2000 Nissan Maxima Problems
- Complaints
- 360filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 60,000miles, 231 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 0campaigns on record
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
- NHTSA crash rating
- —overall rating starts with 2011 models
- EPA fuel economy
- 21 mpgcombined, 3.0L 6-cyl FWD · 19 city / 25 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 2000 Nissan Maxima (complaints, recalls, investigations), NHTSA crash tests, EPA fuel economy. Report an error
What owners report
Owners of this model year most often write about ignition coil failures: a flashing or steady check engine light, rough running, hesitation and stalling, often at moderate mileage and sometimes worse in cold weather. Complaints also describe brake pedal vibration from the rotors, engine overheating tied to harness damage, and corrosion of the radiator support that affects the hood latch. Many reports come from cars driven regularly, and owners frequently mention being quoted for replacing all six coils at once.
- Electrical system
Ignition coil failure (misfire, rough running, stalling)
- 173 complaints (48%)
- median 52,956 mi at 6.0 yrs old (133 state mileage)
- 1 mention a crash, fire or injury
- owner-quoted repair $800 (median of 67 quotes)
- filed 2001–2014
Complaints describe the service engine light coming on, followed by rough idling, hesitation, loss of power and occasional stalling; some owners say the car shakes or bangs when accelerating or pulling away. According to the complaints, dealers and independent shops typically diagnose a failed ignition coil, and because the failing coil cannot always be pinpointed, they often recommend replacing all six at once. Owners report quotes ranging from several hundred to over a thousand dollars per visit, and some describe a second or third failure months later. Reported from roughly 15,000 to 130,000 miles, with many under 60,000; several owners note it appears in cold weather below about 40 degrees.
What to check: Ask for service records showing whether the coils and spark plugs were replaced, and scan for stored misfire codes. On a test drive, watch for a flashing check engine light, rough idle or hesitation under acceleration.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“My check engine soon light had been coming on and a diagnostic test had indicated multiple misfires. The Nissan tech said the coil numbers could not be identified and suggested all be replaced. This cost me $815. Nissan is aware of this apparently widespead problem with this make/model/year and continues to fleece its customers. All you need do is search net for customers talking about this problem.”
NHTSA complaint #10146546, filed 2005-12, 56,550 miles“Car started stuttering so I had my local Nissan dealer diagnose. Have to replace the ignition coils = big $$$'s! I am upset since I am hearing that this is a very common problem in 2000 Maxima's and Nissan won't recall it as they are probably too cheap. This will be my last Nissan ever purchased.”
NHTSA complaint #10054596, filed 2004-01, 40,000 miles - Brakes
Brake pedal vibration from front rotors
- 34 complaints (9%)
- median 39,000 mi at 3.9 yrs old (14 state mileage)
- 1 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2000–2021
Owners describe the front end vibrating or pulsing when the brakes are applied, sometimes severely, and report having the rotors resurfaced or replaced. In the complaints, dealers sometimes attributed the vibration to driving habits rather than the parts, and in one case the vibration returned a few thousand miles after the rotors were turned. Some owners link the vibration to steering-wheel shake as well. Mostly reported under 40,000 miles, often within the first few years of ownership.
What to check: Test the brakes from highway speed on the test drive and feel for pulsing or shake through the pedal or steering wheel. Ask whether rotors or pads have been replaced and at what mileage.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Bought the Maxima new and at 12000 miles had to have the rotors turned. The dealer and Nissan said it was my driving habits. I promptly told them that this is the first car I had this done to (other than a used 74 vega I had in high school). Now the car is at 22,000 miles (and is only a little over 3 years old) and the vibration is back. The first time they turned the rotors it cost me $120 (but after complaining to Nissan they gave me a &100 service credit). …”
NHTSA complaint #10038702, filed 2003-09, 12,000 miles“Ignition coils have failed and been replaced and now ABS/tcs indicator lights flash on and off; dealer told me ABS was not operational if the light was on, but ABS is operational based on self-test on the road. Based on the number of electrical/ignition complaints, it is clearly an electrical problem that Nissan and/or the dealer is not addressing.”
