1987 Nissan Maxima problems
The Nissan Maxima is a car manufactured and marketed by Nissan and offered as Nissan's flagship sedan primarily in North America, the Middle East, South Korea, and China—and currently in its eighth generation. Having debuted for model year 1982 as the Datsun Maxima, it replaced the earlier Datsun 810. The name Maxima dates to the 1981 model year when Datsun marketed the upscale 810 as the 810 Maxima in North America. Like the 810, early versions of the Maxima had their origins in the Datsun/Nissan Bluebird. It is renamed to Nissan Maxima when the Datsun brand was phased out for the 1985 model year.
The Maxima was marketed as an upscale alternative to the Altima and prior to 1993, the Stanza, distinguished by features such as a premium interior and V6 engine. Most Maximas were built in Oppama, Japan, until North American assembly began in Smyrna, Tennessee for the 2004 model year.
For the US and Canada, Nissan ended production of the Maxima in July 2023.
Outside North America, the Maxima nameplate has also been applied to variants or trim levels of several other models.
Social links
Common 1987 Nissan Maxima problems
The Nissan Maxima, particularly the 1987 model, has been known to have several common problems based on complaints from its owners.
Another common problem with the 1987 Nissan Maxima is electrical issues. For instance, some owners have reported experiencing problems with the alternator, which may not charge the battery properly when the car is running. This issue may not be noticeable until the car is left unused for a while, and the battery drains completely. One possible solution to this problem is to replace the alternator, which can cost around $150 for a new Bosch Alternator with a 69 MM pulley and another $20 for the installation.
The 1987 Nissan Maxima has also been reported to have problems with the power steering pump. The pump may leak fluid, which can cause noisy and unstable steering. In extreme cases, the leaking fluid may drip on the lower control arm bushing, causing deterioration and failure, which can affect overall vehicle control. This issue is common in the 1995-2001 Nissan Maxima models and can cost around $400 to $1000 to fix.
Additionally, some 1987 Nissan Maxima owners have reported ignition coil failure, which can cause the check engine light to turn on. This issue is common in older Maxima models, such as the 1995-2002, 2004, 2007, and 2009 models. The faulty coil can cause sparks that send feedback through the wiring harness, damaging other coils. This issue can cost around $500 to $660 to fix, depending on labor and component pricing.
In summary, the 1987 Nissan Maxima has several common problems, including transmission issues, electrical problems, power steering pump leaks, and ignition coil failure. These problems can be costly to fix and may affect the car's overall performance and safety. Therefore, it is essential to address these issues promptly to prevent further damage and ensure the car's reliability and longevity.
What is the main problem with Nissan Maxima?
RepairPal gave the Nissan Maxima a 4.0 out of 5.0 reliability rating, ranking it 9th out of 32 car brands in the same category. The Nissan Maxima suffers from a few common problems, including a leaking and low-pressure air conditioning hose, transmission malfunction and failure, and a faulty front-seat wire harness.
Are old Nissan Maximas good cars?
According to CarComplaints, Nissan Maxima 2004-2008 are the years to avoid. Any year before 2004, although it might not have the best reliability due to being an older model, will serve you well.
What engine is in a 1987 Nissan Maxima?
3.0L 6 -cyl
1987 Nissan/Datsun MAXIMA (3.0L 6 -cyl Engine Code [H] VG30E R) Motor Oil, Filters and Lubricants - AMSOIL.
Is A Nissan Maxima a good car?
The Maxima has a plush interior and a number of high-tech safety and connectivity features, and it uses a fairly straightforward infotainment system. A low roofline inhibits access and visibility. Controls are simple to use, and the front seats are very comfortable and supportive.
