Alternator/generator/regulator Problems of Nissan Maxima - part 1

The contact owns a 2016 Nissan Maxima. The contact stated that while the vehicle was stopped, the vehicle failed to accelerate while the accelerator pedal was depressed. The abs warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where it was diagnosed; however, the cause of the failure was not yet determined. The vehicle was taken to another local dealer, alpine Nissan of denver (2400 w 104th Ave, denver, CO 80234) where it was diagnosed and determined that the alternator had stopped routing electricity after overheating. The contact was advised by the local dealer that the transmission needed to be replaced and related to failure to technical service bulletin: ntb17-039p (transmission judder); which was related to the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 57,800.

See all problems of the 2016 Nissan Maxima 🔎.

The contact owns a 2016 Nissan Maxima. The contact stated while driving approximately 65 mph the vehicle began to lose power. The contact depressed the accelerator and did not see an increase in speed. The contact managed to drive the vehicle off of the highway, she had noticed that there were numerous warning lights illuminated. The contact managed to drive the vehicle to a local dealer who diagnosed that the vehicle alternator had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired and the contact again experienced the same loss of power, the vehicle stalled during that failure. The contact had to have the vehicle towed to another dealer. The dealer diagnosed that the alternator had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, however the contact stated that the vehicle failed again and was returned to the same dealer. The vehicle had been diagnosed and determined that the failure was with the alternator. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 84,000.

~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.

See all problems of the 1999 Nissan Maxima 🔎.

The car loses power as I'm driving, I replaced alternator and fuel pump I'm at around $1100 in with repairs and labor. The problem still exist I turn car on and drive within 10 mins the car loses power and acceleration then eventually dies. This happened on the highway on one occasion, very frustrating and scary to say the least. It's not the battery cuz it's also new. This is getting scary and ridiculous.

See all problems of the 2009 Nissan Maxima 🔎.

My brake light and battery light come on at the same time. My went dead in the middle of a turn. I replaced the battery. Had the alternator checked. Was told it was fine. After a new battery my car runs fine but loses power and hesitates like its going to stall from take off or entering a turn and my brake and battery are still coming on at the same time. I googled the issue and it appears be a long standing issue no real resolution. I took it to autozone they did diagnostic test and I got code p0011 the same one I paid to be repaired previously.

See all problems of the 2011 Nissan Maxima 🔎.

Over heating gurgling in over flow, had radiator flushed and topped off,still over heat,looking at my recites it says I have a leaking water hose but no one replaced it, on 9/27/16. Drove my car threw winter then went to another machanic had the thermostat replaced on 6/30/17 still over heat, brought car back to Nissan dealer on 1/19/18 told them it still gurgels and there was a slight hesitation when driving and I noticed my power steering hose was leaking, was told I need a water pump and radiator, power steering said was fixed and visc valve was stuck open so replaced , said car is good to go so when my girl friend and I got in the car the check engine light was on he said it's probably because of the new parts he then took the light off said drive it 30 miles so I could have a smog done, drove south bound on hwy 101 in santa rosa going 60 mph and the car shut down and all lights where flashing, had no power to get in a safe place off the freeway, coasted down the off ramp to gas station and called Nissan, they said have it towed back, while waiting for tow I lifted my hood to find not only was my power steering still leeking but two other hoses were leeking as well. When I looked at my recite it said found that both power steering hoses were leeking as well as high pressure power line but only pressure hose was replaced, I asked why they all weren't replaced while showing them the leak they said we will order those hoses today and I don't have to pay, lol really? one day later the manager wanted to speak to me with the mechanic ,long story short now I need a alternator, battery, coil,spark plugs,so I go and buy the spark plugs and alternator another $ 321 and $245 to fix , it sits now at Nissan with more problems then ever,and it almost cost my friend and I my life on the freeway, I looked up recalls on my year and found there where some on it shutting down.

See all problems of the 2002 Nissan Maxima 🔎.

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. . .

