NHTSA lists 3 safety recalls and 376 owner complaints for the 2000 Nissan Maxima. Most complaints involve electrical system (181) and engine and engine cooling (75). The EPA rates it 20–21 mpg combined.
DOPE, INC. IS RECALLING 42,540 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.
SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.
CERTAIN PRO-A MOTORS CORNER LAMPS, TURN SIGNALS, AND HEADLIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
Complaints for each Maxima model year we’ve synced.
| Model year | NHTSA complaints |
|---|---|
| 1996 | 102 |
| 1997 | 110 |
| 1998 | 115 |
| 1999 | 174 |
| 2000 | 376 |
| 2001 | 181 |
| 2002 | 220 |
| 2003 | 206 |
| 2004 | 1,426 |
| 2005 | 948 |
| 2006 | 576 |
| 2007 | 129 |
| 2008 | 79 |
| 2009 | 339 |
| 2010 | 275 |
| 2011 | 106 |
| 2012 | 107 |
| 2013 | 62 |
| 2014 | 96 |
| 2016 | 142 |
| 2017 | 106 |
| 2018 | 36 |
| 2019 | 18 |
| 2020 | 22 |
| 2021 | 3 |
| 2022 | 5 |
| 2023 | 1 |
“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. *TR”
“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. *TR”
“2000 MAXIMA ENGINE FAILED. PISTON ROD BROKE INTO PIECES AND TOTALLY DAMAGED THE ENGINE. *TS THE ROTORS WERE TURNED AND THE DOORS WERE HARD TO OPEN. THE DRIVE BELTS WERE REPLACED. *JB THE DECK LID LIGHT BULB WAS REPLACED. THE CONSUMER WAS UNABLE TO PULL OUT THE DIP STICK. UPDATED 03/20/06. *JB”
Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Maxima Man 5-spd, 6 cyl, 3.0 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 19 | 25 | 21 | $3,050 | 423 |
| Maxima Auto 4-spd, 6 cyl, 3.0 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 18 | 26 | 20 | $3,200 | 444 |
| Item | Miles | Time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine oil & filter | 5,000–10,000 mi | 6–12 months | Follow the oil-life monitor if fitted |
| Tire rotation | 5,000–7,500 mi | Every oil change | Check pressure monthly |
| Engine air filter | 15,000–30,000 mi | 1–2 years | Sooner in dusty areas |
| Cabin air filter | 15,000–25,000 mi | 1–2 years | |
| Brake fluid | — | 2–3 years | Absorbs moisture over time |
| Coolant | 60,000–100,000 mi | 5–10 years | Long-life coolants last longer |
| Spark plugs | 60,000–100,000 mi | — | Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end |
| 12V battery | — | 3–5 years | Heat shortens battery life |
3 safety recalls as of Oct 28, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.
Owners filed 376 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are electrical system (181), engine and engine cooling (75), service brakes, hydraulic (26). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
The EPA rates the 2000 Nissan Maxima at 20–21 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (2 versions rated).