2002 Nissan Maxima: Is It Reliable?
Problems, Recalls & Buyer Verdict
Shopping for a used 2002 Nissan Maxima? This page highlights owner-reported complaint patterns and recall history so you can inspect the right systems before buying. Current data includes 220 complaints, with Engine Problems as the top reported area.
2002 Nissan Maxima Fuel Economy
✓ EPA Official DataEPA-rated fuel economy across 2 2002 Nissan Maxima trim configurations. The median figure is shown; range reflects all available trims.
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov. Figures reflect EPA lab testing; real-world results vary by driving style, load, and conditions. 2 trims analysed.
2002 Nissan Maxima Safety Ratings
NHTSA 5-Star Program2 variants tested — showing 2002 Nissan Maxima 4-DR.Official crash test results from the NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings program. Stars reflect government-conducted tests; higher is safer.
Overall
Not RatedFrontal Crash
Not RatedSide Crash
Not RatedRollover
Not RatedSource: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Ratings are based on government crash tests and may not reflect all trim levels.
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2002 Nissan Maxima has 220 owner complaints, 28 crash-related complaints, and 9 recall campaigns on record. The most frequently reported component is Engine Problems. NHTSA reliability signal: Severe Issues.
- Make
- Nissan
- Model
- Maxima
- Model year
- 2002
- NHTSA owner complaints
- 220
- Crash-related complaints
- 28
- Safety recall campaigns
- 9
- Top reported component
- Engine Problems
- Reliability signal
- Severe Issues
- EPA MPG combined
- 21
- EPA MPG city / highway
- 19 / 26
- Fuel type
- Regular Gasoline
- Electronic stability control
- Optional
Most Common 2002 Nissan Maxima Problems
Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.
Engine Problems
Airbag Malfunctions
Headlight/Taillight Failures
Complaint patterns center on Engine Problems, Airbag Malfunctions, Headlight/Taillight Failures. Use these as a pre-purchase inspection guide, then verify recall and damage history on the specific VIN.
Should You Buy a Used 2002 Nissan Maxima?
The 2002 Nissan Maxima shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase.
Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report.
What to Check Before Buying a Used 2002 Nissan Maxima
Inspection Focus
- Have a mechanic inspect the engine for known issues.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for airbag and electrical system repairs.
- Check headlight and taillight functionality during test drive.
Before You Close the Deal
- Have a mechanic inspect the engine for known issues.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for airbag and electrical system repairs.
- Check headlight and taillight functionality during test drive.
Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.
Before buying a used 2002 Nissan Maxima, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, theft checks, and open recalls for the exact vehicle.
What the Complaint Data Suggests
Editorial interpretation of NHTSA public complaint data. Source: nhtsa.gov. Complaints are owner-submitted and do not confirm a defect. Methodology
Complaints for the 2002 Nissan Maxima are concentrated in engine problems, airbag malfunctions, and lighting failures. A recurring theme appears to be electrical system issues, which may affect multiple components. The data suggests potential concerns with unintended acceleration and brake system reliability.
- Engine Problems account for the highest number of complaints at 54.
- Airbag Malfunctions are the second most reported issue with 31 complaints.
- Headlight/Taillight Failures total 25 complaints, indicating lighting system concerns.
- Engine Problems
- Airbag Malfunctions
- Headlight/Taillight Failures
All 2002 Nissan Maxima Complaints by Category
Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2002 Nissan Maxima. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine Problems | 54 | 1 | — | — | |
| Airbag Malfunctions | 31 | 15 | — | — | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 25 | — | — | — | |
| Electrical Faults | 24 | 1 | — | — | |
| Brake System | 24 | 3 | — | — | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 23 | 5 | — | — | |
| Hydraulic | 21 | 2 | — | — | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 15 | 1 | — | — | |
| Suspension Failures | 13 | 1 | — | — | |
| Steering Defects | 11 | 3 | — | — | |
| Structural Problems | 11 | 1 | — | — | |
| Equipment | 11 | — | — | — | |
| Visibility | 9 | — | — | — | |
| Tire Issues | 8 | 1 | — | — | |
| Seat-Related Issues | 7 | 2 | — | — | |
| Fuel System | 6 | 1 | — | — | |
| Uncategorized Issues | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Wheel Issues | 4 | 2 | — | — | |
| Gasoline | 3 | 1 | — | — | |
| Seat Belt Issues | 3 | 2 | — | — | |
| Electronic Stability Control (Esc) | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Other | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Door Lock Issues | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Air | 1 | — | — | — |
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Complaint counts may exceed total complaints because one report can span multiple categories.
