Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (service brakes, ABS, rotors and pads, parking brake).
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).
[redacted] power steering system tires fuel pump air bags battery everything has been falling apart since 2018, it's been fixed and couple months later, the same problem comes up. Every mechanic that touches this car, said the same thing to check up the recall status. Because there are too many issues with it, and the mileage is low. So there is a faulty parts, that keep braking down in the middle of the road, and I have been calling roadside assistance at least 4 times since December. Brand new tires and brakes were installed and still having the same problems.
In late November 2002 while driving the ABS brake failed which resulted in an accident. When the brakes were applied the vehicle slowed down but never stopped. Prior to the accident in feb 2002, the ABS sensor went out. And repairs were made to the ABS system in aug 2002.
After washing my automobile, the anti lock braking (ABS) warning light illuminated indicating that I no longer have ABS. The consequence is reduced braking performance in emergency situations. In an emergency such a failure would eliminate my ability to perform avoidance maneuvers while braking which is the purpose of the ABS system. Under normal driving conditions it would significantly increase stopping distances. The manufacturer's authorized dealer representative stated that the left rear speed sensor failed and that the cost of replacement would be at my expense. The car has 64,500 miles. According to the dealership representative such drive components are warranted for the first 60,000 miles only. This system should be impervious to the effects of a garden hose rinse. The only alternative is to replace the speed sensor and hope that such a failure does not occur while I am driving.
Dt: the contact stated the ABS had failed multiple times. During the first occurrence the brakes did not function. Upon inspection the dealership determined the right ABS sensor had to be replaced. The right sensor was replaced. The second failure occurred after the vehicle had been through the carwash. The brakes required more pressure to function properly. The sensor light stayed on for a couple of days. The problem went away by itself. In October 2005 there was a vibration in the steering wheel. After the dealership inspected the vehicle they replaced the brake rotors. When the problem returned the ABS light had come on and went off two days later. The brakes worked when the light came on and failed when the light went off. Upon inspection the dealership determined the left ABS sensor had to be replaced. The repairs had not been made.
ABS light came on when I was driving to town. Brakes seemed to work OK, so I continued. Got to town (40 miles), did my business, got in the car to go home. Started car, ABS light still on, drove 1 1/2 blocks, applied brakes as I approached intersection, and the pedal locked. Tapped the pedal, still locked. Car felt like it was still getting throttle. Put it in neutral, pulled the emergency brake, and luckily stopped before the intersection. Pulled into a parking lot, pushed the brake, and the same thing happened. Parked the car, and turned it off. Then, I decided to move it to another location in the parking lot and leave it for a tow truck. When moving it, I pushed the brake again, heard a noise, ABS light went off, and brakes worked again. Drove home. I am going to take it to the shop soon. Could have been a serious accident.
Unable to stop vehicle - brake failure on dry pavement. When brake pedal was applied, there was only a clicking sound as if the ABS was trying to engage for no reason - but brakes would not engage at all. Dealer later reported that this was due to a faulty ABS sensor on left rear but I am disturbed that this ABS failure would cause total brake loss. I am afraid to drive this car for fear of another ABS sensor going without any notice. I have had several other brake problems with this vehicle since I purchased new in 2002. The rotors have had to be replaced 4 times on vehicle with less than 55K miles (mainly highway miles). Dealer admitted that there is a problem with rotors warping on this car for no apparent reason. In addition,I had the back brake calipers seize up on me for no apparent reason while driving on turnpike.
I purchased a new 2002 Nissan Maxima in May 2002. I began to see an ABS light when driving in jan 2003 when I had 9,800 miles on the car. Brakes began to catch and then failed completely before I could get home or to the dealership. No accident, due completely to luck. Car was towed to dealer. Dealer replaced the master cylinder. Got car back and in less than 2 weeks ABS light again on while driving. This time no catching of anti-lock brakes. Returned to dealer for repair. Another part replacement. Less than 1 week later the ABS light on again during driving. Dealer is now not calling me, I have to call. Has had car for 3 business days. Say they have fixed the car and are keeping it so they can test drive it. They have replaced the sensor. Does this mean the ABS light will not come on when there is a problem?
ABS light illuminated on the dash. Subsequent total loss of braknig which nearly caused a crash between my vehicle and another. Only by acceleratng very hard through a stop sign, at which I was unable to stop, was I able to avoid an oncoming vehicle. According to my owners manual, whenever the ABS warnign light illuminate, I will lose only my ABS but will retain normal breaking. This proved not to be the case. I lost the ablity to stop. According to the manufacturer's dealership repair facility, the loss of ABS was a result of a non-functioning rear wheel speed sensor. The vehicle is currently being repaired by this repair facility. I will request that the failed part be kept and given to me.
My 2002 Nissan Maxima se had a total brake system failure. I was not able to stop the car using the brakes. I had to throw the gears into park and shut the engine off to get the vehicle to slow down. I stopped on a sidewalk almost hitting two pedestrians. I had to have major repairs done to the brake system. The actuators, front and rear sensors were replaced. My car only had 15,840 miles. This could be a potentially hazardous problem.
Tl contact owns a 2002 Nissan Maxima. The contact stated that the ABS sensor activates on its own sporadically. The dealer speculated that dirt or mud enters through the wheel speed sensor and causes the failure. The dealer cleaned the component, but the failure recurred shortly after the remedy. The contact went back to the dealer and they repaired the vehicle. The failure mileage was 19,000. Updated 07/08/09 updated 07/08/09.
Brake complaints in other Maxima years
Frequently asked questions
How common are brake problems on the 2002 Nissan Maxima?
NHTSA has 20 complaints about the brakes of the 2002 Nissan Maxima, 10% of the model year's 205 complaints. The component named most often is antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip (10 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2002 Nissan Maxima brake problems?
No. NHTSA lists no brakes recall for the 2002 Nissan Maxima, though it has 6 recalls for other components. 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 2002 Nissan Maxima brake problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 35,000 miles, and 40% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 2 crashes, 0 fires and 0 injuries to brakes 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.