Emission Control Problems of Nissan Maxima - part 1

My Maxima started sputtering and acted as if it was going to die. The service engine soon light came on. At about 3500rpm the car brick walled and decelerated. First I took it to a mechanic who blew out all my hoses. That worked for a couple months. Then the light came back on and was acting up again. Replaced the 2 front oxygen sensors. Worked for about a week. Went back to the mechanic who replaced the mass air flow sensor and replaced the fuel filter. Ran good for a few weeks and started acting up again. Took it back to mechanic and had to have the first of 6 ignition coils replaced. Running fine, occasionally sputters, but my service engine light won't go away. Took it to a Nissan dealership and the service dept. Said that the 2000 model does not have an ecm software update!.

See all problems of the 2000 Nissan Maxima 🔎.

With my 1999 Nissan Maxima se v6, egr valve related issues were detected and engine light started to come up soon after the ignition. According to Nissan dealer, oxygen sensors and egr valves work is need that would cost $1800 or more. At that time the car mileage was around 80,000. I could not afford to fix that. But later one of the rod in the engine broken, fire started under the engine while I was driving at 70 m/h on the highway. My family was in a great danger and we were lucky to survive with the help of police and fire engine when someone called 911. There has been another complain about egr value on NHTSA web site by another Nissan Maxima owner.

See all problems of the 1999 Nissan Maxima 🔎.

2000 Nissan Maxima mass air flow sensor failure.

While driving at approximately 30 mph and decelerating the car began to slightly buck when the transmission tried to down shift. After approximately one to two minutes I smelled an electrical burn. When I came to a stop and put the car in park the engine raced to approximately 1600 to 1900 rpms at idle. The obd-ii indicated codes of p0505: idle air control valve and p0420: three way catalyst function. My local mechanic inspected the car and replaced the faulty idle air control valve. He contacted the local Nissan service shop, and they informed him that idle air control valve failed and shorted the engine control module, ecm. This seemed to be a common problem the dealer noted, and currently had another 2001 Maxima in the shop that was exhibiting the same failures. The dealer inspected my car and reported the idle air control valve failed and shorted the ecm. The failure of the idle air control valve should not short the ecm. This is a design failure and should not be the responsibility of the car owner. The ecm is a $915 part plus labor. The ecm was replaced. This is similar to odi id numbers: 10179328 and 10179390.

See all problems of the 2001 Nissan Maxima 🔎.

The contact owns a 2004 Nissan Maxima. When the vehicle was started, the clutch would not shift into any of the gears. The dealer repaired the master cylinder and the clutch system twice, yet, the failure continued. Another dealer stated that the transmission was failing. The vehicle has not been repaired and is currently parked. The failure mileage was 29,000 and current mileage was 83,000. Updated 06/17/08. The consumer stated the fule pump and map sensor was replaced. Updated.

See all problems of the 2004 Nissan Maxima 🔎.

- the contact drove his 1999 Nissan Maxima se (130000) to the inspection station. The inspector stated that the contact did not pass inspection due to egr system and knocking sensor failure. The vehicles failure mileage was 125000 and the current mileage is 130000.

- the contact has a 2000 Nissan Maxima gxe that had to have the oxygen sensors replaced twice. The radiator was changed in the summer of 2006. The check engine light turned on due to an engine failure, the contact understood that this was a common problem with these types of cars.

- while driving his 2001 Nissan Maxima at a speed of 30 mph the vehicle stalled completely losing power. At the time of the failure contact stated that the steering wheel locked, as well as, losing the ability to brake. The contact could not restart the vehicle so he had to have the vehicle towed to dealer. The dealer stated that the idol air control valves caused the computer to short circuit, and that this seemed to be a common problem with the vehicle.

- the contact stated that the 2001idle air control (iac valve) f and the engine computer unit (ecu) failed. The contact stated that 3 months ago he had dealership look at vehicle because the check engine light turned on and the vehicle would not start properly. The contact stated that the burned out ecu causes the vehicle to lose power while driving and causes a loss of steering ability and locked up of the brakes.

I have a 99 Nissan Maxima se and I wish I had known about this website before purchasing. After reading the multiple and consistent complaints regarding the flashing "airbag" and "check engine soon" lights, I can't believe there has not been a recall. The defects reported are the same on each individual 99 Maxima listed. My vehicle has 90,000 miles on it, no wrecks, regular maintanence as recommended and have spent way too much money on repairs for sensors, cylinder failure and now the airbag malfunction! the service folks want $600. 00 to fix that. I have read the technical notices that went out and obviously the defects were not corrected on the cars whose owners are filing the complaints now. I also have a 1993 Maxima with 217,000 miles on it. I have now spent more money in repairs on the 1999 that I have had for 2 years than I ever did on the 1993 in the entire 13 years I have owned it! the 1999 model obviously has some serious failures. Again, review the technical notices! Nissan needs to step up to the plate and do the right thing. If not a recall, then at the very least take care of the ones here who have taken their time, energy and money and fix the defects at Nissan's expense. If not then I'm with the guy whose next purchase will be a Honda or a Toyota!.

