- The problem
- 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 and Versa Hatchback vehicles. Please see Nissan's recall report for the specific part numbers. These replacement inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.
- The risk
- 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. Owners may contact Nissan's customer service at 1-800-867-7669.
Vehicle safety record
2001 Nissan Maxima Problems, complaints & recalls
Owners have filed 181 complaints about the 2001 Nissan Maxima with NHTSA, most often about the engine & cooling (36) and the airbags (30). Those complaints describe 9 crashes, 4 fires and 8 injuries. It is covered by 7 recalls, the latest in August 2022 for the inflator module. For comparison, the 2000 has 376 and the 2002 has 220.
NHTSA data checked
DMore problems than a typical Maxima year, for its age
#53 most complained-about 2001 vehicle
- Complaints
- 181
- Recalls
- 7
- Crashes
- 9
- Fires
- 4
- Injuries
- 8
- Deaths
- 0
Most common 2001 Nissan Maxima problems
Share of all 181 complaints. One complaint can name more than one area. Tap an area for its complaints and recalls.
2001 Nissan Maxima recalls 7
Recall repairs are free. Your dealer fixes them whether or not you bought the car there - check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if yours is done. What to do
- The problem
- 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) propellant that were used as interim remedy parts for previous Takata recalls. These inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, high temperatures, and high temperature cycling.
- The risk
- 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. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 888-737-9511 or Infiniti customer service at 888-810-3715.
- The problem
- 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.
- The risk
- 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. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-647-7261. Note: On December 18, 2015 Nissan informed NHTSA of an amendment of this recall to remove 2004-2005 Infiniti FX35 and FX45 vehicles.
- The problem
- 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.
- The risk
- 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. Owners may contact dope, inc. At 1-626-272-1798.
- The problem
- Sabersport is recalling 16,270 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.
- The risk
- 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. Owners may contact sabersport at 1-909-598-7589.
- The problem
- 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.
- The risk
- 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. Owners may contact pro-a motors at 323-838-2988.
- The problem
- 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.
- The risk
- 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. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact nissan at 1-800-647-7261 or infiniti at 1-800-662-6200.
What owners say
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181 complaints about the 2001 Nissan Maxima
Newest first, as filed with NHTSA by owners. Page 1 of 8.
Unknown. Recently bought vehicle, it's in great condition other than there is noticeable problems with the front and rear steering and suspension, missing airbags with no sign of being wrecked, windows and window buttons don't work as well as power seat, and a awful gas smell and fume. Inside vehicle after. Pumping gas. Wanting to see about any recalls or defects that can be fixed without out of pocket costs if at all possible . Don't know the vehicles recall or repair history.
2001 Nissan Maxima. Consumer writes in regards to Airbag Safety Recall. THE CONSUMER STATED MILEAGE IS INCORRECT ON THE DEALER'S DOCUMENTATION.
Takada recall my airbag light has been blinking continuously for the past 6 months and it won't stop blinking I would like to know what the problem is
Few days ago the air bag red symbol start blinking. Then, I turn off the car and try to re-start the engine but doesn't start engine anymore. Car is unusable. Thanks to god! Its just happened close to my house. Car was left at the front of my home.
Blinking airbag light. Blinks all the time. Been doing this for 5 months.
TAKATA INFLATORS
Tl* the contact owns a 2001 nissan maxima. While driving 60 mph, with the sun roof opened, the glass detached as the sun roof was being closed. The failure occurred without warning. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer or independent mechanic for diagnostic testing. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a claim was opened. The manufacturer advised the contact to take the vehicle to a recommended auto glass repair shop to be repaired per nhtsa campaign number: 10e038000 (visibility). The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The failure mileage was unknown.
Takata recall hi, the reason why I'm writing is I had a recall quite some time ago about a year maybe and it was done but a week later it came back on the dash flashing and it still flashing and I do know that this should not be on like this so I need to know if there is a recall for this, if so could you please set up an appointment so I can fill safe while driving.Thank you so much and I look to hearing from you soon.
AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT IS CONTUIOUSLY BLINKING
Tl* the contact owns a 2001 nissan maxima. While operating the vehicle, the air bag sensor indicator illuminated and flashed off and on. The cause of the failure was not diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The local dealer was not notified. The manufacturer was informed of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 120,000.*Bf the consumer requested information on the complaint. *Js consumer stated the airbag light has come on and flashes. Cannot get a sticker for the car until it gets fixed. Updated 8/6/18*jb
The lower radiator support bar and surrounding lower structure started rusting away after about 4-5 years from new. The lower radiator support is now almost entirely gone. The dealer quoted $5400 to repair. I was told by the service rep that if/when the core support let go, the engine could fall causing a wreck.
Tl* the contact owns a 2001 nissan maxima. The contact stated that the orc warning indicator illuminated when the passenger seat was occupied. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, but was not diagnosed or repaired. The vin was not included in nhtsa campaign number: 15v287000 (air bags). The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 170,000.
I was traveling on south bowens mill rd. In douglas ga when a vehicle that have on their turn signal involved me hitting the back of her vehicle. There wasn't much damage to her vehicle but my vehicle was damaged severely. The airbag should've came out but didn't. In 2015, I received a notice from nissan stating that there was a recall on nissan airbags, so I immediately took my car to the nissan dealership in tifton, ga. I'm not even sure if they replace the defective airbag or not because the dealership was about...
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to close when they began to work on my vehicle. My appointment was at 9am and I didn't get out of their to closing. The employees was ready to go about the time they began to work on my vehicle. However, looking at the damages to my vehicle, the airbag should've came out but it didn't. I will be submitting photos of damages.
I see on your website my model year 2001 nissan maxima was recalled for air bags. I have never been notified that there was a recall for the air bags. Also there was a recall on the suspension control arm transverse link pins. I don't ever remember seeing a recall for that either
The lower radiator support beam rusted out causing the engine support to brake free from the beam. Now the entire lower support beam needs to be replaced at an extremely high cost of labor and parts. This is a common problem according to all the car websites and the youtube videos showing how to change out the beam. I do not see any recalls for this. For as many people who seem to have had this problem it should have been recalled. People were having this problem 5 yrs ago according to the videos and reports....
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According to the body shop this is a major problem and they have seen a lot of this type of corrosion issues with this nissan model and year. According to what I have been told a very serious accident can occur while driving this vehicle if the beam breaks while in motion at high speed. There are still a large number of this year and make on the street and no warnings have been given to the public.
Tl* the contact owns a 2001 nissan maxima. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the cam shaft and crank shaft part needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. No further details were available. The vin was not included nhtsa campaign number: 03v455000 (engine and engine cooling system). The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 140,000.
2001 Nissan maxima. Consumer writes in regards to front passenger airbag recall repairs. *Smd
Tl* the contact owns a 2001 nissan maxima. The contact stated that the air bag warning light illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 24,000.
The airbag on the driver's side was recalled and the dealer repaired it. Now, the airbag light on the passenger side is blinking. I reported this to the dealer who said it would cost me $495.00 To repair, which I cannot afford. What can I do?
Air bag on driver's was recalled and repaired by dealer. The air bag safety light on the passenger side has started to blink. The dealer said the cost to repair it would be $495.00 Which I cannot afford.
MY SUSPENSION HAS TO BE FIX.
Tl* the contact owns a 2001 nissan maxima. The contact stated that the air bag warning light remained illuminated. The dealer advised that a diagnostic needed to be performed to be able to determine if the air bag warning light illumination was due to nhtsa campaign number 13v136000 (air bags). The recall repair was not performed due to the air bag light illumination. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 205,000.
Immoral car company! Nissan, the next big bailout. While attempting to start my vehicle, the key sensor light illuminated and the vehicle would not start. I notified my local nissan dealership and described the problem. The dealer indicated there was a failure of the security system involving the steering lock unit. He also advised the nissan corp. Was well aware of this problem involving the make and model given. Because of this common occurrence he said nissan issued an extended warranty on the malfunctioning...
