CarRecallDB

2003 Nissan Maxima recalls and problems

3 recalls and 206 owner complaints on file with NHTSA for the 2003 Nissan Maxima.

3
recalls
206
owner complaints
13
complaints mentioning a crash
2
mentioning a fire

Recalls apply to specific production ranges. To see whether a particular car still has an open recall, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Repairs for safety recalls are free at authorised dealers.

2003 Nissan Maxima recalls

Air bags: frontal, passenger side, inflator module

NHTSA campaign 20V008000 · reported January 9, 2020 · Nissan North America, Inc. · 307,962 vehicles potentially affected

The 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.
The risk
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
The 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.

Air bags

NHTSA campaign 15V287000 · reported May 15, 2015 · Nissan North America, Inc. · 1,090,569 vehicles potentially affected

The 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.
The 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.
The 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.

Engine and engine cooling

NHTSA campaign 03V455000 · reported November 17, 2003 · NISSAN NORTH AMERICA, INC. · 630,000 vehicles potentially affected

The 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.
The 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.
The 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.

Most reported problems

Areas named in owner complaints to NHTSA. One complaint can name several areas.

What owners report

Recent complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. These are unverified accounts from owners, not findings.

Mar 18, 2024 · Air bags

See attached document for complaint

Mar 12, 2024 · Air bags

See attached document for complaint

Aug 29, 2023 · Engine · 225,000 miles

The contact owns a 2003 Nissan Maxima. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light remained illuminated. Additionally, while driving approximately 20 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was later towed to the residence. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The…

Aug 24, 2021 · Steering

The steering shimmies and pulls to the right. Power steering fluids are within there limits.

Jun 9, 2021 · Electrical system

Please fix your auto fill --- it just erased everything! Anyway, the engine cuts out while driving in traffic. The engine cuts out while waiting at a red light. The engine cuts out while turning. It's ALL random! The engine code shows P0340, Bank 1 and Bank2, and sometimes P0345. I have replaced the camshaft position…

Maxima model years compared

YearRecallsComplaintsCrashesFires
2000 0360256
2001 317284
2002 6205270
2003 3206132
2004 21,4263316
2005 29481610
2006 2576214

Across all years, the 2004 Maxima has the most complaints (1,426). All Nissan Maxima years →

Questions

Does the 2003 Nissan Maxima have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2003 Nissan Maxima, the most recent reported on January 9, 2020 (Air bags: frontal, passenger side, inflator module). Check a specific car by its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common problems with the 2003 Nissan Maxima?
Owners have filed 206 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is engine and engine cooling (54 complaints), followed by engine (43).
How many 2003 Nissan Maxima complaints mention a crash or fire?
13 of 206 complaints report a crash and 2 a fire; 12 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.

Source: NHTSA recall and complaint data, updated October 27, 2026. Latest complaint received March 18, 2024.