Just about everyone here knows that 3rd gen Maximas have a problem with broken exhaust studs. Well, the VG30 engine was also used in Ford/Mercury mini vans. They are also having exhaust stud problems. I found a site (http://www.lemonaidcars.com/home.htm) that has information on vehicle problems. There was recently a successful small claims judgement against Ford, in Canada, to pay for this repair. It may be possible to use this case as presidence for a successful suit agains Nissan.

The piece from Lemonaid Cars:

Ford loses small claims suit over '93 Villager exhaust manifold stud breakage-A common problem affecting 1993-94 Villagers.

Dear Mr. Edmonston, I just want to inform you that Ford of Canada lost the Small Claims Court case in Surrey, B.C. which I started one year ago for payment of repairs made to our 93 Villager with the famous broken manifold stud problem. Soon after I started legal action Ford suddenly made an offer to pay for the repair. I declined the offer as I believe that the broken studs also caused a premature break-down of the exhaust system which needed replacement. The judge not only awarded me the full amount of $989 for the repair but also $1 for damages to the exhaust system. The latter is an important symbolic figure; the judge was unable to assess the real damage as the car had 85,000 km. However, this judgement may open up another discussion: How safe is the Villager when there is damage to the exhaust system caused by broken studs which often go undetected? Is there are regulatory body which looks into the safety of emission devises? I am also concerned with the resale value of the van which has dropped rapidly in the last three years. The judge gave the lawyers a stern lecture of going to court and misusing public money for such a small amount. He also followed up on my cross-examination of Ford's expert witness when I asked him whether he had heard about the broken stud problem and the witness tried to avoid an answer. For the first time a Ford employee had to admit that there is a known problem. The judge also noticed the term "Secret Warranties" in your Lemon-Aid book and questioned openly Ford's business practices. I agree with the judge that Ford lost an opportunity to show some good will by acknowledging an obvious problem. They lost me as a future customer forever.

Wolf K.

 

Interesting stuff. But Ford isn't Nissan so you would probably have to wait until the suit is done. Then you would probably have to file your own suit against Nissan or the dealer. The max is probably $2500 becuase it's small claims. good luck if you do this. The first guy probably has to go though alot of trouble for everyone else.