2000 Nissan Maxima: Is It Reliable?
Problems, Recalls & Buyer Verdict
Shopping for a used 2000 Nissan Maxima? This page highlights owner-reported complaint patterns and recall history so you can inspect the right systems before buying. Current data includes 377 complaints, with Electrical Faults as the top reported area.
2000 Nissan Maxima Fuel Economy
✓ EPA Official DataEPA-rated fuel economy across 2 2000 Nissan Maxima trim configurations. The median figure is shown; range reflects all available trims.
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov. Figures reflect EPA lab testing; real-world results vary by driving style, load, and conditions. 2 trims analysed.
2000 Nissan Maxima Safety Ratings
NHTSA 5-Star Program2 variants tested — showing 2000 Nissan Maxima 4-DR. w/SABOfficial crash test results from the NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings program. Stars reflect government-conducted tests; higher is safer.
Overall
Not RatedFrontal Crash
Not RatedSide Crash
Not RatedRollover
Not RatedSource: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Ratings are based on government crash tests and may not reflect all trim levels.
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2000 Nissan Maxima has 377 owner complaints, 27 crash-related complaints, and 3 recall campaigns on record. The most frequently reported component is Electrical Faults. NHTSA reliability signal: Severe Issues.
- Make
- Nissan
- Model
- Maxima
- Model year
- 2000
- NHTSA owner complaints
- 377
- Crash-related complaints
- 27
- Safety recall campaigns
- 3
- Top reported component
- Electrical Faults
- Reliability signal
- Severe Issues
- EPA MPG combined
- 21
- EPA MPG city / highway
- 19 / 25
- Fuel type
- Regular Gasoline
- Electronic stability control
- No
Most Common 2000 Nissan Maxima Problems
Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.
Electrical Faults
Engine Problems
Brake System
Complaint patterns center on Electrical Faults, Engine Problems, Brake System. Use these as a pre-purchase inspection guide, then verify recall and damage history on the specific VIN.
Should You Buy a Used 2000 Nissan Maxima?
The 2000 Nissan Maxima shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase.
Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report.
What to Check Before Buying a Used 2000 Nissan Maxima
Inspection Focus
- Inspect electrical systems, including wiring and battery connections.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for engine and brake system repairs.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase.
Before You Close the Deal
- Inspect electrical systems, including wiring and battery connections.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for engine and brake system repairs.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase.
Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.
Before buying a used 2000 Nissan Maxima, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, theft checks, and open recalls for the exact vehicle.
What the Complaint Data Suggests
Editorial interpretation of NHTSA public complaint data. Source: nhtsa.gov. Complaints are owner-submitted and do not confirm a defect. Methodology
Complaints for the 2000 Nissan Maxima are heavily concentrated in electrical faults, with engine problems also prominent. The data suggests potential issues with electrical systems and engine components, though the low confidence level and limited model year range caution against broad conclusions.
- Electrical faults account for nearly half of all complaints (181 out of 377).
- Engine problems are the second most reported component with 84 complaints.
- Brake system issues are noted with 34 complaints.
- Electrical faults, including wiring and component failures.
- Engine problems, such as stalling or performance issues.
- Brake system malfunctions.
All 2000 Nissan Maxima Complaints by Category
Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2000 Nissan Maxima. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical Faults | 181 | 1 | 3 | — | |
| Engine Problems | 84 | — | 1 | — | |
| Brake System | 34 | 2 | — | — | |
| Hydraulic | 26 | 2 | — | — | |
| Airbag Malfunctions | 25 | 22 | — | — | |
| Structural Problems | 23 | 1 | — | — | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 23 | — | — | — | |
| Suspension Failures | 17 | 1 | — | — | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 13 | 3 | — | — | |
| Uncategorized Issues | 12 | — | 1 | — | |
| Tire Issues | 11 | 1 | — | — | |
| Fuel System | 10 | — | 1 | — | |
| Gasoline | 10 | — | 1 | — | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 8 | — | — | — | |
| Steering Defects | 8 | 2 | — | — | |
| Seat Belt Issues | 6 | 3 | — | — | |
| Equipment | 5 | — | — | — | |
| Visibility | 5 | — | — | — | |
| Air | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Wheel Issues | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Electronic Stability Control (Esc) | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Electric | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Interior Lighting | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Seat-Related Issues | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Door Lock Issues | 1 | — | — | — |
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Complaint counts may exceed total complaints because one report can span multiple categories.