1987 Nissan Maxima car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Nissan Maxima problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Fuel system problems
- Gasoline problems
- Engine and engine cooling problems
- Electrical system problems
- Seat belts problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1987 Nissan Maxima vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Latest 25 complaints 1987 Nissan Maxima
The NHTSA has received 188 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1987 Nissan Maxima. Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for 1987 Nissan Maxima vehicles.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2012-11-01
- Fire: 1
- VIN: JN1HU11P8HT
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: 1987 NISSAN MAXIMA. THE CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARD TO VEHICLE FIRE UNDER THE HOOD. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED WHILE DRIVING, ONE OF THE PASSENGERS STARTED TO SMELL BURNING WIRE. SOON AFTER HIS WIFE NOTICED SMOKE COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD. THE CONSUMER MANAGED TO GET TO A SAFE SPOT AND WAS ABLE TO PUT THE FIRE OUT. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A REPAIR SHOP WHERE THE HE WAS INFORMED THE INJECTORS DID NOT WANT TO SHUT DOWN. THE CONSUMER WAS ALSO INFORMED A RECALL HAD BEEN ISSUED FOR AN INJECTOR PROBLEM AND THE RECALL HAD NEVER BEEN PERFORMED.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2007-11-06
- VIN: JN1HU11P6HT
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: FUEL INJECTOR FAILURE. *TR
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1998-03-31
- VIN: JN1HU15P1HX
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: AUTOMATIC SEAT BELT RETRACTOR CABLE POPPED OUT AND IT WOULD'NT MOVE. NOW IT ONLY WORKS MANUALLY. *JB
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2004-04-30
- Fire: 1
- VIN: JN1HU11S6HT
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: VEHICLE WAS BEING OPERATED AND THEN WAS PARKED DUE TO FUEL LEAKING. ENGINE CAUGHT ON FIRE, AND VEHICLE WAS COMPLETELY DESTROYED. FIRE DEPARTMENT DETERMINED FUEL LEAK DUE TO FAULTY FUEL LINE AND FUEL INJECTION.*AK
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2003-06-07
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: DRIVER;S SIDE AUTOMATIC SEAT BELT MALFUNCTION; STOPPED HALF WAY. NOW IT DOES NOT WORK AT ALL. *NLM
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2003-09-15
- VIN: JN1HU11P6HT
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: RE: 1987 NISSAN MAXIM I OWN 3 OF THESE VEHICLES. IN 2 OF THEM, THE PRESSURIZED FUEL LINE COMING OUT OF THE GAS TANK HAS FAILED, ALLOWING STRONG FUEL VAPORS TO ENTER THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT. THIS LINE IS DIRECTLY UNDER THE REAR PASSENGER SEAT AND RAW FUEL ALSO IS ABLE TO FLOW UNDER THE SEAT. *LA
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: JN1HU11S4HT
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: FUEL INLECTORS LEAKING, THE CONSUMER STATES THAT THERE IS AN INJECTOR RECALL. (RECALL NOT LIFETIME WARRANTY)-DEALER MADE THE REPAIRS *SCC
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: SEAT BELT ON DRIVER'S SIDE IS INOPERABLE. DOESNOT MOVE WHEN OPENING DOOR. PLEASE ADD VIN. *AK
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2001-07-10
- VIN: JN1HU11P6HT
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: CONSUMER IS CALLING TO REPORT THAT ACCELERATOR PEDAL STICKS. DEALER HAS YET TO BE CONTACTED. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER DETAILS.*AK
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2001-02-12
- Fire: 1
- VIN: JN1HU11P5HT
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: RECALL 95I00600, 15 MINUTES AFTER STARTING VEHICLE CONSUMER COULD SEE FLAMES COMING FROM ENGINE NEAR FUEL INJECTORS. CONSUMER WAS 2ND OWNER OF VEHICLE, AND MANUFACTURER SENT A LETTER SHOWING THAT IT WAS DONE. PROBLEM HAS REOCCURRED, AND CONSUMER WAS LOOKING FORWARD TO MANUFACTURER TO AT LEAST SENT SOMEONE OR GIVE DEALER AUTHORIZATION TO INSPECT VEHICLE. *AK
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1999-11-15
- Fire: 1
- VIN: JN1HU11S1HT
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: WE HAD LIABILITY COVERAGE ONLY. NISSAN UNWILLING TO SETTLE FOR VALUE OF CAR.
