Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (engine, cooling system, oil leaks, timing chain, exhaust).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 1999 Nissan Maxima owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
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...
With my 1999 Nissan Maxima se v6, EGR valve related issues were detected and engine light started to come up soon after the ignition. According to Nissan dealer, oxygen sensors and EGR valves work is need that would cost $1800 or more. At that time the car mileage was around 80,000. I could not afford to fix that. But later one of the rod in the engine broken, fire started under the engine while I was driving at 70 m/h on the highway. My family was in a great danger and we were lucky to survive with the help of police and fire engine when someone called 911. There has been another complain about EGR value on NHTSA web site by another Nissan Maxima owner.
I have a 1999 Nissan Maxima and have had the check engine light on. Checked the code and came back with cylinder 1 misfire. Dealer wanted $1,000 to "try and fix the problem". I don't have that kind of money. As I was getting on the freeway lost most power out of the car and couldn't speed up to avoid an accident. Fortunately nobody was hurt however if the dealer would have fixed their faulty part I am 100% positive there would not have been an accident.
I have a 99 Nissan Maxima se and I wish I had known about this website before purchasing. After reading the multiple and consistent complaints regarding the flashing "airbag" and "check engine soon" lights, I can't believe there has not been a recall. The defects reported are the same on each individual 99 Maxima listed. My vehicle has 90,000 miles on it, no wrecks, regular maintanence as recommended and have spent way too much money on repairs for sensors, cylinder failure and now the airbag malfunction! The service folks want $600.00 to fix that. I have read the technical notices that went out and obviously the defects were not corrected on the cars whose owners are filing the complaints now. I also have a 1993 Maxima with 217,000 miles on it. …
1999 Nissan Maxima. Service engine soon light displayed at approximately 140K miles. Computer diagnostics indicated replacement of knock sensor. Replaced by independent Nissan mechanic. Light reappeared 1 week later. Mechanic checked electrical harness and found it to be okay. Due to known issues with Maxima ignition coils all 6 were replaced by same independent Nissan mechanic. Service engine light came on while driving away from mechanic. Diagnostics was vague, general message. Took vehicle to Nissan dealership. Dealer indicated that using after market coils was the problem but could not promise that using official Nissan parts would resolve the problem. Contacted Nissan national office, but the corporate office refuses to take ownership of the problem. …
9/02 - within a 90 mile drive:tachometer, speedometer and temperature gauge shut off while I was driving at high speeds. Air bag light was also flashing. Then they would either turn back on by themselves or while I was standing still the speedometer would be stuck at 100mph. Further into the drive engine would shut off by itself losing brakes and power steering driving at speeds 0-40mph. First we repaced the battery then took it to Nissan where they found "internal failure dash circuit board" which was replaced along with the left side seat air bag harness. 1/03 - battery and brake lights came on. The car began sputtering and every other warning light was lit. Then the car would drive fine and did not shut off. The alternator was replaced this time. 7/6/03 - speedometer,tachometer and odometer shut off for entire 2 1/2 hour trip. Today 7/7 everything is fine (so far).
Tl* the contact owns a 1999 Nissan Maxima. The contact stated that while driving 35 MPH the vehicle stalled. Upon restart, the vehicle operated as normal momentarily before stalling again. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and the contact was informed that two oxygen sensors failed. The fuel pump and filters were replaced, but the failure continued. The mechanic examined the vehicle again and informed the contact that either the engine was not getting enough fuel or the computer system was faulty. Upon examining the vehicle further, the mechanic noticed that a lot of water was being stored within the engine compartments due to a clogged hose. The mechanic repaired the hose and drained the water from the engine. The failure had not recurred since. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 182,000. The VIN was unavailable.
I have a 1999 Nissan Maxima with the check engine light on. Took it to the dealer and they told me that all 3 o2 sensors were bad, and they could be replaced for approximately $700. A week later check engine light is back on, and now they are telling me that it is the #3 cylinder misfiring, and they recommend replacing all 6 ignition coils for approximately $1200. I understand that there have been many complaints about the ignition coils, and really do not have the money to pay them again for something that I feel should be replaced by them anyway.
I am looking at $1400 to replace 6 ignition coils, this is preposterous, this is a known problem that should have been corrected. My car has less that 60,000 miles on it, and I have babied it and made sure only the best has been used on it. There are thousands of people complaining about this, and the problem remains. I am finishing this and writing a letter to my congressman and senators. I bought this car on Nissan's reputation and knowing that they allow this to exist, I will never buy another Nissan, period.
Engine complaints in other Maxima years
Frequently asked questions
How common are engine problems on the 1999 Nissan Maxima?
NHTSA has 40 complaints about the engine & cooling of the 1999 Nissan Maxima, 24% of the model year's 165 complaints. The component named most often is engine (9 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1999 Nissan Maxima engine problems?
No. NHTSA lists no engine & cooling recall for the 1999 Nissan Maxima. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 1999 Nissan Maxima engine problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 95,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 2 crashes, 2 fires and 0 injuries to engine & cooling problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
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.