The contact owns a 2002 Nissan Maxima. While driving approximately 55 mph, the vehicle stalled. The contact coasted the vehicle to the shoulder and it would not restart. The vehicle was jumpstarted and driven to an independent mechanic (auto zone in rochester, minnesota) who diagnosed that the alternator failed. The vehicle was repaired by an independent mechanic, but the vehicle stalled again. The friend of the independent mechanic diagnosed that the bushing failed. The vehicle was taken to the contact's residence and had not been driven since. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 155,000.

Warranty just expired after 5 years. Few months later, the telescoping steering wheel started making grinding noises and will not telescope back and forth unless I manually push or pull hard. Got quoted $850 for a repair, but I refused to pay that much to get it fixed as it is not my fault. I see many 2009 Nissans having this problem and I am extremely disappointed in the manufacturer to not recall this! this might be my last Nissan as I already had 3 Nissan batteries, my alternator replaced and my driver's seat frame replaced! I can't wait until my car loan is paid off!.

Tl- the contact owns a 1997 Nissan Maxima. The contact stated that the vehicle was smoking from under the hood on several occasions. The contact indicated the vehicle was taken to an independent repair shop who indicated that the alternator needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure was reported to the manufacturer. The approximate failure mileage was not available. Dyd.

See all problems of the 1997 Nissan Maxima 🔎.

1997 Nissan Maxima. Consumer writes in regards to vehicle electrical system recall the consumer stated his vehicle should have been included in the recall, because he experienced the same problem as other Nissan's that were recalled.

The contact owns a 2009 Nissan Maxima. The contact stated that at engine startup, the check engine warning light illuminated and sparks became visible once the hood was opened. The fire department was contacted and a report was filed. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where the dealer confirmed that the alternator had melted and needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure and current mileages were 130,000.

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.

Car fire. My son's car caught on fire while he was driving it due to a part Nissan knew was defective. There is a recall for 1997-1999 Nissan Maximas due to a defect in their alternators that caused them to catch fire. Details about the recall are below. My son was driving his 1996 Maxima when the alternator caught fire. Luckily, he escaped without injury. Although his car was not included in the recall, clearly the part that started the fire is the same and it is the part that ignited the fire. I spoke with Nissan consumer affairs three times over the past couple of weeks. I am contacting you because I was not able to get Nissan to discuss this event in terms of the security aspect of it. Unfortunately, they chose to look at it strictly as a warranty issue. It stands to reason, if this part was in my son¿s car, it is also in other 1996 Maximas. The next person who experiences a car fire due to a faulty alternator may not be as lucky as my son. Note: I bought back the alternator from the service department and I have it at home. . Read more...

See all problems of the 1996 Nissan Maxima 🔎.

Purchased used from dealer in petaluma California in February 2010. No problems until vehicle began loosing power while driving at 55. Dash abs indicator light came on. Vehicle suddenly slowed to 5 miles an hour, rpm's decreased. Steering still enabled as well as brakes. Almost caused accident several times. Towed to dealer (santa rosa Nissan, santa rosa California). Rented a car. Just received call from dealer stating I need an alternator, belts and have a massive oil leak at valve cover gasket. Told him I spilled oil yesterday, my mechanic already checked for leaks, there are none. Made him aware of the 3 recalls on this vehicle addressing loss of power (2 out of 3 recalls). Said he would check and get back to me. My mechanics have not mentioned belts or alternator to me.

