2003 Nissan Maxima Fuel system Problems
- Complaints
- 7about this part
- Share
- 3%of 206 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 188,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 7 complaints about the fuel system of the 2003 Nissan Maxima, 3% of the 206 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 188,000 miles.
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.
“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“Last week a new battery & starter were installed. Did not drive for a week. Started fine yesterday and drove approximately 90 miles, then it just stopped. Luckily I was on a road with no other traffic. I put it in neutral and it started right up. I drove one mile and parked it at my home. Will not drive it again until I talk with a mechanic. Very scary! Planet Nissan in my area have given me horrible service. If you have an older car they cannot be bothered. I plan on calling a local mechanic that hopefully can help me.”
NHTSA complaint #10706525, filed 2015-04, 198,000 miles“The murano lost acceleration on the interstate and would not go into gear; it came to a complete stop on the exit ramp between I-95 north and I-26 toward charleston, sc. I was unable to restart the car and had to be pushed out of harm's way by a trucker, and a couple who stopped to help. I was brought to the Nissan dealership (20 miles away in orangeburg, sc). The service dept. Determined that the fuel pump shut down, stopped working. …”
NHTSA complaint #10204324, filed 2007-09, 57,000 miles“After driving and parking car in garage I detected strong smell of gasoline. Returned to dealer and was told that this happens when temperature is high (120f that day) and that there is no fix. Since car is parked next to a gas water heater I found this answer unsatisfactory and I contacted the Nissan office. I was told same and not to worry, temps. Rarely are higher than 115f . Obviously drivers in s. Nv and arizona are expendable! Only fix seems to be to park outside until it cools down. Problem is related to the evap. System , I was told.”
NHTSA complaint #10208751, filed 2007-11, 21,985 miles“It has the check engine light on, it takes time to start and when it is driving it turns off (but it turns on).it goes off on flat surfaces, and when you are on a rise that's where it takes to catch on.”
NHTSA complaint #11330520, filed 2020-06, 188,000 milesFuel system: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 1 | 5% |
| 2017 | 3 | 3% |
| 2016 | 10 | 7% |
| 2014 | 5 | 5% |
| 2013 | 1 | 2% |
| 2012 | 1 | 1% |
| 2011 | 1 | 1% |
| 2010 | 2 | 1% |
| 2009 | 2 | 1% |
| 2008 | 3 | 4% |
| 2007 | 6 | 5% |
| 2006 | 6 | 1% |
| 2005 | 8 | 1% |
| 2004 | 8 | 1% |
| 2003 | 7 | 3% |
| 2002 | 8 | 4% |
| 2001 | 10 | 6% |
| 2000 | 9 | 3% |
| 1999 | 4 | 2% |
| 1998 | 5 | 4% |
| 1997 | 4 | 4% |
| 1996 | 3 | 3% |
| 1995 | 7 | 5% |
| 1994 | 21 | 24% |
| 1993 | 9 | 12% |
| 1992 | 26 | 24% |
| 1991 | 12 | 16% |
| 1990 | 36 | 34% |
| 1989 | 21 | 34% |
| 1988 | 28 | 47% |
| 1987 | 101 | 57% |
| 1986 | 36 | 60% |
| 1985 | 33 | 61% |
| 1984 | 24 | 80% |
| 1983 | 4 | 80% |
Other parts of the 2003 Nissan Maxima
54 complaintsEngine
43 complaintsAir bags
35 complaintsExterior lighting
26 complaintsElectrical system
17 complaintsOther or unknown
10 complaintsVehicle speed control
8 complaintsBrakes
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 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