Two problems related to engine 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.
Driving to work on the freeway and the car bucked and randomly accelerated and idled high. Later found out that the iac valve had antifreeze that leaked through a gasket causing it to short out. Shortly after also discovered that the valve shorting out ($200 part) cause the ecm to short out. After labor and parts this turns a $200 repair into over a $2000 repair and causes for unsafe driving due to the erratic idle and surging at the time when the valve shorts out.
Engine wiring harness has broken causing engine to misfire. Took to dealer and they said this happens all the time. Want $700 to fix and from research it appears it often breaks again.