Real Owner Complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2002 Nissan Maxima. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
[XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Driving vehicle on road and the accelerator pedal no longer working vehicle. coasted to the side. Car had to be towed. Vehicle cranking without problem but will not accelerate pedal goes to floor. At consideration of purchase of vehicle, car fax and all details about vehicle wer…
unknown. Vehicle on roadway and it just stop accelerating in the middle of traffic. Research of vehicle before purchase refers to several issues that I would like to verify that those items are not a factor in my use of my vehicle. I have concern about lights, airbag, sens…
the vehicle failed front wheel bearing replacement. I took it to the mechanic because when i was driving there was a very loud noise and didn't feel well. The mechanic told me that I could have had an accident because the tire was about to come off the vehicle.
The contact owned a 2002 Nissan Maxima. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V-008000 (Air Bags) and would like to be removed from the recall distribution list as he is no longer the owner of the vehicle. The local dealer was not contacted. The manufactu…
When I first purchased this car I had immediate problems with the power steering fluid. The check engine light has remained on the entire time. But the car was hemorrhaging fluid, groaning, whining, and my steering was becoming extremely loose. I call the dealer that sold me the …
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN MAXIMA. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 20V008000 (AIR BAGS). THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE GILMAN NISSAN FORT BEND LOCATED AT 26001 SOUTHWEST FWY, ROSENBERG, TX 77471, AND AFTER TWO DAYS IT WAS CONFIRME…
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN MAXIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 60 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE DEALER WAS NOT INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS P…
[XXX] POWER STEERING SYSTEM TIRES FUEL PUMP AIR BAGS BATTERY EVERYTHING HAS BEEN FALLING APART SINCE 2018, IT'S BEEN FIXED AND COUPLE MONTHS LATER, THE SAME PROBLEM COMES UP. EVERY MECHANIC THAT TOUCHES THIS CAR, SAID THE SAME THING TO CHECK UP THE RECALL STATUS. BECAUSE…
CAR STARTS BUT DIES DOWN AFTER A FEW MILES
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN MAXIMA. WHILE DRIVING LOW SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE CONTACT PULLED OVER AND RESTARTED THE VEHICLE. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE FAILURE OCCURRED INTERMITTENTLY. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNO…
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN MAXIMA. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V287000 (AIR BAGS). THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. FRED ANDERSON NISSAN OF RALEIGH (9225 GLENWOOD AVE, RA…
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN MAXIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT START. AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC DIAGNOSED THAT THE CAM SHAFT POSITION SENSOR AND THE VARIABLE TIMING SENSOR FAILED, WHICH WERE BOTH CONNECTED TO THE CIRCUIT BOARD. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO HEA…
OVER HEATING GURGLING IN OVER FLOW, HAD RADIATOR FLUSHED AND TOPPED OFF,STILL OVER HEAT,LOOKING AT MY RECITES IT SAYS I HAVE A LEAKING WATER HOSE BUT NO ONE REPLACED IT, ON 9/27/16.DROVE MY CAR THREW WINTER THEN WENT TO ANOTHER MACHANIC HAD THE THERMOSTAT REPLACED ON 6/30/17 STIL…
I OWN A 2002 NISSAN MAXIMA WITH LOW MILES, APPROXIMATELY 102,000. THE ENGINE TURNS OVER BUT DOES NOT START. THE DEALER STATES THAT THE PROBLEM WITHIN THE ELECTRICAL HARNESS AND BEHAVES AS IF THE ALARM REMAINS ARMED. THE DEALER STATED THAT HE OWNED THE SAME CAR AROUND THAT YEAR AN…