While traveling in the number (2) lane of the us 405 n freeway at speeds of over 65 mph, I noticed that the battery light started flickering, and within 10 seconds the accelerator ceased to respond when pressure was applied. When the accelerator was pushed, the engine would rev, and the rpm gauge would show the gauge moving up, but the engine would not respond. I pushed the accelerator all the way inwards, but the engine would not respond. Approximately 15-20 seconds later, I noticed that the engine ceased operating, and the wheel locked. I was also unable to apply the brakes, as when I pushed the brakes nothing happened and the brake pedal felt very stiff and non-responsive. At the same time, lights on the dashboard cluster were illuminated. I started panicking as I had no control of a vehicle traveling over 60 mph on a freeway during evening hours los angeles traffic. I immediately activated my emergency indicators, and waited in complete panic until the vehicle came to a rolling stop on the side of the freeway. During the same evening, the vehicle started to exhibit the same malfunctions as experienced earlier that day and the vehicle died in the middle of the street. Diagnosis: client states vehicle won't start. Brake and battery lights are on after charging the battery performed battery test with the battery tester center midtronics Nissan mcr620. Gr8 battery tester was unable at this time. Test results good battery and charging system incident. Upon inspection terminal 1 connector f6 found terminal melting where connect to alternator and also part of the harness and alternator burnt due to terminal nut loose and has much play. Call Nissan tech line, and report the incident and also for help. The consumer also stated when he applied the brake, the steering wheel and the entire vehicle started to shake. The battery light would illuminate at times when the vehicle was in park and would start to flicker and flash. Updated 05/05/10.

Nothing but problems since the vehicle was purchases new in '01. From replacing the alternator, strong shutter in breaks even after replacing twice and needs again, replaced rear oxygen sensors twice with now a third needed, replaced mass air flow sensor, and now vehicle is out of commission due to needing a new computer system, idle speed control sensor, and rear O2 sensors(again)! also a leaking power steering pump and power window motors are near death. I understand wear and tear on a vehicle but this is an extreme case! potential epa issues due to the oxygen sensors failing time after time.

See all problems of the 2001 Nissan Maxima 🔎.

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.

The contact owns a 2002 Nissan Maxima gle. When accelerating from a stop, the vehicle will completely shut off and not restart. The incident occurred twice and the vehicle was towed to a mechanic on both occasions. The first time the battery was replaced and the second time the cause of failure was determined to be the crank position sensor. The contact is experiencing the same failure as noted in recall # 03v455000 (engine and engine cooling). The manufacturer stated that the VIN was not included in the recall. The current and failure mileages were 54,550. The consumer stated Nissan did not find the cause of the problem, when the vehicle was taken to an independent dealer he determined the cause was a fluctuating voltage given out by the alternator and a worn wire harness which could of shorted the system. Upon the repair of the defects, there is no further investigation needed. Updated 07/18/07.

On 30 November 2006 I started the car which then quit running and started smoking from under the hood. I could see the alternator was burning so I pulled the battery cable to stop the fire. Damage affected the alternator, electrical connector and some wiring. I discovered there was a recall for defective alternators on this vehicle. My alternator failure appears to be the same as the failures covered by the NHTSA campaign id 02v171000 dated June 24, 2002. I contacted Nissan on December 1, 2006 who stated my VIN was within the range of vehicles for this recall and they would contact the dealer after further research. I contacted the dealer who stated it appeared the vehicle should be covered by the recall but could not proceed until authorization from Nissan. On 8 December, 2006,after 7 days, Nissan contacted me and stated my VIN was not included in the recall and refused to fix the defective alternator. Nissan could not explain how my VIN was within the range of vehicles affected by the recall but my particular VIN was not included. I had the vehicle repaired at my expense and had to turn-in the defective alternator as a core so the defective alternator is not available for inspection. It appears the range of defective alternators is larger than Nissan is willing to accept responsibility. This is a safety defect that needs to be addressed and Nissan held accountable. The damage could have been much worse.

See all problems of the 1998 Nissan Maxima 🔎.

: the contact stated while driving various speeds, the vehicle stalled however it would restart. This had occurred since the vehicle was purchased. It was taken to a dealer who could not determine the cause of the problem. There have been several repairs to the vehicle including the replacement of three oxygen sensors, the alternator and starter. There was a recall #02v171000 pertaining to the electrical system. The vehicle was not included in the recall due to the VIN. Updated 12/15/06.

