One problem related to hood has been reported for the 1997 Nissan Maxima. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
While I was checking washer fluid under the hood, the hood slammed down on my hand causing severe injury which required emergency room treatment : x-rays, ten stitches to one finger, abrasions and concussions. I needed a tetnus shot, antibiotics, pain killers and hand was splinted. I called the dealer and he said it was a common failure and the men in his shop are required to use a rod to support the hood because of known failures. My car did not come equipped with a rod to support the hood. Their are no caution signs on the auto nor in the vehicles manual.