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Nissan · Known Issues

1991 Nissan Maxima Problems: 3 Known Issues

1991 model year · NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports · Updated September 2026

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Issue summary

According to Au7o's research across NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports, the 1991 Nissan Maxima has 3 documented known issues. None of the listed issues is rated critical; this is not a complete reliability assessment. Across all issues with published estimates, repair costs range from $120 to $950. DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.

In This Article

  • Maxima Engine2
  • Maxima Fuel System1
  • Recalls6
  • FAQ
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In This Article

  • Engine2
  • Fuel System1
  • Recalls6
  • FAQ

All 3 Known Issues

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On the 1990-1994 Nissan Maxima, the distributor on the 3rd-generation VG30E/VG30DE Maxima seals to the head with an O-ring. That O-ring hardens and cracks with age, letting oil seep into the distributor and coat the cap and rotor with oily black powder, causing misfire and driveability problems. Excess crankcase pressure from a clogged PCV valve pushes oil into the distributor and accelerates the problem. (This applies to the distributor-equipped VG30 engines; the 1995-1999 VQ30DE is distributorless with individual coil packs and does not have this failure mode.)

This issue also affects: Nissan 300ZX

Common Symptoms

  • Oil inside distributor cap
  • Black powder on rotor
  • Misfire / rough running
  • Oil leak at rear of engine
  • Hard starting

How to Fix

Replace the distributor O-ring/shaft seal and clean or replace the cap and rotor; replace the PCV valve at the same time to relieve crankcase pressure. If oil has migrated into the crank angle sensor optics, the full distributor assembly may need replacement.

What you need to fix it

Only diagnosis- and fitment-reviewed repair parts are linked here.

  • MAHLE distributor mounting gasket 72212

    Listed for 1987-1994 Maxima GXE and 1985-1994 SE, but use only distributor-equipped VG30E cars: 1990-1994 GXE and 1990-1991 SE. Fitment/availability: Low stock with add-to-cart live at review

    FR Sport
  • Genuine Nissan distributor rotor 22157-85E01

    Direct listing covers 1989-1994 VG30E Maxima; exclude 1992-1994 VE30DE SE and confirm installed distributor.

    NissanPartsDeal
  • Genuine Nissan VG30E PCV valve 11810-F0502

    Direct listing covers 1985-1994 VG30E Maxima; exclude VE30DE and verify engine.

    NissanPartsDeal

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases; other part links may also earn au7o a commission. Confirm fitment by VIN before buying.

Typical repair cost:$120 - $600

Research This Issue

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Community Reported
Low ConfidenceVerifiedReviewed Jul 2026

On the 1990-1999 Nissan Maxima, the Maxima uses four engine/transmission mounts: front and rear on the center crossmember, a passenger-side engine mount, and a driver-side transmission mount. The rubber cracks and separates with age and heat; the front and rear crossmember mounts fail most often, transmitting the V6's vibration into the cabin and producing clunks on shifts and acceleration.

This issue also affects: Nissan 300ZX

Common Symptoms

  • Excessive vibration at idle / in gear
  • Clunk or thud when shifting drive-to-reverse
  • Vibration through steering wheel
  • Engine movement under acceleration

How to Fix

Inspect all four mounts and replace the failed units (commonly the front and rear crossmember mounts). Replace in sets to prevent premature failure of new parts; OEM mounts are preferred over aftermarket rubber that transmits more vibration.

What you need to fix it

Only diagnosis- and fitment-reviewed repair parts are linked here.

  • Genuine Nissan VG30E automatic front-left mount 11220-85E11

    Cataloged for 1989-1994 VG30E Maxima; use only the issue's 1990-1994 subset and confirm engine, automatic transmission, position and VIN.

    NissanPartsDeal
  • Genuine Nissan VE30DE automatic front-left mount 11220-96E11

    Direct listing covers 1991-1994 SE/VE30DE, but catalog application is automatic-transmission specific; confirm VIN, transmission and installed number.

    NissanPartsDeal
  • Genuine Nissan 1995-1999 rear engine mount 11320-40U01

    Direct listing covers 1995-2003 Maxima; use only 1995-1999 and confirm transmission, electronic-mount equipment, position and VIN.

    NissanPartsDeal

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases; other part links may also earn au7o a commission. Confirm fitment by VIN before buying.

