Worst 2003 Nissan Maxima Problems
Top 3 most-reported issues with average mileage at failure.
Engine Problems
Engine & Cooling
Airbags
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All Problems by Category
Every NHTSA complaint category for the 2003 Nissan Maxima.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine Problems | 43 | 1 | 1 | 132,460 mi | |
| Engine & Cooling | 39 | — | — | 91,526 mi | |
| Airbags | 27 | 6 | 1 | 137,216 mi | |
| Exterior Lighting:Headlights | 22 | — | — | 11,897 mi | |
| Electrical Faults | 14 | — | — | 139,310 mi | |
| Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine | 10 | — | — | 100,065 mi | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 6 | 2 | — | 56,242 mi | |
| Air Bags:Frontal | 5 | 4 | — | 47,167 mi | |
| Fuel System | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Electronic Stability Control | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Engine And Engine Cooling:Exhaust System:Emission Control | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Equipment:Electrical:Radio/Tape Deck/Cd Etc. | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Automatic Transmission | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip | 3 | 2 | — | — | |
| Steering Defects | 3 | 1 | — | — | |
| Air Bags:Side/Window | 2 | 2 | — | — | |
| Gasoline Fuel System | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Brakes | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Structural Problems | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Suspension Failures | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Visibility:Power Window Devices And Controls | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Sunroof/Moonroof | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Air Bags:Frontal:Driver Side:Inflator Module | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Back Over Prevention:Warnings:External/Pedestrian Alert | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Electrical System:12v/24v/48v Battery | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Electrical System:Alternator/Generator/Regulator | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Electrical System:Wiring | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Engine And Engine Cooling:Cooling System | 1 | — | — | — |
Search Owner Complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2003 Nissan Maxima. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
Recalls for 2003 Nissan Maxima
2 NHTSA recall campaigns affecting ~1,398,531 vehicles.
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2001-2003 Maxima, 2002-2006 Sentra, 2002-2004 Pathfinder, 2007-2011 Versa Sedan and Versa Hatchback, 2001-2004 Infiniti I30 and I35, 2002-2003 Inifiniti QX4, 2003-2008 Infiniti FX35 and FX45 and 2006-2010 M35 and M45 vehicles. The vehicles are equipped with non-desiccated, frontal passenger air bag inflators containing phase stabilized ammonium nitrate (PSAN) propellant that were used as interim remedy parts for previous Takata recalls. These inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, high temperatures, and high temperature cycling.
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain model year 2001-2003 Nissan Maxima, 2002-2004 Pathfinder, 2002-2006 Sentra, 2002-2003 Infiniti QX4 and I35, 2003 FX35 and FX45, and 2001 I30 vehicles. Upon deployment of the passenger side frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to rupture.
Other Nissan Maxima Years
2003 Nissan Maxima — FAQ
Answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this specific model year.
Is the 2003 Nissan Maxima reliable?
What are common problems with the 2003 Nissan Maxima?
At what mileage do problems start on the 2003 Nissan Maxima?
How safe is the 2003 Nissan Maxima?
Does the 2003 Nissan Maxima have any recalls?
Should I buy a 2003 Nissan Maxima?
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 2003 Nissan Maxima
Real owner complaints tell you about the model. The VIN tells you about your specific car — accidents, title issues, odometer fraud.
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