Nissan Maxima Paint Info
The Color Breakdown
Nissan didn't just build the Maxima to be the "4-Door Sports Car"; they dressed it for the part with a staggering 138 recorded colors. They really went for it over the decades, moving from the high-energy Aztec Red and Solar Blue Metallic to the ultra-sophisticated White Pearl Tri-Coat and Midnight Blue Pearl. Whether your Maxima is rocking a vintage 80s two-tone or a modern pearlescent shimmer, Nissan made sure it didn't just blend into the grocery store parking lot.
What to Watch For
While the Maxima has plenty of "go," its paint can sometimes be a little "sensitive." Many owners report that the clear coat can act like it's nursing a bad sunburn-peeling or flaking away in sheets, particularly on the roof, hood, and trunk where the sun hits hardest. The front bumper and hood are also legendary for "peppering," which is just a fancy way of saying they catch every rock and pebble on the highway.
To get your fix started, you need the 3-digit code. Most Maximas hide this on the driver's side door jamb on the VIN sticker (look for the word "COLOR"). If it's not there, pop the hood and check the center of the firewall-it's usually stamped right there in the middle.
Driveway Repair Tip
Because so many Maxima colors involve pearls and metallic flakes (looking at you, Glacier Pearl and Silverstone), those sparkles like to settle at the bottom of the bottle. Shake your touch-up pen or brush for a full 60 seconds-way longer than you think you need-to wake up those flakes. When filling in those highway rock chips, patience is your best friend. Use the "dab and wait" method: apply a tiny amount of paint to the center of the chip and let it flow to the edges. It's much better to apply two thin layers than one giant glob that stands out like a sore thumb.