Four problems related to radiator have been reported for the 2001 Nissan Maxima. The most recently reported issues are listed below. Please also check out the statistics and reliability analysis of the 2001 Nissan Maxima based on all problems reported for the 2001 Maxima.
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. 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.
Went to fix the passenger air bag recall and dealer informed that front cross frame/bar's metal is falling apart because of severe corrosion/rusting which is main support for the radiator and the engine. Also advised that it's highly dangerous to drive since engine/radiator can just fall anytime when it lacks the support. When Nissan consumer affairs is approached they failed to admit the defective material used but responded that vehicle is out of warranty and they could not cover. Also observed similar recent complaints from other owners, hope our complaints gets further attention and concerns are addressed.
The contact owns a 2001 Nissan Maxima. The contact stated that while inspecting the vehicle, he noticed that the lower radiator tie bar was rusted. The vehicle was not repaired and the manufacturer was not notified. The approximate failure mileage was 121,000.
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.