NHTSA complaint #10025594, filed 2003-07, 40,000 miles - Engine cooling
Overheating from wiring harness damage
Mentioned in 4 of 60 sampled complaints
Complaints describe the engine overheating under normal driving, traced to a broken section of the engine wiring harness. Owners report being told by the dealer that harness breakage was a known issue on these cars and that many harnesses had already been replaced at owner expense. In one report, the harness problem was also described as damaging the engine control computer, with a burning smell inside the cabin. Reported between roughly 75,000 and 100,000 miles, during ordinary driving.
What to check: Ask whether the engine harness or the ECM has ever been replaced and look for signs of harness splicing or repairs. Watch the temperature gauge during the test drive and check for a coolant smell.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“I am contacting the NHTSA in regards to TSB # ntb01-076b affecting 2000-2001 maximas involving the egi harness breakage. I have attempted to contact Nissan's home division via e-mail on 3 seperate occasions with no response/reply back from their headquarters. This problem was identified on my vehicle last year causing the vehicle to overheat under normal conditions. …”
NHTSA complaint #10072431, filed 2004-05, 85,994 miles“2000 Nissan maximas front engine mount froze and burnt up the computer as a result of the defect in the part. The dealer stated this has happen to multiple maximas and there is no way to prevent it from happening. The cost of repair was $1500 for due to a damaged computer. Horrible electrical burning smell in the cabin that could have caused a fire.”
NHTSA complaint #10091194, filed 2004-09, 85,000 miles - Transmission and drivetrain
Transmission slipping or jerking when hot
- 26 complaints (7%)
- median 99,000 mi at 10.9 yrs old (17 state mileage)
- filed 2001–2018
Owners describe the transmission jerking, bucking between gears or failing to move the car under acceleration, sometimes requiring a shift into neutral to restart. In one report the problem appeared only on long drives in hot weather above about 85 degrees and cleared after pulling over for 10 to 15 minutes; the owner was told the internal seals expand when hot and let fluid bypass. Other owners report a steady idle that revs up and down and sudden take-off when in drive. Reported between roughly 80,000 and 110,000 miles, often on long highway drives in hot weather.
What to check: Drive the car long enough to reach full temperature, including a stretch at highway speed, and feel for slipping, harsh shifts or delayed engagement. Ask whether the transmission fluid has been serviced and whether any transmission work has been done.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Long drives in hot weather (above 85 degrees) cause the transmission to fail. It usually occurs 45 minutes into a steady drive of 60 to 75 MPH or heavy stop and start driving. Pulling over and waiting 10 to 15 minutes will cure the problem, however it will occur again if the same type of driving continues. When the weather is cool out fall through spring, the problem rarely occurs. I have been told it is the internal seals of the transmission. …”
NHTSA complaint #10202330, filed 2007-09, 80,000 miles“My car has steady idle rev up and down.when in drive, the engine race without moving and then suddenly take off.there is also a bucking effect when at speed between 35-45 miles per hour.”
NHTSA complaint #10124231, filed 2005-06, 106,500 miles
Buying note. On a car this age, service history matters more than mileage: ask specifically about ignition coils, the engine wiring harness, transmission fluid and rust around the radiator support. A pre-purchase inspection by an independent mechanic is worthwhile, particularly for the front structure and brakes.
Summary written with AI from a sample of 60 NHTSA complaints for this model year (picked at random, with complaints that state a mileage and recent ones taken first), then checked automatically against the source records. Where a problem shows a complaint count, every complaint for this model year was matched with fixed keyword rules (written with AI and tested against the sample), and the mileage, age and repair figures are calculated from those complaints; owners' figures are as stated, not verified. Other counts refer to the sample. The excerpts come from NHTSA's public complaint records and are unverified; capitalisation is normalised, NHTSA staff notes are removed, and shortened text ends with “…”. Something wrong? Request a correction.
NHTSA recorded 360 consumer complaints for the 2000 Nissan Maxima. 231 of the complaints include a mileage, and 38% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 60,000 miles. Of all complaints, 25 involved a crash, 6 a fire, 26 an injury, 2 a death, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 0 recall campaigns and 32 technical service bulletins for this model year.
Not compared (before 2008). Model years 2008–2023 of the same vehicle that have at least 25 complaints are compared, and a model needs at least 3 of them.
Which parts are reported most
Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.
