Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (accelerator pedal, throttle, sudden acceleration, cruise control).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2002 Nissan Maxima owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
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 pole and a series 4 curbs inflicted damage. The air bags did not deploy despite having them checked by the dealer as required by a recall.
On May 22, 2006 while proceeding to park, my the accelerator would not shut off and the car continued forward until it came in contact with a telephone pole. While researching on the internet for the 2002 Nissan Maxima's accelerator problems I discovered a recall for the pedal stop sensor. Although my VIN number was not included in the recall I experienced the same problem and experienced a similar problem earlier. At that time I had the necessary repairs made. I feel that other models with different VIN numbers should be included in the recall as this is a very dangerous situation.
While stopped for 30 seconds at a red light my 2002 Nissan Maxima se suddenly accelerated (4000-5000 rpms) and surged forward. My foot was on the brake pedal only. I applied full pressure to the brake and applied the emergency brake. The engine revs dropped down and increased two additional times. When the revs dropped for the third time I quickly put the car into park and shut off the engine. When I turned the car back on the engine ran normally. I was very fortunate that there was adequate distance between myself and the car in front of me. I took the car to a Nissan dealer the same morning and no trouble codes or stored data was found in the computer. Nissan headquarters told me a factory rep will come to diagnose my problem only if the car is involved in an accident.
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 Nissan Maxima. While driving at approximate speeds of 30 MPH, the contact depressed the accelerator with excessive force, but speed was severely limited. Unknown warning lights were illuminated on the dashboard. The vehicle was taken to a local mechanic who reset the warning lights and advised there was a recall for the failure. The vehicle was then taken to a local dealer where he was advised they were unable to diagnose the failure due to the mechanic resetting the failure codes. The dealer also advised his VIN was not included in NHTSA campaign id number 02V043000 (vehicle speed control). The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and current mileages were 57,536.
Tl contact owns a 2002 Nissan Maxima. While making a right turn at 40 MPH, the vehicle failed to accelerate when the accelerator pedal was depressed. The speed decreased dramatically and the RPM's 1500. Soon afterwards, the check engine light illuminated. After at the dealer, the accelerator pedal sensor code appeared. The accelerator pedal sensor was replaced. The contact referenced NHTSA campaign id number 02V043000 (vehicle speed control). The current and failure mileages were 43,000. The consumer stated dealer repaired vehicle at the cost of $564.14. Updated 12/04/07
Tl* - the contact owns a 2002 Nissan Maxima. The contact believed that recall#02V043000 concerning vehicle speed control: cruise control was related to the failure in this vehicle. While driving at 70 MPH the cruise control engaged unexpectedly. The failure had occurred on 15 occasions. The manufacturer stated that the vehicle was free of recalls. The contact was the second owner of the vehicle. The contact didn't feel safe driving the vehicle due to the failure. The current and failure mileage was 90,000. Updated 03/19/07.
Dt*: the contact stated the vehicle lost acceleration while driving at any speed. There was also a knocking sound and abnormal steering which caused the vehicle to wander into the other lane while driving . There was a NHTSA recall, # 02V146000, regarding the suspension: front: control arm: lower arm and a NHTSA recall # 02V043000 regarding the vehicle speed control. The vehicle was not included in either recall due to the VIN.
2002 Nissan Maxima se when making sharp left turns, accelerating from stopped position, loud grinding noise from front suspension is present more than 50% of the time. Have returned car to dealer 6 times over 18 months with no resolution. Dealer has performed only one actual repair - which did not addres problem. Dealer has become uncooperative stating they have done "all they can".
The vehicle accelerated very high without touching gas pedal over powered the ABS braking system as I was approaching a main road could not stop at stop sign and kept going my front end of car was hit another vehicle going sb 45 MPH. Very lucky to be alive. Having tech checkout the vehicle.
The accelerator motion sensor failed without warning. As a result the vehicle would not go any faster than 30 MPH. A recall (02V043000) was issued, however the vehicle identification number was outside of the remedy scope. Please provide additional. Information.
Related recalls
Vehicle speed control
On certain passenger vehicles equipped with an electronic throttle control system, the stopper for the accelerator pedal will prevent excessive movement of the accelerator position sensor.
Remedy: Dealers will install a new accelerator pedal stopper. Owner notification began March 11, 2002. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy…
Acceleration complaints in other Maxima years
Frequently asked questions
How common are acceleration problems on the 2002 Nissan Maxima?
NHTSA has 23 complaints about the speed control & acceleration of the 2002 Nissan Maxima, 11% of the model year's 205 complaints. The component named most often is accelerator pedal (2 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2002 Nissan Maxima acceleration problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 02V-043 (vehicle speed control, Feb 12, 2002). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 2002 Nissan Maxima acceleration problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 46,000 miles, and 23% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 5 crashes, 0 fires and 4 injuries to speed control & acceleration 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.