The Lemon Index
Nissan's 3.0-liter V6, DOHC, naturally aspirated. This page covers the versions we have sourced so far: the Nissan Maxima, model years 1995–1999. The engine is used in other cars too; those aren't covered here yet.
Middle of the pack: YouTube owner tone None/100, #90 of 165 engines with a YouTube study (in the middle third); no engine-related recall on record, 4 known issues listed below.
Known issues on record
- Timing chain noise (1995–1996) (Outlet report). Consumer Guide says noise from the front of the engine on 1995 and 1996 cars can come from too much play in the timing chain. Fix: A new chain tensioner and chain guide. 2 owner complaints to NHTSA mention it (A32 Maxima).
- Spark knock (1995–1997) (Outlet report). Consumer Guide says spark knock or ping on 1995-97 cars can come from a faulty engine computer. 16 owner complaints to NHTSA mention it (A32 Maxima).
- Broken engine wiring (1995–1997) (Outlet report). Consumer Guide traces no-starts, rough running and no A/C on 1995-97 cars to broken wires where the engine harness bends near the right strut tower. 18 owner complaints to NHTSA mention it (A32 Maxima).
- Automatic transmission slipping (1997) (Outlet report). Consumer Guide says the original shift solenoids in 1997 automatics allowed slipping and early wear. 2 owner complaints to NHTSA mention it (A32 Maxima).
What YouTube owners say Tone 0-100, higher = more praise than trouble.
Average owner tone 48/100 across 5 model years, from 141 videos about this engine and its cars (#90 of 165 engines with a YouTube study).
Most-watched videos
- 1999 Nissan Maxima A32: Regular Car Reviews 471,204 views
- Can the Hyundai i30 N still beat the best? - used car review | ReDriven 222,066 views
- Is the Hyundai i30 actually too sensible to buy? | ReDriven used car review 187,870 views
- Review of Nissan Maxima QX A32 - reliable or not? Problems and sores 128,536 views
- NISSAN A32 TRIBUTE | TURN BACK TIME 112,473 views
Counted from video titles and captions: praise words against trouble words, weighted by views. Videos only count when the title names this engine or a car that had only this engine in those years.
Owner complaints and recalls
Counts for the cars on this page, from NHTSA. They cover every part of the car, not only the engine.
| Car | Years | Owner complaints | Recall campaigns | NHTSA files it as |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| A32 Maxima | 1995–1999 | 628 | 6 | Maxima |
Specs by generation
Nissan VQ30DE: A32 Maxima, 1995–1999
- Layout: V6, DOHC 24-valve, aluminum block and heads
- Output: 190 hp at 5,600 rpm, 205 lb-ft at 4,000 rpm (US Maxima)
- Bore x stroke: 93 x 73.3 mm, 2,988 cc
- Compression: 10.0:1
- Awards: On Ward’s 10 Best Engines list every year from 1995 through 2001
What we don't have yet
- The engine's other cars: only the versions above are sourced so far.
Quick answers
What cars have the Nissan VQ30DE engine?
On this site so far: the Nissan Maxima, model years 1995–1999. It is used in other cars we haven't covered yet.
Is the Nissan VQ30DE reliable?
Mostly, with known issues to check. YouTube owner tone None/100, #90 of 165 engines with a YouTube study (in the middle third); no engine-related recall on record, 4 known issues listed below. Owner complaints are filed by car, not engine, and cover the whole car, so none of these numbers is an engine failure rate.
How much horsepower does the Nissan VQ30DE make?
190 hp in the versions on this page (factory figures).
Sources: Wikipedia: Nissan VQ engine · The Auto Channel: 1995 Nissan Maxima SE sport sedan (Bill Russ, road test with spec sheet) · Consumer Guide: 1995-99 Nissan Maxima (used car review, trouble spots). Complaints and recalls: NHTSA (api.nhtsa.gov).