JN1HU11S4FT0263481985 NISSAN Maxima
1985 NISSAN Maxima was analyzed across NHTSA recalls, owner complaints, crash test data, and public auction records. There are 2 open recalls on record — verify these have been repaired before purchase. 61 owner complaints include 1 reported injury, indicating real-world safety incidents beyond normal wear.
Executive Summary
1985 NISSAN Maxima
1985 NISSAN Maxima was analyzed across NHTSA recalls, owner complaints, crash test data, and public auction records. There are 2 open recalls on record — verify these have been repaired before purchase. 61 owner complaints include 1 reported injury, indicating real-world safety incidents beyond normal wear.
- 2 open recalls — verify these have been repaired before purchase
- 1 injury reported across 61 owner complaints
- Common owner-reported issues: fire, electrical problems
- Fuel System is flagged in both recalls and owner complaints — double-confirmed failure pattern
- Complaints describe critical safety events (fire, fatality, loss of control) — language severity is in the highest tier
- Component failure cascade detected — a known defect pattern that typically leads to more severe downstream damage
61 owner complaints filed — top areas: Fuel System (59%), Engine/Powertrain (21%), Electrical (11%). Common issues: fire, electrical problems. 2 crashes reported.
Title Brand Check
Mined from auction damage fields and listing titles — not a DMV title history pull
No auction records available. Title brand status could not be verified — request title history from seller or state DMV.
Vehicle Specifications
Decoded from NHTSA vPIC database
- Make
- NISSAN
- Model
- Maxima
- Year
- 1985
- Body Style
- Sedan/Saloon
- Vehicle Type
- PASSENGER CAR
- Drive Type
- 4x2
- Fuel Type
- Gasoline
- Engine
- 6-cyl 3L
- Doors
- 4
- Manufacturer
- NISSAN MOTOR COMPANY, LTD
- Assembly
- YOKOSUKA, KANAGAWA, JAPAN
- GVWR
- Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less)
Assembly Plant Quality
Plant: YOKOSUKA, KANAGAWA
No specific quality data available for this plant. No documented recall or complaint concentrations on record.
Safety Intelligence
Composite analysis from NHTSA recall, complaint, and crash data
- ▸Fuel system recall
- ▸41 complaint(s) involved a fire
- ⚠Safety system appears in both official recalls and owner complaints
Lemon law eligibility depends on state law, number of repair attempts, and days out of service. Consult an attorney for actual eligibility.
The same components appear in both official NHTSA recalls and owner-filed complaints — a double-confirmed failure signal.
Deferred Failure Risk
Components and defects approaching or past their known service milestones
Worn chain tensioners cause timing chain skip or snap — common on GM 5.3L/6.2L, Ford EcoBoost, VW/Audi EA888, BMW N47/N63. Listen for cold-start rattles.
Water pump failure causes rapid overheating. If the engine overheats even once, head gasket damage is likely — turning a $400 part into a $3,000+ repair.
Degraded transmission fluid destroys clutch packs and solenoids. CVT transmissions are especially sensitive — neglected fluid can result in a $4,000–$8,000 replacement.
Degraded coolant loses corrosion inhibitors and attacks aluminum engine components. Can cause head gasket failure and water pump corrosion.
Worn spark plugs cause misfires that can foul and crack catalytic converters. A $150 tune-up can prevent a $1,200 catalytic converter replacement.
Dirty or failing injectors cause rough idle, reduced fuel economy, and increased emissions. Cleaning costs $100–$200; replacement $800–$1,600.
NHTSA Safety Recalls
2 RECALLSNHTSA VIN-specific recall lookup returned no data for this VIN. The 2 recalls below are model-wide and may or may not apply to this exact vehicle depending on production date. Verify at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Average repair completion across 2 recalls is ~67%. Always ask the seller for dealer service records confirming each repair.
Statistical model based on recall age, component type, and manufacturer. Not a repair confirmation. Demand dealer service records.
