Nissan Maxima - headlight stolen - Regarding the Xenon headlights on the 2002, 2003 Nissan Maxima's. Apparently it has become very popular to steal these Xenon headlights from the Maxima's within a 1 to 2 minute time frame. I know, as I've had mine stolen

Nissan Maxima - headlight stolen - Regarding the Xenon headlights on the 2002, 2003 Nissan Maxima's. Apparently it has become very popular to steal these Xenon headlights from the Maxima's within a 1 to 2 minute time frame. I know, as I've had mine stolen twice in 16 days at a replacment cost of $3,500 each time 8 months ago. And just last night they attempted to steal them a 3rd time.

Nissan Maxima headlight stolen

Regarding the Xenon headlights on the 2002, 2003 Nissan Maxima's. Apparently it has become very popular to steal these Xenon headlights from the Maxima's within a 1 to 2 minute time frame. I know, as I've had mine stolen twice in 16 days at a replacment cost of $3,500 each time 8 months ago. And just last night they attempted to steal them a 3rd time.

Luckily the after market alarm I installed in the car after the second incident worked and the theives were not able to steal the lights but did cause damage to my drivers side door and handle at a cost of over $200 for this repair. I've been on line to search and the problem seems to be nation wide. However from the different forum's I\'ve searched, Nissan corp seems to think it\'s a theft problem, not a manufacturing problem.

I think Nissan should be held responsible for a faulty design that is costing consumers thousands of dollars each day in either insurance premium increases or headlight replacements. Here are some facts: * There is a serious problem with this car. * Due to a poor design, it is possible to steal the HID headlights within less than 2 minutes. * The HID headlights are being removed without opening the hood and the factory security system doesn't go off when the headlights are removed. * Each time, I had to file a claim with my car insurance, pay my deductible ($1,000) and have no car for about 2 weeks. * The cost of restoring the two HID headlights is about $3500. * Nissan has not come up with a good solution, which will prevent this from happening again. * Nissan has come up with an anti theft kit which is supposed to provide a better solution to their poor headlight design however, it doesn't guarantee that I will not have my headlights stolen. * Nissan is not willing to help with the cost of restoring the HID headlights. When contacted, Nissan informed me of two so-called deterent alarm systems that in no way prevent the removal of the lights. The service people who install the devices at several dealers advised that the device only causes the thieves to cause more damage to the front of the vehicles. The ease with which these lights are removed can only be categorized as a factory defect and Nissan has completely refused to extend any assistance. They have instead chosen to profit from their customers' loss. Every set of headlights stolen presents a new source of revenue for them. I spent $30,000 plus on a car that I cannot park anywhere. I further cannot realistically drive this car to any public location such as a mall, or attend any business or social gathering where I may not be able to leave before dark for there's a great possibility that I would not be able to drive myself home. Should Nissan be held accountable for making a product that is not more theft resistant? Are dealers leagally obligated to disclose this problem to buyers? I can accept that manufacturers have no control over theft. However, I believe that when one manufactures a product with a $30,000 price tag, that people are expected to park outside, it is expected that they should have some safety device that can cause a would-be perpetrator enough delay for a witness to call the police. Nissan should be held responsible for a faulty design that is costing consumers thousands of dollars each day in either insurance premium increases or headlight replacement. The company has redesigned the xenon high intensity headlights for the 2004 model. And they now offer a model with halogen instead of xenon. I propose an investigation as to why Nissan Corp has not recalled these cars and replaced the xenon lights with a more reasonable lighting system at their expense. Unhappy Nissan Maxima owner, Mariela C

Miami, Florida Mariela C

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Mines were stolen too, fortunately (if you can call it that) the rest of my car wasnt damaged. But indeed my cable harness was damaged. Original headlights cost here $950 EACH, and in NO way im going to buy them from Nissan. Looking for a replacement that cost about 300-400 the pair. And about the harness Ill just have to manage to do something about it.

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For the dude who thinks you can replace the headlights for $200.

Each headlight assembly costs $724. That's $1448. When they steal them, the thieves rip off the front end of the wiring harness. That costs $1219. The wiring harness cannot be re-installed with out removing and replacing some components of the engine. That's labor (costs depend upon who does the work). When they stole my headlights, they bent the hood and scratched the fender and bumper. That means straightening and repainting. They also also ruined a front molding. Cost: $173. They busted the grill. That means replacing the front grill. Another couple of hundred dollars. Add in state tax for the entire bill. For my car, it cost $4657. the first time; and $3747 the second time.

And I live way out in the country where labor rates are comparatively cheap.

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I agree that it is a factory design defect. I have had my headlights stolen twice - both times in NJ. Once in Bordentown, and once in Edison. The police are sympathetic; but advised me to sell the car and get another make and model.

I also contacted Nissan North America asking for help. I did not even receive a reply. I offered three solutions; but received no comment. They just don't care!

This was my third Maxima in a row; but I guarentee that it will be my last!

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Dude... What is wrong with You???

I have a 2003 Nissan Maxima SE and I Love it!!! So far this car has been the BEST car I have ever had. I love the headlights and have never had a problem or heard of a problem like the headlights getting stolen out of these Maxima vehicles. Secondly, it doesn't cost $3500 to get them replaced! Whoever is replacing them for you is bending you over backwards and taking FULL advantage of you! The HID bulbs are only like $100 each... or you can get the whole headlight with bulbs for $600 and thats like from a Dealer, so you would be looking at a max of $1200 for two whole brand new headlights with bulbs! I think you might be someone who all your neighbors hate, that's all!