2013 Nissan Maxima: Exterior Lighting complaints
Owner-reported issue (NHTSA complaints, not a recall)
Symptoms
NHTSA has 9 owner complaints for the 2013 Nissan Maxima that list the exterior lighting component. Complaints are individual owner reports, not verified defects.
Examples:
- NHTSA complaint ODI #11706145 (filed 12/19/2025): “I have a 2013 nissan maxima in my headlights are horrible when they are on dim you cannot see in front of you so bad that it's liable to cause a bad wreck i have to ride with my headlights on bright and it's not much better i have replaced the bulbs in both headlights twice it has not improved anyth…”
- NHTSA complaint ODI #11555842 (filed 11/18/2023): “1. both headlights on dim are so dim that you cannot drive safely, they do not project in front of the car far enough to see at night, dawn or dusk. i am concerned if other cars i meet can even see me approaching. my flashlight shines brighter and farther. i have replaced the bulbs for the dim light…”
- NHTSA complaint ODI #11527029 (filed 06/14/2023): “The contact owns a 2013 nissan maxima. the contact stated while driving at night, the driver’s, and passenger's side headlights were very dim, failing to properly illuminate the roadway, causing a visibility hazard for the driver. the contact stated that the light bulbs were replaced but the failure…”
Likely causes
These complaints do not establish a single root cause; read the examples above and get a diagnosis.
Fix, in plain English
No single fix is established by these reports. Check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls, ask a dealer about technical service bulletins (TSBs) or extended warranty coverage, then have the system diagnosed.
DIY difficulty: Moderate
LED DRLs are often integrated into the headlamp assembly, which may require bumper removal. (Our assessment.)
Cost
No sourced cost range for this issue. Get a written quote after diagnosis.
Typical parts (search links, no affiliate codes)
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Sources
Page last updated .