Prob #4 on August 9, 2006, I went to leave for work and my car would not start at all. When I turned the key it sounded as if it would start, but it would not turn over. It is an alternator problem. I had enough with this car. After reading and printing all the complaints on this website, I ended up with 42 pages of complaints, 3 to a page. A number of the complaints had alternator problems and the Maxima dying on them while driving around the same mileage that my car is at right now, 27,300. My car is only 3 years old and it would not start!!! when my husband came home from work it started right up for him. I refuse to drive this car now. I am pregnant and cannot risk being stuck on the side of the road somewhere. My husband called the Nissan dealership and spoke the man who sold us the car, we are going to try to get out of the lease. I have a complete lemon. On top of all this, I received two recall notices on this car. The first one is for corrosion in the back bumper for "salty" states. Since NY is considered a salty state, I am suppose to get this taken car of by their "caring" dealerships. I called Nissan in smithtown, NY and made an appointment for 7/20/06 who lost my appt. I made this appointment a month and half before this. She put the service manager on the phone who told me he cant make an appointment for me until Nov! I told him I would call corp and he said go ahead. Another complaint to corp, nothing done. Received another recall notice that the coils in the head rest can go on fire! not only is the car terrible, but the dealerships are no better. All this money customers spend on this car and the service workers and managers at both habberstad and smithtown are rude & obnoxious. Corp told me to try another dealership! I told her I will not drive all over long island to find a dealership who will actually help their customers, and that the amount of money I paid for this car, no one should be treated this way. Nissan should be investigated.

See all problems of the 2004 Nissan Maxima 🔎.

: the contact stated the alternator caught on fire. There is an NHTSA recall, # 02v171000 regarding the electrical system: alternator/generator/regulator. The vehicle has the same problems as indicated in the recall; however it is not included in the recall due to the VIN.

On Thursday, March 16, 2006 at approximately 10:15am I went out to my driveway and started my 1998 Nissan Maxima. Upon starting there was a terrible grinding noise. I turned the car off and restated it at which time the car began smoking. I drove the car directly to my independent service station (approximately 1/4 mile ) for them to check the vehicle. Upon opening the hood, we observed fire, which was extinguished. Further observation confirmed that the alternator had caught fire and the service station made the repairs. The old parts are available for inspection. As there is a recall on some 1998 Nissan Maxima's for this problem I can't understand why this matter is being taken so lightly. The next time this occurs, the results could be tragic.

The contact stated while pulling out of the driveway the alternator caught on fire, and the fire was immediately extinguished. The vehicle has not been taken to dealership yet for inspection. The alternator was replaced prior to this incident under NHTSA recall 02v171000 . The manufacturer has agreed to fix the vehicle under the recall. The repairs have not made.

1997 Maxima se. I pulled into my garage and could smell something burning. I lifted the hood of the car and saw smoke coming from the alternator. It drained the battery. As I replaced the battery, the alternator caught fire.

There is a recall for the alternator, however, Nissan stated this vehicle was not included in the recall due to VIN. The consumer started the vehicle and could hear a sound and viewed smoke coming from under the hood. The consumer opened the hood and saw fire in middle of the alternator. This happened on August 15, 2005. The vehicle was repaired. The consumer kept the bad alternator. Recall campaign# 02v171000. The consumer requested reimbursement for the replacement of the alternator. There was also a vibration in the steering wheel while driving on the highway.

Recall-Nissan Maxima alternator ,1998 . Open recall,does not need to be original owner. Before I was informed of recall alternator stopped working (on highway going 55 lucky to be alive)! after repairs were made,car came out of repair shop with air bag light blinking. Took car to Nissan. After paying $100. 00,they informed me side air bags were faulty and they're not sure if front air bags will work properly. After I was informed of recall I brought car back to Nissan,they replaced new alternator with another new alternator and paid me for the first alternator. My claim is that the faulty alternator under a recall notice caused my air bags to stop working. Nissan has informed me it's possible we will look into it. Have not heard anything from Nissan. They did inform me it would cost $1,200. 00 to fix. So now my son is driving the car without knowing one way or the other if the air bags will work. Nissans not sure if fronts will work! Nissan needs to replace air bags at there cost. There product caused the problem.

