1994 model year · NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports · Updated July 2026
According to Au7o's research across NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports, the 1994 Nissan Maxima has 3 documented known issues. No issues are rated critical, indicating generally reliable ownership. Across all issues, repair costs range from $120 to $950. DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.
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.)
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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According to Au7o's research across NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports, the 1994-1994 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.
The 1994-1994 Nissan Maxima has 3 known issues compiled from NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports. No issues are rated critical, suggesting generally good reliability. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
