2001 NISSAN MAXIMA

Typical onset: 90,000-130,000 mi

Symptoms: Delayed engagement into Drive or Reverse after starting, Hard shifts or slipping between 2nd and 3rd gear, Shuddering during acceleration, Check Engine light with P0715 or P0720 (input/output speed sensor codes), Complete loss of forward gears, stuck in limp mode

Fix: The Jatco RE5R05A transmission develops valve body wear and clutch pack failure. Cooler lines fail, contaminating the radiator, which then sends coolant into the trans (the 'strawberry milkshake of death'). Rebuild requires 12-16 hours labor; many opt for reman unit. Always replace radiator and flush coolant system simultaneously.

Estimated cost: $2,800-4,200

Typical onset: 120,000-180,000 mi

Symptoms: Rattling or knocking on cold starts that persists, Loss of power under load, Engine codes P0300-P0306 (random/multiple misfires), Catastrophic failure: loud bang, oil smoke, loss of compression, Metal shavings in oil during change

Fix: Butterfly screws in intake manifold back out, get ingested into cylinders, destroying pistons and cylinder walls. Also carbon buildup causes pre-ignition in high-mileage engines. Requires complete engine rebuild or replacement: 18-24 hours labor. Short block replacement is common solution.

Estimated cost: $3,500-6,000

Typical onset: 60,000-100,000 mi

Symptoms: Rough idle, especially when cold, Hesitation on acceleration, Poor fuel economy (3-5 mpg drop), Check Engine light with P0171, P0174 (lean codes)

Fix: Oil vapors from crankcase ventilation coat MAF sensor hot wire. Cleaning with MAF cleaner works temporarily, but sensor usually needs replacement. 0.5 hours labor, straightforward DIY job.

Estimated cost: $180-320

Typical onset: 80,000-120,000 mi

Symptoms: Clunking over bumps from front end, Steering wheel off-center after hitting potholes, Excessive tire wear on inner edges, Vehicle pulls to one side, Vibration through steering wheel at highway speeds

Fix: Front lower control arm bushings deteriorate, causing alignment issues. NHTSA recall covered some lower arms, but bushings wear regardless. Replace both control arms as assembly (pressing bushings alone not worth the labor). Requires alignment after. 2.5-3 hours labor per side.

Estimated cost: $600-900

Typical onset: 70,000-110,000 mi

Symptoms: Misfire on one or more cylinders, Check Engine light flashing under load, Loss of power, especially climbing hills, Rough idle that smooths out at higher RPM, Codes P0300-P0306

Fix: Individual coil packs fail due to heat cycling. When one fails, replace all six—the others are on borrowed time. Also replace spark plugs simultaneously. 2 hours labor for all six coils plus plugs.

Estimated cost: $550-800

Typical onset: 130,000-180,000 mi

Symptoms: Sulfur/rotten egg smell from exhaust, Loss of power, especially on acceleration, Heat shield rattling underneath, Check Engine light with P0420, P0430 (cat efficiency codes), Failed emissions test

Fix: Cats clog from oil consumption or repeated misfires. This generation has two cats in Y-pipe configuration. Aftermarket cats adequate for most; OEM cats last longer but cost double. 3-4 hours labor for both.

Estimated cost: $800-1,600

Typical onset: 90,000-130,000 mi

Symptoms: Excessive engine movement visible when revving in Park, Clunk when shifting from Park to Drive or Reverse, Vibration through chassis at idle, Shifter lever shakes

Fix: Hydraulic engine mounts leak fluid and collapse. Front mount takes most abuse. Replace front and transmission mount together—if one's gone, others are close. 2-3 hours labor for both.

Estimated cost: $400-650