NISSAN completes recalls at a fair rate (84%). If this vehicle has open recalls, follow up with a dealer — average remedy time is ~21 months.
Avg time to remedy open recall: ~21 months · Source: NHTSA Recall Completion Rate Reports
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM
SummaryTHIS IS NOT A SAFETY RECALL CAMPAIGN IN ACCORDANCE WITH FEDERAL REGULATION 573. HOWEVER, IT IS DEEMED A SAFETY IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN BY THE AGENCY. THE CAMPAIGN WILL REPLACE THE FUEL INJECTORS AND RELATED HOSES OF AFFECTED VEHICLES WHICH COULD LEAK.Read full details...
~31% chance this recall was never fixed
Moderate RiskSource: NHTSA statistical model by recall age & component type
VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD
SummaryTHERE MAY BE INSUFFICIENT THICKNESS OF ADHESIVE IN THE CONTACT AREA BETWEEN THE BOTTOM OF THE FRONT WINDSHIELD GLASS AND THE BODY. CONSEQUENCE OF DEFECT: THIS LACK OF ADHESIVE MAY CAUSE THE WINDSHIELD TO DISMOUNT IN AN ACCIDENT, THUS FAILING TO COMPLY WITH FMVSS 212, WINDSHIELD MOUNTING AND WHICH MAY ALLOW THE OCCUPANTS TO BE EJECTED OUT OF THE CAR, CAUSING MORE SERIOUS INJURIES OR DEATH.Read full details...
~36% chance this recall was never fixed
Moderate RiskSource: NHTSA statistical model by recall age & component type
Recall Intelligence
Detailed analysis of recall history and severity
⚠ One or more recalls have been open for over 5 years — may never have been repaired on this vehicle.
Recall Remedy Effectiveness — Complaints Continue After Fix
RECALL DIDN'T FIX ITOwner complaints filed AFTER recall remedies were issued for the same components
100% of complaints about "FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM" were filed AFTER recall campaign 95I006000 (1995-01-11) — the recall remedy may not have fully resolved the issue.
Continuing complaints after a recall may indicate an inadequate fix, a new failure mode, or that many vehicles never had the recall performed. Verify recall completion status directly with NHTSA.
Complaint Intelligence
61 complaints analyzed across 7 system categories
Owner Complaints
HIGH VOLUME61 safety complaints filed with NHTSA
FONTANA DEALER WHICH IS NOW PURCHASED BY SAN BERNARDINO NISSAN ADVISED ME SOMETIME IN 1993 THAT FUEL INJECTORS ARE TO BE CHANGED UNDER RECALL. I GAVE MY CAR WITH TRUST TO PERFORM NECESSARY REPLACEMENTS OF INJECTORS AND RELATED HOSES.THE JOB WAS NOT DONE. WHEN OTHER DEALER AS WELL AS PROFESSIONAL TECHNICIANS DETECTED THAT THE JOB WAS NOT DONE AND THE ORIGINAL PARTS ARE THERE. I TOOK IT TO THE SERVICE MANAGER, PLANET NISSAN [NOW SAN BERNARDINO NISSAN] TO CHECK AND CONFIRM. HE DID NOT CHECK MY CAR INSTEAD VERIFIED HIS RECORDS ONLY AND DENIED.THE CAR HAS STILL UNCHANGED PARTS AND RECENTLY IT WAS AGAIN DETECTED BY PROFESSIONAL MECHANIC THAT THE JOB UNDER RECALL IS NOT DONE. I TRUSTED THE DEALER AND I AM NOT A MECHANIC TO VERIFY. YOU CAN SEE OR ADVISE DEALER TO VERIFY. MY CAR IS IN SACRAMENTO AND IS USED BY MY SON [TEL # 1-916-296-2163] AND YOU CAN REACH HIM TO TAKE THE CAR TO A DEALER FOR YOUR CONFIRMATION/VERIFICATION.*AK
ENGINE CAUGHT FIRE AS A RESULT OF ADMITTED DEFECTIVE FUEL INJECTORS(ON RECALL). NISSAN REPLACED FUEL INJECTORS AT NO CHARGE, BUT WOULD NOT REPLACE OTHER DAMAGED ITEMS SUCH AS, POWER STEERING, "SEVERE" SEAL DAMAGE CAUSING LARGE OIL LEAK, AND OTHER DAMAGES. I HAVE CALLED AND WRITTEN NISSAN. ALSO, NO APOLOGIES FOR MY INCONVENIENCES.
