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Nissan · Known Issues

2001 Nissan Maxima Problems: 1 Known Issue

2001 model year · NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports · Updated September 2026

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Issue summary

According to Au7o's research across NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports, the 2001 Nissan Maxima has 1 documented issue. None of the listed issues is rated critical; this is not a complete reliability assessment. Across all issues with published estimates, repair costs range from $250 to $800. DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.

In This Article

  • Maxima Engine1
  • Recalls5
  • FAQ
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In This Article

  • Engine1
  • Recalls5
  • FAQ

All 1 Known Issue

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On the 2000-2008 Nissan Maxima, the molded rubber gasket and the integral spark plug tube seals in the VQ valve covers harden and take a compression set. The rear (firewall-side) cover fails first because it runs hotter and is the hardest to access. Oil weeps down the back of the block and burns off on the exhaust - the classic hot-oil smell with no drip on the driveway - and oil fills the spark plug tubes, most often cylinder 5. Oil in the well soaks the coil boot, causing a misfire that is routinely misdiagnosed as a failed coil. On the later plastic covers the plug tube seals are molded into the cover and cannot be serviced separately.

This issue also affects: Infiniti FX35, Infiniti G35, Infiniti G37

Common Symptoms

  • Burning oil smell after driving with no puddle underneath
  • Oil pooled in spark plug tubes, usually cylinder 5
  • Misfire or rough idle traced to an oil-soaked coil boot
  • Oil residue down the back of the engine and on the bellhousing
  • Slowly dropping oil level

How to Fix

Replace both valve cover gaskets with genuine Nissan parts, clean the mating surfaces completely and use RTV only at the cam cap step joints. If oil has been sitting in the plug wells, replace the coil boots (or coils, if already breaking down) and the spark plugs. On the early aluminum-cover cars owners commonly swap to the revised 2004-and-up valve cover; on plastic-cover cars with worn tube seals the entire cover assembly must be replaced, not just the gasket. Also confirm the PCV valve is not stuck, since crankcase pressure blows out the fresh gasket.

Typical repair cost:$250 - $800

Research This Issue

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Community Reported
Low ConfidenceVerifiedReviewed Aug 2026
NHTSA Recalls5 recalls

SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:POWER ADJUST

ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH THE DRIVER PREFERRED PACKAGE, THE WIRE HARNESS FROM THE DRIVER'S SEAT POWER LUMBAR SUPPORT SWITCH MAY BE ROUTED INCORRECTLY AND COULD BE PINCHED UNDER THE DRIVER SEAT.

Campaign #05V51200007/11/2005

CHILD SEAT:LATCH STRAP

CERTAIN VEHICLES FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 225, "CHILD RESTRAINT ANCHORAGE SYSTEMS." THE LOWER ANCHORAGE BRACKETS IN THE REAR SEATS DO NOT MEET THE LOCATION REQUIREMENT IN THIS STANDARD. THIS MAY CAUSE DIFFICULTY IN ATTACHING SOME CHILD SEATS TO THESE BRACKETS.

Campaign #05V33800026/07/2005

VISIBILITY:SUN/MOON ROOF ASSEMBLY

ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH SKYVIEW ROOFS, THE GLASS FOR THE ROOF MAY NOT HAVE BEEN QUENCHED PROPERLY AFTER THE FORMING PROCESS, RESULTING IN TEMPER IMBALANCE.

Campaign #04V32600007/07/2004
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Other Nissan Models

Nissan Rogue46Nissan Altima41Nissan Sentra32Nissan Frontier30Nissan Pathfinder24Nissan Murano22

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common Nissan Maxima problems?

According to Au7o's research across NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports, the 2001 Nissan Maxima has 1 documented issue. The documented issue is: Valve Cover Gasket and Spark Plug Tube Seal Leak (Oil in Plug Wells, Rear Bank). None are rated critical, but regular maintenance is recommended.

Is the Nissan Maxima reliable?

The 2001 Nissan Maxima has 1 known issue compiled from NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports. None of the matching records is rated critical; this is not a complete reliability assessment. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.

How much does it cost to fix common Nissan Maxima problems?

Repair costs for known Nissan Maxima issues range from $250 to $800, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.

What is the 2000-2008 Nissan Maxima Valve Cover Gasket and Spark Plug Tube Seal Leak (Oil in Plug Wells, Rear Bank)?

The molded rubber gasket and the integral spark plug tube seals in the VQ valve covers harden and take a compression set. The rear (firewall-side) cover fails first because it runs hotter and is the hardest to access. Oil weeps down the back of the block and burns off on the exha… Repairs typically run $250-$800. Severity: medium.

Content on this page was compiled with AI assistance using NHTSA complaints, TSBs, owner reports, and public automotive data. While we strive for accuracy, this information may contain errors. Always verify repair procedures and specifications with your vehicle's service manual or a qualified mechanic.

Data compiled from NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, automotive forums, and AI-assisted research. No aggregated owner-report counts available for this vehicle yet.

SUSPENSION:REAR

ON CERTAIN VEHICLES, THE REAR SUBFRAME MAY HAVE BEEN MANUFACTURED INCORRECTLY, WHICH COULD RESULT IN A CRACK IN A BRACKET WHICH HOLDS PART OF THE REAR SUSPENSION.

Campaign #06V04600013/02/2006

STEERING:COLUMN LOCKING:ANTI-THEFT DEVICE

CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AN 'INTELLIGENT KEY' FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 114, "THEFT PROTECTION." DURING AN INSPECTION OF SOME VEHICLES AT THE ASSEMBLY PLANT, IT WAS FOUND THAT THE STEERING WHEEL WAS LOCKED WITH THE IGNITION KNOB IN THE "OFF" POSITION BUT THE VEHICLE TRANSMISSION NOT BEING IN THE "PARK" POSITION.

Campaign #06V40200023/10/2006

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