This topic has been discussed before, but after 3 months with my Max, I am of the strong opinion that there is something fundamentally flawed with the paint on these cars. My point being that I've driven my route for 12 years now, and I've not had a vehicle that is so prone to paint chips on the bumper and hood. It is almost a daily occurrence to find the latest, and greatest, paint chip.

I understand some, but guys, I've got at least 15 separate and some severe paint chips. I haven't complained to Nissan because I can guess the response I'll get. But I'm beginning to think this is NOT normal to incur paint chip damage at this rate.

Do others share my opinion, and if yes, what can we do???

srm

 

I think we all have the same problem I know that this has been occuring a lot lately on my Black beauty. I've only had the car for three months too, but I've also been doing a fair amount of interstate driving (I hate big trucks and their blasted large wheels...). From what I can remember from the previous posts, there isn't much to do about it, except get a nose mask or to try some touch up paint. I don't like either option much, but I'll will definitely have to do something come summertime. Good luck -- you're not alone!

 

I have the same problem on my car too. The front of my car has a bunch of paint chips on it, which makes it look bad. The car is only 7 months old, it shouldnt be doing this. None of the other cars in my family exhibit this, they have the usual swirl marks or scrathes. I am begginning to think that their is a problem with the paint or the painting process from the factory. Is there anything we can do about this?

 

I've noticed it too. I don't have that many, but still more than I should have.

 

We've talked about this and have come to the conclusion that Nissan paint is bad.

 

I too have noticed a few paint chips in less than 2-months! I think the paint is too thin or not well bonded to the primer coat. Anyways, I'm about to buy a nose mask for upcoming road trips. I hope this will help slow down the chips or else I'm going to have a White max with freckles before I know it.

 

Yep, had my max for about 3 months and starting to get those chips too! The paint sucks!

 

On day 2 of ownership my black car got several big paint chips from flying debris from a truck on the road. I keep a nose mask on it now, but it is a pain to take it off and on everytime I wash the car (which is often due to the black color). The car chips easier than my prior vehicles for sure.

 

so ummm why was it that nissan advertised those "SHOOTING DIAMONDS" at the exterior of the car leaving no dents or paint chips?? hmm...
james

 

First... all manufacturers are having to find ways to get paint to adhere while air standards tighten (and they try to save money).

Thing is, you arent wasting your time taking it back to the dealer, they will paint your front cap or give you a service credit toward the cost of repainting. Problem is, who wants a brand new repainted car??? it does suck... no way to win here.

 

Interesting that any dealer would remedy this. Do you have experience with a dealer retouching your car, I mean, actually repainting?

I'm thinking that if enough of us begin complaining to Nissan about this, we might get something done. However, individually, I suspect a dealer may just blow us off and say not to follow behind trucks, etc.

I'll be interested to know how you, or someone you know, approached a dealer about repainting chipped up front-ends. It is obvious just by those that chose to reply to this message that there is a problem. I've even started checking out other car's front ends looking for similar abuse, but I'm not finding any! And like I've said, I've never had a car chip this badly, and I've owned GM, Ford, Toyota, and other Nissan products, as well as Mazda.

Keep the comments coming, gang. This thread may serve as some type of evidence to someone that this is just not an anomoly. Thanks! srm

 

Personally I think the paint and windows on our new maxes are made from 90% butter. I got a new chip in my windshield on the way to work today.. that makes at least 4 and I don't even want to talk about pain chips.. I'll just say soon my superblack is going to be a sterling mist heheh

 

Sterling mist?

My Sterling Mist has Royal Blue under it!
Now, maybe if I scratch at the cloth enough, there’ll be leather under there!

Seriously, it does suck. Speaking of which, srmtn, I’m ready for my partial nosemask now. Do you have a part # from saddleman?

BTW, your car is gorgeous. I saw a Merlot AE on the road last week and started drooling!

 

Guys, we're onto something with this paint thing. Another forum user sent me an email suggesting we set-up a special link for owners to file complaints and perhaps start a class action seeking repainting with a QUALITY paint as a remedy. I don't know if it would need to go that far, but I'm of the opinion that we're all going to be showing up for front-end paint jobs at our expense if something isn't done by Nissan.

Let's encourage others to keep posts coming on this thread. I'll print and mail this to Nissan as an indication that I'm not an anomoly out here just whining about a few scrapes and scratches if I have to.

Regarding the hood cover...(and thanks for the compliments on my car...I often find myself just staring at thinking what a striking car!) here is the info:

Part #45632-01: Custom Hood Protector: 2001 Nissan Maxima
Price: $42.99, with additional $5.00 shipping

I ordered on-line @ http://www.saddleman.com
You may also phone @ 435.752.1000

I had my cover within 3 days.