Real Owner Complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2000 Nissan Maxima. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
Unknown
TIRES. GOODYEAR VIVA 3 MODEL, SIZE 215/55R16 (AND MOST OTHER SIZES). THESE TIRES GO OUT OF ROUND AT EXCEPTIONALLY LOW MILEAGE. AN COMMON COMPLAINT AT WALMART (THE ONLY RETAILER THAT SELLS THIS MODEL) IS THAT THE TIRES GO OUT OF ROUND, PRODUCE UNBELIEVABLE NOISE, AND VIBRATION…
THE STRUCTURAL SUPPORT ON THE BOTTOM OF THE RADIATOR AND THE MAIN ENGINE MOUNT IS RUSTED ALL OUT NOW MY CAR IS UNSAFE TO DRIVE THE CAR WHEN I WAS DRIVING WAS MAKING A NOISE FROM THE FRONT OF THE CAR AND THEN PULLED OVER TO DISCOVER THAT THE THE MOTOR MOUNT WAS RUSTED OUT FROM THE…
2000 NISSAN MAXIMA SE. WHILE DRIVING MY VEHICLE ON A HIGHWAY OR SECONDARY ROAD THE VEHICLE STARTS TO BUCK. SUDDENLY WITHOUT ANY WARNING THE (TCS) TRACTION CONTROL AND SLIP LIGHTS ILLUMINATE. THIS CAUSES ME TO SUDDENLY LOSE POWER AND DECELERATE IN HI SPEED TRAFFIC ALMOST LEADING T…
TAKATA RECALL, AIRBAG LIGHT KEEPS FLASHING... WON'T SHUT OFF. STATIONARY, MOVING, ANYWHERE
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 T…
CAR WAS IN MOTION WHEN IT LOST POWER AND STALLED THE DASHBOARD HAS NO LIGHT AND BATTERY IS CHARGED THAN WHEN DRIVING THE CAR IT DRAINS AND SHUTS OFF .
UPON INSPECTION THE FRAME AND CROSS MEMBER ARE RUSTED BEYOND REPAIR. IT IS NOW TOO DANGEROUS TO DRIVE AND ULTIMATELY USELESS. THE MECHANIC IS AFRAID TO LET THE CAR DOWN OFF THE LIFT TO SUPPORT ITS OWN WEIGHT. HOW IS THIS EVEN POSSIBLE AND EVEN CLOSE TO ACCEPTABLE? THIS CAR …
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 WHIC…
OUR CONFIRMATION FOR EARLIER COMPLAINT IS : 10628840 SINCE WE BOUGHT THE CAR, IT IS AN ON GOING PROBLEM. WE HAD ENGINE LIGHT AND SUSPENSION PROBLEM. WHILE DRIVING CAR SOME TIMES STARTS WAVERING AND JUMPING. ALSO GETS VERY DIFFICULT TO CONTROL THE STEERING. MANY OF THE NISSAN PLA…
MY 2000 NISSAN MAXIMA CONSOLE IS "SOFT" AND SIDE DOOR CONSOLE PANELS. I READ WHERE OTHER 2000 MAXIMA'S HAVE THIS SAME PROBLEM. IT'S NOT DUE TO EXTREME HEAT OR ANYTHING. NUMEROUS COMMENTS ABOUT THIS PROBLEM WHEN I GOOGLE IT. THIS MORNING I TOOK AN ALCOHOL SWAB AND BLACK PAINT R…
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2000 NISSAN MAXIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE THE DRIVER WAS DRIVING AT 55 MPH, CONSCIOUSNESS WAS LOST AND AS A RESULT, THE DRIVER CRASHED INTO THE REAR END OF A TRACTOR TRAILER. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED BACK AND WHIPLASH IN…
THE FRAME IS ALMOST COMPLETELY RUSTED OUT ON MY 2000 NISSAN MAXIMA WITH 158,000 MILES. MY MECHANIC HAD IT UP ON HIS LIFT LAST WEEK AND POINTED OUT THAT THE LEFT DRIVER SIDE PORTION HAD A BREAK IN IT AND WAS UNSAFE TO DRIVE. ONE MORE POT HOLE AND THE ENGINE/TRANNY WILL BE IN THE S…
I AM THE ORIGINAL AND CURRENT OWNER OF A 2000 NISSAN MAXIMA WITH ABOUT 115,000 MILES. MY MECHANIC RECENTLY TOLD ME THAT THE MAXIMA NEEDS ABOUT $2000 OF BODY WORK DUE TO RUSTED FLOOR BOARDS AND ENGINE MOUNT. THE MAXIMA WAS IMMACULATELY KEPT IN A GARAGE FOR MOST OF ITS LIFE SO I DO…
FRONT SUBFRAME RUSTED OUT
THERE WAS NO FAILURE; MECHANIC NOTICED BAD SIDEWALL ON RIGHT TIRE. SHORTLY AFTER, SIDEWALLS WENT BAD ON TWO ADDITIONAL TIRES WITH DRY-ROT CRACKING NOTICED THROUGHOUT TREADS. WIRE BANDS CAN BE SEEN ON LEFT FRONT TIRE SIDEWALL FROM A "GOUGE-OUT". MANY DEEP CRACKS ON ORIGINAL RIGHT …