: the contact stated while the accelerator pedal was depressed, the skip and check engine light illuminated. The vehicle became hard to steer and would not accelerate above 10 mph. The vehicle was towed to the dealership. They replaced the gas level sensor, emission and fuel injector and flushed the brake lines. There have been no further problems. Updated 4/11/2006 -.

See all problems of the 2002 Nissan Maxima 🔎.

Beginning at 17,000 miles and continuing to 73,000 miles repeated harness wiring breaks resulting in engine coil failure, emission control malfunctions, catalytic converter failure, and engine misfiring. Car lost power and became unusable for brief time periods. Apprehensive driving car for fear of problem occurring unexpectedly. Car had been repaired eight times. Emission control module replaced and emission control system reprogrammed. Coils replaced on several occasions and frayed wires repaired. Catalytic converter replaced.

Check engine sign came on in my Nissan Maxima se 2000. I took it to a local repair shop for a inspection and my car failed state emission test. Also mechanic told me that my car had dtc p1320 and p0302, ignition signal problem and cylinder misfire.

: the contact stated the check engine light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealership for inspection. The check engine light was reset by the dealership, however it illuminated again. Upon further inspection, the dealership personnel discovered the oxygen sensor and the coil pack needed to be replaced. Updated 02/07/06.

Contact stated a light illuminated on dashboard. She contacted the manufacturer. They told her to take the vehicle to a dealership. She took the vehicle to a dealership. They checked the vehicle and determined that nothing was wrong with the vehicle. She then took the vehicle to another mechanic, who determined that emission control system was leaking. The light stayed on all the time.

See all problems of the 2003 Nissan Maxima 🔎.

I have an '01 Maxima se. My check engine light came on, brought it to a dealer who said it was an emission problem & it would cost $900 to fix !!!! and I need it done before I can get my car inspected, which is this month. I have had nothing but issues with this car. When I bought it it kept steering to the right, they used my "one free" Nissan alignment and it was still not right! it was my tires because I had to get new tires @ 30k miles (I had bridgestone potenzas, they don't last very long I found out) so I ended up buying cooper tires for $200/tire. The pulling to the right was cured after that. I have also had a computer problem, an abs light problem, and have already had my rotors & brakes replaced at 30k. I only have 40k on it now. Sometimes it doesn't want to start either. (it will putter and die) all in all I will never buy a Nissan again. I hope someone will read this & take it from me, do not get a Maxima, especially an '01.

Failure of oxygen sensor creating service engine soon light to come on resulting in replacement of $40 part, charged $131 for part and additional $220 to reprogram computer for total approx $350.

The check engine light went on while on a trip. The codes indicated oxygen sensors on the front and rear banks. The car has 45,000 miles on it and this is the third time it has needed oxygen sensors replaced, each time at approximately 15,000 miles. This is a defective part, also each time they reflash the ecm "so it does not happen again", this is defective parts and Nissan should extend the warranty on them. At $650 for the repair, it is a very expensive maintenance item.

Check engine light stayed on even after routine maintenance was done. The cruise control stopped working after the 1st year I bought it. In the 5 years I have owned the car, the starter has been replaced twice, the differential was replaced, tie rod ends were replaced, struts were replaced, a new muffler/tail pipe was replaced, and this year, 2 oil leaks developed, 1 inside the engine. The mechanic said this was a defect of Nissan, not anything that I did or didn't do. It cost over $700 to fix the leaks. The leaks blew out the sensors, and the car didn't pass the emissions. I spent another $850 in getting new sensors. Once the sensors were replaced, the mechanic said there was a short in the fuel injector and he had to replace that. There is still a short in the car somewhere as one of the back lights turns off and on when it feels like it, as does the light for the radio console (which its the original radio that came with the car, so it's not like someone messed around with it. ) after replacing the sensors, the check engine light came on after the 2nd emissions test, which it rejected the car because it wasn't ready yet. The mechanic spent 7 (yes, seven) days trying to figure out what was wrong with the car, only to replace the entire dash board. After 1 day of driving, the check engine light came on again. No one can seem to figure out why the check engine light is on. Now the car feels unsafe when I'm driving it, as when the car hits 20 mph and 40 mph, the car jerks to the right and I have to concentrate on making sure I don't hit anyone. No one can seem to figure out what that is either. The fan is starting to sound loud when the air/heat is on or when the car is idle (stopped at a light) and the air only gets cold when its cool outside, not when it's hot. I spent $22,000 buying this car, and about another $5000 in repairs to date and its not yet 10 yrs. Old.

See all problems of the 1996 Nissan Maxima 🔎.

