1986 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
20% of complaints: fuel system, gasoline — 12 distinct reports on file.
FIRE INJURY18% of complaints: fuel system, gasoline — 11 distinct reports on file.
FIREShow complaint excerpts
SUSPECT FUEL INJECTION CAUSED FIRE. DEALER WORKED ON PROBLEM WITH GAS FUMES APX 6 WEEKS PRIOR AND DID NOT CHECK FOR RECALL ON INJECTION SYSTEM. NISSSAN CONTACTED AND DENIES INVESTIGATION.*AK
NHTSA ODI report, 20020823
10% of complaints: fuel system, gasoline — 6 distinct reports on file.
FIREShow complaint excerpts
CAR CAUGHT FIRE UNDER THE HOOD, PRECEEDED BY A GAS SMELL INSIDE VEHICLE. TT
NHTSA ODI report, 19950106
8% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 5 distinct reports on file.
FIRE8% of complaints: electrical system — 5 distinct reports on file.
FIREShow complaint excerpts
ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE. PLEASE EXPLAIN. TT
NHTSA ODI report, 19950306
SAFETY 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
ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRES
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
1986 Nissan Maxima — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for fuel system, gasoline issues (12 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for fuel system, gasoline issues (11 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for fuel system, gasoline 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 1986 Nissan Maxima reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 1986 Nissan Maxima is rated "better than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 1986 Nissan Maxima?
The most-reported component is fuel system, gasoline:fuel injection system:injectors, accounting for 20% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1986 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.