2002 Nissan Maxima structure problems
11 owner complaints filed with NHTSA name the structure on the 2002 Nissan Maxima — 5% of all complaints for this model year.
What owners report
“While parking car it spontaneously accelerated across the parking lot, the bordering street and into another parking lot before stopping. The cars left side, right side, front bumper, tires and suspension were damaged. Though no other cars were hit, commercial garbage cans, stop sign, telephone…”
filed Feb 19, 2015
“The radiator core support is rusting and has lead to a large hole on the bottom. The engine brace is mounted where the rust is forming. If the rust forms bad enough around the bolts the engine could fall down. Also the hood latch is connected the bottom of the core support. If this fails the rust…”
filed Jul 23, 2012
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Related service bulletins
CERTIFICATION LABEL AND VIN PLATE REPLACEMENT SERVICE INFORMATION Because of collision damage or other vehicle repair, a replacement “Certification Label” or “VIN Plate/Label” may be needed. HINT: Certification Label =…
NTB09-131C · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Apr 13, 2026CERTIFICATION LABEL AND VIN PLATE REPLACEMENT SERVICE INFORMATION Because of collision damage or other vehicle repair, a replacement “Certification Label” or “VIN Plate/Label” may be needed. HINT: Certification Label =…
NTB09-131C · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Apr 13, 2026
Structure problems in other Maxima years
| Year | Reports | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 Maxima | 4 | 19% |
| 2018 Maxima | 2 | 6% |
| 2017 Maxima | 17 | 17% |
| 2016 Maxima | 8 | 6% |
| 2014 Maxima | 3 | 3% |
| 2013 Maxima | 2 | 3% |
| 2012 Maxima | 6 | 6% |
| 2011 Maxima | 9 | 8% |
| 2010 Maxima | 11 | 4% |
| 2009 Maxima | 8 | 2% |
| 2008 Maxima | 21 | 27% |
| 2007 Maxima | 33 | 26% |
Other reported problem areas on the 2002 Nissan Maxima
Counts are unique NHTSA complaints naming this component group. Complaints are unverified owner reports; mileage is computed only from complaints that included a usable odometer reading.