2001 Nissan Maxima: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 2001 Nissan Maxima: 3 recalls, 172 owner complaints and up to 22 mpg combined.
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Recalls
3 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer, plus 4 equipment/tire recalls that can apply. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Suspension Vehicle recall #02V146000 · 2002 · 90,500 vehicles
What's wrong: On certain passenger vehicles, the pin at the end of the front suspension transverse link (lower control arm) could break where it is mounted to the frame.
Why it matters: This can cause a knocking sound and abnormal steering. This could result in difficulty controlling the vehicle and increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the transverse links on the left and right sides with new ones. Owner notification began July 29, 2002.
Airbags Vehicle recall #15V287000 · 2015 · 1,090,569 vehicles
What's wrong: Nissan north america, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain model year 2001-2003 Nissan maxima, 2002-2004 pathfinder, 2002-2006 sentra, 2002-2003 Infiniti qx4 and i35, 2003 fx35 and fx45, and 2001 i30 vehicles. Upon deployment of the passenger side frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure May cause the inflator to rupture.
Why it matters: In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants potentially resulting in serious injury or death.
The fix: Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began on June 15, 2015.
Airbags Vehicle recall #20V008000 · 2020 · 307,962 vehicles
What's wrong: Nissan north america, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2001-2003 maxima, 2002-2006 sentra, 2002-2004 pathfinder, 2007-2011 versa sedan and versa hatchback, 2001-2004 Infiniti i30 and i35, 2002-2003 inifiniti qx4, 2003-2008 Infiniti fx35 and fx45 and 2006-2010 m35 and m45 vehicles. The vehicles are equipped with non-desiccated, frontal passenger air bag inflators containing phase stabilized ammonium nitrate (psan)…
Why it matters: An inflator explosion May result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
The fix: Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflators with alternate desiccated inflators, free of charge. The recall began February 12, 2020.
4 aftermarket equipment / tire recalls replacement parts sold to fit this car, not the car itself
Exterior lights Equipment recall #06E026000 · 2006 · 61,944 vehicles
What's wrong: Certain pro-a motors corner lamps, turn signals, and headlights sold as replacement lamps for use on certain passenger vehicles listed above. Some combination lamps that are not equipped with amber side reflectors fail to conform to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard no. 108, lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment.
Why it matters: Without the amber reflectors, the vehicle will be poorly illuminated, possibly resulting in a vehicle crash without warning.
The fix: Pro-a motors will notify owners and offer to repurchase the lamps. The recall began on April 3, 2006.
Exterior lights Equipment recall #09E012000 · 2009 · 16,270 vehicles
What's wrong: These headlamps fail to conform to the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard no. 108, "lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment." these lamps do not contain the required amber side reflectors.
Why it matters: Decreased lighting visibility May result in a vehicle crash.
The fix: Sabersport will notify owners and offer a full refund for the noncompliant combination lamps. The safety recall began on May 11, 2009.
Exterior lights Equipment recall #09E025000 · 2009 · 42,540 vehicles
What's wrong: Dope, Inc. is recalling 42,540 combination corner and bumper lamp assemblies of various part numbers sold for use as aftermarket equipment for various passenger vehicles. These headlamps fail to conform to the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard no. 108, "lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment." these lamps do not contain the required amber side reflectors.
Why it matters: Decreased lighting visibility May result in a vehicle crash.
The fix: Dope, Inc. will notify owners and offer a full refund for the noncompliant combination lamps. The safety recall began on July 28, 2009.
Airbags, Airbags Equipment recall #22E066000 · 2022 · 375 vehicles
What's wrong: Nissan north america, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain air bag inflator replacement service parts that May have been installed as part of a theft or collision repair. The parts include certain passenger-side air bag inflators designed to fit Infiniti 2002-2003 qx4, 2006-2010 m35 and m45; Nissan 2001-2003 maxima, 2002-2006 sentra, and both driver and passenger-side inflators designed to fit 2007-2012 versa sedan…
Why it matters: An inflator explosion May result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the inflators as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed September 14, 2022.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 4 mention a fire, 6 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Airbags (29): the most common themes are warning light on (9), fails to deploy (4), deploys unexpectedly / inflator (2).
- Engine & cooling (28): the most common themes are warning light on (9), electrical failure (5), stalls / loses power (5).
- Electrical (27): the most common themes are warning light on (11), fire / smoke (9), electrical failure (9).
- Suspension (24): the most common themes are steering problems (10), noise or vibration (9).
The 2001 Nissan Maxima has 172 owner complaints, ranking #9 of 34 Maxima model years for complaints (about average; the typical year has 191). Complaints peaked in 2007 (19 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 6 years old, at a median of 72,000 miles. Neighboring years: 2000 (360 complaints, 0 recalls), 2002 (205 complaints, 6 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.0 L 6-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 19 | 25 | 22 | Regular |
| 3.0 L 6-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 17 | 24 | 20 | Regular |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 2001 Nissan Maxima.
Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.
Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
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FAQ
Does the 2001 Nissan Maxima have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 3 vehicle recalls for the 2001 Nissan Maxima, plus 4 equipment or tire recalls that can apply. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 2001 Nissan Maxima problems?
Owners have filed 172 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are airbags (29), engine & cooling (28), electrical (27).
What gas mileage does the 2001 Nissan Maxima get?
EPA ratings run up to 22 mpg combined (3.0 L, Manual 5-spd), across 2 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 2001 Nissan Maxima repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.