2001 Nissan Maxima recalls and problems
The 2001 Nissan Maxima has 3 safety recalls and 172 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Nissan dealer.
Recalls may cover only some 2001 Nissan Maxima vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.
2001 Nissan Maxima recalls
Recall 20V-008: Air Bags
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.
Risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
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.
Recall 15V-287: Air Bags
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.
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.
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.
Recall 02V-146: Suspension
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.
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.
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.
2001 Nissan Maxima problems reported by owners
| Problem area | Reports | |
|---|---|---|
| Air Bags | 32 | |
| Engine and Engine Cooling | 29 | |
| Electrical System | 28 | |
| Suspension | 27 | |
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic | 22 | |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 11 | |
| Structure | 10 | |
| Power Train | 8 | |
| Fuel System, Gasoline | 8 | |
| Engine | 7 | |
| Tires | 6 | |
| Steering | 6 |
Most reported parts
- Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Disc › Rotor — 16
- Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine — 8
- Suspension › Front › Control Arm › Lower Arm — 7
- Structure › Body — 6
- Engine and Engine Cooling › Exhaust System › Manifold/Header/Muffler/Tail Pipe — 4
- Electrical System › Ignition — 4
- Engine and Engine Cooling › Exhaust System › Emission Control — 4
- Engine and Engine Cooling › Exhaust System › Emission Control › Catalytic Convertor — 4
Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 72,000 miles (median of owner reports).
Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.
Recent 2001 Nissan Maxima complaints
Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.
Other Nissan Maxima years
Frequently asked questions
Does the 2001 Nissan Maxima have any recalls?
Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2001 Nissan Maxima: 20V-008 (air bags), 15V-287 (air bags), 02V-146 (suspension). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What is the most common problem with the 2001 Nissan Maxima?
Owners report air bags problems most often (32 reports), followed by engine and engine cooling (29). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 72,000 miles.
Are Nissan recall repairs free?
Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Nissan dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.