- Electrical system171 48%
- Engine cooling72 20%
- Brakes33 9.2%
- Air bags23 6.4%
- Body and structure22 6.1%
- Transmission and drivetrain22 6.1%
- Suspension17 4.7%
- Other or unknown12 3.3%
- Vehicle speed control12 3.3%
- Tires10 2.8%
Also reported: Engine (9), Fuel system (9), Steering (8), Exterior lighting (7), Seat belts (5), Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) (5), Equipment (3), Electronic stability control (1), Interior lighting (1), Latches, locks and linkages (1), Seats (1), Wheels (1).
Example complaints
Electrical system: “Since I owned this car I have multiple issues. The check engine light is constantly on. I took the vehicle to a mechanic and I was told the code was indicating the coils were bad. Also, I have experienced the slip and tcs light come on. The vehicle shakes and loses power. On top that I can't get the car to pass inspection. My radio also has a electrical problems, it went dark. I feel we should all file a class action law suit.”
NHTSA complaint #10631381, filed 2014-09, 138,000 milesEngine cooling: “There was a noise in the car and it was time for regular maintenance. Needless to say I was shocked to learn that the motor mounts were rusted and needed replacing. The paint job has deteriorated badly even I had kept it clean and waxed.”
NHTSA complaint #10618513, filed 2014-08, 120,000 milesBrakes: “I purchased this car at a buy here pay here lot the ABS system warning light is on and the brakes almost go to the floor I was told it was the acculator of the braking system failure and dealership said there may be a recall it should be cause the cost is over 1,000.00 dollars to repair the car runs good but that is alot of money to spend on a used car known for this issue and that no dealerships buy here pay here lots for people who have no credit get stuck with a good running car and the brakes are a big safety issue”
NHTSA complaint #11092044, filed 2018-05, 177,000 milesAir bags: “I was driving normally on freeway with heavy traffic. The weather was clear, and the road was flat and had no obstacle. Then the airbags on driver side and passenger side deployed even though I did not hit anyone or anyone hit me. I did have one collision one year earlier in which the airbag did not deploy.”
NHTSA complaint #10910417, filed 2016-09, 126,000 milesMileage when problems were reported
38% of the 231 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 42,000 and 93,760 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Trend: stable. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2000 Nissan Maxima. Frontal results are shown driver / passenger; rollover shows the star rating and NHTSA's estimated risk of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash.
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Side | Side pole | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Maxima · sedan (side air bags) | not rated | 4 / 4 | — | — | — |
| Maxima · sedan | not rated | 4 / 4 | — | — | — |
Ratings before the 2011 model year come from an older, less demanding test and are not comparable with ratings for 2011 and later.
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (5-Star Safety Ratings), nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 2000 Nissan Maxima version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).
| Version | Engine | Transmission | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Maxima FWD | 3.0L 6-cyl | 5-speed manual | 19 | 25 | 21 | $3,200 |
| Maxima FWD | 3.0L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 18 | 26 | 20 | $3,350 |
Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.
Recalls and investigations
NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for the 2000 Nissan Maxima in the data used here. A recall can apply to some vehicles of a model year and not others, so check a specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Technical service bulletins
TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 32 on record; the latest 10 are shown.
- 11004962May 21, 2024Electrical system. VEHICLE KEY NOT DETECTED / AUTHENTICATED, ENGINE WILL NOT START This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
- 11001201Apr 30, 2024Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors). WINDOW GLASS WARRANTY INFORMATION This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
- 11001194Apr 30, 2024Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors). REMOVING FOREIGN MATERIAL FROM THE WINDOW GLASS This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
- 11001191Apr 30, 2024Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors). WINDSHIELD CRACKING This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
- 10243708Sep 21, 2023Steering. DIAGNOSIS OF VEHICLE PULL (DRIFT) AND/OR STEERING WHEEL OFF-CENTER This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
- 10239062Jun 16, 2023Electrical system. SILICONE-BASED LUBRICANT OR GREASE CAN DAMAGE ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS SERVICE INFORMATION Do not apply Silicone-based lubricants or grease to, or around, any interior electrical components. To avoid…
- 10239060Jun 16, 2023Electrical system. 12 VOLT BATTERY TESTING FOR IN-SERVICE VEHICLES SERVICE INFORMATION The following Service Information lists NNA procedural recommendations for establishing good connections while performing 12V…
- 10235707Apr 27, 2023Electrical system. VEHICLE KEY NOT DETECTED / AUTHENTICATED, ENGINE WILL NOT START This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
- 10235710Apr 17, 2023Electrical system. INTELLIGENT KEY REPLACEMENT OR SWAPPING BETWEEN VEHICLES This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Discard all previous versions of this bulletin.
