1999 Nissan Maxima

Introduction:

The 1999 Nissan Maxima is a mid-size sedan that was offered with two engine and transmission options: a 3.0-liter V6 paired with a 4-speed automatic transmission or a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder paired with a 5-speed manual transmission. The V6 engine produces 190 horsepower and 205 lb-ft of torque, while the 4-cylinder engine produces 140 horsepower and 136 lb-ft of torque. The Maxima is known for its spacious interior, comfortable ride, and sporty handling. However, it has also been plagued by several issues over the years.

Engine

3.0-liter V6

• Intake manifold gasket failure: The intake manifold gasket can fail, causing coolant and oil leaks. Symptoms include overheating, coolant leaks, and a loss of power. The solution is to replace the intake manifold gasket. Estimated cost to fix: $500 - $1,000+
• Timing chain tensioner failure: The timing chain tensioner can fail, causing the timing chain to skip or break. Symptoms include a rattling noise from the engine, a loss of power, and poor fuel economy. The solution is to replace the timing chain tensioner and timing chain. Estimated cost to fix: $1,200 - $2,000+
• Oil consumption: Some vehicles may consume excessive oil, requiring frequent oil changes. The solution is to monitor oil levels and add oil as needed. Estimated cost to fix: $50 - $100+ per oil change
• Valve cover gasket leak: The valve cover gasket can leak oil, causing a loss of oil. Symptoms include an oil leak from the engine, a burning oil smell, and a loss of power. The solution is to replace the valve cover gasket. Estimated cost to fix: $200 - $500+

2.0-liter 4-cylinder

• No major issues found

Transmission

4-speed automatic transmission

• Torque converter failure: The torque converter can fail, causing the transmission to slip or shudder. Symptoms include a slipping transmission, a shuddering sensation when shifting, and a loss of power. The solution is to replace the torque converter. Estimated cost to fix: $1,500 - $2,500+
• Transmission fluid leaks: The transmission may develop leaks, causing a loss of transmission fluid. Symptoms include a lack of power, difficulty shifting, and a burning smell. The solution is to repair the leak and replace the transmission fluid. Estimated cost to fix: $200 - $1,000+

5-speed manual transmission

• No major issues found

Suspension

• Strut mount failure: The strut mounts can fail, causing a clunking noise from the suspension. Symptoms include a clunking noise when driving over bumps, a loss of stability, and premature tire wear. The solution is to replace the strut mounts. Estimated cost to fix: $300 - $600+
• Sway bar link failure: The sway bar links can fail, causing a rattling noise from the suspension. Symptoms include a rattling noise when driving over bumps, a loss of stability, and premature tire wear. The solution is to replace the sway bar links. Estimated cost to fix: $200 - $400+

Electrical

• Alternator failure: The alternator can fail, causing the battery to drain. Symptoms include a loss of power, a flickering dashboard, and a burning smell. The solution is to replace the alternator. Estimated cost to fix: $500 - $1,000+
• Starter failure: The starter can fail, preventing the engine from starting. Symptoms include a clicking noise when trying to start the engine, a lack of power, and a burning smell. The solution is to replace the starter. Estimated cost to fix: $300 - $600+
• Battery failure: The battery can fail, causing the vehicle to not start. Symptoms include a lack of power, a clicking noise when trying to start the engine, and a burning smell. The solution is to replace the battery. Estimated cost to fix: $100 - $200+

Exterior

• Door lock actuator failure: The door lock actuators can fail, causing the doors to not lock or unlock. Symptoms include a lack of power to the door locks, a clicking noise when trying to lock or unlock the doors, and a door that will not open. The solution is to replace the door lock actuator. Estimated cost to fix: $200 - $400+
• Trunk lid release failure: The trunk lid release can fail, causing the trunk lid to not open. Symptoms include a lack of power to the trunk release, a clicking noise when trying to open the trunk lid, and a trunk lid that will not open. The solution is to replace the trunk lid release. Estimated cost to fix: $100 - $200+

Interior

• Climate control failure: The climate control system can fail, causing the temperature to not be regulated. Symptoms include a lack of heat or air conditioning, a malfunctioning temperature gauge, and a burning smell. The solution is to repair the climate control system. Estimated cost to fix: $300 - $600+
• Instrument panel failure: The instrument panel can fail, causing the gauges to not work. Symptoms include a lack of power to the instrument panel, a malfunctioning speedometer, and a malfunctioning tachometer. The solution is to replace the instrument panel. Estimated cost to fix: $500 - $1,000+
• Power window failure: The power windows can fail, causing the windows to not open or close. Symptoms include a lack of power to the power windows, a clicking noise when trying to open or close the windows, and a window that will not open or close. The solution is to replace the power window motor or switch. Estimated cost to fix: $200 - $400+

Summary:

The 1999 Nissan Maxima is a reliable vehicle, but it has been plagued by several issues over the years. The most common issues include intake manifold gasket failure, timing chain tensioner failure, and torque converter failure. These issues can be expensive to fix, but they can be avoided with regular maintenance and timely repairs. Overall, the Maxima is a good choice for those looking for a spacious and comfortable mid-size sedan, but it is important to be aware of the potential issues before purchasing one.