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1985 Nissan Maxima GL Sedan Auto

The 1985 Nissan Maxima GL Sedan Auto is a 152-hp 3.0-liter V6 sedan with a 4-speed automatic and front-wheel drive. It starts at $13,694 MSRP and is rated at 17 mpg combined.

It makes 152 horsepower and 167 lb-ft of torque. EPA fuel-economy estimates are 15 mpg city and 20 mpg highway (17 mpg combined).

The Maxima measures 181.0 inches long on a 100.3-inch wheelbase and has a curb weight of 3,060 lb.

Spec Value
Vehicle
Body TypeSedan
PowertrainGas
Price
MSRP$13,694 ($41,362 *)
Engine
Engine TypeVG30E 3.0L SOHC V6, gasoline
Displacement3 L
Horsepower152 hp
Torque167 lb-ft
Drivetrain
Drive TypeFWD
Transmission
Transmission4-speed automatic
Fuel Economy
City15 MPG
Highway20 MPG
Combined17 MPG
Recommended FuelRegular
Suspension
Front SuspensionFully independent, sport-tuned suspension
Brakes
Front Brake Calipers4-wheel disc brakes (per Autopolis, non-OEM, no OEM confirmation found)
Tires & Wheels
Wheels Front15-in (steel or alloy depending on trim)
Dimensions & Weight
Length181 in
Width66 in
Height52 in
Wheelbase100.3 in
Curb Weight3,060 lbs
* Amount adjusted for inflation to 2026 dollars

Safety & Recalls

NCAP safety ratings

Not crash-tested by NHTSA for this model year.

Recalls

2 recalls on file with NHTSA for the 1985 Nissan MAXIMA. Not every recall applies to every trim or VIN — check yours at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Nov 1, 1995 · FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM

THIS 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.

Consequence: FUEL LEAKS IN THE ENGINE COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.

Remedy: NISSAN DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FUEL INJECTORS AND RELATED HOSES ON THE AFFECTED VEHICLES.

NHTSA campaign 95I006000

Jul 16, 1986 · VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD

THERE 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.

Remedy: ADD MORE ADHESIVE TO BOTTOM OF FRONT WINDSHIELD GLASS.

NHTSA campaign 86V096000

54 owner complaints to NHTSA for the 1985 Nissan MAXIMA

Owner Complaints

54 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 1985 Nissan MAXIMA (2 mention a crash, 38 a fire, 1 an injury). See all on nhtsa.gov

Most-cited areas
Fuel System33
Gasoline32
Engine And Engine Cooling13
Electrical System7
Hydraulic1
Other1
A complaint can cite more than one area.
Most recent complaints
Mar 23, 2004 · Fuel System, Other
“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…”
Jan 15, 2004 · Steering, Engine And Engine Cooling, Fuel System, Gasoline Fire
“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…”
Aug 25, 2003 · Fuel System, Gasoline Fire
“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…”
Jun 28, 2003 · Fuel System, Gasoline Fire
“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…”
Feb 26, 2001 · Engine And Engine Cooling, Fuel System, Gasoline
“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”

Complaints are unverified reports submitted to NHTSA by owners. They cover the whole model year, not a specific trim, and a count alone doesn't show how common a problem is.

Source: US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (nhtsa.gov), matched as 1985 NISSAN MAXIMA. US-market vehicles only; data cached for up to 7 days.

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