TAKATA RECALL!!! MY PASSENGER AIR BAG SEAT LIGHT IS FLASHING. ALSO I BOUGHT THE TOP CRANKSHAFT POSITION SENSOR AND IT HAD A RECALL, IS MY VEHICLE COVERED? MY CONTROL ARM NEEDS TO BE CHANGED CAN YOU PLEASE ADVISE ME ON THE NEXT DECISION I SHOULD MAKE.. I'M TAKING IT TO GERALD NIS…
ELECTRIC SEAT WILL NOT MOVE FORWARD IT GOES UP AND DOWN RECLINES AND GOES UP. BUT I CANNOT GET IT TO MOVE FORWARD. SINCE I NEVER CHANGE MY DRIVING POSITION AND HAVE NO NEED TO MOVE IT. IT SHOULD STILL WORK. MY CAR IS IN PRIME CONDITION EVERYTHING ON THE CAR IS IN WORKING AND EXC…
AIRBAGS DIDN'T DEPLOY AFTER FRONT END COLLISION. (JUNE 2017) PICTURES AFTER ACCIDENT AVAILABLE.
TAKATA RECALL OUR 17 YR OLD DAUGHTER WAS IN A ACCIDENT ON THE INTERSTATE, HER CAR ROLLED MULTIPLE TIMES....THE AIR BAG NEVER DEPLOYED-HER NECK (C7) WAS FRACTURED. IF THE AIR BAG WOULD HAVE DEPLOYED MAYBE HER NECK WOULDN'T HAVE FRACTURED...UPDATED 10/19/17 *BF UPDATED 7/24/18*JB…
THE CAR EXPERIENCES SIGNIFICANTLY REDUCED ENGINE POWER, U NABLE TO REV ABOVE 2500 WITHOUT IT FEELING LIMITED. THE ENGINE SUDDENLY STOPS RUNNING WITHOUT WARNING DURING VEHICLE OPERATION MAKING IT DIFFICULT TO STEER OR BRAKE TO GET TO A SAFE LOCATION.THIS HAS OCCURRED 3 TIMES THIS…
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2002 Nissan Maxima.
2002 Nissan Maxima Recalls
9 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2002 Nissan Maxima. 9 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Recalls are free to fix at authorized dealers, but completion status must be verified on the exact VIN.
2002 Nissan Maxima Buying FAQ
Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.
Is the 2002 Nissan Maxima reliable?▾
Severe Issues. NHTSA currently shows 220 owner complaints, 28 crash-related complaints, and 9 recall campaigns for this model year. The 2002 Nissan Maxima shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Treat this as a model-year signal, then verify the exact vehicle's condition and history before purchase.
What are the most common problems with the 2002 Nissan Maxima?▾
#1: Engine Problems (54 complaints). #2: Airbag Malfunctions (31 complaints). #3: Headlight/Taillight Failures (25 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2002 Nissan Maxima?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2002 Nissan Maxima?▾
Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2002 Nissan Maxima, NHTSA complaints include 28 crash-related reports and 0 fire reports out of 220 total complaints. 23 injury reports are also on file. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2002 Nissan Maxima have any recalls?▾
Yes. 9 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2002 Nissan Maxima. A major recall area is AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE. 9 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Always verify open recalls by VIN because completion status varies by vehicle.
Should I buy a 2002 Nissan Maxima?▾
The 2002 Nissan Maxima shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report. Pay extra attention to Engine Problems during inspection. Before committing, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, and recall completion for the exact car.
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinSpector AI.
Wider context: See the full Nissan Maxima reliability report with year-by-year comparison.
Owner Reliability Rating
Rate the 2002 Nissan Maxima based on your ownership experience.
Add your rating:
Ratings are based on owner experience and are separate from NHTSA data shown above.
Check the Exact Vehicle History Before You Buy
Model-year complaints and recalls reveal patterns. A VIN report confirms whether the exact car has accident history, title brands, mileage issues, or open recalls.