2001 Nissan Maxima recalls and problems

3 recalls and 172 owner complaints on file with NHTSA for the 2001 Nissan Maxima.

3
recalls
172
owner complaints
8
complaints mentioning a crash
4
mentioning a fire

Recalls apply to specific production ranges. To see whether a particular car still has an open recall, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Repairs for safety recalls are free at authorised dealers.

2001 Nissan Maxima recalls

Air bags: frontal, passenger side, inflator module

NHTSA campaign 20V008000 · reported January 9, 2020 · Nissan North America, Inc. · 307,962 vehicles potentially affected

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.

Air bags

NHTSA campaign 15V287000 · reported May 15, 2015 · Nissan North America, Inc. · 1,090,569 vehicles potentially affected

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.

Suspension: front, control arm, lower arm

NHTSA campaign 02V146000 · reported May 30, 2002 · NISSAN NORTH AMERICA, INC. · 90,500 vehicles potentially affected

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.

Most reported problems

Areas named in owner complaints to NHTSA. One complaint can name several areas.

What owners report

Recent complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. These are unverified accounts from owners, not findings.

Oct 16, 2022 · Steering

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…

Jul 2, 2021 · Air bags

2001 Nissan Maxima. Consumer writes in regards to Airbag Safety Recall. THE CONSUMER STATED MILEAGE IS INCORRECT ON THE DEALER'S DOCUMENTATION.

Aug 25, 2019 · Air bags · 250,000 miles

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

Jul 18, 2019 · Air bags · 15 miles

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.

Feb 4, 2018 · Air bags · 130,000 miles

BLINKING AIRBAG LIGHT. BLINKS ALL THE TIME. BEEN DOING THIS FOR 5 MONTHS.

Maxima model years compared

YearRecallsComplaintsCrashesFires
2000 0360256
2001 317284
2002 6205270
2003 3206132
2004 21,4263316

Across all years, the 2004 Maxima has the most complaints (1,426). All Nissan Maxima years →

Questions

Does the 2001 Nissan Maxima have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2001 Nissan Maxima, the most recent reported on January 9, 2020 (Air bags: frontal, passenger side, inflator module). Check a specific car by its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common problems with the 2001 Nissan Maxima?
Owners have filed 172 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is air bags (29 complaints), followed by engine and engine cooling (28).
How many 2001 Nissan Maxima complaints mention a crash or fire?
8 of 172 complaints report a crash and 4 a fire; 6 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.

Source: NHTSA recall and complaint data, updated October 27, 2026. Latest complaint received October 16, 2022.