Typical repair cost:$300 - $800

Research This Issue

GoogleRedditYouTubeNHTSA
Community Reported
Medium ConfidenceVerifiedReviewed Jul 2026

On the 1990-1994 Nissan Maxima, the 3rd-generation (1989-1994) Maxima's VG30-series injectors are prone to failing electronically rather than from dirt, and the lower injector seals can fail to seat, leaking fuel into the cylinders. Owners report recurring failures causing rough running and fuel-fouling. RepairPal documents leaking injectors as a recognized engine/fuel-system pattern on the Maxima.

This issue also affects: Nissan 300ZX

Common Symptoms

  • Rough idle
  • Raw fuel smell
  • Poor fuel economy
  • Hard starting / flooding
  • Misfire
  • Fuel leaking into cylinders

How to Fix

Replace failed injectors (often the full set of six on high-mileage engines) and renew the lower O-rings/seals; use quality new injectors rather than junkyard units, which fail sooner. Verify fuel pressure and inspect the fuel rail seals during the job.

What you need to fix it

Only diagnosis- and fitment-reviewed repair parts are linked here.

  • Genuine Nissan 1992-1994 VG30E yellow fuel injector 16600-7E001

    Direct listing is 1992-1994 Maxima GXE/VG30E and replaces 16600-7E000. Required quantity is six only if replacing a full matched set; seals are separate.

    NissanPartsDeal
  • Genuine Nissan 1992-1994 VE30DE fuel injector 16600-96E01

    Direct listing also spans later VQ applications, so verify VIN, engine, connector and seals; required quantity is six for a full set.

    NissanPartsDeal

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases; other part links may also earn au7o a commission. Confirm fitment by VIN before buying.

Typical repair cost:$400 - $950

Research This Issue

GoogleRedditYouTubeNHTSA
Community Reported
Low ConfidenceVerifiedReviewed Jul 2026
NHTSA Recalls6 recalls

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS

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."

Campaign #08E05000011/08/2008

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

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.

Campaign #06E04900024/05/2006

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS

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.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common Nissan Maxima problems?

According to Au7o's research across NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports, the 1991 Nissan Maxima has 3 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: Distributor Oil Leak / Cap & Rotor Contamination (Failed O-Ring, VG30 3rd Gen), Repeated Fuel Injector Leaks / Electrical Failure (VG30 3rd Gen), Engine / Motor Mount Deterioration (Idle Vibration & Clunk). None are rated critical, but regular maintenance is recommended.

Is the Nissan Maxima reliable?

The 1991 Nissan Maxima has 3 known issues compiled from NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports. None of the matching records is rated critical; this is not a complete reliability assessment. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.

How much does it cost to fix common Nissan Maxima problems?

Repair costs for known Nissan Maxima issues range from $120 to $950, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.

What is the 1990-1994 Nissan Maxima Distributor Oil Leak / Cap & Rotor Contamination (Failed O-Ring, VG30 3rd Gen)?

The distributor on the 3rd-generation VG30E/VG30DE Maxima seals to the head with an O-ring. That O-ring hardens and cracks with age, letting oil seep into the distributor and coat the cap and rotor with oily black powder, causing misfire and driveability problems. Excess crankcas… Repairs typically run $120-$600. Severity: medium.

What is the 1990-1994 Nissan Maxima Repeated Fuel Injector Leaks / Electrical Failure (VG30 3rd Gen)?

The 3rd-generation (1989-1994) Maxima's VG30-series injectors are prone to failing electronically rather than from dirt, and the lower injector seals can fail to seat, leaking fuel into the cylinders. Owners report recurring failures causing rough running and fuel-fouling. Repair… Repairs typically run $400-$950. Severity: medium.

Content on this page was compiled with AI assistance using NHTSA complaints, TSBs, owner reports, and public automotive data. While we strive for accuracy, this information may contain errors. Always verify repair procedures and specifications with your vehicle's service manual or a qualified mechanic.

Data compiled from NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, automotive forums, and AI-assisted research. No aggregated owner-report counts available for this vehicle yet.

Campaign #09E02500011/05/2009

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

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.

Campaign #06E02600023/03/2006

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

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.

Campaign #09E01200007/04/2009

+ 1 more recalls. Check all on NHTSA.gov

Enter your VIN at NHTSA.gov to check recalls specific to your vehicle.

What is the 1990-1999 Nissan Maxima Engine / Motor Mount Deterioration (Idle Vibration & Clunk)?

The Maxima uses four engine/transmission mounts: front and rear on the center crossmember, a passenger-side engine mount, and a driver-side transmission mount. The rubber cracks and separates with age and heat; the front and rear crossmember mounts fail most often, transmitting t… Repairs typically run $300-$800. Severity: medium.