1990 Nissan Maxima Problems

Below Average Complaints

Real NHTSA owner complaints for the 1990 Nissan Maxima.

19891991
Complaints
138
Crashes
7
Fires
3
Injuries
7
Fatalities
Recalls
0

Worst 1990 Nissan Maxima Problems

Top 3 most-reported issues with average mileage at failure.

#114 complaints

Visibility:Power Window Devices And Controls

Crash-related:1
#213 complaints

Fuel System, Gasoline:Fuel Injection System:Injectors

#39 complaints

Fuel System, Gasoline:Storage:Tank Assembly:Filler Pipe And Cap

Avg mileage:138,500 mi
Crash-related:1
Fires:1
Considering a 1990 Nissan Maxima?

Check the actual VIN — every car is different.

This page shows the model year's reputation. The VIN tells you about this specific car — accidents, title issues, odometer rollbacks. Full report just $4.99 (vs. Carfax $44.99).

Check VIN Free

All Problems by Category

Every NHTSA complaint category for the 1990 Nissan Maxima.

Visibility:Power Window Devices And Controls
14
complaints
Crashes
1
Fires
Avg Miles
Fuel System, Gasoline:Fuel Injection System:Injectors
13
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Fuel System, Gasoline:Storage:Tank Assembly:Filler Pipe And Cap
9
complaints
Crashes
1
Fires
1
Avg Miles
138,500
Fuel System, Gasoline:Fuel Injection System
5
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Fuel System, Gasoline:Storage:Tank Assembly
5
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Exterior Lighting:Brake Lights
4
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Gasoline Fuel System
4
complaints
Crashes
Fires
1
Avg Miles
Transmission / Drivetrain
4
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine
3
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine:Gasoline
3
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Equipment:Electrical:Radio/Tape Deck/Cd Etc.
3
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Exterior Lighting:Brake Lights:Switch
3
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Latches/Locks/Linkages:Doors:Latch
3
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Automatic Transmission
3
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Seat-Related Issues
3
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Unintended Acceleration
3
complaints
Crashes
2
Fires
Avg Miles
Visibility:Windshield
3
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Engine And Engine Cooling:Exhaust System:Manifold/Header/Muffler/Tail Pipe
2
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Seat Belt Issues
2
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Seat Belts:Front:Anchorage
2
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Seats:Front Assembly:Recliner
2
complaints
Crashes
1
Fires
Avg Miles
Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Foundation Components
2
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Body Structure
2
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Side/Rear Glass
2
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Air Bags:Frontal
1
complaints
Crashes
1
Fires
Avg Miles
Electrical System:Alternator/Generator/Regulator
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Electrical System:Horn
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Electrical System:Ignition
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Electrical System:Ignition:Module
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles

Search Owner Complaints

Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 1990 Nissan Maxima. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.

Other Nissan Maxima Years

1990 Nissan Maxima — FAQ

Answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this specific model year.

Is the 1990 Nissan Maxima reliable?
Verdict: Below Average Complaints. The 1990 Nissan Maxima has 138 NHTSA complaints, 7 crash-related, and 0 recall campaigns. The most common issue is Visibility:Power Window Devices And Controls with 14 complaints. Source: NHTSA via VinItel.
What are common problems with the 1990 Nissan Maxima?
Top reported problems: Visibility:Power Window Devices And Controls (14 complaints); Fuel System, Gasoline:Fuel Injection System:Injectors (13 complaints); Fuel System, Gasoline:Storage:Tank Assembly:Filler Pipe And Cap (9 complaints, avg 138,500 mi). Every complaint is filed by an owner with NHTSA — this is raw reported data, not editorial opinion.
At what mileage do problems start on the 1990 Nissan Maxima?
The weighted average mileage at time of complaint is about 138,500 miles. Some components fail earlier, some later — check the "All Problems by Category" table above for per-issue averages.
How safe is the 1990 Nissan Maxima?
NHTSA complaints for the 1990 Nissan Maxima include 7 crash-related reports, 3 fire reports, 7 injuries, and 0 fatalities. These are owner-reported incidents, not official crash-test ratings — a complaint being filed doesn't confirm a defect, but clusters around specific components are worth investigating.
Does the 1990 Nissan Maxima have any recalls?
No NHTSA recall campaigns have been issued for the 1990 Nissan Maxima as of the latest data sync. Verify by VIN for the most current status — new recalls can be issued years after a model year ships.
Should I buy a 1990 Nissan Maxima?
Fewer complaints than typical for this model. That's a good sign, but every individual car is different — the VIN still tells you what happened to this specific one.

Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinItel.

Wider context: See the full Nissan Maxima reliability report with year-by-year comparison and generation analysis.

Check Your Specific 1990 Nissan Maxima

Real owner complaints tell you about the model. The VIN tells you about your specific car — accidents, title issues, odometer fraud.

Check Any VIN — $4.99