2003 Nissan Maxima recalls and problems
The 2003 Nissan Maxima has 3 safety recalls and 206 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Nissan dealer.
Recalls may cover only some 2003 Nissan Maxima vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.
2003 Nissan Maxima recalls
Recall 20V-008: Air Bags
Problem: Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2001-2003 Maxima, 2002-2006 Sentra, 2002-2004 Pathfinder, 2007-2011 Versa Sedan and Versa Hatchback, 2001-2004 Infiniti I30 and I35, 2002-2003 Inifiniti QX4, 2003-2008 Infiniti FX35 and FX45 and 2006-2010 M35 and M45 vehicles. The vehicles are equipped with non-desiccated, frontal passenger air bag inflators containing phase stabilized ammonium nitrate (PSAN) propellant that were used as interim remedy parts for previous Takata recalls. These inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, high temperatures, and high temperature cycling.
Risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Fix: Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflators with alternate desiccated inflators, free of charge. The recall began February 12, 2020. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 888-737-9511 or Infiniti customer service at 888-810-3715.
Recall 15V-287: Air Bags
Problem: Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain model year 2001-2003 Nissan Maxima, 2002-2004 Pathfinder, 2002-2006 Sentra, 2002-2003 Infiniti QX4 and I35, 2003 FX35 and FX45, and 2001 I30 vehicles. Upon deployment of the passenger side frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to rupture.
Risk: In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants potentially resulting in serious injury or death.
Fix: Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began on June 15, 2015. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-647-7261. Note: On December 18, 2015 Nissan informed NHTSA of an amendment of this recall to remove 2004-2005 Infiniti FX35 and FX45 vehicles.
Recall 03V-455: Engine and Engine Cooling
Problem: On certain passenger vehicles, the circuit board for the crank position sensor or cam position sensor may have an improper solder joint due to solder deformation caused by heat stress accelerated by the existence of flux residue during the soldering process.
Risk: This could cause the "service engine soon" warning light to come on, create a no start condition, cause reduced engine power, or cause the engine to stop running without warning during vehicle operation, which could result in a crash.
Fix: Dealers will replace the crank position sensors. Camshaft position sensor(S), and in some cases, the variable timing control sensor(S). Vehicles involved in a previous recall campaign, 01v357, are also included in this new campaign. The replacement sensors used in that campaign are also affected. Owner notification began on december 22, 2003. Owners should contact nissan at 1-800-647-7261 or infiniti at 1-800-662-6200.
2003 Nissan Maxima problems reported by owners
| Problem area | Reports | |
|---|---|---|
| Engine and Engine Cooling | 55 | |
| Engine | 43 | |
| Air Bags | 35 | |
| Exterior Lighting | 26 | |
| Electrical System | 17 | |
| Unknown or Other | 10 | |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 8 | |
| Power Train | 7 | |
| Structure | 6 | |
| Equipment | 6 | |
| Visibility | 4 | |
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic | 4 |
Most reported parts
- Exterior Lighting › Headlights — 22
- Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine — 10
- Air Bags › Frontal — 5
- Engine and Engine Cooling › Exhaust System › Emission Control — 3
- Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip — 3
- Equipment › Electrical › Radio/Tape Deck/Cd Etc. — 3
- Power Train › Automatic Transmission — 3
- Visibility › Power Window Devices and Controls — 2
Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 86,600 miles (median of owner reports).
Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.
Recent 2003 Nissan Maxima complaints
Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.
Other Nissan Maxima years
Frequently asked questions
Does the 2003 Nissan Maxima have any recalls?
Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2003 Nissan Maxima: 20V-008 (air bags), 15V-287 (air bags), 03V-455 (engine and engine cooling). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What is the most common problem with the 2003 Nissan Maxima?
Owners report engine and engine cooling problems most often (55 reports), followed by engine (43). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 86,600 miles.
Are Nissan recall repairs free?
Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Nissan dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.