2003 Nissan Maxima Engine Problems
- Complaints
- 43about this part
- Share
- 21%of 206 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 122,500miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 43 complaints about the engine of the 2003 Nissan Maxima, 21% of the 206 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 122,500 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved and 1 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“As I was driving on the highway the car jerked and felt like it was losing acceleration. The check engine light, tcs and slid light turned on. I began to feel scared I had my child, sister and brother in the vehicle. I proceed to drive home with caution. Once I arrived home, I turned the vehicle off and tried to restart it. The car would not start.”
NHTSA complaint #11397617, filed 2021-02, 220,000 miles“When driving down the street it just turned off. Said it was crank/ cam position sensors well changed them and put new throttle body. And now to find there is a recall however my VIN is not part of it. Well it should be. And be fixed. I have been trying to fix for 9 months. Been sitting longer. First had to figure out where to start.”
NHTSA complaint #11363050, filed 2020-10, 170,000 miles“This is reference to two situation concerning Nissan recalls. In 2014 I took my car to sansone Nissan dealer on rt 1, nj to take care of the airbag recall issue NHTSA ref#15v287000. My airbag light was not on when I took it to the dealer, after I came home a week later the airbag light came on. I don't think the dealer took care of the recall issue, if they did my airbag light would not be on. I would like Nissan to give authorization to the dealer to correct this problem. …”
NHTSA complaint #10825049, filed 2016-02, 86,600 miles“While driving on highway at about 55 MPH car loses power without any warning, there was not much traffic so I was able pull off the road. The car regained power without having to start engine and I was able to drive a little further and it happened several times again. The check engine light comes on as this is happening but doesn't stay on. (I cannot run test to find out what is going on as check engine light only comes on as this happening). The engine is still on/running but there is no power/acceleration to the vehicle.”
NHTSA complaint #10955570, filed 2017-02, 109,000 miles“I have experienced problems cranking the car, I purchased a new battery and battery terminals. This appeared to quick fix it but soon after the speedometer stopped working and the check engine light came on. Soon after followed tcs control and ABS light came on. I took it to a mechanic and the diagnosis involved a problem with the camshaft position sensors and crankshaft position sensors. I purchased a book about the car and read that my make and model had a recall. After double checking online about the recall I noticed it appeared to be the exact same problem. …”
NHTSA complaint #11121539, filed 2018-08, 100,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10148768Oct 9, 2018Free Oil Change Specific Vehicles Subject to the Takata Recall *****Detailed Information***** To help accelerate repair completions on specific populations of vehicles recalled…
Engine: 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 2003 Nissan Maxima
54 complaintsAir bags
35 complaintsExterior lighting
26 complaintsElectrical system
17 complaintsOther or unknown
10 complaintsVehicle speed control
8 complaintsBrakes
7 complaintsFuel system
7 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
7 complaintsBody and structure
6 complaintsEquipment
5 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
4 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2003 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