While driving at approximately 30 mph and decelerating the car began to slightly buck when the transmission tried to down shift. After approximately one to two minutes I smelled an electrical burn. When I came to a stop and put the car in park the engine raced to approximately 1600 to 1900 rpms at idle. The obd-II indicated codes of P0505: Idle air control valve and P0420: Three way catalyst function. My local mechanic inspected the car and replaced the faulty idle air control valve. He contacted the local Nissan service shop, and they informed him that idle air control valve failed and shorted the engine control module, ECM. This seemed to be a common problem the dealer noted, and currently had another 2001 Maxima in the shop that was exhibiting the same failures. The dealer inspected my car and reported the idle air control valve failed and shorted the ECM. The failure of the idle air control valve should not short the ECM. This is a design failure and should not be the responsibility of the car owner. The ECM is a $915 part plus labor. The ECM was replaced. This is similar to ODI id numbers: 10179328 and 10179390.

- Londonerry, NH, USA

- the contact stated that the 2001idle air control (iac valve) F and the engine computer unit (ECU) failed. The contact stated that 3 months ago he had dealership look at vehicle because the check engine light turned on and the vehicle would not start properly. The contact stated that the burned out ECU causes the vehicle to lose power while driving and causes a loss of steering ability and locked up of the brakes.

- Buffalo Grove, IL, USA

- while driving his 2001 Nissan Maxima at a speed of 30 mph the vehicle stalled completely losing power. At the time of the failure contact stated that the steering wheel locked, as well as, losing the ability to brake. The contact could not restart the vehicle so he had to have the vehicle towed to dealer. The dealer stated that the idol air control valves caused the computer to short circuit, and that this seemed to be a common problem with the vehicle.

- Rogersville, MO, USA

I have an '01 Maxima SE. My check engine light came on, brought it to a dealer who said it was an emission problem & it would cost $900 to fix !!!! and I need it done before I can get my car inspected, which is this month. I have had nothing but issues with this car. When I bought it it kept steering to the right, they used my "one free" Nissan alignment and it was still not right! it was my tires because I had to get new tires @ 30K miles (I had Bridgestone potenzas, they don't last very long I found out) so I ended up buying cooper tires for $200/tire. The pulling to the right was cured after that. I have also had a computer problem, an ABS light problem, and have already had my rotors & brakes replaced at 30K. I only have 40K on it now. Sometimes it doesn't want to start either. (it will putter and die) all in all I will never buy a Nissan again. I hope someone will read this & take it from me, do not get a Maxima, especially an '01.

- Portsmouth, NH, USA