The oxyen sensors have failed almost continuously since purchasing this car. I've lost track of the number of time this car has been in the shop for the oxygen sensors, but it's around 7 or 8. The date below is only the most recent occurence of the 'service engine' light coming on due to the oxygen sensor. Numerous other Nissan's have had oxygen sensor recalls and it appears that this model should have been included also.

Both oxygen sensors on my car that I bought 3 weeks ago have malfunctioned, and the dealership said they are not covered under warranty. My car only has 42,000 miles. It is a 2000 Nissan Maxima.

The car started up and was running fine. My wife went back into the house to get our daughter and found the car had stalled. The car has not started since. I am concerned about this situation, because of the fact that the car justed stalled for no apparent reason. I hate to think what could have happened if my wife was driving the car. In addition, according to several post on edmunds. Com this is happening to other consumers. I have had other problems with this car since I purchased it 3-12-03. It has been back to the dealership several times for the following reasons: service engine lights coming on, leaking sunroof, cd not working, a fog/condensation behind center console screen, and interior molding coming loose. I have called Nissan USA and spoke to matt at 310-771-8454 ext 8454. If you can help with this please contact me at 410-239-0119. Thank you for your time and efforts.

Increase in strength of exhaust fumes.

Request reimbursement for cost of repairing defect. (nar) in reference to a malfunction indicator lamp.

Safety defect with the malfunction indicator lamp or service engine soon light as it relates to the rear oxygen sensors in the 2000 Nissan Maxima. Failure to replace oxygen sensors could ultimately result in further vehicle failure and possible injury. This is a safety defect in the manufacture of the vehicle and not due to the negligence of the owner for the upkeep of the car. Safety defect is a common problem to 2000-2002 Nissan Maximas based on several technical service bulletins issued by Nissan, and based on my own literature search over the internet, however, Nissan has not yet issued a recall. The total cost to replace the rear oxygen sensors and reprogram the emission control system was $363. 21.

Oxygen sensors needed to be replaced. The gas mileage for the vehicle is very poor.

Rear O2 sensor failed and caused the "check engine" warning light to be lit solid.

Check engine light on. Required replacement of gas sensor, oxygen sensor and fuel recovery valve assembly.

See all problems of the 1998 Nissan Maxima 🔎.

At about 75,000 miles, engine would take a little longer to start especially in rainy weather. It sounded like it was taking longer for fuel to get to engine. Check engine light came on at 80,000 miles. Code indicated bad catalytic convertor. Mechanic reset and a few thousand miles later it came on again. Mechanic determined that both oxygen sensors were defective and they had to be replaced to pass smog check for $460 also, at about 80,000 miles, car had intermitant acceleration problems which became more problematic in rainy weather. I would floor accelerator and nothing would happen. Mechanic pressure tested fuel pump and found it too low and replaced fuel pump for $478. This solved problem for a few months and it began happening again. Then, one day I tried to back out of my garage and it wouldn't go in reverse when I shifted it. I pushed my car out of garage and was able to get it to go in drive. While driving to mechanic's, I put car in cruise control and it would lose power intermitantly trying to maintain the set speed. I took it out of cruise control and floored the accelerator and the same previous problem occurred. It reved engine but nothing would happen. When I got to mechanic, it would go in reverse. He determined that it was the transmission that didn't give enough clutch pressure until it was driven for a while. It was a failing transmission that caused this and the inability to accelerate. It would cost over $3,000 to replace the transmission. I had to replace defective front and rear struts, front tie rod grease boot, compress coil spring, tie rod outer end at 134,000 miles for $1100. At 137,000 miles, the egr valve & gasket fell out while I was driving. Mechanic determined that the egr valve housing was broken and it was replaced for $340. Due to the amount of money spent on this vehicle, I cannot afford $3000 to replace the transmission and will be selling my first and last Nissan vehicle ever.

I purchased a used 2000 Nissan Maxima that had 28,000 miles on it almost 3 years ago. I have only put 6,000 miles on the car, but have had problems with the check engine light being on almost continuously since I purchased the vehicle. I took it to my regular mechanic when it had to pass smog inspection. He temporarily fixed the engine light problem, but soon as I accelerated over 50 miles per hour, the light came on again. I have also had problems with the brakes, which had to be completely replaced twice, the ignition (car wouldn't start), and, a problem with the car when downshifting (engine seizes up violently). There is also a suspension problem, as car makes loud noise every time I have to go over speed bumps. My son is ready to get his driver's license, and I will have to get rid of this car at a loss, as I do not feel the car is safe for him to drive.

Failure of rear O2 sensor three times over the past 5 years.

See all problems of the 1997 Nissan Maxima 🔎.

Check engine light on. Required a new gas sensor and oxygen sensor.

Engine check light illuminated. Sometimes there was a gas smell inside cab. Driver took vehicle to a mechanic, and he stated that evaporative system was bad. Please provide any further information.

Engine dying when stopping. 02 sensor has been replaced, but did not help problem.

Emission control sensor failed.