1985 Nissan Maxima
This year had at least 30% fewer complaints than this model's typical year.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1982 | 4 |
| 1983 | 5 |
| 1984 | 30 |
| 1985 | 54 |
| 1986 | 60 |
| 1987 | 176 |
| 1988 | 60 |
| 1989 | 62 |
| 1990 | 106 |
| 1991 | 76 |
| 1992 | 110 |
| 1993 | 78 |
| 1994 | 89 |
| 1995 | 152 |
| 1996 | 96 |
| 1997 | 102 |
| 1998 | 113 |
| 1999 | 165 |
| 2000 | 360 |
| 2001 | 172 |
| 2002 | 205 |
| 2003 | 206 |
| 2004 | 1425 |
| 2005 | 948 |
| 2006 | 576 |
| 2007 | 129 |
| 2008 | 78 |
| 2009 | 339 |
| 2010 | 275 |
| 2011 | 106 |
| 2012 | 107 |
| 2013 | 62 |
| 2014 | 95 |
| 2015 | 1 |
| 2016 | 142 |
| 2017 | 102 |
| 2018 | 36 |
| 2019 | 18 |
| 2020 | 21 |
| 2021 | 3 |
| 2022 | 5 |
| 2023 | 1 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
24% of complaints: fuel system, gasoline — 13 distinct reports on file.
FIREShow complaint excerpts
NISSAN MAXIMA FUEL INJECTORS LEAKED CAUSING LARGE FIRE IN ENGINE AREA. INJECTORS ARE ON RECALL BECAUSE OF DEFECT BUT I WAS NOT INFORMED. NISSAN REFUSES TO PAY FOR ALL DAMAGES CAUSED BY THE FIRE. NISSAN ADMITS INJECTORS ARE DEFECTIVE. *NLM
NHTSA ODI report, 20030628
EA94-018 ACTIVE, ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE, UNDER THE HOOD DEFECT OF THE FUEL INJECTORS. TT
NHTSA ODI report, 19950428
20% of complaints: fuel system, gasoline — 11 distinct reports on file.
FIREShow complaint excerpts
FIRE IN ENGINE COMPARTMENT CAUSED BY DEFECTIVE FUEL INJECTORS. ROYED INJECTORS AND OWER STEERING PUMP, NUMEROUS OIL SEALS, ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS, ETC.
NHTSA ODI report, 20030825
11% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 6 distinct reports on file.
FIRE11% of complaints: electrical system — 6 distinct reports on file.
FIREShow complaint excerpts
UPON PARKING, NOTICED SMOKE COMING FROM RIGHT SIDE OF HOOD, MOMENTS LATER ENGINE COMPARTMENT CAUGHT FIRE, FIRE DEPT. EXTINGUISHED. TT
NHTSA ODI report, 19950414
7% of complaints: fuel system, gasoline — 4 distinct reports on file.
FIRESAFETY TIMELINE
THERE MAY BE INSUFFICIENT THICKNESS OF ADHESIVE IN THE CONTACT AREA BETWEEN THE BOTTOM OF THE FRONT WINDSHIELD GLASS AND THE BODY.
Remedy: ADD MORE ADHESIVE TO BOTTOM OF FRONT WINDSHIELD GLASS.
Campaign 86V096000 — check if this car was fixed
STEERING MALFUNCTION
FUEL INJECTOR ASSEMBLY LEAKAGE
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 RE
Remedy: NISSAN DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FUEL INJECTORS AND RELATED HOSES ON THE AFFECTED VEHICLES.
Campaign 95I006000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
1985 Nissan Maxima — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for fuel system, gasoline issues (13 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for fuel system, gasoline issues (11 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (6 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 86V096000 (visibility) has been completed.
- Verify recall 95I006000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 1985 Nissan Maxima reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 1985 Nissan Maxima is rated "better than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 1985 Nissan Maxima?
The most-reported component is fuel system, gasoline:fuel injection system:injectors, accounting for 24% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1985 Nissan Maxima have?
2 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.