1986 Nissan Maxima recalls & complaints
Source: NHTSA, updated daily. Last checked 2026-10-20. Recalls apply to specific VINs — run your VIN to confirm.
2 safety recalls, most serious first
1. Fuel system
What's wrong, in plain English: Fuel lines, tank or pump. Fuel problems usually mean a leak, and leaks mean fire risk. THIS IS NOT A SAFETY RECALL CAMPAIGN IN ACCORDANCE WITH FEDERAL REGULATION 573. HOWEVER, IT IS DEEMED A SAFETY IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN BY THE AGENCY. THE CAMPAIGN WILL REPLACE THE FUEL INJECTORS AND RELATED HOSES OF AFFECTED VEHICLES WHICH COULD LEAK.
What could happen: FUEL LEAKS IN THE ENGINE COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.
The fix: NISSAN DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FUEL INJECTORS AND RELATED HOSES ON THE AFFECTED VEHICLES.
What to do
- Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 1986 MAXIMA.
- Book a repair at any authorized Nissan dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 95I006000.
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.
Official wording from NHTSA
Component: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM
Summary: THIS IS NOT A SAFETY RECALL CAMPAIGN IN ACCORDANCE WITH FEDERAL REGULATION 573. HOWEVER, IT IS DEEMED A SAFETY IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN BY THE AGENCY. THE CAMPAIGN WILL REPLACE THE FUEL INJECTORS AND RELATED HOSES OF AFFECTED VEHICLES WHICH COULD LEAK.
Consequence: FUEL LEAKS IN THE ENGINE COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.
Remedy: NISSAN DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FUEL INJECTORS AND RELATED HOSES ON THE AFFECTED VEHICLES.
Notes: NOTE: NISSAN HAS DECIDED TO CONDUCT A SAFETY IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN TO REPLACE THE FUEL INJECTORS AND RELATED HOSES WITHOUT CHARGE. OWNERS CAN CONTACT NISSAN AT 1-800-647-7261.
2. Visibility (wipers / glass)
What's wrong, in plain English: You may not be able to see the road clearly. THERE MAY BE INSUFFICIENT THICKNESS OF ADHESIVE IN THE CONTACT AREA BETWEEN THE BOTTOM OF THE FRONT WINDSHIELD GLASS AND THE BODY. CONSEQUENCE OF DEFECT: THIS LACK OF ADHESIVE MAY CAUSE THE WINDSHIELD TO DISMOUNT IN AN ACCIDENT, THUS FAILING TO COMPLY WITH FMVSS 212, WINDSHIELD MOUNTING AND WHICH MAY ALLOW THE OCCUPANTS TO BE EJECTED OUT OF THE CAR, CAUSING MORE SERIOUS INJURIES OR DEATH.
What could happen:
The fix: ADD MORE ADHESIVE TO BOTTOM OF FRONT WINDSHIELD GLASS.
What to do
- Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 1986 MAXIMA.
- Book a repair at any authorized Nissan dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 86V096000.
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.
Official wording from NHTSA
Component: VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD
Summary: THERE MAY BE INSUFFICIENT THICKNESS OF ADHESIVE IN THE CONTACT AREA BETWEEN THE BOTTOM OF THE FRONT WINDSHIELD GLASS AND THE BODY. CONSEQUENCE OF DEFECT: THIS LACK OF ADHESIVE MAY CAUSE THE WINDSHIELD TO DISMOUNT IN AN ACCIDENT, THUS FAILING TO COMPLY WITH FMVSS 212, WINDSHIELD MOUNTING AND WHICH MAY ALLOW THE OCCUPANTS TO BE EJECTED OUT OF THE CAR, CAUSING MORE SERIOUS INJURIES OR DEATH.
Consequence:
Remedy: ADD MORE ADHESIVE TO BOTTOM OF FRONT WINDSHIELD GLASS.
Notes: SYSTEM: WINDSHIELD/FMVSS 212. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: WAGONS AND SEDANS.
Useful for owners
- OBD2 code reader — see what the car's computer is reporting
- Compact car fire extinguisher
- 1986 Nissan Maxima owner's manual
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA
Most complained-about parts: Fuel system (38), Gasoline (38), Electrical system (11), Engine (9), Seat belts (5).
Complaints are unverified reports from owners. A pattern (many complaints about the same part) matters more than any single one.
Read recent complaints (8)
09/26/2002 · Equipment
THE OZONE PRODUCED BY THE FAN BRUSHES OF THE INTERNAL FAN BLOWER IS NOT VENTED TO THE OUTSIDE OF THE CAR BUT TO THE INTERNAL PASSENGER COMPARTMENT. LONG EXPOSURE TO OZONE WILL SHOW UP IN CHEST X-RAY AS CLOUDING OF THE LUNGS. I DO NOT HAVE THE EQUIPMENT TO MEASURE THE LEVELS OF OZONE CONCENTRATION AND WAS HOPING THAT NHTSA HAS THAT CAPABILITY. MR
08/21/2002 · Fuel system · fire
SUSPECT FUEL INJECTION CAUSED FIRE. DEALER WORKED ON PROBLEM WITH GAS FUMES APX 6 WEEKS PRIOR AND DID NOT CHECK FOR RECALL ON INJECTION SYSTEM. NISSSAN CONTACTED AND DENIES INVESTIGATION.*AK
01/08/2002 · Fuel system
THE FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM ON MY VEHICLE WAS RECALLED AND REPLACED SOMETIMES IN 1997. NOW, I EXPERIENCE THE SAME PROBLEM AS BEFORE: SMELL OF BURNING RUBBER, AND SMELL OF FUEL. I CONTACTED NISSAN. THE COMPANY REFUSED TO REPLACE THE DEFECTIVE PARTS THAT THE DEALER PUT IN MY CAR. THEY TOLD ME THAT IF THE FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM FAILED AGAIN, I WOULD HAVE TO…
04/16/2001 · Suspension
CAR GARAGE KEPT FROM NEW/FRAME HAS RUSTED OUT ONLY IN THE AREA WHERE THE REAR ANTI SWAY BAR ATTACHES/RIGHT SIDE HAS DETACHED/LEFT SIDE ABOUT TO LET GO/IS CAR SAFE/ 85,86, AND 87 SAME PLATFORM?*AK
08/28/2000 · Transmission / drivetrain
MANUAL TRANSMISSION THROW OUT BEARING FAILED. NLM
02/18/2000 · Fuel system · fire
CONSUMER WAS DRIVING WHEN VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE FROM THE FUEL INJECTORS . CONSUMER SAID THAT THE SMOKE WAS COMING FROM THE BACK OF THE CAR. *AK
07/08/1998 · Electrical system · fire
AFTER VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN AND PARKED FOR ABOUT 5-7 MINUTES, IT BURSTED INTO FLAMES. FIRE DEPARTMENT SAID FLAMES CAME FROM UNDER THE HOOD. ENTIRE HOOD WAS DAMAGED BY FIRE. *AK
12/23/1997 · Engine · fire
WHILE DRIVING THROUGH A DRIVE-THROUG THE CONSUMER'S VEHICLE HOOD STARTED SMOKING. THE CONSUMER AS SOON AS SHE SAW THE SMOKE SHE PULLED TO THE SIDE OF PARKING LOT WHERE SHE HAS SEEN THE VEHICLE ON FIRE; THE FIRE DEPARTMENT CAME AND THEY SAID THE FIRE HAD STARTED ON THE ENGINE. A MECHANIC SAID EVERYTHING UNDER THE HOOD WAS BURNED, THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN R…