TIRES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: DUNLOP QUALIFIER, ALL SEASON, STEEL RADIAL TIRES, P195/60R15, FAILED EARLY DUE TO BUBBLES FORMING IN THE TIRE WALLS. *SLC
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1999-06-01
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: SEAT BELT ON THE DRIVER SIDE HAS OIL ON IT. CONSUMER SAID THAT OIL WAS COMING FROM THE SEAT BELTS AND ARE RUINING HER CLOTHES. CONSUMER TOOK VEHICLE TO THE DEALERSHIP, AND THE MECHANIC HAS NO IDEA FROM WERE THE OIL WAS LEAKING. *AK
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-01-27
- Fire: 1
- VIN: JN1HU11S4FT
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: HAD COME UPON A STOP LIGHT, STARTED TO TAKE OFF & SMELLED FUEL. NOTICED SMOKE COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD. PULLED OVER & LIFTED HOOD. NOTICED FLAMES & PUT OUT FIRE. VEHICLE TOWED TO DEALERSHIP. MECHANIC CHECKED VIN & NOTICED A RECALL AFFECTING THIS VEHICLE. HOWEVER, MANUFACTURER REFUSED RECALL REPAIRS DUE TO LACK OF MAINTENANCE RECORDS. *AK *ML
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1999-02-13
- VIN: JN1HU11PXHT
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: I KEPT SMELLING GAS THEN I KNEW THE INJECTORS HAD BEEN REPLACED BECAUSE I HAD A STARTER REPLACED AND TOM PEACOCK NISSAN RAN A CHECK TO INSURE THE RECALL HAD BEEN PERFORMED IT WAS ALREADY DONE SO I WAS CONVINCED THE PROBLEM WAS RESOLVED, SO ABOUT A YEAR LATER I'M SMELLING GAS ME AND MY FATHER LOOKED UNDER THE HOOD AND SAW THAT FUEL WAS LEAKING FROM AN INJECTOR SO I CALLED TOM PEACOCK NISSAN.CONSIDERING THEY SUPPOSEDLY FIXED THE PROBLEM CONCERNING INJECTORS FAILING RESULTING IN FIRES THEY SAID IT HAD ALREADY BEEN REPLACED AND THEIR BEST ADVICE WAS TO PAY $915 FOR ALL NEW REPLACEMENT INJECTORS,SO MY REACTION WAS WHY WOULD I REPLACE ALL OF THEM IF ONLY ONE OF THEM IS LEAKING,SO I THOUGHT ABOUT IT AND SAID I WILL JUST BUY ONE CONSIDERING THE OTHERS ARE STILL FUNCTIONING SO I CALLED TOM PEACOCK NISSAN AND ORDERED ONE INJECTOR IT COST ME $115.00 SO I THAT'S FINE I'LL ORDER IT AND LET THEM PUT THE INJECTOR IN WHEN THE INJECTOR CAME IN I WAITED A WEEK FOR MY NEXT PAY CHECK TO PAY FOR THE REPAIRS,THAT TIME CAME AND I CALLED TOM PEACOCK TO SET UP A TIME TO BRING IN THE CAR, I NOTIFIED THEM THAT I HAD ALREADY BOUGHT THE INJECTOR I JUST NEEDED IT INSTALLED THEY SAID THEY DON'T WORK ON CARS 10 YEARS OR OLDER AND REFERRED ME TO A GORDON AUTOMOTIVE, WHICH SURPRISED ME CONSIDERING THEY MADE THE CAR AND GUY I SPOKE WITH PREVIOUSLY SAID JUST BRING THE CAR BUY WE WILL REPLACE THE INJECTORS ALL OF THEM FOR $915 I AM JUST VERY UPSET WITH NISSAN WHY MAKE CAR THAT CAN YOU CAN'T REPAIR,IF THEY HAD A RECALL ON THE SAME PROBLEM,WHY SHOULD I HAVE TO PAY ANYTHING REGARDING SOMETHING THEY WERE FORCED INTO A RECALL IN 1996,ALL I SEE IS THE SAME PROBLEM OCCURING AGAIN AND AGAIN I'M SURE I'M NOT THE ONLY ONE WITH THIS PROBLEM.I HOPE YOU CAN HELP ME WITH THIS PROBLEM BECAUSE IT IS NOT BEING RESOLVED IT'S BEING AVOIDED. *AK
UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1998-03-30
- VIN: JNLHULLS5HT
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOVE VEHICLE. *AK
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1999-08-30
- VIN: JN1HU11P9HT
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: CONTINUALLY SQUEAKS AT ANY SPEED, EVEN WITH NEW BRAKES. *AK
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Fire: 1
- VIN: JN1HU1111HT
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: RECEIVED NOTICE 95I006000. CONTACTED DEALERSHIP. TOOK VEHICLE FOR FUEL INJECTION SYSTEMS RECALL REPAIRS. MECHANIC REPLACED OLD CLIPS WITH SAME TYPE OF FUEL INJECTOR CLIPS. VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE DUE TO CLAMPS PIECED TOGETHER WRONGLY. RETURNED HOSE PIECED TOGETHER WITH METAL TUBE. *AK
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1999-01-10
- Fire: 1
- VIN: JN1HU11PXHT