My battery/brake lights went on my 2003 Nissan murano and the engine died while I was on the highway. I lost my brakes and steering and almost caused a big accident on the highway with speeding cars behind me going 55-65 mph. I was able to start the car again but it died at the entrance of a one lane road leading to the fdr drive in new york city. Worse is that there a big construction under the 59th st. Bridge and I was stuck right in the middle of this construction and caused a major, major traffic from york avenue till fdr. I had to be pushed out of fdr (awds cannot be towed) and had to pay the tow truck. After that I had to call a flatbed to bring my car to the dealer. This should have been recalled long time ago so people do not go thru what I went thru. Do you have to wait till people die on the highway? the alternator and battery was replaced by dealer since it was under warranty. I was charged for the new battery! and of course, I had to pay for the towing.

See all problems of the 2003 Nissan Maxima 🔎.

My wife backed the car out of the garage and noticed a burning smell. She turned off the engine and got me. When I opened the hood there was smoke and a burning smell. The alternator had started to burn as well as the wiring harness. This issue was covered by NHTSA campaign id 02v171000, but Nissan says my VIN was not among those affected and my car is not covered by the recall.

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.

Problems with electrical components (airbag light)/O2 sensors/alternator/startups.

10,522k miles,- I broke down due to failure of alternator and battery. Dealership replaced both. 15,358k miles,- I complained about a loud rattling noise, like a flat tire rattling grinding noise and car feeling shaky. = dealership found no problem. Continuing driving my car thinking everything is ok. I bought it brand new so I shouldn't really worry. I was wrong for thinking that. 27,500 mi. -I broke down again got towed to the dealership,where they replaced another alternator. 27,732-I brought it back to dealership, because I just thought the noise my car still made didn't seem right. = dealership resecured heatshield 3. 26'099 mi. -r/f headlight bulb burnt out. Dealer fixed that one. 28'071 mi. -left side front headlight burnt out. Dealer replaced . 29,276 mi. - I paid $300. 00 for my major service that was due for my car, also thinking maybe my car wouldn't be as noisy as it is. Maybe the dealership might find the problem. 31'431 mi. - I still hear the grinding noise,the cover under engine was loose, my air conditioner was not cold enough, and the center console was loose. =this time the dealership said it was the heat shield for the grinding noise, they fixed the loose cover under engine,fixed center console, and replaced low pressure hose in the a/c. 31'813 mi. - car still making the grinding noise, I hear knocking noises from the back of the car when I reverse, and the a/t light stays on longer than normal,then turnes off. = dealer replaced front exaust pipe, said the knocking noise I hear in the back of the car, is from the aftermarket air cleaner. (that is in the front of car). When I picked up my car from the dealership, I felt like this time my car was going to be fixed. I got in my headed for home. I heard the same noise I have been complaining about since 15,358 mi. I turned around brought right back in to service. =they replaced the rear manifold and cat converter. I picked up my car but I still hear the noise my car makes and it is louder when turning.

Recall 02v171000 concerning alternator. Consumer was in the parking lot and noticed a burning smell, then saw smoke coming out from under the hood. Consumer lifted up the hood and flames came out from the alternator. Consumer had the vehicle towed to the dealer. Consumer contacted the manufacturer, and was told that they had records indicating that the alternator was replaced. Consumer was told that the recall was warranted for 1 year. It was past a year, and there was nothing they could do.

Consumer received recall 02v171000 concerning alternator. Vehicle was taken to the dealer, and mechanic replaced the alternator. While driving 55 mph consumer noticed smoke coming from the front of the vehicle. Consumer was able to maintain control of the vehicle, and pulled over. Vehicle was towed to the dealer for inspection, and mechanic determined that the aternator needed to be replaced.