- 10232658Feb 27, 2023Body and structure, Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors). REMOVING FOREIGN MATERIAL FROM THE WINDOW GLASS This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
Other model years of the Nissan Maxima
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 5 | 2,700 | 0 | 5 | 24 | — | Not enough data |
| 2020 | 22 | 23,000 | 1 | 5 | 24 | — | Stable |
| 2019 | 18 | 12,500 | 1 | — | 24 | — | Falling |
| 2018 | 36 | 36,500 | 2 | 5 | 25 | 44 · Typical | Falling |
| 2017 | 106 | 27,908 | 4 | 5 | 25 | 100 · More | Stable |
| 2016 | 142 | 40,000 | 8 | 5 | 25 | 100 · More | Stable |
| 2014 | 96 | 50,400 | 0 | 4 | 22 | 44 · Typical | Falling |
| 2013 | 62 | 62,000 | 0 | 4 | 22 | 17 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2012 | 107 | 55,000 | 0 | 4 | 22 | 55 · Typical | Falling |
| 2011 | 106 | 67,500 | 0 | — | 22 | 40 · Typical | Falling |
| 2010 | 275 | 65,000 | 1 | — | 22 | 87 · More | Falling |
| 2009 | 339 | 70,500 | 1 | — | 22 | 100 · More | Falling |
| 2008 | 79 | 75,000 | 0 | — | 21 | 30 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2007 | 129 | 85,000 | 1 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2006 | 576 | 83,500 | 2 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2005 | 948 | 85,000 | 2 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2004 | 1,426 | 80,000 | 2 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2003 | 206 | 86,600 | 3 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2002 | 205 | 64,200 | 6 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2001 | 172 | 72,000 | 3 | — | 22 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2000 | 360 | 60,000 | 0 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1999 | 165 | 79,000 | 0 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1998 | 113 | 110,000 | 1 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1997 | 102 | 85,696 | 1 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1996 | 96 | 100,300 | 0 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1995 | 152 | 129,000 | 0 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1994 | 89 | 114,500 | 2 | — | 19 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1993 | 78 | 108,000 | 3 | — | 19 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1992 | 110 | 134,500 | 2 | — | 20 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1991 | 76 | 173,922 | 1 | — | 20 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1990 | 106 | 130,000 | 1 | — | 20 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1989 | 62 | 146,945 | 1 | — | 20 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1988 | 60 | — | 0 | — | 18 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1987 | 176 | 152,500 | 0 | — | 18 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1986 | 60 | — | 1 | — | 18 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1985 | 54 | 90,000 | 1 | — | 19 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1984 | 30 | — | 0 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1983 | 5 | — | 0 | — | — | — | Not enough data |
All Nissan Maxima model years · Best and worst years by complaints
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 2000 Nissan Maxima?
Owners of this model year most often write about ignition coil failures: a flashing or steady check engine light, rough running, hesitation and stalling, often at moderate mileage and sometimes worse in cold weather. The issues reported most often: Ignition coil failure (misfire, rough running, stalling); Brake pedal vibration from front rotors; Overheating from wiring harness damage.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2000 Nissan Maxima have?
NHTSA recorded 360 consumer complaints for the 2000 Nissan Maxima as of Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 2000 Nissan Maxima is reported most often?
Electrical system is named most often, in 171 complaints (48% of the total), followed by engine cooling with 72.
Has the 2000 Nissan Maxima been recalled?
NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for this model year in the data used here. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2000 Nissan Maxima get?
The EPA rates the 2000 Nissan Maxima (Maxima, 3.0L 6-cyl) at 21 mpg combined, 19 city and 25 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $3,200 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 2000 Nissan Maxima reported?
Among the 231 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 60,000 miles and the middle half falls between 42,000 and 93,760 miles; 38% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Crash ratings are from NHTSA’s New Car Assessment Program. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).
Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.