Most common 1998 Nissan Maxima problems
Share of the 113 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 →
1998 Nissan Maxima recalls (1)
Electrical system › Alternator/generator/regulator
On certain passenger vehicles, one of the diodes used in the alternator May have been damaged when built. This can eventually result in failure of the diode and an electrical short which could melt the plastic housing.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the alternator. Owner notification began July 29, 2002. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable…
What 1998 Nissan Maxima owners say
Air bags all 24 →
Tl* the contact owns a 1998 Nissan Maxima. The contact was traveling 45 MPH and traveled over a patch of ice. The vehicle then spun around and the contact lost control of the vehicle. The contact attempted to apply the brakes but the vehicle did not respond. The contact crashed head first into an unknown object and the air bags did not deploy. The contact sustained a fractured knee and was transported to the hospital. The vehicle was destroyed. The police were present on scene and a police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to a salvage yard and was not inspected for the air bag failure. In addition, the contact stated that the brakes were serviced two months prior to the crash. The manufacturer was contacted who advised that there were no recalls and offered no further assistance. The failure mileage was 150,000.
Was driving a (bought new) 1998 Nissan Maxima with optional side air bags on leather seats in apr 2003. The side air bags did not deploy after a side impact from left to right on front bumper and left front wheel. The car was totaled by accident. I suffer from neck injury from hitting the driver door pillar (by seat belt adjuster). Had cervical fusion of c4 & c5 in the neck. Now suffer a lifetime of pain and numbness.
Electrical system all 24 →
On 30 November 2006 I started the car which then quit running and started smoking from under the hood. I could see the alternator was burning so I pulled the battery cable to stop the fire. Damage affected the alternator, electrical connector and some wiring. I discovered there was a recall for defective alternators on this vehicle. My alternator failure appears to be the same as the failures covered by the NHTSA campaign id 02V171000 dated June 24, 2002. I contacted Nissan on December 1, 2006 who stated my VIN was within the range of vehicles for this recall and they would contact the dealer after further research. I contacted the dealer who stated it appeared the vehicle should be covered by the recall but could not proceed until authorization from Nissan. …
Tl* the contact owns a 1998 Nissan Maxima. The contact stated that while driving approximately 10 MPH, smoke started to emit from the engine compartment. The vehicle was merged over to the side of the road where the contact noticed the presence of fire coming from the alternator. The contact was able to extinguish the fire. The vehicle was towed to the contact's residence. The dealer was contacted and indicated that the vehicle was not included in NHTSA campaign id number: 02V171000 (electrical system). The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 170,000.
Brakes
Brakes failed to hold and smoke came from rear brakes. At approx 7500 miles, vehicle was taken to dealership to investigate grinding and sqealing brake sounds.the rotors were resurfaced. Cars was taken back on two more occasions to report brake sounds. Dealership could reproduce sounds during test drive and said the brakes were fine. The last incident with the lock up and smoke, vehicle with approx.44,000 miles was diagnosed as needing brake reline and rear brake cables at a cost of $400 plus. The problem of too much brake pedal was said to be the norm. Brake pedal travel was never this much when vehicle was purchased.
While driving at 50 MPH and higher, and brakes are applied, the front wheels lock up and brakes don't hold. This has happen on 3 occasions, almost causing an accident. The dealership and manufacturer cannot fix the problem. Please provide more details. Mr
1998 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 / 24 / 21 |
EPA ratings. Class: Midsize car.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 1998 Nissan Maxima a good car?
Based on 113 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 1998 Maxima rates average: 29% 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 1998 Nissan Maxima?
The air bags — 24 complaints, 21% of all complaints for this model year, most often about frontal. Next are the electrical system (24) and brakes (10).
How many recalls does the 1998 Nissan Maxima have?
There is 1 recall for the 1998 Nissan Maxima, the most recent from June 24, 2002 (alternator/generator/regulator). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the 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 1998 Nissan Maxima problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 110,000 miles; 17% 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.