Most common 1996 Nissan Maxima problems
Share of the 96 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Nissan Maxima complaints by model year
Best Maxima years: 2022, 2019, 2020. Years to avoid: 2009, 2010, 2004, 2005, 2006. Compare all years →
What 1996 Nissan Maxima owners say
Engine & cooling
Tl* the contact owns a 1996 Nissan Maxima. The contact stated that while slowing down at approximately 5 MPH, the vehicle stalled as the steering wheel seized. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the technician informed the contact that the vehicle was operating as designed. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 100,300.
My 1996 Nissan Maxima caught on fire by itself in the midnight, and it was almost completely destroyed by the fire. I received the vehicle from my friend as a gift, which was in a very good condition. And I also paid the buckner's auto service center at knoxville, tn for checking the car in detail and getting it repaired. But 8 days after, the car was on fire. During the 8 days, the car was parked in the parking lot in front of my apartment, and nobody ever touched the car. It's cloudy or rainy in all these days. Though fortunately my wife and I were safe, we were really scared and my wife was afraid of vehicles from then on. We have arrived at the u.s less than 2 months, and this incident almost completely disrupted our lives. The following is the description from the knoxville police department crime report: the vehicle had not been driven for eight days. …
Air bags
Tl contact owns a 1996 Nissan Maxima. The contact stated that the air bag indicator constantly flashed on the instrument panel. She took the vehicle to the dealer and paid $125 for an estimate. The dealer stated that the failure was incapable of being repaired. In the summer of 2007, the manufacturer stated that they would not assist in repairing the failure. The current mileage was approximately 84,000 and failure mileage was approximately 75,000. Updated 11/28/08 the vehicle was loosing power steering fluid. The dealer stated the pump had a leak. Updated 12/02/08.
Tl contact owns 1996 Nissan Maxima. She stated that the air bag light flashed at all times. The dealer stated that the vehicle needed a new air bag system. The contact also stated that there was a leak on the power steering pump. The failure mileage was 75,000 and the current mileage wa 75,900. Updated 02/01/08 the consumer also stated the radio did not work
Transmission & drivetrain
1996 Nissan Maxima, low mileage (50,000) failed nc state inspection due to failure of both cv joint boots. If the boots are not replaced, the axles will fail - causing sudden loss of power or sudden lockup on 1 or both front wheels.
On going / intermittent problem with engine stalling, usually it occurs when accelerating from a stop postion or accelerating from a low speed. Vehicle been in / out of dealer shop on five occasions, and problem still reoccurring. Dealer replaced front timing covers, gaskets, intake manifold collector, coil packs, plugs, and performed throttle chamber service, now vehicle has an oil leak. Transmission failed and was replaced. Starter motor failed and was replaced.
1996 Nissan Maxima engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3.0L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | FWD | 18 / 26 / 21 |
| 3.0L 6-cyl | 5-speed manual | FWD | 19 / 25 / 21 |
EPA ratings. Class: Midsize car.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 1996 Nissan Maxima a good car?
Based on 96 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 1996 Maxima rates average: 32% fewer complaints than a typical year of the Maxima at the same age. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 1996 Nissan Maxima?
The engine & cooling — 18 complaints, 19% of all complaints for this model year, most often about engine › gasoline. Next are the air bags (16) and transmission & drivetrain (12).
How many recalls does the 1996 Nissan Maxima have?
NHTSA lists no recalls for the 1996 Nissan Maxima. You can still confirm with your VIN using our VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Nissan Maxima?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2022, 2019 and 2020. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2009, 2010, 2004, 2005 and 2006. See the full Nissan Maxima years comparison.
At what mileage do 1996 Nissan Maxima problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 100,000 miles; 7% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.