I HAVE A 2000 MAXIMA WITH 150,000 MILES. I CARRIED IT FOR INSPECTION AND IT FAILED DUE TO THE FRONT END BEING RUSTED OUT. THE PIECE THAT HOLDS THE FRONT ENGINE MOUNT IS COMPLETELY RUSTED OUT.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 NISSAN MAXIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, ANOTHER VEHICLE CAME INTO THE CONTACT'S PATH WHICH RESULTED IN A CRASH. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED UNKNOWN INJURIES THAT DID NOT REQUIRE MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE VEHICLE…
FRAME SECTIONS CRUMBLED, TOTAL RUST DETERIORATION, VEHICLE LOOKS GOOD BUT IS UNSAFE AND WILL NOT PASS STATE INSPECTION. *TR
TRANSMISSION MOUNTS BOTH FRONT AND REAR FAILED
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2000 Nissan Maxima.
2000 Nissan Maxima Recalls
3 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2000 Nissan Maxima. 3 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Recalls are free to fix at authorized dealers, but completion status must be verified on the exact VIN.
2000 Nissan Maxima Buying FAQ
Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.
Is the 2000 Nissan Maxima reliable?▾
Severe Issues. NHTSA currently shows 377 owner complaints, 27 crash-related complaints, and 3 recall campaigns for this model year. The 2000 Nissan Maxima shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Treat this as a model-year signal, then verify the exact vehicle's condition and history before purchase.
What are the most common problems with the 2000 Nissan Maxima?▾
#1: Electrical Faults (181 complaints). #2: Engine Problems (84 complaints). #3: Brake System (34 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2000 Nissan Maxima?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2000 Nissan Maxima?▾
Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2000 Nissan Maxima, NHTSA complaints include 27 crash-related reports and 6 fire reports out of 377 total complaints. 30 injury reports are also on file. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2000 Nissan Maxima have any recalls?▾
Yes. 3 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2000 Nissan Maxima. A major recall area is EXTERIOR LIGHTING. 3 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Always verify open recalls by VIN because completion status varies by vehicle.
Should I buy a 2000 Nissan Maxima?▾
The 2000 Nissan Maxima shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report. Pay extra attention to Electrical Faults during inspection. Before committing, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, and recall completion for the exact car.
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinSpector AI.
Wider context: See the full Nissan Maxima reliability report with year-by-year comparison.
Owner Reliability Rating
Rate the 2000 Nissan Maxima based on your ownership experience.
Add your rating:
Ratings are based on owner experience and are separate from NHTSA data shown above.
Check the Exact Vehicle History Before You Buy
Model-year complaints and recalls reveal patterns. A VIN report confirms whether the exact car has accident history, title brands, mileage issues, or open recalls.