FIRE IN ENGINE COMPARTMENT CAUSED BY DEFECTIVE FUEL INJECTORS. ROYED INJECTORS AND OWER STEERING PUMP, NUMEROUS OIL SEALS, ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS, ETC. IN ADDITION THERE WAS GENERAL SOOT ALL OVER THE ENGINE, WHICH WIIL NOT COME OFF.*AK FURTHERMORE, IT WAS A DANGEOUS SITUATION, AND HAD TO CALL THE FIRE DEPT.. NISSAN AGREED TO FIX/REPLACE FUEL INJECTORS "ONLY".
NISSAN MAXIMA FUEL INJECTORS LEAKED CAUSING LARGE FIRE IN ENGINE AREA. INJECTORS ARE ON RECALL BECAUSE OF DEFECT BUT I WAS NOT INFORMED. NISSAN REFUSES TO PAY FOR ALL DAMAGES CAUSED BY THE FIRE. NISSAN ADMITS INJECTORS ARE DEFECTIVE. *NLM
HAD FUEL INJECTORS SERVICE 10/2001, NOW VEHICLE DOES NOT PASS EMISSION TEST AND DEALER DENIES ANY CONNECTION. SAYS NEEDS $2100.00 PLUS REPAIR WORK. *AK
WAS NOTIFIED OF A RECALL DUE TO ENGINE FIRES BY A FRIEND WHO WORKED AT NISSAN. I TOOK MY CAR IN FOR THE REPAIR TO BE DONE AND WAS PUT ON A WAITING LIST. WAS NEVER CONTACTED BACK. WHEN I TRY TO START MY CAR ONE DAY, THE ENGINE BLEW UP LIFTING THE FRONT END OF MY CAR OFF THE GROUND AND MY CARS FRONT END (ENGINE) WAS ON FIRE. I SENT ALL THE INFORMATION TO NISSAN AND THEY GAVE ME THE RUN AROUND FOR ABOUT A YEAR. THEY WANTED RECEIPTS FOR OIL CHANGES AND TUNE UPS, WHICH I DID NOT HAVE. IT WAS BECOMING TO MUCH OF A HASSLE AND I STOPPED PURSUING IT. PREVIOUSLY I SENT THEM ALL THE INFORMATION REGARDING MY CAR AND ALL REPORTS REGARDING THE INCIDENT. I EVEN HAD MY CAR TOWED TO A NISSAN DEALER TO EXAMINE THE CAR AS THEY HAD INSTRUCTED. I STILL WAS NEVER REIMBURSED FOR MY CAR. *AK
I HAVE SINCE HAD MY LEAK REPAIRED AFTER LEARNING OF THE RECALL ON THE INTERNET (CAR POINT). I WAS NEVER NOTIFIED BY NISSAN OF THE RECALL IN 1995. I PAID TO FIX THE PROBLEM OF THE SMELL OF GASOLINE IN APRIL OF 1995 BUT CAR STILL SMELLED LIKE GAS INTERMITTENTLY AND I WAS NEVER TOLD BY ANYONE THAT MY CAR COULD CATCH ON FIRE! THANKFULLY, THE PROBLEM IS FIXED WITH A NEW INJECTOR AND HOSE HARNESS SYSTEM, AND MY FAMILY AND MY HOME ARE NO LONGER IN DANGER OF FIRE BUT BUT I FEEL THAT NISSAN SHOULD PAY FOR PREVIOUS REPAIRS THAT DID NOT FIX THE PROBLEM.
FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM FAILED, THE CONSUMER IS BEING DENIED RECALL 95I-006, DUE TO TIME PERIOD. *MJS
VEHICLE FIRE DUE TO RECALL COMPONENT FAILURE OF THE FUEL INJECTORS, PRIOR TO COMPLETION OF RECALL REPAIR, WHICH CAUSED WIRING HARNESS TO BURN.
FUEL INJECTORS FAILED, CAUSING VEHICLE FIRE.*AK
STARTED VEHICLE AT NOON. AFTER VEHICLE HAD BEEN SITTING FOR 2 HOURS, SAW SMOKE THEN FLAMES UNDER THE HOOD AREA OF VEHICLE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT PUT FIRE OUT. *AK
HAD RECEIVED NOTICE (395I006000) & CALLED DEALER. TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALER & THEY REFUSED TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE. TOOK NOTIFICATION & TORE IT UP. DROVE TO A STORE & VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE. *AK
FUEL INJECTION WIRING SYSTEM FAILED, CAUSING VEHICLE FIRE.
MR. SWINSON HAS LOOKED AT (15) NISSAN MAXIMA'S BETWEEN THE YEARS OF 1985 THROUGH 1988 AND FOUND THAT THEY ALL HAD BROKEN EXHAUST MANIFOLDS ON EITHER THE LEFT SIDE OR FRONT SIDE . *AK
VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE DUE TO FUEL INJECTOR FAILURE. *AK
ENGINE FIRE CAUSE BY POSSIBLE FAULTY FUEL INJECTOR.
RECEIVED RECALL LETTER #95I00600, HAS BEEN WAITING FOR PARTS, CAR IS STARTING TO SMELL GAS . *AK
RECALL NOTICE NOT RECEIVED ON THE FUEL INJECTORS.
TRANSMISSION FAILED.
TIRE FAILED.
RECALL NOTICE WAS RECEIVED ON FUEL INJECTORS, ONE YEAR PRIOR TO RECALL CAR CAUGHT ON FIRE. *AK
RECALL REPAIR (P5137) COMPLETED ON THE FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM, HOWEVER AFTER REPAIR DAMAGES TO ENGINE RESULTING FROM DEFECTIVE SYSTEM. MJS
WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE OWNER SMELLED GAS, WHEN OWNER PULLED OVER THE VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE, THE ENTIRE ENGINE AREA WAS BURNED. *AK
FUEL INJECTOR FIRE.
TOOK THE VEHICLE IN FOR A SMOG CHECK, STARTED THE VEHICLE AND THE VEHICLE BURST INTO FLAMES BECAUSE OF THE FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM, RECALL 951006000.*AK *JB
FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM EMITS GAS SMELL INSIDE VEHICLE.
FUEL INJECTOR FIRE.
VEHICLE LEAKS GAS.
PURCHASED CAR USED, HAD ONE MONTH, CAR WAS PARKED AND CAUGHT ON FIRE , MANUFACTURER MADE AND OFFER OF 750.00 ON CAR . PLEASE DESCRIBE .*AK
ENGINE FIRE. *DH
TOOK MAXIMA IN FOR REPAIR AND NISSAN ASKED FOR PAPER WORK, MR. GRAHAM SENT IT IN AND NISSAN CONTINUES TO ASK FOR MORE WHICH GRAHAM DOES NOT HAVE (95I-006). *AK
DRIVING HOME FROM WORK, SMELLED SOMETHING BURNING, SAW SMOKE, PULLED OVER, WAITED & LIFTED HOOD, SAW FIRE, TURNED VEHICLE OFF, SMOTHERED FLAMES W/BLANKET.
FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM LEAK, CAUSING ENGINE FIRE. (ATTORNEY FOR CLIENT)*SD
ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE. *SD
BRAKES FAILED. *SD
THE DEALERSHIP SAID IT WOULD TAKE 6 TO 8 WEEKS TO DO A RECALL FOR EXHAUST/CRANKCASE EMISSION 95I00600. PLEASE DESCRIBE. *AK
WHEN BRAKES ARE APPLIED OR LET UP, VEHICLE THUMPS AS VEHICLE WAS HIT AND CONTROL IS LOST. *AK
WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY THE CAR CAUGHT FIRE,THE FIRE WAS CAUSED BY THE FUEL INJECTORS. *AK
WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY THE CAR CAUGHT FIRE,THE FIRE WAS CAUSED BY THE FUEL INJECTORS. *AK
WHILE DRIVING, NOTICED SMOKE COMING FROM ENGINE COMPARTMENT, THEN SUDDENLY ENGINE CAUGHT FIRE, DUE TO FUEL INJECTOR LEAK, HAD PRIOR NOTICE OF GAS FUMES. *AK
WHILE DRIVING, NOTICED SMOKE COMING FROM ENGINE COMPARTMENT, THEN SUDDENLY ENGINE CAUGHT FIRE, DUE TO FUEL INJECTOR LEAK, HAD PRIOR NOTICE OF GAS FUMES. *AK
FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM CAUGHT FIRE. *SD
ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE, POSSIBLY CAUSED BY FUEL INJECTORS LEAKING FUEL. TT
ENGINE CAUGHT ON FIRE. PLEASE DESCRIBE. TT
WHILE DRIVING, NOTICED SMOKE COMING FROM UNDER HOOD, FOUND ENGINE ON FIRE, DEALER SUSPECTS FUEL INJECTION LEAK AS CAUSE. TT
FUEL INJECTION FIRE. TT
WAS DRIVING FUEL INJECTION LINE BROKE IN HALF STARTED TO SQUIRT GAS AND THEN IT CAUGHT FIRE. TT
FUEL HOSES LEAKED, RESULTING IN A FIRE. *AK
310-698-3235: UNDERHOOD FIRE WHILE PARKED IN FRONT OF OWNER'S PLACE OF ABOVE; VEHICLE TOTALED. TT
ENGINE DAMAGED BY ELECTRICAL FIRE. *SD
ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE, POSSIBLE FUEL INJECTION LEAKAGE *AK
TRANSMISSION LEAKS.
REAR WINDSHIELD HIT WITH ROCK/WINDOW WAS IMMEDIATELY DESTROYED FROM THE SMALL CRACK CAUSED BY THE ROCK. *AK
OWNER JUST GOT IN TO START, VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE. TT
FIRE IN ENGINE COMPARTMENT, RESULTING IN TOTALLED. TT
SUDDEN ACCELERATION WHILE IN REVERSE GEAR, RESULTED IN ACCIDENT/INJURY. (ATTORNEY FOR CLIENT) *SKD
DRIVEN VEHICLE AND CAUGHT ON FIRE TWICE FROM THE ENGINE. PLEASE EXPLAIN. TT
EA94-018 ACTIVE, ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE, UNDER THE HOOD DEFECT OF THE FUEL INJECTORS. TT
UPON PARKING, NOTICED SMOKE COMING FROM RIGHT SIDE OF HOOD, MOMENTS LATER ENGINE COMPARTMENT CAUGHT FIRE, FIRE DEPT. EXTINGUISHED. TT
VEHICLE FREQUENTLY SMELLS OF GAS ESPECIALLY WHEN STARTING. SMELL ALSO NOTICED WHEN FAN IS IN OPERATION. PLEASE DESCRIBE DETAILS. TT
THE ENGINE CAUGHT ON FIRE FROM THE FUEL LINE. PLEASE DESCRIBE DETAILS. TT
Complaint Severity Analysis
NLP analysis of complaint language — not all complaints are equal
44 of 61 complaints describe critical safety events (fire, fatality, loss of control) — language severity is in the top tier.
Component Failure Cascade Risk
Known patterns where one defect leads to more severe downstream failures
▸ Engine derate or no-start condition — DEF system failure puts vehicle into limp mode limiting speed to 5mph
Complaint & Reliability Timeline
Annual complaints (blue) vs. composite reliability score (amber) — recall years marked in red
The blue line shows 61 total NHTSA complaints filed over 9 years, with the worst year being 1996 (20 complaints, including 1 crash report).
