One problem related to brake disc rotor has been reported for the 1998 Nissan Maxima. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
Brakes failed to hold and smoke came from rear brakes. At approx 7500 miles, vehicle was taken to dealership to investigate grinding and sqealing brake sounds. The rotors were resurfaced. Cars was taken back on two more occasions to report brake sounds. Dealership could reproduce sounds during test drive and said the brakes were fine. The last incident with the lock up and smoke, vehicle with approx. 44,000 miles was diagnosed as needing brake reline and rear brake cables at a cost of $400 plus. The problem of too much brake pedal was said to be the norm. Brake pedal travel was never this much when vehicle was purchased.