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system. I had the vehicle towed to a certified mechanic where the steering lock failure was diagnosed. I then contacted nissan north america inc with the diagnoses for them to advise the next step for the repairs. Of course they said it had to be diagnosed/confirmed by a certified nissan mechanic/dealer. Since I used my insurance company to tow my vehicle, I had no other means of getting the vehicle to a nissan dealer. The clerk I spoke with at nissan north america informed me to have the vehicle towed to a nissan dealer and if the problem was the same as stated in the extended warranty, they would reimburse me for the tow bill and repairs. After $1710.93 And three long, long, long phone calls later, here I am writing a complaint because I was not fully reimbursed as promised. The previous total includes the repair cost, tow bill and rental car cost. However I must say I was partially reimbursed for some of my expenses. (The tow bill from one certified mechanic to another.) *Tr
ENGINE CODES PO 420 AND PO 174. *TR
I've just got the car on monday and today is the day I started driving it an it was perfectly fine until I was heading back home. I was coming around a turn an the car was like it was in neutral but it still was in drive so I pulled over an put the car in park and turned it off then back on. I've put it back in drive an pulled out back on the road. Little more down the road it was doing the same thing so I called the place I got the car from and was told to call tomorrow an setup a appointment to check out the car....
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Other then that the car is perfectly find. I just wanna know if there is any recalls or any recall on that particular problem. If you could please get back to me asap. Thank you one more thing, my aunty just got a brand new nissan altima and she has the same problem... *Tr
Nissan Maxima: every year compared
| Year | Complaints | Recalls | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2005 | 948 | 2 | F |
| 2004 | 1,426 | 2 | F |
| 2003 | 206 | 4 | D |
| 2002 | 220 | 9 | F |
| 2001 | 181 | 7 | D |
| 2000 | 376 | 3 | F |
| 1999 | 174 | 4 | D |
| 1998 | 115 | 6 | D |
| 1997 | 110 | 6 | C |
2001 Nissan Maxima vs rivals
| Vehicle | Complaints | Recalls | Grade | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2001 Nissan Maxima | 181 | 7 | D | |
| 2001 Nissan Sentra | 245 | 8 | F | Compare |
| 2001 Nissan Pathfinder | 239 | 7 | F | Compare |
| 2001 Nissan Altima | 168 | 2 | C | Compare |
| 2001 Nissan Xterra | 159 | 5 | D | Compare |
| 2001 Nissan Frontier | 143 | 7 | F | Compare |
| 2001 Nissan Quest | 51 | 1 | B | Compare |
| 2001 Nissan Crew Cab | 3 | 0 | B | Compare |
| 2001 Nissan 200SX | 2 | 0 | A | Compare |
More sales usually means more complaints, so compare similar vehicles of the same year. The grade compares each vehicle with its own model's other years.
Questions about the 2001 Nissan Maxima
Does the 2001 Nissan Maxima have any recalls?
Yes - NHTSA lists 7 recalls for the 2001 Nissan Maxima: inflator module (August 2022); inflator module (January 2020); air bags (May 2015); headlights (May 2009) and more. Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether yours has been fixed.
What are the most common problems with the 2001 Nissan Maxima?
By the complaints owners filed with NHTSA, the most common problem areas are the engine & cooling (36), airbags (30), electrical system (30).
How many complaints has the 2001 Nissan Maxima had?
181 complaints have been filed with NHTSA, the first on February 20, 2001 and the latest on October 16, 2022. Of these, 9 describe a crash and 4 a fire, and together they report 8 injuries and 0 deaths.
Is the 2001 Nissan Maxima a reliable vehicle?
Its Safety Index is 32 out of 100 (grade D: more problems than a typical Nissan Maxima year, for its age). The index weighs complaints, crashes, fires, injuries, deaths and recalls against how long the vehicle has been on the road, compared with the same model's other years. It is not a measure of every repair - read the complaints and owner experiences, and have any used vehicle inspected before you buy.
Which Nissan Maxima years have the most complaints?
2004 (1,426), 2005 (948), 2006 (576). See every Nissan Maxima year compared.
What should I do if my 2001 Nissan Maxima has a problem?
If it is a safety problem, stop driving it if it is unsafe and contact your dealer. Report it to NHTSA at nhtsa.gov/report-a-safety-problem - enough reports start investigations and recalls - and share your experience here so other owners know what to look for.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) complaints and recalls, checked . Complaints are owners' own reports and are not verified. How we use the data