Most common 1999 Nissan Maxima problems
Share of the 165 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 1999 Nissan Maxima owners say
Electrical system all 83 →
Tl* the contact owns a 1999 Nissan Maxima. While driving approximately 40 MPH, the contact smelled an electrical burning odor and various warning indicators illuminated on the instrument panel. The vehicle shut off completely and was pulled over to the side of the road as smoke appeared from the engine compartment. The contact then noticed flames. The contact was able to extinguish the fire with ice water she had inside the vehicle. An independent mechanic arrived at the scene and diagnosed that the alternator caught on fire. Upon investigation, the contact discovered that the 1997 and 1998 models were included in NHTSA campaign number: 02V171000 (electrical system). Although the contact's vehicle was a 1999, she found several complaints online and associated the failure with the recall. …
1999 Nissan Maxima - jn1ca21a 3xm300571 this complaint is in reference to Nissan's recall of 97/98 maximas. The recall was for a faulty alternator. I have a 1999 Nissan Maxima (build date 6/98) that had the same exact problem/symptom as the recall. The campaign id / NHTSA # is r2010 or r2015 \ 02v-171. 4/8/05 - started my car and heard a humming noise coming from engine. I got out and opened the hood and saw a white smoke coming from the alternator. After further investigation saw a fire in the alternator. Ran to the passenger side removed my 4 and 2 year old children and moved them to a safe location. I then found a water bottle in the car and poured the water on the fire. …
Engine & cooling all 40 →
Tl* the contact owns a 1999 Nissan Maxima. The contact stated that while driving at an unknown speed, the contact stated that the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed that the crank shaft position sensor, the knock sensor and the coils needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. However, the failure recurred. The vehicle was then taken to another mechanic, who diagnosed that the knock sensor, solenoid control and the crank shaft position sensor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. However, the failure persisted. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 130,000. Ma 08/13/15 updated 10/25/2017
Car had just been shut off from running to store I ran inside my house real quick came back out to leave again but car didn't start. Battery light came on and I noticed white smoke coming from under hood. Smelled like electrical parts were burning so I opened hood to notice fire coming from alternator. I used my shirt to put out and during inspection of damage found the fire burned wire harnesses and part of valve cover assembly where oil cap is located. This is an original OEM part and the car only has 118,000 original miles. Found that a recall was done on the years prior for same issue but dealer stated they would not do nothing due to no recall. Alternator s don't just catch fire...
Air bags
I was in a front impact accident going approximately 15-30 MPH. The person I rear ended was stationary and his air bag deployed. My airbag did not deploy. The damage to my car was extensive causing the hood to fold into an inverted "v" smashing in the radiator etc. I was very concerned that my airbag did not deploy. I was not injured in the accident.
I own a 1999 Nissan Maxima. The airbag light started to flash for no apparent reason. Vehicle was taken to tynans Nissan in ft. Collins, co on July 2, 2004 for diagnostics. Was informed that a module was defective, authorized ordering new module ($450). Returned on 7/20/04 for replacement, was told that the error was misdiagnosed and a service bulletin (ntb00-043) stated that " if a 1998 or 1999 Maxima has the SRS light flashing... Install a SRS side air bag module of the type indicated in the parts information to resolve this incident. This new side air bag module (with long harness) replaces both the air bag module and the seat sub-harness." I refused to authorize this repair, the dealership then replaced the original parts. The problem then went away. …
1999 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 1999 Nissan Maxima a good car?
Based on 165 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 1999 Maxima rates average: about as many complaints as 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 1999 Nissan Maxima?
The electrical system — 83 complaints, 50% of all complaints for this model year, most often about ignition. Next are the engine & cooling (40) and air bags (18).
How many recalls does the 1999 Nissan Maxima have?
NHTSA lists no recalls for the 1999 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 1999 Nissan Maxima problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 79,000 miles; 15% 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.