NHTSA Service Bulletin 10170013: 2020 Nissan Maxima
Official manufacturer communication context for 2020 Nissan Maxima, with affected products, buyer checks and links into Carchieve recall, problem and VIN research.
Reviewed June 2026 from NHTSA manufacturer communication and service bulletin records. Carchieve is independent and not affiliated with any vehicle manufacturer or government agency.
2020 MAXIMA; CREAKING SOUND FROM FRONT SUSPENSION WHILE TURNING IF YOU CONFIRM A creaking sound is present in the front suspension while turning the steering wheel from full lock to full lock while the vehicle is resting on the ground. ACTION 1. Inspect the front strut housings, near the front strut coil springs, for excessive body caulk (seam sealer) contacting the coil spring. 2. If a coil spring is contacting the seam sealer, remove only enough seam sealer to provide clearance for the coil spring to move freely. To prevent damage to the vehicle: - Take care to not remove paint from the strut housing. If bare metal is exposed, it must be repaired with self-etching primer. - Do not remove the seam sealer to the point that it no longer covers the seam. If the seam is exposed it must be repaired with the appropriate seam sealer.
What this bulletin may mean before buying
Treat this as service research, not a verdict on one car. Before you buy, compare this communication with official recall campaigns, model-level owner complaint patterns, and the exact vehicle’s VIN-decoded specifications. A bulletin can help you ask a seller or dealer sharper questions about software updates, known repairs, warranty extensions and service history.
Affected products listed in this communication
Buyer checklist
- Run the 17-character VIN and confirm the year, make, model, engine and equipment match the listing.
- Check recall campaign pages for safety actions that may require dealer repair.
- Compare this bulletin with common problem pages for the same model and component area.
- Ask the seller or dealer whether the bulletin procedure, update or inspection has already been completed.
- Use the used-car buying checklist and get an independent inspection.
Frequently asked questions
What is NHTSA service bulletin 10170013?
2020 MAXIMA; CREAKING SOUND FROM FRONT SUSPENSION WHILE TURNING IF YOU CONFIRM A creaking sound is present in the front suspension while turning the steering wheel from full lock to full lock while the vehicle is resting on the ground. ACTION 1. Inspect the front strut housings, near the front strut coil springs, for excessive body caulk (seam sealer) contacting the coil spring. 2. If a coil spring is contacting.
Is a service bulletin the same as a recall?
No. A recall is a safety campaign with a required remedy for affected VINs. A service bulletin or manufacturer communication usually describes diagnostic, repair, software, warranty or service information.
How should a used-car buyer use this bulletin?
Use it as a research signal. Compare it with recalls, owner complaints, service records, a VIN report and an independent inspection before buying.
Check the exact VIN before you buy
Model-level pages show public safety patterns. A full VIN report helps confirm the exact vehicle, decoded specs, recall applicability and buyer checks.
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