The amber reliability line averaged 99/100 across the vehicle's life — relatively stable, with the lowest point of 95/100 in 1995.
The recall (red dashed line) were issued in the same year or before complaints peaked, suggesting the manufacturer identified and acted on the defect relatively quickly.
Red dots on the amber line flag 2 years (1995, 1996) where complaints included crash events — these are the highest-severity incidents in the dataset.
Legal & Regulatory Actions
Known class action lawsuits, settlements, and manufacturer extended warranty programs
5-Year Ownership Cost Estimate
Based on EPA fuel data, standard depreciation, and US average insurance/maintenance costs
Estimates use EPA fuel economy data, AAA 2024 national averages for insurance and maintenance, and a standard depreciation curve. Actual costs vary by location, driving habits, and vehicle condition.
5-Year Total Cost of Ownership
Estimated based on EPA fuel data, risk-adjusted maintenance, and depreciation
Estimated 5-year cost of ownership: $54,864 (~$914/mo). Repair risk buffer is standard due to vehicle risk profile.
Negotiation Ammunition
Use these data-backed findings to negotiate the price down
Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist
Tailored for the 1985 NISSAN Maxima — specific failure modes your mechanic must check, not a generic list
Recall Probability Forecast
Estimated likelihood of a new recall in the next 18 months based on NHTSA signals
5% baseline recall probability — no strong indicators of an imminent recall.
Maintenance Schedule
OEM-specified service intervals for this vehicle
Maintenance intervals vary significantly by make, model, year, engine, and driving conditions. Always follow the manufacturer's official schedule — not generic industry estimates.
Tip: Request the seller's service records and compare against the manufacturer schedule. Missing intervals are a negotiation point.
Auction History
Public sale records from Copart, IAAI, and auction aggregators
Searching Public Auction Records
Checking Copart, IAAI, BidFax, and other sources for JN1HU11S4FT026348. Results appear automatically when found.
Insurance Cost Estimate
Estimated annual premiums based on vehicle profile, theft data, and NHTSA safety ratings
Based on 2024 national avg ($2,011/yr full coverage). Individual rates vary by driver, location & insurer. Always compare 3+ quotes.
Manufacturer NHTSA Penalty History
Federal fines issued for recall delays and safety violations
NISSAN has been fined $3M+ by NHTSA. Most recently in 2014: Failure to file required Early Warning Reports on vehicle defects.
State-Specific Legal Protections
What consumer laws apply to this vehicle purchase in your state
Select your state to see what consumer protection laws, lemon law coverage, and title disclosure requirements apply to this vehicle purchase.
Complete Data Table
All decoded fields in a single flattened view
Vehicle Identity
| VIN | JN1HU11S4FT026348 |
| Model Year | 1985 |
| Make | NISSAN |
| Model | Maxima |
| Vehicle Type | PASSENGER CAR |
Body & Configuration
| Body Style | Sedan/Saloon |
| Doors | 4 |
| Drive Type | 4x2 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline |
Engine
| Engine Cylinders | 6 |
| Displacement (L) | 3 |
Manufacturer
| Manufacturer | NISSAN MOTOR COMPANY, LTD |
| Assembly City | YOKOSUKA |
| Assembly Country | JAPAN |
VIN Structure
| WMI (Chars 1–3) | JN1 |
| Check Digit (Char 9) | 4 |
| Model Year Code (Char 10) | F |
| Plant Code (Char 11) | T |
| Sequence (Chars 12–17) | 026348 |
Safety Data
| NHTSA Recall Count | 2 |
| NHTSA Complaint Count | 61 |
VIN Structure Decode
ISO 3779 character-by-character breakdown of this Vehicle Identification Number
Disclaimer: Data sourced from NHTSA public APIs and scraped auction listings. For informational purposes only. Not a substitute for a paid vehicle history report. Retrieved: 7/1/2026, 4:27:40 PM.