Nissan Maxima A32: common faults & what to check

You're looking at the A32

Everything below is narrowed to this variant. Pick a different one to change it.

1994–1999A32 Selected1994–1999A32Engine not documented for this generationEngine not documentedDocumented issues6 knownSee faults & what to checkPhoto: Cutlass via Wikimedia Commons, CC0.

Now narrow it to the engine

A 1.8 and a 2.4 of the same car do not fail the same way, so the faults below narrow to the engine as well as the year. Free, no account needed.

Start your free check on this Nissan Maxima

No plate needed. You get the risk score, the buyer's checklist and the guided inspection for the exact car you picked above — not the whole nameplate.

The checks worth doing on a Nissan Maxima before you hand over any money. Every documented fault is listed below, each with its own page.

• Costly issue

  Inspect ball joint boot condition visually for cracking or grease loss.

  See why

  Front Lower Control Arm Ball Joint Wear

  Front lower control arm ball joints on A32 and A33 Maxima models wear to the point of failure at this age, especially on examples that have been lowered or used hard. The ball joint boot cracks, allowing water and grit ingress that rapidly accelerates wear. Many NZ A32/A33 Maximas present with significant ball joint play that fails WOF inspection. Replacement lower arms are available aftermarket but quality varies widely.

  What you would notice

  • Clunking from front suspension, especially over speed bumps or rough roads
  • Steering wander or vague feel
  • WOF failure or advisory for ball joint play
  • Accelerated or uneven front tyre wear

  Typically $300–$750 to put right.

• Costly issue

  Check for oil leaks around valve covers, sump and gaskets.

  See why

  A32 / A33 Rear Suspension Crossmember Rust

  The rear multi-link suspension crossmember on A32 and A33 Maximas traps moisture and corrodes from the inside out in NZ and southern Australian conditions. External surfaces may look acceptable while internal sections are structurally compromised. Severe corrosion can allow suspension geometry to shift under load or mounting points to fracture. WOF inspectors in NZ increasingly flag this. Sandblasting and encapsulation or crossmember replacement is required.

  What you would notice

  • Evidence of engine wear or deterioration
  • Warning light or abnormal behaviour noted during operation

  Typically $840–$1,680 to put right.

• Costly issue

  With bonnet open, check the power steering fluid reservoir level and fluid colour.

  See why

  Power Steering Rack End Seal Leak

  Hydraulic power steering rack end seals on A32 and A33 Maxima models deteriorate with age and heat cycling, resulting in progressive power steering fluid leaks. Fluid loss leads to heavy steering, whining from the power steering pump under load, and eventual pump damage if the reservoir runs dry. At the age of these vehicles in NZ and AU (23–32 years old), seal replacement or rack replacement is a near-universal maintenance item. JDM import examples are particularly prone as they accumulate high kilometres in stop-start urban conditions.

  What you would notice

  • Power steering fluid puddle beneath the front of the car after parking
  • Whining or groaning from power steering pump when turning at low speed
  • Heavy or inconsistent steering effort
  • Low or dropping power steering fluid reservoir level

  Typically $450–$1,100 to put right.

What these repairs cost on other cars

Some of the Nissan Maxima’s documented faults are repairs other models share. Each page lists the documented NZ cost for every model it affects.

• Timing Chain Replacement Cost
• CVT Gearbox Repair Cost

Other Nissan models