The 2002 Maxima with VQ35DE is a solid performer undermined by catastrophic transmission failure and pre-cat disintegration issues that can grenade the engine. When they survive these two killers, they're dependable daily drivers.
Automatic Transmission Failure (RE5F22A)
Common · high severity
Typical onset: 80,000-130,000 mi
Symptoms: Grinding or shuddering between 2nd-3rd gear shifts, Slipping under acceleration, especially when warm, Delayed engagement into Drive or Reverse, Burnt transmission fluid smell, dark fluid with metallic particles
Fix: The Jatco RE5F22A 5-speed auto is notoriously weak behind the VQ35DE. Clutch pack material sheds, clogs valve body and oil cooler. Rebuild requires 8-12 hours labor, but most shops recommend replacement with remanufactured unit due to high re-failure rate. External cooler addition is mandatory during repair. Used units fail quickly.
Estimated cost: $2,800-4,500
Pre-Catalytic Converter Disintegration and Engine Destruction
Occasional · high severity
Typical onset: 90,000-150,000 mi
Symptoms: Rattling from exhaust manifold area on cold start, Sudden loss of power and Check Engine Light, Metallic grinding noise from engine bay, Catastrophic engine failure: scored cylinder walls, damaged pistons, spun bearings
Fix: Pre-cats integrated into exhaust manifolds break apart; ceramic substrate gets sucked into cylinders. Once ingested, requires complete engine rebuild or replacement: all pistons, rings, honing/boring cylinders, crank polishing, bearings. 25-35 hours labor for proper rebuild. Short block replacement is 18-22 hours. This explains the frequent engine rebuild jobs in the data.
Estimated cost: $4,500-7,500
Lower Control Arm Ball Joint Failure
Common · medium severity
Typical onset: 70,000-110,000 mi
Symptoms: Clunking from front suspension over bumps, Wandering or loose steering feel, Uneven tire wear on inside edges, Excessive play detectable during tire shake test
Fix: Ball joints are pressed into control arms and fail from wear. Nissan sells only complete control arm assemblies (non-serviceable design). Replace both sides simultaneously. 2.5-3.5 hours labor for both sides, includes alignment. This matches the NHTSA recall component for lower control arms.
Estimated cost: $600-950
Transmission and Engine Mounts Collapse
Common · low severity
Typical onset: 60,000-100,000 mi
Symptoms: Excessive vibration at idle, especially in Drive with brake applied, Clunk when shifting from Park to Drive/Reverse, Engine rocks noticeably during acceleration or deceleration, Visible sagging of engine/transmission when inspected
Fix: Hydraulic mounts deteriorate, leak fluid, and collapse. Transmission mount (rear) fails most frequently. Replace all three mounts (front, rear trans mount, torque strut) together. 3-4 hours labor total. Matches frequently-documented transmission mount repairs in data.
Estimated cost: $450-750
Mass Airflow Sensor Contamination
Occasional · low severity
Typical onset: 80,000-140,000 mi
Symptoms: Rough idle and hesitation during acceleration, Check Engine Light with P0171/P0174 lean codes, Poor fuel economy, 3-5 mpg drop, Stalling at stops after highway driving
Fix: Hot-wire MAF sensor gets contaminated from oil residue (often from over-oiled aftermarket air filters). Clean with MAF-specific cleaner first (0.3 hours). If cleaning fails, replacement needed (0.8 hours). Use OEM sensor only; aftermarket units cause recurring issues.
Estimated cost: $150-400
Fuel Sending Unit Failure
Occasional · low severity
Typical onset: 100,000-160,000 mi
Symptoms: Fuel gauge reads empty when tank is full, or bounces erratically, Gauge sticks at one position regardless of fuel level, Inaccurate range-to-empty calculations
Fix: Resistor strip in fuel tank sending unit wears out. Requires fuel tank drop and pump/sender module replacement. 2.5-3 hours labor. Matches fuel filter documentation (accessed during tank drop). Dealer-only part in many cases.
Estimated cost: $400-650
Owner tips
Change transmission fluid every 30k miles with Nissan Matic-J fluid only—can delay but not prevent failure
Inspect pre-cats for rattle at every oil change after 80k miles; replace manifolds proactively if rattling detected
Add external transmission cooler if towing or in hot climates—$200 investment vs $4k transmission
Check engine mounts annually after 60k—they're wear items on this platform
Avoid aftermarket intake systems and oiled air filters—they contaminate the MAF sensor
Buy only with documented transmission replacement or if under 80k miles with flawless maintenance records—budget $3-5k for eventual trans failure and hope the pre-cats don't take out the engine first.
