1990-1994 Nissan Maxima: Reliability
Updated: 11/23/08
Reviews & Ratings
Pricing
Explore
Specifications & Safety
Related to Nissan Maxima
Related Reviews
View Another Vehicle
Our reliability study for this generation Nissan Maxima includes details on average repair costs, manufacturer recalls, and everything you need to know to gauge the long-term reliability of this generation Nissan Maxima .
Trouble Spots
Consumer Guide's® Auto Editors have scoured repair bulletins and questioned mechanics to search
for commonly occurring problems for a particular vehicle. In some cases we also give possible manufacturer-suggested
solutions. In many instances these trouble spots are Technical Service Bulletins posted by the manufacturer,
however, we have our own expert looking at additional vehicle problems.
Airbags:
A voluntary recall was issued to replace an airbag sensor to reduce the possibility of the bag deploying when it is not needed. (1992-93)
Automatic transmission:
Burnt transmission fluid and no reverse gear may signal a defective rear-control valve and low/reverse brake. (1993-94)
Automatic transmission:
If the transmission does not shift properly until warmed up, make sure it is filled only with Nissanmatic "C" transmission fluid. (all)
Clutch:
The clutch plate, pressure plate, and release fork must be replaced if there is clutch judder. (1990-92)
Coolant leak:
Coolant may leak from the front of the cylinder head, which may appear to be a head gasket, but comes from a threaded plug in the front of the head. (1990-94)
Engine noise:
Noise from the top of the engine can be traced to a problem with the spring assembly in the variable-valve timing control (VTC). (1992-94)
Heater core:
Poor heater performance is likely after the coolant is changed due to air trapped in the heater core. (1990)
Manual transmission:
If the manual transmission slips, the clutch disc will be replaced with a revised one. (1994)
Rough idle:
Idle fluctuation may result from the use of the wrong air filter, or if the original air-filter housing was not replaced with a revised unit for a funnel-shaped filter. (1990)
Consumer Guide® Estimated Repair Costs
This table lists costs of likely repairs for comparison with other vehicles. The
dollar amount includes the cost of the part(s) and labor (based on $50 per hour) for the
typical repair without extras or add-ons. Like the pricing information, replacement
costs can vary widely depending on region. Expect charges at a new-car dealership
to be slightly higher.
| Item Name | Repair Cost |
| A/C Compressor | $655 |
| Alternator | $240 |
| Automatic Transmission or Transaxle | $935 |
| Brakes | $190 |
| Clutch, Pressure Plate, Bearing | $545 |
| Constant Velocity Joints | $475 |
| Exhaust System | $315 |
| Radiator | $500 |
| Shocks and/or Struts | $1,385 |
| Timing Chain or Belt | $370 |
Advertisement
Car Buying Resources
Search
Local Listings
Vehicle
History Report
FREE CARFAX Record Check
Looking at a used car, check for costly hidden problems before
you buy.
