27th Feb 2009, 14:20

Okay, so my story is just about the same as all the threads. Bought 2000 Maxima SE brand new, 60K miles to date, obviously don't drive far.

Up to last fall, no major repair issues. Alternator failed, replaced $300.. Immediately after, 2 of the O2 sensors replaced, not sure which ones, $1100.

This month service engine light on, traction control/slp lights all on, engine runs rough then smooths out at some point.. after 2 hours and guessing, one of the coils replaced and $300 later.

Have had the car back all of 2 days and SES light back on. Error code P1320, ignition sensors, but no clear idea if it is reading toward the MAF or additional coils. Working with a reputable dealer who quite frankly told me they had 12 pages of diagnostics on P1320, and if I wanted to spend 4 hours of time, they would look and try to a diagnosis.. recommend that I just continue to drive it..

Overall we have been very happy with the Maxima, a replacement of 3 priors.. the 96 year was the best for us.. I guess it will be time to move on very soon.. won't get stuck in this rut either.. thanks to everyone for all the posts of horror stories..

25th Mar 2009, 18:32

I have a 2000 Nissan Maxima. I also have the problem when slowing down to a stop; I have to ease the gas to keep it from stalling. It seems from the comments that no one is sure if the problem is the MAF or IAC. Can someone please shed some light on this problem?

16th Apr 2009, 15:37

For all those people that have a problem with stalling. I went through this problem a while back. I and my mechanic have spent a long time trying to figure out what it is. The problem got fixed after we replaced MAF (mass airflow filter). This http://www.greghome.com/images/Maxima%20Pics/Modifications/Performance%20Mods/MAFSensor/maf02.jpg is what the part should look like. Back in the day I got it of eBay for half the price the dealership wanted. I have also had to replace one coil, but MAF was the core of the problem.

2nd Jun 2009, 22:50

I just purchased a 2000 SE, and three days after I brought it, the SES light is on P0505 Idle control malfunction, it seems to be running fine, but before I go spending tons of money I plan to do further investigating!!!

5th Jul 2009, 17:33

I'm shaking in frustration cuz its inspection time again >:X.

3rd Aug 2009, 22:28

I am an original owner of a 2000 Nissan Maxima SE. The car will be 10 years old this Sept. It has 111,xxx miles on it. Prior to purchasing it I spoke to owners of other Max's. The majority of them stated you will get tired of the car prior to wearing it out.

I am one of the few on here that is proud to say I am not tired of it and it is not worn out. Just came off of a 1,000 mile vacation with no problems. I have burned premium since day one. Run injector cleaner a minimum of every 10,xxx miles. I found a website (maxima.org) that has Maxima forums for each generation produced. I read it prior and after purchase. During the warranty period I printed every tech bulletin, gave it to the Nissan dealer and they performed them with no hesitation.

I threw the coil code at 68,xxx miles. I produced a tech bulletin about the coil issues they were having. The dealer I bought it from replaced them via Nissan as a courtesy at no charge. I decided to change the plugs while they were in it and paid for them. Also had an MAF code and it was done under warranty.

I have had the rotors turned about every 40,xxx. I do not ride my brakes (as I have gotten 85,xxx miles out of the front and back) so I agree the rotors are weak. When my tires are rotated, religiously at 5k, I do not allow the tire gorilla to use an air gun, only hand torque allowed.

The starter went out, got a quote ($270, P&L from a non dealer) and decided to do it myself. I found out how to remove it from the website given earlier. Took it to a alternator/starter shop and for $30 have my starter good as new.

I run premium mainly because that is recommended. When the blended fuel was implemented in MO., my mileage went down by 10%. Went to the dealer and an independent, and both found no problems. I then found a gas station that sells unblended premium and my mileage went back up. I get the sticker 20 MPG city/28 MPG highway. I have gotten up to 30 MPG, and that was on the interstate at 75-80mph.

I would love to purchase a new Maxima, but I don't want a payment. The car has been maintained consistently and am happy with the performance. Also, yes tires are an expense. But I decided to purchase Michelin Pilot Sport. An expensive tire, but well worth it.

Thanks for reading. Have a look at the website I quoted. It's well worth it.

28th Oct 2009, 08:23

Nissan really should recall the coils. I haven't met anyone who didn't need them replaced. The MAF is also a common problem along with O2 sensors. Do yourself a favor and buy a cheap OBD II reader to check and clear your check engine light. Much cheaper than bringing it to the shop every other week. Good, fun car to drive overall when it is working well. Must do regular maintenance on this car to get the most out of it.

20th Nov 2009, 16:33

I thank everyone for writing all what they wrote. I was just in process to purchase a 2000 Nissan Maxima GLE. The car looks great, I loved it, miles seem a little high at 113k but it is still at blue book value. However, after reading all of this about the coils issues, I am sure I would have the same problem! I mean the reviews go back to 2006 with everyone having same problems! Thanks guys for input!

19th Mar 2010, 22:06

I have Nissan 2000 Maxima. I have replaced coils and all 4 O2 sensors, the light SES back on again. I think Nissan would be better off recalling this car and get it fixed, since looking at the complaints from the mass media, I am hoping this does not turn into what Toyota is facing now with computer problems. Please keep filling out the form on the web to remind the Nissan corp that people are not forgetting this issue, and it will never go away if you do not respond to public safety.

Nissan should repay for the trouble every one is facing with the cost of repairing these cars. I am not buying Nissan again, and may be all USA customers should boycott the Nissan cars, and see what happens to this company.

19th Apr 2010, 11:42

I have owned my Nissan for 7 years. I have also had the same problems and my light is now on. It goes on and off every so often. My car was shaking bad and we changed the spark plugs and coils. If you go into Auto Zone, they will test for free. If it is the coils or spark plugs, they can tell you which one it is. I've just replaced one at a time and would never pay Nissan to do it. I also have my fuel system flushed, and only run premium gas, which seems to help.