AI-assisted summary drawn from NHTSA recall data, our labor-times database, and platform knowledge. Not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection on a specific vehicle.
Fitment notes: Standard top-post battery; located in engine bay
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Control Modules — 2002 Nissan Maxima
Every control module on the 2000-2003 Nissan Maxima — where it lives, replacement time, and what it takes to program a replacement. Modules marked dealer / factory tool won't work after a part swap alone — budget for programming.
Anti-lock Brake System Control Unit (ABS)1.5 hr R&Rrelearn only +0.2 hr▸ programming details
📍 Engine bay, driver side inner fender well, mounted to bracket near brake master cylinder
🔧 CONSULT-II or aftermarket scan tool
⚠️ Integrated with hydraulic unit; brake bleeding and wheel speed sensor calibration required
Auto Air Conditioner Control Unit (A/C)1.2 hr R&Rrelearn only +0.1 hrautomatic climate control▸ programming details
📍 Behind center dash HVAC control panel, mounted to back of control head
🔧 CONSULT-II or self-diagnostic mode
⚠️ Actuator position relearn via self-diagnostic mode; button sequence documented in service manual
📍 Under driver's seat, mounted to floor pan beneath carpet
🔧 CONSULT-II with NDS
⚠️ RE4F04A/RE4F04B transmission; adaptive shift relearn required after installation
Body Control Module (BCM)0.7 hr R&Rdealer / factory tool +0.4 hr▸ programming details
📍 Behind driver's side kick panel, mounted above fuse box
🔧 CONSULT-II with NDS
⚠️ Controls lighting, power accessories, door locks; VIN and option coding required
Supplemental Restraint System Control Module (SRS)0.6 hr R&Rrelearn only +0.1 hr▸ programming details
📍 Center console, beneath center console trim panel between front seats
🔧 CONSULT-II or aftermarket scan tool
⚠️ Battery disconnect 3+ minutes required; crash data may need clearing
Sonar Control Unit (SONAR)0.6 hr R&Rrelearn only +0.1 hrwith rear parking sensors▸ programming details
📍 Trunk, driver side rear quarter panel area, mounted behind trim panel
🔧 CONSULT-II
⚠️ Sensor calibration may be required after replacement
Audio Control Unit (AUDIO)0.5 hr R&Rno coding
📍 Center dash, integrated with radio head unit in center stack
⚠️ Bose premium audio system uses separate amplifier in trunk; radio code may be required
Aftermarket tool coverage varies by software version and vehicle build — treat "aftermarket tool" rows as "usually possible" and verify against your tool maker's coverage list before promising a customer. Spot a wrong location or hour? Tell us — corrections ship fast here.
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE · 22E066000
2022-08-09
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain air bag inflator replacement service parts that may have been installed as part of a theft or collision repair. The parts include certain passenger-side air bag inflators designed to fit Infiniti 2002-2003 QX4, 2006-2010 M35 and M45; Nissan 2001-2003 Maxima, 2002-2006 Sentra, and both driver and passenger-side inflators designed to fit 2007-2012 Versa Sedan and Versa Hatchback vehicles. Please see Nissan's recall report for the specific part numbers. These replacement inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.
Consequence: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the inflators as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed September 14, 2022. Owners may contact Nissan's customer service at 1-800-867-7669.
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE · 20V008000
2020-01-09 · EA15001
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2001-2003 Maxima, 2002-2006 Sentra, 2002-2004 Pathfinder, 2007-2011 Versa Sedan and Versa Hatchback, 2001-2004 Infiniti I30 and I35, 2002-2003 Inifiniti QX4, 2003-2008 Infiniti FX35 and FX45 and 2006-2010 M35 and M45 vehicles. The vehicles are equipped with non-desiccated, frontal passenger air bag inflators containing phase stabilized ammonium nitrate (PSAN) propellant that were used as interim remedy parts for previous Takata recalls. These inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, high temperatures, and high temperature cycling.
Consequence: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy: Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflators with alternate desiccated inflators, free of charge. The recall began February 12, 2020. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 888-737-9511 or Infiniti customer service at 888-810-3715.
AIR BAGS · 15V287000
2015-05-15 · EA15001
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain model year 2001-2003 Nissan Maxima, 2002-2004 Pathfinder, 2002-2006 Sentra, 2002-2003 Infiniti QX4 and I35, 2003 FX35 and FX45, and 2001 I30 vehicles. Upon deployment of the passenger side frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to rupture.
Consequence: In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants potentially resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy: Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began on June 15, 2015. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-647-7261. Note: On December 18, 2015 Nissan informed NHTSA of an amendment of this recall to remove 2004-2005 Infiniti FX35 and FX45 vehicles.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS · 09E025000
2009-05-11
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.
