Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (struts, shocks, control arms, ball joints, springs).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2001 Nissan Maxima owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Unknown. Recently bought vehicle, it's in great condition other than there is noticeable problems with the front and rear steering and suspension, missing airbags with no sign of being wrecked, windows and window buttons don't work as well as power seat, and a awful gas smell and fume. Inside vehicle after. Pumping gas. Wanting to see about any recalls or defects that can be fixed without out of pocket costs if at all possible . Don't know the vehicles recall or repair history.
The lower radiator support beam rusted out causing the engine support to brake free from the beam. Now the entire lower support beam needs to be replaced at an extremely high cost of labor and parts. This is a common problem according to all the car websites and the youtube videos showing how to change out the beam. I do not see any recalls for this. For as many people who seem to have had this problem it should have been recalled. People were having this problem 5 yrs ago according to the videos and reports. According to the body shop this is a major problem and they have seen a lot of this type of corrosion issues with this Nissan model and year. According to what I have been told a very serious accident can occur while driving this vehicle if the beam breaks while in motion at high speed. …
Tl contact owns a 2001 Nissan Maxima. While driving approximately 45 MPH, the contact heard a squeaking sound coming from the vehicle. The vehicle then began veering to the right. A month later, the vehicle was towed to a local repair shop due to a flat tire on the driver's side. The tire was replaced. Within the same month, the vehicle was returned to the repair shop due to the tire and alignment. The mechanic stated that the transverse link was defective in the front suspension, which caused the vehicle to lean to the right. The mechanic further stated that there was a recall relating to this failure. The dealer and manufacturer were notified and stated that the vehicle was not included in a recall. The current mileage was 137,000 and failure mileage was 127,000. Updated 01/06/09. Updated 01/06/09.
Tl contact owns a 2001 Nissan Maxima. While driving various speeds, the contact heard a constant knocking sound coming from the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and they stated that the brakes were the cause of the failure. They test drove the vehicle and diagnosed it as unsafe to drive. The dealer claimed to have repaired the vehicle; however, the noise recurred and the contact also began experiencing steering failure. The dealer stated that the recent failure was due to the lower arm suspension. She found a recall regarding the suspension:front:control arm:lower arm, but Nissan stated that her VIN was not included. The contact believes that her VIN should be included in the recall. The recall number was unknown. The failure mileage was 100,000 and current mileage was 125,000.
Tl contact owns a 2001 Nissan Maxima. While driving 5 MPH, the contact heard a knocking sound coming from the vehicle. He stated that the steering veers from left to right repeatedly during braking. The vehicle was taken to a suspension shop and the mechanic stated that the lower control arm failed. The mechanic mentioned hearing about a recall and advised the contact to have the vehicle inspected. The dealer stated that the VIN was not included in NHTSA campaign id number 02V146000 (suspension:front:control arm:lower arm). The vehicle will be repaired because the contact feels it is unsafe to drive. The failure mileage was 105,000 and current mileage was 108,000.
The pin at the end of the front suspension transverse link (lower control arm) broke off where it is mounted to the frame. This is causing a knocking sound and abnormal steering. This is resulting in difficulty controlling the vehicle. The right front wheel fell off. I called the manufacturer regarding recall notice 02V146000. They stated that my VIN number is not included in this recall, even though I am experiencing the same problem with the same make, model, year of auto. We have tried to replace the pin, but have been unsuccessful.
Vehicle wasn't part of the recall regarding the suspension due to the VIN, but experienced the problem stated on the recall. The vehicle had to get a realignment, the bottom cover was loose and the vehicle constantly pulled to the right/left and there was an alternator problem where the battery did not charge. The consumer requested assistance with getting the vehicle fully checked since the problems encountered occurred during the warranty period. Recall#02V146000.
Have a 2001 Nissan Maxima and the pin on the front lower control arm broke and had to be replaced at around 75,000 miles. There is a recall for this part, but my car was not eligible for some reason. This part, if defective, represents a serious safety concern and I am very suspicious as to the reasons why the recall did not apply to my vehicle's VIN. The loss of controll was extremely noticable and I am concerned about the other side breaking and causing a serious accident.
Tl contact owns a 2001 Nissan Maxima. The contact stated that whenever the vehicle drove over a bump, he heard a knocking sound. The vehicle was taken to a repair shop where the contact was informed that the lower control arm needed to be replaced. The contact called the manufacturer and referenced recall 02V146000 (suspension: front lower control arm) but was told that the vehicle was not included. The current and failure mileages were approximately 97,000.
Dt*: the contact stated while driving on rough surfaces 15 to 40 MPH the vehicle's steering was unstable. The steering wheel wobbled and there was a knocking sound heard coming from the suspension. The vehicle hesitated when the brakes were applied. The problems progressively worsened. There is NHTSA recall # 02V146000, regarding the front control arm; lower arm. The vehicle was not included in the recall due to the VIN. Updated 06/07/2006.
Related recalls
Suspension › Front › Control arm › Lower arm
On certain passenger vehicles, the pin at the end of the front suspension transverse link (lower control arm) could break where it is mounted to the frame.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the transverse links on the left and right sides with new ones. Owner notification began July 29, 2002.
Suspension complaints in other Maxima years
Frequently asked questions
How common are suspension problems on the 2001 Nissan Maxima?
NHTSA has 24 complaints about the suspension of the 2001 Nissan Maxima, 14% of the model year's 172 complaints. The component named most often is front › control arm › lower arm (7 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2001 Nissan Maxima suspension problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 02V-146 (lower arm, May 30, 2002). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 2001 Nissan Maxima suspension problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 97,000 miles, and 6% before 25,000 miles.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.