Research · Midsize Cars

2002 Nissan MaximaRecalls, problems, MPG & safety

NHTSA lists 9 safety recalls and 220 owner complaints for the 2002 Nissan Maxima. Most complaints involve engine and engine cooling (35) and air bags (31). The EPA rates it 20–21 mpg combined.

Combined MPG
20–21mpg
EPA · 2 versions
NHTSA overall
—
Not rated by NCAP
Safety recalls
9campaigns
Latest Aug 2022
Owner complaints
220
Top: engine and engine cooling
Fuel cost / yr
$3,050est.
EPA estimate, best version
01 —Recalls

Safety recalls

9 NHTSA campaigns · applies to some vehicles, check your VIN

Air bags: inflator module

Free remedy

Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain air bag inflator replacement service parts that may have been installed as part of a theft or collision repair. The parts include certain passenger-side air bag inflators designed to fit Infiniti 2002-2003 QX4, 2006-2010 M35 and M45; Nissan 2001-2003 Maxima, 2002-2006 Sentra, and both driver and passenger-side inflators designed to fit 2007-2012 Versa Sedan and Versa Hatchback vehicles. Please see Nissan's recall report for the specific part numbers. These replacement inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.

Air bagsReported Aug 9, 2022NHTSA 22E066000

Air bags: inflator module

Free remedy

Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2001-2003 Maxima, 2002-2006 Sentra, 2002-2004 Pathfinder, 2007-2011 Versa Sedan and Versa Hatchback, 2001-2004 Infiniti I30 and I35, 2002-2003 Inifiniti QX4, 2003-2008 Infiniti FX35 and FX45 and 2006-2010 M35 and M45 vehicles. The vehicles are equipped with non-desiccated, frontal passenger air bag inflators containing phase stabilized ammonium nitrate (PSAN) propellant that were used as interim remedy parts for previous Takata recalls. These inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, high temperatures, and high temperature cycling.

Air bagsReported Jan 9, 2020NHTSA 20V008000

Air bags

Free remedy

Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain model year 2001-2003 Nissan Maxima, 2002-2004 Pathfinder, 2002-2006 Sentra, 2002-2003 Infiniti QX4 and I35, 2003 FX35 and FX45, and 2001 I30 vehicles. Upon deployment of the passenger side frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to rupture.

Air bagsReported May 15, 2015NHTSA 15V287000
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Oct 27, 2026 · All recall detailsNHTSA vehicle page
02 —Complaints

Owner complaints by component

220 complaints filed with NHTSA · Jan 2002 – Mar 2025
  1. Engine and engine cooling35
  2. Air bags31
  3. Exterior lighting25
  4. Electrical system24
  5. Vehicle speed control23
  6. Service brakes, hydraulic21
  7. Engine19
  8. Power train15
  9. Suspension13

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.

By model year

Complaints for each Maxima model year we’ve synced.

View as table
Model yearNHTSA complaints
1996102
1997110
1998115
1999174
2000376
2001181
2002220
2003206
20041,426
2005948
2006576
2007129
200879
2009339
2010275
2011106
2012107
201362
201496
2016142
2017106
201836
201918
202022
20213
20225
20231
Crashes reported
28
Fires reported
0
Injuries reported
23
Deaths reported
6
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Oct 27, 2026 · Full problem breakdownNHTSA vehicle page
03 —Common problems

What owners report most

Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component

Engine and engine cooling

35 reports
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN MAXIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 60 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE DEALER WAS NOT INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS PREVIOUSLY REPAIRED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 03V455000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING) AND WOULD NOT RECEIVE A SECOND FREE REPAIR. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 130,000. *BF CONSUMER STATES THAT WHEN VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED THE SERVICE ENGINE SOON LIGHT CAME ON. CONSUMER STATES THAT WHEN VEHICLE IS DRIVEN AT 60 MPH IT SHUTS OFF. CONSUMER SAYS THE CRANK POSITION SENSORS, CAM SHAFT POSITION SENSORS, AND VARIABLE TIMING CONTROL SENSORS CODES CAME UP. CONSUMER SAYS THESE ARE THE SAME CODES THAT WERE COVERED UNDER THE RECALL. *DL”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jun 2, 2020Engine and engine coolingODI 11326979

Air bags

31 reports15 crashes
“Driving vehicle on road and the accelerator pedal no longer working vehicle. coasted to the side. Car had to be towed. Vehicle cranking without problem but will not accelerate pedal goes to floor. At consideration of purchase of vehicle, car fax and all details about vehicle were viewed for possible purchase. Items on recall are now a concern as a safety issue.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Mar 5, 2025Exterior lighting, Air bags, Unknown or otherODI 11646469

