Model year guide

1997 Nissan Maxima

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 1997 Nissan Maxima is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 49 on record.

1997 Nissan Maxima — representative photo
Representative photo · via Wikimedia Commons

1997 Nissan Maxima at a glance

Safety recalls6
Owner complaints112
Combined21 mpg
Typical price$1,037

Free: specs, open recalls for that exact car, build sheet and fair price.

1997 Nissan Maxima recalls 6

Exterior Lighting:headlights NHTSA Campaign #08E050000 · 11/08/2008

K2 MOTOR IS RECALLING 1,921 AFTERMARKET HEADLAMPS OF VARIOUS MODELS SOLD FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LISTED VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS ARE MISSING THE AMBER SIDE REFLEX REFLECTOR WHICH FAILS TO CONFORM WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT."

Fix: K2 MOTOR WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND. THE RECALL BEGAN ON DECEMEBER 17, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT K2 MOTOR AT 1-909-839-2992.

Exterior Lighting NHTSA Campaign #06E049000 · 24/05/2006

CERTAIN CK MOTORSPORTS COMBINATION HEADLIGHTS, CLEAR CORNER, BUMPER, AND SIDE MARKER LIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON THE PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.

Fix: CK MOTORSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE NONCOMPLIANT LAMPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 1, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CK MOTORSPORT AT 1-909-610-7211.

Exterior Lighting:headlights NHTSA Campaign #09E025000 · 11/05/2009

DOPE, INC. IS RECALLING 42,540 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.

Fix: DOPE, INC. WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 28, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DOPE, INC. AT 1-626-272-1798.

Exterior Lighting NHTSA Campaign #09E012000 · 07/04/2009

SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.

Fix: SABERSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 11, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SABERSPORT AT 1-909-598-7589.

Exterior Lighting NHTSA Campaign #06E026000 · 23/03/2006

CERTAIN PRO-A MOTORS CORNER LAMPS, TURN SIGNALS, AND HEADLIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.

Fix: PRO-A MOTORS WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER TO REPURCHASE THE LAMPS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 3, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT PRO-A MOTORS AT 323-838-2988.

Electrical System:alternator/generator/regulator NHTSA Campaign #02V171000 · 24/06/2002

ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, ONE OF THE DIODES USED IN THE ALTERNATOR MAY HAVE BEEN DAMAGED WHEN BUILT. THIS CAN EVENTUALLY RESULT IN FAILURE OF THE DIODE AND AN ELECTRICAL SHORT WHICH COULD MELT THE PLASTIC HOUSING.

Fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE ALTERNATOR. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN JULY 29, 2002. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT NISSAN AT 1-800-647-7261 OR INFINITI AT 1-800-662-6200.

Source: U.S. NHTSA. A recall applies to a model year, but only a VIN check shows whether a specific car has had the repair done.

1997 Nissan Maxima common problems

The most-reported problem areas from 112 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.

Electrical System
Test every electrical feature: windows, locks, infotainment, charging and all lights. Watch for flickering, dead accessories or warning lights.
Engine And Engine Cooling
Check coolant level and color, look for leaks, and confirm the engine reaches normal temperature without overheating.
Service Brakes
Brakes should feel firm and quiet — no grinding, pulsing or pulling. Check for an ABS light and uneven pad/rotor wear.
Engine
Listen for knocks or ticking, check for leaks and blue/white exhaust smoke, and make sure it doesn't overheat. No check-engine light should be on.
Vehicle Speed Control
Test cruise control and throttle response, and watch for any hesitation or unintended acceleration.
Fuel System
Sniff for fuel odor, check for leaks, hard starts or stalling, and confirm the fuel gauge reads correctly.

1997 Nissan Maxima MPG & running costs

Combined21 mpg
City19 mpg
Highway25 mpg
Est. annual fuel cost$3,600

Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov, averaged across trims.

What's a 1997 Nissan Maxima worth?