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: I WAS GIVEN A RECALL NOTICE AT THE TIME OF PURCHASE 6-10-99. I TOOK THE CAR TO DON DAVIS NISSAN TWO TIMES. BOTH TIMES THEY TOLD ME THEY DIDN'T HAVE THE PARTS IN STOCK TO REPAIR THE DEFECT. THEY TOLD ME TO RETURN LATER. I CALLED THEM TWO MORE TIMES AND BOTH TIMES THEY TOLD ME THEY WERE " TOO BUSY " AND THE SHOP WAS "TOO FULL" AT THE TIME I CALLED. ABOUT SIX MONTHS FROM THE TIME OF PURCHASE THE RUBBER FUEL LINES ON THE FUEL INJECTOR HOSES CAUGHT FIRE AND BURNED THE INJECTORS, INJECTOR WIRES, AND OTHER WIRES ON TOP OF THE ENGINE. I HAD THE CAR TOWED TO DON DAVIS NISSAN. THEY CHARGED ME $60 FOR A DAMMAGE ESTIMATE WHICH THEY SENT TO NISSAN CORP. , ALONG WITH PHOTOS OF THE DAMAGE. THREE MONTHS LATER, 3-24-99 NISSAN CORP. NOTIFIED DON DAVIS NISSAN THAT THEY WOULD NOT PAY FOR THE DAMAGE, BECAUSE I DIDN'T HAVE ENOUGH MAINTAINANCE RECORDS OF OIL CHANGES AND TUNE-UPS. I HAD THE CAR TOWED TO MY FATHER'S HOUSE WHERE IT REMAINS. I HAVE CALLED NISSAN AND ARGUED WITH THEM. THE MOST RECENT TIME 7-23-99 CASE OR CALL # 2865398. I TOLD THEM DURING THIS LAST CALL I WAS GOING TO FILE THIS COMPLAINT WITH THE NHTSA. THEY TOLD ME TO GO AHEAD AND FILE THAT YOU COULDN'T DO ANYTHING ABOUT MY PROBLEM ANYWAY BECAUSE THE RECALL WAS VOLUNTARY ON NISSAN'S PART. CAN YOU PLEASE HELP ME? MY CAR BURNED AND HASN'T RUN FOR MONTHS BECAUSE OF THIS MANUFACTURER'S DEFECT. SARAH ASH
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-05-12
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING AT 40 MPH TIMING BELT BLEW OUT FOR THE FOURTH TIME, AND DEALER CAN'T DETERMINE THE CAUSE. *AK
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: JN1HU15P5HX
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: HAVE OCAISIONALLY FOUND PARKING LIGHTS ON FIRST THING IN THE MORNING. SOMETIMES BATTERY IS DEAD. CAN TURN OFF BY ROTATING SW HARD TO "OFF". ONLY HAPPENS IN SPRING (?) 2 YRS. RUNNING NOW. RUBBER BAND HOLDING SW IN "OFF" WORKS MOST DAYS.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1999-05-03
- Fire: 1
- VIN: JN1HV1112HT
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: FUEL INJECTOR FAILED PRIOR TO RECALL NOTICE 12-95, RECALL WORK PREFORMED ON 7-31-97, HOWEVER FAILED RESULTING IN VEHICLE FIRE DUE TO LEAKAGE ONTO EXHAUST PIPE. *YC
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1999-05-01
- VIN: JN1HV1112HT
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: VEHICLE EXPERIENCED ROUGH IDLE, DUE TO ENGINE FAILURE. *YC
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1998-07-01
- VIN: JN1HU11SXHX
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: TERRIBLE SMELL OF GAS AND NOW CAR RUNS VERY ROUGH WHEN ACCELERATING. MECHANIC SAID FUEL INJECTORS ARE BAD. *AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1993-04-17
- Number Of Deaths: 1
- VIN: JN1HU11P4HT
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: I HAVE REPLACE NUMEROUS PARTS IN SHORTS PERIODS OF TIME
1987 Nissan Maxima recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 1 recalls for different components of the 1987 Nissan Maxima.
- Manufacturer: NISSAN NORTH AMERICA, INC.
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM
- Summary: THIS IS NOT A SAFETY RECALL CAMPAIGN IN ACCORDANCE WITH FEDERAL REGULATION 573. HOWEVER, IT IS DEEMED A SAFETY IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN BY THE AGENCY. THE CAMPAIGN WILL REPLACE THE FUEL INJECTORS AND RELATED HOSES OF AFFECTED VEHICLES WHICH COULD LEAK.
- Consequence: FUEL LEAKS IN THE ENGINE COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.
- Remedy: NISSAN DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FUEL INJECTORS AND RELATED HOSES ON THE AFFECTED VEHICLES.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1987 Nissan Maxima problems:
transmission flush or drain and fill? (1987 nissan maxima) : r ...
Jul 7, 2023 ... Hi I recently got a 1987 Nissan Maxima (160k mileage) from a previous owner who didn't really maintain her. she has problems with shifting ...
1987 Nissan Maxima Reviews - Carsurvey.org
Rack and pinion went out at 97000; 700 dollars to replace. Passenger vents don't blow. Power antenna does not work. Sun roof leaks. General Comments:.
New 1987 Nissan Maxima SE 5 speed - Maxima Forums
Aug 28, 2013 ... There is a bad engine mount. Possibly clogged up injectors. A couple of rust spots on the rear spoiler and trunk lid. General dry-rotting and ...
Q&A: 1987 Maxima Shifting Problems & Transmission Issues
Mar 10, 2009 ... The car has 120,000 miles.The transmission fluid level is fine.The problem seems to be gettin more frequent.One night we were on interstate and ...
How long do these D21s last? - Nissan Forum | Nissan Forums
Sep 20, 2009 ... Are there any common problems to watch for? As a plus, its KH3 super black, so it matches the 240. Oh, almost forgot, the truck is a '96 ...
Other years of Nissan Maxima
Are you having problems with your 1987 Nissan Maxima?
Leave your review of 1987 Nissan Maxima