2003 Nissan Maxima
US · Midsize Cars
The 2003 Nissan Maxima is listed in the US market with gasoline power. Every figure below carries the source it came from, and anything our sources do not publish is left out rather than estimated.
- Engine
- 3.5L 6-cylinder
- Transmission
- Varies by configuration: Automatic, Manual
- Drivetrain
- FWD
- Fuel
- Gasoline
- Economy
- 20 mpg (11.8 L/100 km) to 21 mpg (11.2 L/100 km) combined
Key Figures
Engine
| Specification | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 3.5L 6-cylinder | |
| Displacement | 3.5 L | |
| Cylinders | 6 | |
| Fuel type | Gasoline | EPA fueleconomy.gov |
Transmission and drivetrain
| Specification | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission | Varies by configuration: Automatic, Manual | |
| Gears | 4 to 6 | |
| Drivetrain | FWD | EPA fueleconomy.gov |
Fuel economy and range
| Specification | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Combined | 20 mpg (11.8 L/100 km) to 21 mpg (11.2 L/100 km) | EPA fueleconomy.gov |
| City | 17 mpg (13.8 L/100 km) to 19 mpg (12.4 L/100 km) | |
| Highway | 24 mpg (9.8 L/100 km) to 26 mpg (9.0 L/100 km) |
Our sources do not publish these for this vehicle: Aspiration, Power, Torque, Electric range, Battery capacity. We leave them out instead of estimating.
Trims and configurations
2 configurations listed by our sources. Engines, drivetrains and fuel economy can differ between them.
Recalls
NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns for this model year. Last checked November 4, 2026.
22E066000: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
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…
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.
Reported August 9, 2022. View on NHTSA
20V008000: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
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…
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…
Reported January 9, 2020. View on NHTSA
15V287000: AIR BAGS
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.
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…
Reported May 15, 2015. View on NHTSA
03V455000: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
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.
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.…
Reported November 17, 2003. View on NHTSA
Data sources
- NHTSA vPIC · retrieved October 18, 2026 · US Government public data
- EPA fueleconomy.gov · retrieved November 9, 2026 · US Government public data
Source checked: November 9, 2026
Data verified: November 9, 2026
Specifications can vary by market, trim, configuration and production date. Confirm with the manufacturer before buying parts or making safety decisions. Report an error.
Related vehicles
- 2002 Nissan Maxima
Gasoline
3.5L 6-cylinder · FWD
21 mpg (11.2 L/100 km) to 20 mpg (11.8 L/100 km) - 2004 Nissan Maxima
Gasoline
3.5L 6-cylinder · FWD
21 mpg (11.2 L/100 km)
Frequently asked questions
What engine does the 2003 Nissan Maxima have?
3.5L 6-cylinder. Engines can differ by trim, so check the trim list below.
What is the fuel economy of the 2003 Nissan Maxima?
Combined fuel economy is 20 mpg (11.8 L/100 km) to 21 mpg (11.2 L/100 km), as published by the source shown in the specification table.
Is the 2003 Nissan Maxima front-wheel, rear-wheel or all-wheel drive?
Drivetrain: FWD.
Are there recalls for the 2003 Nissan Maxima?
NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns for this model year (last checked November 4, 2026). Details are in the Recalls section.