Low
$500
Typical price
$1,037
High
$2,300

From 40 comparable 1997 Nissan Maxima listings.

Estimated 5-year cost to own

A rough guide to what running a 1997 Nissan Maxima costs over five years and 75,000 miles.

Fuel (5 yrs)$18,000
Fuel only$18,000
Per mile$0.24

How this is estimated: fuel is the U.S. EPA annual cost at 15,000 miles a year. There aren't enough comparable listings to estimate depreciation for this model, so it is left out. Not included: insurance, maintenance, repairs, taxes, registration and finance costs. Treat it as a comparison guide, not a quote.

1997 Nissan Maxima trims & engines on record

Trims
SE · GLE · GXE
Engines
3.0L

1997 Nissan Maxima vehicles on record

1997 Nissan Maxima 1997 Nissan Maxima SEJN1CA21D0VT838108 1997 Nissan Maxima 1997 Nissan Maxima SEJN1CA21D2VM520162 1997 Nissan Maxima 1997 Nissan Maxima SEJN1CA21D7VT841202 1997 Nissan Maxima SEJN1CA21D4VT826690 1997 Nissan Maxima 1997 Nissan Maxima SEJN1CA21D2VT842774 1997 Nissan Maxima 1997 Nissan Maxima SEJN1CA21D0VM518457 1997 Nissan Maxima 1997 Nissan Maxima SEJN1CA21D2VM522817 1997 Nissan Maxima 1997 Nissan Maxima SEJN1CA21D3VM511986 1997 Nissan Maxima 1997 Nissan Maxima SEJN1CA21D3VT807158 1997 Nissan Maxima 1997 Nissan Maxima SEJN1CA21D2VM519318 1997 Nissan Maxima 1997 Nissan Maxima SEJN1CA21D9VM507876 1997 Nissan Maxima 1997 Nissan Maxima SEJN1CA21D6VT861344 1997 Nissan Maxima SEJN1CA21D4VT846003 1997 Nissan Maxima 1997 Nissan Maxima SEJN1CA21D8VT855822 1997 Nissan Maxima SEJN1CA21D8VT808788 1997 Nissan Maxima 1997 Nissan Maxima GLEJN1CA21D5VT865658 1997 Nissan Maxima 1997 Nissan Maxima SEJN1CA21DXVM516845 1997 Nissan Maxima 1997 Nissan Maxima SEJN1CA21D0VT849626 1997 Nissan Maxima 1997 Nissan Maxima SEJN1CA21D6VT837397 1997 Nissan Maxima 1997 Nissan Maxima SEJN1CA21D7VT854306 1997 Nissan Maxima SEJN1CA21D0VT862845 1997 Nissan Maxima 1997 Nissan Maxima SEJN1CA21D4VT864016 1997 Nissan Maxima 1997 Nissan Maxima SEJN1CA21D2VT842869 1997 Nissan Maxima 1997 Nissan Maxima SEJN1CA21D1VT842071

Other Nissan Maxima model years

2021 2020 2019 2018 2017 2016 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003 2002 2001 2000 1999 1998 1996 1995 1994 1993 1992 1991

1997 Nissan Maxima — frequently asked questions

Does the 1997 Nissan Maxima have any safety recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 6 safety recalls for the 1997 Nissan Maxima. Recall repairs are free at any franchised dealer. Whether a specific car still has one open depends on its VIN.

What are the most common problems with the 1997 Nissan Maxima?

Based on 112 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are electrical system, engine and engine cooling, service brakes.

What gas mileage does the 1997 Nissan Maxima get?

The U.S. EPA rates the 1997 Nissan Maxima at about 21 mpg combined (19 city / 25 highway).

How much is a 1997 Nissan Maxima worth?

Comparable 1997 Nissan Maxima listings run roughly $500–$2,300, typically around $1,037 (from 40 vehicles).

Sources: NHTSA (recalls, complaints, crash tests), U.S. EPA (fuel economy). Vehicle data only — CarLogs never shows owner information.