NHTSA has 165 owner complaints on file for the 1999 Nissan Maxima[1]. The electrical system is the biggest group, with 83 complaints[2].
Most reported problems
Here is how the owner complaints on file split up, biggest group first.
- Electrical System. 83 complaints[2]. In the stories we read, owners describe the car refusing to start because the key system would not accept the right key, so the dealer had to reprogram it. Others describe the car losing power while driving.
- Engine. 40 complaints[4]. Owners describe the car stalling at stops and turns, rough running with warning lights on, and an unpleasant smell inside the cabin that they tie to the exhaust.
- Air Bags. 18 complaints[5]. Owners describe air bags that did not open after a front collision, and warning lights that stayed on or flashed. Five of these complaints mention a crash[5].
- Brakes. 9 complaints[6]. Owners describe squealing and humming, with pads, rotors or calipers replaced and the noise sometimes coming back.
- Other groups. Smaller groups cover unknown or other parts[7], the power train[8], equipment[9] and suspension[10].
Recalls
NHTSA's records show 0 recalls for the 1999 Maxima[11].
Fuel economy
EPA ratings depend on the engine and drive. Annual fuel cost uses EPA's current fuel price assumptions, not prices when the car was new.
Safety ratings
NHTSA lists these versions as not rated: 4 DR None[13].
How 1999 compares with other years
Show the numbers
| Model year | Complaints | Recalls |
|---|---|---|
| 1995 | 152 | 0 |
| 1996 | 96 | 0 |
| 1997 | 102 | 1 |
| 1998 | 113 | 1 |
| 1999 | 165 | 0 |
| 2000 | 360 | 0 |
| 2001 | 172 | 3 |
| 2002 | 205 | 6 |
| 2003 | 206 | 3 |
| 2004 | 1,426 | 2 |
| 2005 | 948 | 2 |
| 2006 | 576 | 2 |
| 2007 | 129 | 1 |
| 2008 | 79 | 0 |
| 2009 | 339 | 1 |
| 2010 | 275 | 1 |
| 2011 | 106 | 0 |
| 2012 | 107 | 0 |
| 2013 | 62 | 0 |
| 2014 | 96 | 0 |
| 2016 | 142 | 8 |
| 2017 | 106 | 4 |
| 2018 | 36 | 2 |
| 2019 | 18 | 1 |
| 2020 | 22 | 1 |
| 2021 | 3 | 0 |
| 2022 | 5 | 0 |
| 2023 | 1 | 0 |
NHTSA's counts for the Maxima show 165 complaints and 0 recalls for 1999[11]. Among the 28 model years listed, 18 have fewer complaints than 1999 and 9 have more[11]. The fewest complaints are for 2023 (1) and the most are for 2004 (1,426)[11]. These counts are not adjusted for sales, so treat them as a rough guide. The chart above shows every year.
Should you buy a used 1999 Maxima?
The 1999 Maxima has 165 complaints on file[1]. The electrical system stands out with 83[2], and the engine follows with 40[4]. Air bag complaints are a smaller group at 18, yet they carry the most crash mentions of any group[5]. These are unverified owner reports and are not adjusted for sales, so use them as a checklist. If you are shopping for one, ask about key and starting problems, and have the air bag light and the brakes checked.
Frequently asked questions
- What are the most common problems with the 1999 Nissan Maxima?
- Electrical System complaints lead with 83[2], followed by the engine with 40[4] and air bags with 18[5].
- Does the 1999 Nissan Maxima have any recalls?
- The recall count for 1999 is 0 in our data[11]. Any recalls that exist are listed in the Recalls section of this page.
- How many complaints are there for the 1999 Nissan Maxima?
- NHTSA has 165 owner complaints on file[1].
- Is the 1999 Nissan Maxima reliable?
- Owner complaints are a partial picture and are not adjusted for sales. The electrical system draws the most complaints[2]. See the sections above for the full breakdown.
- What gas mileage does the 1999 Nissan Maxima get?
- See the fuel economy section on this page.
Keep exploring
Other model years of the Nissan Maxima
Compare all model years of the Nissan Maxima
Similar cars from 1999: midsize cars
Facts and sources
- NHTSA has 165 owner complaints on file for the 1999 Nissan Maxima (7 mention a crash, 5 a fire, 1 injuries, 0 deaths reported). NHTSA vehicle records
- 83 complaints name the electrical system component group (0 crashes, 4 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 71,000). NHTSA vehicle records
- EPA rating for Maxima, 3.0L 6-cyl, Automatic 4-spd, Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 18 city / 26 highway / 21 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,200. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- 40 complaints name the engine component group (2 crashes, 2 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 95,000). NHTSA vehicle records
- 18 complaints name the air bags component group (5 crashes, 0 fires, 1 injuries, median mileage at failure 88,423). NHTSA vehicle records
- 9 complaints name the brakes component group (1 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
- 8 complaints name the unknown or other component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
- 8 complaints name the power train component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
- 7 complaints name the equipment component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 91,000). NHTSA vehicle records
- 6 complaints name the suspension component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
- Owner complaints and recalls for every Nissan Maxima model year (chart above). NHTSA recall database
- EPA rating for Maxima, 3.0L 6-cyl, Manual 5-spd, Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 19 city / 25 highway / 21 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,200. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, 4 DR None: not rated. NHTSA vehicle records