Headlight complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | Share of year's complaints | Typical mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 1 | 20% | 3,000 miles |
| 2019 | 2 | 11% | 17,000 miles |
| 2017 | 2 | 2% | — |
| 2016 | 7 | 5% | 40,000 miles |
| 2014 | 19 | 20% | 90,000 miles |
| 2013 | 9 | 15% | 60,000 miles |
| 2012 | 1 | 1% | — |
| 2011 | 2 | 2% | 40,000 miles |
| 2010 | 2 | 1% | 112,000 miles |
| 2009 | 2 | 1% | 194,000 miles |
| 2008 | 1 | 1% | — |
| 2006 | 6 | 1% | 38,000 miles |
| 2005 | 3 | 0% | 98,000 miles |
| 2004 | 9 | 1% | 37,000 miles |
| 2003 | 26 | 13% | 18,000 miles |
| 2002 | 22 | 11% | 13,000 miles |
| 2001 | 4 | 2% | 164,000 miles |
| 2000 | 8 | 2% | 168,000 miles |
| 1998 | 1 | 1% | 130,000 miles |
| 1997 | 1 | 1% | 70,000 miles |
| 1996 | 1 | 1% | — |
| 1995 | 4 | 3% | — |
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (headlights, tail lights, turn signals, interior lights).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
The power on the dashboard goes out and I have no way of knowing my speed, the milage, or any other information on how the vehicle is operating. The radio and other dashboard instruments are off the screens are black and I can't receive any information on how the vehicle is operating. Our safety is at risk since when this happens, we don't know if it would stop abruptly and cause an accident. We have not taken it to a dealer yet but are scheduling an appointment. No other parties have inspected the vehicle yet. The Warning that came across the radio screen was this: Check the Map SD Memory Card Please see the owner's manual in detail SET: QY8100NA Application: 102 SNO: 00010697 Application: 107 E-CODE: NK-SD-11 This first happened in the later part of March on the 28th of this year. The Dash does this off and on thing randomly and sometimes it runs fine. The owner's manual didn't help.
The headlights are dim. I have replaced them with brighter H11 bulbs but I still cannot see. Others who have driven my car have indicated that the headlights are noticeably dimmer than normal. I literally cannot see the roadway. Also, I started having problems with the CVT shortly before 60,000miles. The problem was diagnosed as rudder codes. I was not financially able to replace the CVT at the time although I did ultimately replace it. The headliner inside the car has been falling down for years and I keep re gluing it around the rear view window. The panoramic sunroof has a seal that is melting away on the two side panels at the rear of the car. I keep trying to seal them, but they keep getting sticky and melting towards total deterioration.
The contact owns a 2014 Nissan Maxima. The contact stated that while driving approximately 50 MPH at night, the headlights failed to adequately illuminate the roadway causing a visibility hazard to the driver. The contact stated that the headlight failure was more evident while driving on unlit back roads. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact had not taken the vehicle to a dealer or independent mechanic. The vehicle had not been diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 82,000.
The contact owns a 2014 Nissan Maxima. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the headlights became inoperable. The contact stated that the headlights failed to function properly, and the lights were dim. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the headlight assembly had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 107,270.
The contact owns a 2013 Nissan Maxima. The contact stated while driving at night, the driver's, and passenger's side headlights were very dim, failing to properly illuminate the roadway, causing a visibility hazard for the driver. The contact stated that the light bulbs were replaced but the failure persisted. The vehicle was not repaired. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The local dealer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 120,000.
I have a 2013 Nissan Maxima in my headlights are horrible when they are on dim you cannot see in front of you so bad that it's liable to cause a bad wreck I have to ride with my headlights on bright and it's not much better I have replaced the bulbs in both headlights twice it has not improved anything I think it is a very dangerous thing in could call someone to get hurt because no one can see I've not been pulled over by the police or anything but I have to ride with my headlights on bright and I know it blinds people sometimes I think there needs to be a recall because I have a lot of friends that have Nissans and they have the same problem
Exhaust/emission - catalytic converter failed and makes terrible noise - not fixed yet. Dealer says, car will work without any problems at 103,000 miles (8th year) body frame - under carriage on driver side rusted, with a bulge. Dealer said, rusting it not enough, you should be able to put the screw driver or finger through the rusted portion. 35000 miles ( after 5years and 2 days) transmission - it jerks and is very dangerous on the road. Repair estimation is around $3500 from the dealer. When the car comes to a stop in the traffic light, then sometimes, it does not move. After accelerating a bit, it just jumps. It is very very hard to go in a stop and go traffic. So I maintain a certain distance keeping this in mind. Nissan motor corporation does not care for any of the issues. Dealer comes up with one or the other reason. …
My 2006 Nissan Maxima is shifting gears on its on as if there is a transmission problem. The steering wheel keeps shifting to one side the guys at the wheel alignment place told me it's the rack and pinion. They also informed me that the rack and pinion goes out very fast and the part is about 400$. The gas light and the light that tells you that you need coolant has been on and stays on. The car is not running hot and my car has a full tank of gas.
Frequently asked questions
Which Nissan Maxima years have headlight problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2003 (26), 2002 (22), 2014 (19), 2004 (9) and 2013 (9) model years. Headlight complaints make up 13% of all complaints for the 2003.
Is there a recall for Nissan Maxima headlight problems?
No. NHTSA lists no lights recall for any Nissan Maxima model year. A widespread problem may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin, so ask a dealer.
At what mileage do Nissan Maxima headlight problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 61,000 miles; 55% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the headlights (60 mentions), followed by the headlights › high/low beam dimmer switch (2).
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.