Note, the full bra, which saddleman also offers, doesn't fit the AE...but they do store requests and if enough come in, they will place into production...so those of you with AE and an interest in the full gear...PLEASE CALL AND REQUEST! Even if you are not, call anyway so those of us that do want to minimize the damage to our car can have a better choice.

Thanks! Scott

 

I own a Super Black GLE which has an unbelievable amount of chips in just 5 months. The paint is very thin and not very resistant to anything. The paint job on my Ford Taurus is more quality, but that is the only thing on that Taurus that is more quality.

Mark

 

Yep. chips here to...Rumor I heard was the EPA limited/banned a chemical that was used in the paint and now it is more water based, therefore not as durable??

 

A change in the paint formulation has been referred to as a potential cause of the problem, however, no one has documented that to be true. And if it were, every other manufacturer should be producing cars that will be similarly affected, and I'm not getting the sense that is the case.

I think Nissan, having been strapped for cash, has found a less costly way to comply with any change in regulations, if changes have occurred, and now we are dealing with the affect.

We have an issue here, and I don't know what will be done, but I think I've read enough to know we need to make some noise to Nissan.

Scott

 

there is some component that has been changed. actuall, look at any 97-ish max bumper, front or rear, its not the same color (white is the worst). I thought every max I saw had been wrecked and repainted.. actually, only the wrecked ones look good and almost match.

The dealer does not decide if you need paint. Nissan has regional paint inspectors. Your dealer can say whatever he wants, just press for a meeting with the Inspector. He actually has to visit the dealerships quite often. There are some serious problems with paint, especially 2K and up. There were a TON of new Max's there when I went. My problem was with my clear coat (or lack of). I now have a $450 service credit. I didnt want my car repainted for loss of resale. I might call back and ask for the repaint now as my front cap has gotten pretty bad too.

There are some very disturbing rumors I've heard from paint shops (picked up when I was having my car looked at - which by the way no one can understand what happened). One nasty rumor was that paint was getting damaged on the ride to the dealer even! and that cars where having to be retouched before being purchased (without the buyers knowledge). The rumor had the dealer painting, but Nissan approving and paying for this, which would be unheard of unless there was a major problem.

IMO, Nissan has had a rich history of not getting the paint right since the mid 90's.

I agree, a class action might be in order, BUT you wont get anywhere until you have that piece of paper from the inspector granting or denying compensation. BTW, demand the dealer make you a copy of the report that the guy makes after looking at your car (and taking pics)

 

I've been researching manual transmission sedans for almost a year now and it came down to Passat and Max. I'll be darned, but the forums for both cars I've been watching for awhile have both had tons of complaints about soft paint.

Also, white does seem the worst, and it seems to span all car lines. A colleague of mine has a white 95 Chevy Lumina that had huge hunks of paint delaminate from his hood while driving down the interstate (we're talking 6X6 inch sections. GM repainted it for free just last year (it was and is a huge problem with mid 90's GM's). I've seen a few white pickup trucks that have a lot of delamination going on around the top edge of the bed from that era too.

It's a whole new learning curve that paint production and applications people are on that started in the mid 90's when the EPA stiffened the rules. Some companies might have it figured out, some might not. Apparently at least VW and Nissan are still working on it.

BTW, I have decided on the Max over the Passat. I think I'll live with the chips. IMHO, from 20 feet away at least, a chipped up front end looks better than one with a bra/nose mask... I'll just buy a case of touch-up paint when I pick up the car ;-)

It would be interesting to find out who supplies paint to all the car companies. I wonder how many suppliers there are? PPG is the only one that seems to advertise and the only one I know about.

 

If you guys decide to take some kind of class action, count me in. I own two 2K Maximas and they both have too many paint chips and abrasions for their age and mileage.

 

Maxleaner:
I too was down to the Passat and Maxima and three weeks ago bought a Maxima (2k1 merlot, C&C, leather, Bose, 5spd)...really no comparison. More power, better value, more power, bigger motor, nicer mags, more power...oh yeah, did I say more power?

A friend of mine has a Passat and has paint problems. I think you're right about EPA. I owned a 91 Mercury Tracer--black--and that too had tons and tons of paint chips. The quality of the paint suffers because paint and the entire the paint process is supposed to be more environmentally friendly.

 

paint chips on front bumper, hood, and passenger's side door so far.
very annoying.
I was wondering if it is the polish that the dealer used on it.
I have had mine 5 months and it is in dire need of a wax job.

