general problems of the 2002 Nissan Maxima

Six problems related to steering have been reported for the 2002 Nissan Maxima. The most recently reported issues are listed below. Please also check out the statistics and reliability analysis of the 2002 Nissan Maxima based on all problems reported for the 2002 Maxima.

1 Steering problem

Failure Date: 03/24/2021

When I first purchased this car I had immediate problems with the power steering fluid. The check engine light has remained on the entire time. But the car was hemorrhaging fluid, groaning, whining, and my steering was becoming extremely loose. I call the dealer that sold me the car, because I dropped 4 grand on what seemed like a nice vehicle with under 100k on it. Well, I bought the car right off the lot and they refused to repair it. Cool, I respect that. If the inspection reports and other papers are clearly falsified. It couldn't have passed inspection under normal situations. But since the dealer owns their own shop, they could slap stickers on busted vehicles and send them off to be sold. Eventually they do me " a favor" by replacing the power steering actuator/pump hoses & did work on towards a dtc code p0550. They give me that favor by charging me only for the parts, no labor. Totally cool, if work was done. It still has the same electrical tape in areas that was "fixed". They clear my codes and off I go. Engine light cuts on again and I'm having the same issues. My power steering fluid looks like it's boiling or bubbling as well. Still getting the p0550 code as my main dtc. Except now, I'm having major problems and my car has been sitting for a month. Not sure if the leaky fluid corroded components from before. As of now I'm throwing dtcs for p0171, p0305, p0550 (twice), believe I have a vacuum leak, my exhaust system is damaged internally from the misfire codes and has also broken apart near the rear muffler, among other pending codes. Lastly, I was coming home from work and my car completely loses power and bogs waaaay down. Engine light is flashing and I have no control or power. I limp home, park the car, and haven't drove it since other than for test drives. After countless repairs for the same issues, among new repairs and issues I'm broke. Issues started on 3/24 through 12/21 not had this car for a year and it's been a constant pain ever since.

2 Steering problem

Failure Date: 09/18/2015

Driving on circle intersection the car shut off unable to turn steering wheel and crashed into a building totaling car.

3 Steering problem

Failure Date: 11/05/2010

After the car has been driven awhile and warmed up, 30 mins or so. The steering wheel starts to jerk and the car pulls to the left. When this happens the car drives like it's on a flat tire, a kluck kluck kluck sound is coming from the front end, but the tires are not flat. I even replaced the old tires with new ones. The steering becomes very erratic. I’ve taken it twice to a Nissan dealer and a sears auto center, and was told everything was tight in the front end. No one seems to know what the problem is, because they can't get the car to recreate this condition. What would be the likely cause that would make this happen?.

4 Steering problem

Failure Date: 03/15/2003

This max had the transverse link recall performed in 9/02. At this time, the left axle was not properly placed back in the transmission. We took the car back several times and they kept blowing us off. Finally, my wife was driving the car in the mobile tunnel and the trans went out along with the steering and suspension. Nissan repaired the vehicle but it still drives like a piece of junk. These guys are ridiculous and need to be dealt with seriously. I have since filed suit but would appreciate any help.

5 Steering problem

Failure Date: 07/23/2002

While making a left turn on the highway he lost control of the vehicle. Due to the steering going out. Please provide information dealer is aware of the problem. Ts.

6 Steering problem

Failure Date: 05/08/2002

For unknown reason, the vehicle swerved towards the right side and the vehicle jumped the curb due to the uncontrollable steering. The tires become deflated causing damage to the rims of the front and back tires on the right side of the vehicle.


Other Steering related problems of the 2002 Nissan Maxima



Safety Ratings of Maxima Cars
Fuel Economy of Maxima Vehicles
Maxima Service Bulletins
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Maxima Defect Investigations