Alternator/generator/regulator problems of the 1999 Nissan Maxima

~tl the contact owns a 1999 Nissan Maxima. While driving 40 mph, the contact smelled an electrical burning odor and various warning indicators illuminated. The vehicle shut off completely and was pulled over to the shoulder as smoke appeared from the engine compartment. The contact then noticed flames. The contact was able to extinguish the fire with ice water she had inside the vehicle. An independent mechanic arrived at the scene and diagnosed that the alternator caught on fire. Upon investigation, the contact discovered that the 1997 and 1998 models were included in NHTSA campaign number: 02v171000 (electrical system). Although the contact's vehicle was a 1999, she associated the failure with the recall. Autonation Nissan marietta (925 cobb pkwy se, marietta, GA 30060, 770-674-6081) was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not included in a recall. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 96,000. The VIN was unknown.

Car had just been shut off from running to store I ran inside my house real quick came back out to leave again but car didn't start. Battery light came on and I noticed white smoke coming from under hood. Smelled like electrical parts were burning so I opened hood to notice fire coming from alternator. I used my shirt to put out and during inspection of damage found the fire burned wire harnesses and part of valve cover assembly where oil cap is located. This is an original oem part and the car only has 118,000 original miles. Found that a recall was done on the years prior for same issue but dealer stated they would not do nothing due to no recall. Alternator s don't just catch fire. . .

Started the car. Heard a strange noise while driving out of the driveway about 10 mph, then smelled something burning, stopped the car and saw smoke coming out from the engine. Turned the car off, opened the hood and saw that the alternator was on fire. After researching the internet, found several cases where the 1999 Maxima has an issue with the alternator catching on fire, in some cases causing the vehicle to burn. Also found out that Nissan had a recall on the 1998 Maxima for alternator fires. Called Nissan about the problem. A Nissan rep called back and called it a "thermal incident. " I explained that a fire is not a "thermal incident" but is a fire (this is like describing a shotgun wound as acute lead poisoning). The Nissan rep said that due to the age and mileage of the vehicle, anything could happen. I explained that I understand that components do fail over time, but that a fire is unacceptable and this event could have caused a house to burn down or a car accident. The Nissan rep said that the life of a Nissan is 100,000 miles and basically said that anything could happen after that. I asked her if that was Nissan's position and she assurred me that she spoke for Nissan. I explained that I had several cars with over 100,000 miles and that I had replaced components, but none of the vehicles caused a fire. Search the internet for Maxima alternator fire--there are several instances for years before and including 1999. This seems to indicate that this is a problem with the Maxima and that they should be recalled. Car fires are unacceptable.

My 1999 Nissan Maxima se had one coil replaced in 2003. This year I replaced the alternator as well. My airbag light flashes constantly and my clock goes in and out of service. My service engine soon light came on and the car runs very rough. When idling it sounds like a choking piece of crap and on the hills the light flashes. I was told I had a bad coil again and took it for a diagnostic that said multiple misfire and replace all six coils. I have read complaint after complaint about coils. When I bought my Maxima new I thought I was buying a car that was reliable but I am hearing that coil replacement is the rule not the exception. I also have rear brake noise. . . . Since year three of owning the car. I have replaced two sets of brake pads as well.

1999 Nissan Maxima - jn1ca21a 3xm300571 this complaint is in reference to Nissan's recall of 97/98 Maximas. The recall was for a faulty alternator. I have a 1999 Nissan Maxima (build date 6/98) that had the same exact problem/symptom as the recall. The campaign id / NHTSA # is r2010 or r2015 \ 02v-171. 4/8/05 - started my car and heard a humming noise coming from engine. I got out and opened the hood and saw a white smoke coming from the alternator. After further investigation saw a fire in the alternator. Ran to the passenger side removed my 4 and 2 year old children and moved them to a safe location. I then found a water bottle in the car and poured the water on the fire. 1:00 pm 4/12/05 called difeo Nissan in jersey city, NJ and they refused to do anything about the situation based upon the VIN 1:10pm 4/12/05 called Nissan consumer affairs and filed a report with tamika x3795 reference # 4908176 4/21/05 after numerous calls and follow ups, they responded that I call my insurance company and that my car was not part of the recall. Case closed. Rep was named wanda at Nissan consumer affairs at 800 647 7261 x 3814 have been without a car for weeks now.