Exterior lighting

25 reports
“MY NEW CAR WAS PERFORMING AS IT WAS SUPPOSED TO AND MAINTENANCE WAS BEING COMPLETED ON A REGULAR SCHEDULE. MY VEHICLE STARTED TO CUT OFF DURING OPERATION IN 2004/5. IT WOULD HAPPEN IN THE DRIVEWAY, EXPRESSWAYS, ETC. IT DIDN'T MATTER. I TOOK IT TO THE NISSAN DEALER AND THEY CLAIMED TO FIX THE PROBLEM. NEXT MY HEADLIGHT BEGAN TO BLOW A BULB EVERY 2,0000-3,000 MILES. I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER AND THEY REPLACED IT. THIS OCCURRED IN 2005. MID- JULY TO LATE NOVEMBER 2006 MY CAR BEGAN TO STALL IN COLD/WARM WEATHER. I TOOK IT TO THE NISSAN DEALER AND THEY STATED THAT NO PROBLEM WAS FOUND. MY CAR STARTED TO CONSUME OIL AT AN ALARMING RATE IN APRIL 2007. IT WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER YET AGAIN AND I WAS TOLD IT HAD INTERNAL ENGINE DAMAGE AND THEY COULD NOT FIND A PROBLEM WITH THE EXTERNAL COMPONENTS. I WAS QUOTED $4,000-$4,200 FOR A REPLACEMENT ENGINE. I HAVE ALWAYS GOTTEN MY REPAIR WORK AND OIL CHANGES AT NISSAN DEALERS AND NOW WHEN MY EXTENDED WARRANTY IS GONE I AM TOLD I NEED TO BUY AN ENGINE. THIS IS UNFAIR AND COSTLY. I CANNOT USE THE CAR FOR WORK COMMUTES OR TO GET TO SCHOOL. NISSAN HAS BEEN TOLD MANY TIMES ABOUT THEIR PRODUCT FAILURE AND THE MECHANICS BASICALLY ONLY…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Nov 27, 2007Engine and engine cooling, Exterior lightingODI 10210130
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Oct 27, 2026
04 —Key specs

Engines, transmissions & drive

2 versions rated by the EPA
EPA class
Midsize Cars
Engines
3.5L 6-cyl
Transmissions
Manual 6-spd · Automatic 4-spd
Drive
Front-Wheel Drive
Fuel
Regular Gasoline

Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.

Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Oct 27, 2026EPA listing
05 —Fuel economy

EPA fuel economy by version

City / highway / combined, annual fuel cost and CO₂
EPA
VersionCityHwyComb.Fuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
Maxima
Man 6-spd, 6 cyl, 3.5 L · Front-Wheel Drive
192621$3,050423
Maxima
Auto 4-spd, 6 cyl, 3.5 L · Front-Wheel Drive
172420$3,200444
  • Maxima
    Man 6-spd, 6 cyl, 3.5 L
    19 city · 26 hwy · $3,050/yr
    21
    mpg comb.
  • Maxima
    Auto 4-spd, 6 cyl, 3.5 L
    17 city · 24 hwy · $3,200/yr
    20
    mpg comb.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Oct 27, 2026 · Fuel cost is EPA’s annual estimate (15,000 mi, 55% city)
06 —Safety

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings

2 tested variants
NHTSA has not published 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2002 Nissan Maxima as of Oct 27, 2026.
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Oct 27, 2026Vehicle 4567Vehicle 4566
07 —Maintenance

Maintenance basics

General guidance, not the OEM schedule. Check your owner’s manual.
General guidance
ItemMilesTimeNote
Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi6–12 monthsFollow the oil-life monitor if fitted
Tire rotation5,000–7,500 miEvery oil changeCheck pressure monthly
Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi1–2 yearsSooner in dusty areas
Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi1–2 years
Brake fluid—2–3 yearsAbsorbs moisture over time
Coolant60,000–100,000 mi5–10 yearsLong-life coolants last longer
Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi—Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end
12V battery—3–5 yearsHeat shortens battery life
  • Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi
    6–12 months
  • Tire rotation5,000–7,500 mi
    Every oil change
  • Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi
    1–2 years
  • Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi
    1–2 years
  • Brake fluid—
    2–3 years
  • Coolant60,000–100,000 mi
    5–10 years
  • Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi
    —
  • 12V battery—
    3–5 years
Typical intervals for modern cars. Severe service (towing, short trips, extreme heat or cold) shortens them.
09 —FAQ

2002 Maxima questions

How many recalls does the 2002 Nissan Maxima have?

9 safety recalls as of Oct 27, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.

What are the most common 2002 Nissan Maxima problems?

Owners filed 220 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are engine and engine cooling (35), air bags (31), exterior lighting (25). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.

What MPG does the 2002 Nissan Maxima get?

The EPA rates the 2002 Nissan Maxima at 20–21 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (2 versions rated).

Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Oct 27, 2026