 

just keepin' it alive... let's make some noise.

 

5 on the front above the grille.
2 on the driver-side front fender.
1 big one about 1/4" on the passenger-side rear fender - on the wheel flare.
2 on the trunk edge.

Expect to find more next time I wax.

I've had the car six months.

Short of a class-action lawsuit, which seems perfectly appropriate, I was going to wait until I had collected about
50 or so, and take it to a body shop to have them repaired.

I don't want to put a bra on my car, don't think I should have to.

 

I have had my Max for about three months, I purchased it used from an individual. When I first looked at purchasing the car, I expected it to have a couple of paint chips and dings as with any used car. I just figured the previous owner didn't take care of his car and tailgated eighteen wheelers for the fun of it. In the months that I have had my baby, it seems like a strong down pour of rain, could cause paint chips. My report is as follows:

4 on the front bumper
3 on the back bumper
1 (big one) on the the passager side fender
2 on the roof of the car (no idea how it got there)
3 on the hood

We need to do something to correct the problem. I can't stand to cry everytime I wash my car. Please keep me in mind when taking any course of action.

Thanks
KMK
kmk786@hotmail.com

 

It is obvious we are on to something; however, what the remedy is I don't know. I'm just sitting here thinking that the best thing that could happen is that we all get paint jobs...but is it a paint job with the same inferior paint process?

My question is to anyone who knows anyone who has had a repaint job. Was the repaint more durable, and did it eliminate the types of problems that we are having?

Where we go from here, I'm not sure. We need some expert advise on how to organize a collective and unflappable call to action from Nissan. If anyone knows how to get this started, I'll be happy to assist. I can be reached on my mobile @ 615.496.4970.

Thanks!

Scott

 

1000 miles and a few clearly odd paint chips that I haven't been able to explain. Is there anybody on this board who can, from experience, give us a real idea of what it would take to do something large scale about this.

 

Just did a wax today and I stopped counting paint chips after 10, because I was starting to get real pissed! I only have 2300 miles and there are chips and dents on the front/rear bumper, one on the edge of the hood, and 5+ on the side panel behind the front wheels. I also noticed SEVERAL paint blemishes on the door sills. I think Nissan tries to save some money by doing a quick paint dry processes or something.

 

Hey gang, I'm working on getting some advice about what to do to get this complaint organized and documented in a professional and impactful manner. Just KEEP THE COMMENTS COMING!

And those of you that are reading and not replying...are we to assume you do not have any concerns on this matter? If you do, Please comment. I have over 450 views of this post and about a 5% reply rate...I can't believe we're the only ones with this problem. The more numbers...the more likely Nissan will do something across the board for us.

Thanks, and appreciate the attention to this thread...this is terrific.

Scott

 

It was pretty warm here in Chicago, so I got a chance to finally do a good hand wash. What do I find, more paint chips on the hood and bumper. We have to do something about this and find a solution. Im sure that if enough of us complain, Nissan will listen.

 

I'm a writer. When you're ready for a good letter, let me know.

 

I posted something about this several months ago. I now have over 40 chips on my hood and front cap combined. I have over 22,000 miles on my car. I saw a used '96 Cadillac Seville with 90,000 miles that had fewer paint chips than my Maxima.

In the summer time when I wash bugs off of my car there are dents and chips where the bugs were! I will try to have my dealership look at it next time I have it serviced. I am beginning to wonder what my Max will look like when it is 3 or 4 years old. I never noticed any paint problems with my '97 Max..... wonder if Nissan wants me as a repeat buyer again?

[Edited by warrlocked on 03-05-2001 at 09:43 AM]

 

Just picked up my new 2001 max on the weekend, before I even got it off the lot I had my dealer install a clear 3M hood tape (covers about 8" of the leading edge of the hood from fender to fender) you can't even tell that it's there. I had this installed on my 4th gen and it greatly reduced the amount of paint damage.

 

That there are "blemishes" everywhere low on the car. Sills,lower quarters and underneath. I have even seen painted hair on one of my sills.
People should also check on lemon laws in their respective states. My parents have been successful on that front. They live in Ohio, and Ohio has a very good lemon law program. They visited the Buick dealership 3 plus times to have it fixed under warranty and then finally filed for lemon law. GM buckled immediately under the mediation and paid to have the car completely stripped in a bubble, pics and all and repainted from the raw finish. It ended up costing GM close to 5K to have it done. Bad thing was they sold the car close to a year later and left personal info in the car and were contacted by the next owner...it was doing it again. Bubbling, chipping and so on. Once a car in Ohio is deamed a lemon, the title has to be stamped that way so future resale is virtually impossible. Should they settle out of court like my parents case, it will not be stamped lemon.
My long rambling point is, look into lemon laws and what determines a lemon in your state. You might have even more legal recourse than you thought. As always, as many have mentioned on this post. Document everything! Each time you show up at the dealer, get a piece of paper stating EXACTLY what was done to your car preferably on dealer letterhead on a printout, don't ever leave without one. It will help your case in the future.