Consequence: DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
Remedy: 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 · 09E012000
2009-04-07
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.
Consequence: DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
Remedy: 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.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING · 03V455000
2003-11-17
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE CIRCUIT BOARD FOR THE CRANK POSITION SENSOR OR CAM POSITION SENSOR MAY HAVE AN IMPROPER SOLDER JOINT DUE TO SOLDER DEFORMATION CAUSED BY HEAT STRESS ACCELERATED BY THE EXISTENCE OF FLUX RESIDUE DURING THE SOLDERING PROCESS.
Consequence: THIS COULD CAUSE THE "SERVICE ENGINE SOON" WARNING LIGHT TO COME ON, CREATE A NO START CONDITION, CAUSE REDUCED ENGINE POWER, OR CAUSE THE ENGINE TO STOP RUNNING WITHOUT WARNING DURING VEHICLE OPERATION, WHICH COULD RESULT IN A CRASH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE CRANK POSITION SENSORS. CAMSHAFT POSITION SENSOR(S), AND IN SOME CASES, THE VARIABLE TIMING CONTROL SENSOR(S). VEHICLES INVOLVED IN A PREVIOUS RECALL CAMPAIGN, 01V357, ARE ALSO INCLUDED IN THIS NEW CAMPAIGN. THE REPLACEMENT SENSORS USED IN THAT CAMPAIGN ARE ALSO AFFECTED. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON DECEMBER 22, 2003. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT NISSAN AT 1-800-647-7261 OR INFINITI AT 1-800-662-6200.
SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER ARM · 02V146000
2002-05-30
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE PIN AT THE END OF THE FRONT SUSPENSION TRANSVERSE LINK (LOWER CONTROL ARM) COULD BREAK WHERE IT IS MOUNTED TO THE FRAME.
Consequence: THIS CAN CAUSE A KNOCKING SOUND AND ABNORMAL STEERING. THIS COULD RESULT IN DIFFICULTY CONTROLLING THE VEHICLE AND INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE TRANSVERSE LINKS ON THE LEFT AND RIGHT SIDES WITH NEW ONES. 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.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL · 02V043000
2002-02-12
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AN ELECTRONIC THROTTLE CONTROL SYSTEM, THE STOPPER FOR THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WILL PREVENT EXCESSIVE MOVEMENT OF THE ACCELERATOR POSITION SENSOR. IF THE DRIVER APPLIES OVERLY EXCESSIVE FORCE TO THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WHILE AT THE SAME TIME PUSHING IT TO THE RIGHT, THE PEDAL CAN "OVER TRAVEL" DUE TO THE DESIGN OF THE PEDAL STOPPER.
Consequence: THIS WILL CAUSE THE ENGINE MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP TO COME ON AND THE ENGINE SPEED TO BE SEVERELY LIMITED. IF THIS OCCURS UNEXPECTEDLY, IT COULD LEAD TO A CRASH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A NEW ACCELERATOR PEDAL STOPPER. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN MARCH 11, 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 800-662-6200.
POWER TRAIN · 02V010000
2002-01-11
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM, THE ODOMETER IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLES REGISTERS DISTANCE IN KILOMETERS INSTEAD OF MILES AS IS SPECIFIED IN THE DESIGN. THE ODOMETER DOES NOT HAVE A LABEL THAT INDICATES "KILOMETERS" OR "KM" AS REQUIRED BY FMVSS NO. 101, "CONTROLS AND DISPLAYS."
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE ODOMETER TO DETERMINE IF IT IS CORRECT AND, IF NOT, WILL REPLACE THE SPEEDOMETER/ODOMETER ASSEMBLY. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN DECEMBER 12, 2001. 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.
Vehicle Info — 2002 Nissan Maxima
Performance
Horsepower
255hp
Torque
246lb-ft
Fuel economy (EPA)
City
19mpg
Highway
26mpg
Combined
21mpg
Fuel
Regular Gasoline
Capability & size
Seating
5seats
EPA class
Midsize Cars
Wiper blades
A33.5 generation (2000-2003). Sedan body style has no rear wiper.
Size-standard part numbers — verify your connector type before buying. Rear blades are model-specific; check the package's vehicle list.
Fuel economy figures are EPA data via fueleconomy.gov (median across matching trims). Performance figures are compiled estimates for the 2002 Nissan Maxima 3.5L V6 VQ35DE and can vary by trim.
🔧 Built by master technician Chris Hackleman · Master Technician · 20+ years.