1988 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 | 63 |
| 1987 | 178 |
| 1988 | 60 |
| 1989 | 64 |
| 1990 | 106 |
| 1991 | 77 |
| 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 | 96 |
| 2015 | 1 |
| 2016 | 142 |
| 2017 | 103 |
| 2018 | 36 |
| 2019 | 18 |
| 2020 | 21 |
| 2021 | 3 |
| 2022 | 5 |
| 2023 | 1 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.
48% of complaints: fuel system, gasoline — 29 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing fuel injection system and injectors.
FIRE INJURYShow complaint excerpts
ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE, WHILE DRIVING SMELL GAS FUMES , SMOKE COMING OUT OF ENGINE. TT
NHTSA ODI report, 19950207
20% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 12 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing gasoline and manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe.
FIRE13% of complaints: seat belts — 8 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing buckle assembly and webbing.
CRASH INJURY10% of complaints: electrical system — 6 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing front underhood and interior/under dash.
FIREShow complaint excerpts
ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE UNDER THE HOOD WHILE CAR WAS PARKED, WILL PROVIDE MORE INFORMATION. TT
NHTSA ODI report, 19950511
VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. TT
NHTSA ODI report, 19950113
5% of complaints: steering — 3 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing steering wheel/handle bar and anti-theft device.
Show complaint excerpts
CONSUMER STATED VEHICLE'S STABLIZER WHEEL BROKE INTO CAUSING VEHICLE TO LOSE CONTROL. PLEASE PROVIDE ADDITIONAL INFORMATION. TS
NHTSA ODI report, 20030114
SAFETY TIMELINE
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
1988 Nissan Maxima — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for fuel system, gasoline issues (29 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (12 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for seat belts issues (8 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 95I006000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 1988 Nissan Maxima reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 1988 Nissan Maxima is rated "better than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 1988 Nissan Maxima?
The most-reported component is fuel system, gasoline, accounting for 48% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1988 Nissan Maxima have?
1 recall on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-09-16 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.