2002 Nissan Maxima Suspension Problems
- Complaints
- 13about this part
- Share
- 6%of 205 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 59,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 13 complaints about the suspension of the 2002 Nissan Maxima, 6% of the 205 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 59,000 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
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.
“Front wheel nut that secures wheel hub to cv-joint came loose in my 2002 Maxima. Nut was backed up to the cotter pin. Also, this happened last year on my wife's 2000 Maxima. I think Nissan made a bad design decision when they chose not to use a locking washer/nut for this design. I have a jpeg picture of resultant wheel wobble.”
NHTSA complaint #10187411, filed 2007-04, 72,450 miles“This max had the transverse link recall performed in 9/02. At this time, the left axle was not properly placed back in the transmission. We took the car back several times and they kept blowing us off. Finally, my wife was driving the car in the mobile tunnel and the trans went out along with the steering and suspension. Nissan repaired the vehicle but it still drives like a piece of junk. These guys are ridiculous and need to be dealt with seriously. I have since filed suit but would appreciate any help.”
NHTSA complaint #10070093, filed 2004-01, 19,200 miles“2002 Nissan Maxima se when making sharp left turns, accelerating from stopped position, loud grinding noise from front suspension is present more than 50% of the time. Have returned car to dealer 6 times over 18 months with no resolution. Dealer has performed only one actual repair - which did not addres problem. Dealer has become uncooperative stating they have done all they can .”
NHTSA complaint #10025708, filed 2003-07, 1,000 miles“Dt: a knocking noise and abnormal steering. While driving. Took vehicle to dealer to have it checked, and dealer had not said what was wrong. This only happened when steering.”
NHTSA complaint #10125927, filed 2005-06, 59,000 miles“The contact owns a 2002 Nissan Maxima. The contact stated that he would hear a knocking noise whenever the vehicle was in motion. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer for inspection who advised that there were no recalls for the vehicle and that no failures were found. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified and provided no assistance. The failure mileage was 40,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10471311, filed 2012-08, 40,000 milesRelated recalls
- 02V146000May 30, 2002On certain passenger vehicles, the pin at the end of the front suspension transverse link (lower control arm) could break where it is mounted to the frame.Covers: Nissan Maxima 2001–2002, Infiniti I30 2001–2002, I35 2001–2002
Related service bulletins
- 10206391Dec 7, 2021STRUT AND SHOCK ABSORBER REPLACEMENT GUIDELINES This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
- 10188377Feb 12, 2021STRUT AND SHOCK ABSORBER REPLACEMENT GUIDELINES This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
- 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…
- 10192145Mar 19, 2013SERVICE INFORMATION This bulletin provides information to identify: - A leaking strut or a shock absorber that qualifies for replacement under warranty. - A strut or shock…
Suspension: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 1 | 3% |
| 2017 | 7 | 7% |
| 2016 | 4 | 3% |
| 2014 | 6 | 6% |
| 2012 | 1 | 1% |
| 2011 | 3 | 3% |
| 2010 | 29 | 11% |
| 2009 | 36 | 11% |
| 2008 | 4 | 5% |
| 2007 | 3 | 2% |
| 2006 | 19 | 3% |
| 2005 | 13 | 1% |
| 2004 | 102 | 7% |
| 2003 | 3 | 1% |
| 2002 | 13 | 6% |
| 2001 | 24 | 14% |
| 2000 | 17 | 5% |
| 1999 | 6 | 4% |
| 1998 | 6 | 5% |
| 1997 | 7 | 7% |
| 1996 | 8 | 8% |
| 1995 | 9 | 6% |
| 1994 | 3 | 3% |
| 1993 | 1 | 1% |
| 1992 | 4 | 4% |
| 1991 | 2 | 3% |
| 1989 | 1 | 2% |
| 1988 | 1 | 2% |
| 1986 | 2 | 3% |
| 1984 | 1 | 3% |
| 1983 | 1 | 20% |
Other parts of the 2002 Nissan Maxima
30 complaintsAir bags
29 complaintsVehicle speed control
23 complaintsElectrical system
22 complaintsExterior lighting
22 complaintsBrakes
20 complaintsEngine
19 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
14 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 29, 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