1996 Nissan Maxima

1996 Nissan Maxima

The 1996 Nissan Maxima is a mid-size sedan that was offered with either a 3.0L V6 engine or a 2.0L inline-4 engine. The 3.0L V6 produced 190 horsepower and 190 lb-ft of torque, while the 2.0L inline-4 produced 140 horsepower and 136 lb-ft of torque. Both engines were available with either a 4-speed automatic transmission or a 5-speed manual transmission.

The Maxima was praised for its spacious interior, comfortable ride, and responsive handling. However, it was also criticized for its lack of features and its high price.

Engine

3.0L V6

• Intake manifold gasket failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Coolant or oil leaking from the intake manifold, engine overheating, reduced power.
  • Solution: Replace the intake manifold gasket.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $600+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Timing chain tensioner failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Rattling noise from the engine, reduced power, engine failure.
  • Solution: Replace the timing chain tensioner.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

2.0L inline-4

• No Issues Found

Transmission

4-speed automatic

• Transmission slipping
  • Description/Symptoms: Transmission hesitates or fails to engage, loss of power.
  • Solution: Replace the transmission filter and fluid, or rebuild the transmission.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $2,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

5-speed manual

• Clutch failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Clutch pedal becomes soft or spongy, difficulty shifting gears.
  • Solution: Replace the clutch disc, pressure plate, and throwout bearing.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Front strut failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Noise from the front suspension, uneven tire wear, poor handling.
  • Solution: Replace the front struts.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $600+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Rear shock failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Noise from the rear suspension, bouncing or swaying, poor handling.
  • Solution: Replace the rear shocks.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Starter failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Engine cranks but does not start, clicking noise from starter.
  • Solution: Replace the starter.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $500+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Alternator failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Dim headlights, flickering dashboard lights, dead battery.
  • Solution: Replace the alternator.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $800+
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Door lock failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Door lock does not work, door cannot be opened or closed.
  • Solution: Replace the door lock actuator.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Trunk latch failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Trunk cannot be opened or closed, rattling noise from trunk.
  • Solution: Replace the trunk latch.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $200+
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Power window failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Power window does not work, window falls down into door.
  • Solution: Replace the power window motor or switch.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Dashboard cracking
  • Description/Symptoms: Cracks on the dashboard, especially around the vents or airbag.
  • Solution: Replace the dashboard.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 1996 Nissan Maxima is a reliable and comfortable car that offers a lot of value for its price. However, it is not without its issues. The most common problems include intake manifold gasket failure, timing chain tensioner failure, transmission slipping, and front strut failure. The severity of these issues varies, but they can all be expensive to fix. Overall, the Maxima is a good choice for those who are looking for a spacious and well-equipped sedan, but it is important to be aware of the potential problems before purchasing one.