 8 | 8% |
| 1989 | 1 | 2% |
| 1988 | 1 | 2% |
| 1987 | 1 | 1% |
Other parts of the 2002 Nissan Maxima
30 complaintsAir bags
29 complaintsVehicle speed control
23 complaintsElectrical system
22 complaintsBrakes
20 complaintsEngine
19 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
14 complaintsSuspension
13 complaintsSteering
11 complaintsBody and structure
11 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
9 complaintsFuel system
8 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2002 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