 

Adboy...I may be getting in touch with you. I will facilitate and be included, but I don't want a letter coming from me. I have already had Nissan replace my tires, and I'm concerned that if I initiate another case, I might be labeled a whiner. However, I have not counted the number of unique people replying to this, but 33 replies with commentary about various degrees of paint issues is enough to get started.

Is everyone that has responded to this post agreeable to being listed, with your edited remarks, in a letter to Nissan? Can you rouse any of the other readers out there? We have over 600 hits on this thread, not all unique, I'm sure, but we should be able to get a significant number of individuals that can strenthen our argument.

I've been very busy these last few days, and haven't had a lot of time to think of a strategy, but let me mull over this a couple days, and I'll propose a strategy that we can take. I'll also welcome any suggestions. Has anyone called a zone office and asked questions? How many have mentioned this to a dealer? Any assistance in knowing what kind of interactions have been had will be helpful in deciding how to frame this up to Nissan.

In the meantime, keep the replies coming, and try to be specific like others have done. If you've replied and did not get specific, please do. It will be important to point out the scope of the problem.

Thanks you all...we'll get something done!

Scott

 

I've had my hood repainted due to a minor bender with a SUV and still have a problem with some paint chips that just seem to appear outta nowhere. Had it painted at the dealership too. A couple of chips the size of thumbtacks, a few other graze marks (down to the primer), and a windshield chip that took a chunk the size of half a BB. Also, I was wondering if anyone's been experiencing problems with paint chipping from the top outside corners of the trunk where it meets the top edge of the quarterpanels. It doesn't seem as though the paint contains the proper amount of flex agent.

 

I finally had a chance to speak to Dave B. over at South Point Nissan in regards to our problem. He was not personally aware that some Maxima owners were not pleased with having a new chip every other week. When I asked him what to do in order to correct the problem. His response was a sensible one, he said in case like this one it is easy for the dealership to dismiss our complaints and blame it on freeway driving and not the quality of paint. Our only advantage or strength as mentioned by Scott and Dave is in our numbers, so I urge everyone that has problems with the paint to post their stories. The more people that speak out, the quicker we can expect an response from Nissan. I had requested Dave to take a look at this thread when he had a chance, in order to better advise us. I would like to thank Dave for taking time out of his day to speak with me about this. Dave makes me which that I had a dealership like South Point Nissan and people like him where I lived. Scott and Adboy please let me know if I could be of any assistance.

Thanks
KMK

 

Thinking strategically...

Should we or should we not try to involve Altima and Sentra owners?

The positive would be sheer numbers. But that may also be the negative if Nissan is urged to repaint millions of cars.


As for the letter, seething complaints and not-so-gentle persuasion are my specialties.

Let's keep gathering ammo for now. And think "strategy."

 

I purchased my black Maxima SE in June. When they delivered to the dealer (they did not have the one I wanted), I noticed circular blems resembling something sap would do. On closer examination it was not sap, it was flaws.
I notice flaws and scratches every time I wash my car. If you want a good cry, rinse your car off with the spray nozzle off. Let the water sheet off, and all of those scratches will jump out at you.
I personally love the picture of the rock hitting the paint in the brochure; telling us how tough their paint is.

Please let me know if something is done by Nissan.

 

Count me in....I live in NY and need I say more. A good thing is I have just a few paint chips because I don't drive during the week so the car sits in my driveway. So this makes me wonder, how could I have so many paint chips and scratches on the car and I don't drive everday and if I did, what would my car would look like. Sometimes the thought of going thru the car wash makes me sick. I think about all of the scratches that may occur. So I wind up spending at least $20 each and everytime I have my car hand washed just so that I don't have to deal with anymore scratches.

Oh, and what about those bumper scratches. Fortunately I don't have to parallel park on the street. I see so many Maxima's with there front and rear bumpers all scratched up from other cars bumping them while trying to park. What is up with that? I've seen other cars bumper scratched, but the Maxima's are the worst.

I think that we should do something about this or at least bring it Nissan's attention. So let's keep bringing in those comments so that we can get the ball rolling.