Driving to work on the freeway and the car bucked and randomly accelerated and idled high. Later found out that the iac valve had antifreeze that leaked through a gasket causing it to short out. Shortly after also discovered that the valve shorting out ($200 part) cause the ECM to short out. After labor and parts this turns a $200 repair into over a $2000 repair and causes for unsafe driving due to the erratic idle and surging at the time when the valve shorts out.

- Wallingford, CT, USA

We own a 2001 Nissan Maxima, which we purchased new from a Nissan dealer. It has, on 3 occasions, experienced a problem with "surging"/high revving. The cause in every case has been a part known as an "idle air control valve" (iacv), which fails and in doing so, causes the "ECM" (the "engine computer") to fail. We have discovered that hitachi is the sole source for the iacv, whether the part is obtained from a Nissan dealer or any other source under any other brand. This issue is apparently a particularly well-known issue with this model series of vehicle, both Nissan and infiniti. The first time the vehicle had this issue, it was under warranty and was supposedly repaired by Nissan. However, the same issue has recurred on 2 subsequent occasions, and both times Nissan has wholly failed to address the issue. We have repeatedly attempted to address this issue with Nissan, including, but not limited to, Nissan consumer relations, Nissan's vp of customer satisfaction, the "executive offices" escalation department, etc., all with no substantive response from Nissan beyond their stating that since the vehicle is no longer under warranty, it isn't Nissan's problem. However, it should be noted that in this latest occurrence, Nissan initially stated that their refusal to address this issue was due to our allegedly having installed "an aftermarket ECM" (we had not). However, when the Nissan dealer confirmed to Nissan that the ECM was in fact a factory Nissan part, and we discovered that there is no such thing as "an aftermarket ECM, " Nissan then refused to correct this situation. From our layperson's investigation of this issue, it appears to be a design flaw in the circuitry, and is generally widely known in the repair industry, by enthusiasts, major auto reviewing companies, etc. Therefore, it seems that Nissan's claim to not know of this issue is disingenuous at best.

- Vancleave, MS, USA

The contact owns a 2001 Nissan Maxima. While driving approximately 55 mph, the vehicle stalled without warning and then immediately restarted. The dealer stated that the air control valve needed to be replaced at the cost of $550. The contact has not repaired the vehicle because he believes it is a safety defect. The manufacturer did not provide any assistance. The failure and current mileages were 80,000.

- River Edge, NJ, USA

2001 Nissan Maxima : in December 2004 service engine light came on and I pulled code P0420. Vehicle was under 80,000 emissions warranty. Dealer "reprogrammed the ECM". Feb 2007 at 81,800 miles, but within the 96 month warranty, same code appears, however now dealer says that O2 sensor and catalytic converter are bad. Dealer says O2 sensor damaged catalytic converter, yet no code appeared for the O2 sensor, and vehicle was only driven less than 2 days with light on. In process of dealing with Nissan North America for replacement. Also, vehicle was new out of alignment, and alignment was never perfect.

- Hillsborough, NJ, USA

Engine wiring harness has broken causing engine to misfire. Took to dealer and they said this happens all the time. Want $700 to fix and from research it appears it often breaks again.

- Wheat Ridge, CO, USA

While driving 70 mph engine check light came on. Vehicle started to run rough and hesitated. Vehicle was taken to the dealer, and dealer inspected and diagnosed the vehicle with the following problems: Both rear oxygen sensor needed to be replaced, the ECM needed to be reprogrammed, and both front and rear engine mounts were weak, and needed to be replaced. Also, manufacturer was notified. Replace two motor mounts and two rear oxygen sensors.

- Soddy Daisy, TN, USA

I experienced trouble starting the car for a couple of weeks prior to this incident also during this time the car was "hesitating" at various times both on acceleration and cruising. On Feb 3, 2005, after returning to the vehicle after a quick stop at the store, the engine would turn over but not "catch" and start. After trying to start it at least 6 to 8 times, the engine started but the cel, slp and tc engine warning lights went on and stayed on. The vehicle was brought to the Nissan dealer and according to the invoice: "scanned obd2 system for dtc trouble codes: Has code P0430. Further diagnosis determined that cam sensor is bad. Replaced cam sensor, cleared codes and rechecked." My question which was not fully answered by the Nissan dealer is what prompted the mechanic to do further diagnostics after receiving the P0430 which according the information I've been able to gather is not related to a problem caused by the cam sensor. I was advised that the Nissan mechanic had a "decision tree" to follow when diagnosing. In may and June of 2004 the cel light came on I had my local mechanic look at the car and he determined each time that an oxygen sensor was bad replaced them. I will provide a copy of the bill(s) related to all repairs if requested. I have 2 questions of Nissan, were the error codes displayed in may and June of 2004 in fact generated in error" what internal information did the Nissan dealer have that prompted him to do further diagnostics to come up with a cam sensor failure"

- Somers, CT, USA

Service engine light stays on approximately 70% of the time. Purchased car in Nov 2000.

- Valdosta, GA, USA