1996 model year · NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports · Updated September 2026
1996 · All trims · All engines
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According to Au7o's research across NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports, the 1996 Nissan Maxima has 4 documented known issues, with 2 rated critical. The most serious are 4-Speed Automatic Transmission Wear / Failure (RE4F04A) ($1,800-$3,500 repair) and Crank/Cam Position Sensor Failure (No-Start, Random Stalling) ($150-$450 repair). Across all issues with published estimates, repair costs range from $80 to $3,500. DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.
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."
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.
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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According to Au7o's research across NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports, the 1996 Nissan Maxima has 4 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: 4-Speed Automatic Transmission Wear / Failure (RE4F04A), Crank/Cam Position Sensor Failure (No-Start, Random Stalling), Engine / Motor Mount Deterioration (Idle Vibration & Clunk). Of these, 2 are rated critical and should be addressed promptly.
The 1996 Nissan Maxima has 4 known issues compiled from NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports. 2 issues are rated critical: 4-Speed Automatic Transmission Wear / Failure (RE4F04A) and Crank/Cam Position Sensor Failure (No-Start, Random Stalling). Prospective buyers should inspect for these issues and factor potential repair costs into their purchase decision. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.
Repair costs for known Nissan Maxima issues range from $80 to $3,500, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. The most critical issue, 4-Speed Automatic Transmission Wear / Failure (RE4F04A), typically costs $1,800-$3,500 to repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.
The 4th-gen Maxima's 4-speed automatic (shared with the I30) is the drivetrain's known weak point. Neglected fluid-and-filter service lets debris and metal shards accumulate, leading to slipping, harsh or delayed engagement, failure to move in Drive, and eventual first-gear or fu… Repairs typically run $1,800-$3,500. Severity: high.
The crank and cam position sensors are a well-documented weak point on the 4th-generation VQ30DE Maxima. Internal solder joints and the sensor's electronics degrade with heat and age, producing intermittent or lost signal. This is the same failure mode Nissan later formally recal… Repairs typically run $150-$450. Severity: high.
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.
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.
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.
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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.
Nearly every high-mileage 4th-gen Maxima eventually sets a P0400 (EGR flow insufficient) code. The root cause is almost never the EGR valve itself; instead the small EGR pipe and the port where the EGR temperature sensor sits pack with carbon, so exhaust gas can no longer flow pa… Repairs typically run $80-$300. Severity: medium.
