2003 Nissan Maxima engine problems
97 complaints about engine have been filed for the 2003 Nissan Maxima, which is 39% of all its NHTSA complaints. It is the most reported problem area for this model year.
At a glance
- Complaints
- 97 39% of this year's complaints
- Typical mileage
- 101,000 miles 83 complaints with mileage
- Crashes and fires
- 1 and 1
- Injuries and deaths
- 0 and 0
Source: NHTSA owner complaints
When engine problems show up
View the numbers
| Mileage | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 0k to 20k miles | 3 |
| 20k to 40k miles | 3 |
| 40k to 60k miles | 6 |
| 60k to 80k miles | 13 |
| 80k to 100k miles | 15 |
| 100k to 120k miles | 13 |
| 120k to 140k miles | 10 |
| 140k to 160k miles | 6 |
| 160k to 180k miles | 6 |
| 180k to 200k miles | 3 |
| 200k+ miles | 5 |
What the data shows
Of the 83 engine complaints that report mileage, the median is about 101,000 miles, and 14% were reported before 60,000 miles.
These complaints mention 1 crash, 1 fire.
What owners wrote
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 nissan maxima. The contact stated that while driving approximately 45 MPH, a burning odor emitted inside of the vehicle with the illumination of the engine warning indicator. The transmission then failed to operate. The vehicle was maneuvered to the side of the road. After waiting fifteen minutes, the vehicle restarted normally and the problem recurred. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for diagnosis and they were unable to locate a problem.
On my 2003 maxima se, the "service engine :light" comes on and the moving vehicle stalls. My wife had a close escape from a crash when it happened to her yesterday. It happens when the vehicle has been in operation for a few miles. A scan of the failure code from the engine returned p0340 which implies camshaft position sensor circuit problem.
Other problems reported for the 2003 Nissan Maxima
- Air bags 35 complaints
- Lighting 26 complaints
- Electrical system 17 complaints