My 2000 Maxima has some major paint scratching on the rear bumper below the trunk. It is fairly obvious that poor aerodynamic considerations have created a vortex in the gap between the trunk and bumper about 4 inches wide where the paint gets scratched by grit possibly in moisture or even air.

I've noticed this problem on other Maximas and I'm wondering if there is a warrantee clause or TSB that allows owners to have this repaired at Nissan's expense.

Does anyone have any information on this issue?

 

Possibly this?

Make: NISSAN Model: MAXIMA Year: 2000
Service Bulletin Number: NTB00055 Bulletin Sequence Number: 139 Date of Bulletin:
07/00
NHTSA Item Number: SB613954
Component: STRUCTURE:BUMPER ASSEMBLY
Summary: VEHICLES BUILT BEFORE JN1CA31D1YT766295, JN1CA31A6YT224079,JN1CA31D5YT555214,JN1CA31A3YT031 422 MAY HAVE A SCRATCH(S) IN THE TOP
OF THE REAR BUMPER JUST BELOW THE LOWER EDGE OF THE TRUNK LID. *TT

 

Sweet, thanks!

 

Hope it helps!

 

What does a person do with the NHTSA information? I've gone to their web site and my search gets me the same information that you sent. To order the complete report is about $40 and takes around 10 weeks. Is there somewhere else to find this info.? Has anyone attempted to follow thorough on this problem with their vehicle?

I have no problem ordering the report if it gives me an action directive, however if it just outlines the problem which I know I already, I'll pass.

Has anyone been through this before?

 

I dropped my car off this morning for the same problem, which the dealer said they would fix under warranty. I pick it up on Wednesday afternoon.

The main service manager guy was familiar with the problem and promptly announced it was a warranty fix, after he verified my mileage. I asked if he was familiar with the problem and he said "yes".

I've known about the problem since it came out and the scratches will get worse. They start rusting, too.

Take the service bulletin to the dealer as reference but chances are, after 2 years, they would be familiar with the issue and you won't have to show them anything.

 

Nice work Maxima owners, you've been exceptionaly helpful!

 

I had this TSB done. It didn't work.
The scratches continued. My bumper is slightly out of alignment, after the "fix". My heart rate goes up every time I look at my rear bumper.
A better fix is to put white electric tape over the scratch area, and replace it from time to time. (My Max is white.)

 

Good point, as fixing the paint won't cure the problem. I was considering tape or plastic of some sort. I'll see if they have a solution for me, and if they do I'll post it for others to use.

Have you had any problems with your paint weathering? I have the same colour Maxima and there are spots, (aside from the bumper mess) where the paint is turning yellow. I'm not sure if it is oxidizing or what the problem is but it is obvious that it is a paint problem and there isn't something on the top of the surface.

 

but I used 2 tiny rubber feet that come with cisco routers. I think you can buy them at radio shack. They are only visible when the trunk is open but when it closes they act as mini bumpers.

True, the TSB repair service will only F(mess)ck your bumper up. At least it didn't work for me.

hope this helps

turbo dreams
woosh

 

Great I have a Cisco router in front of me right now, however I don't see how bumpers would correct the situation? The scratches don't seem to be from the trunk closing.

Thanks for the tip, I'll definitely have another look at the problem with this information in mind.