P0101 on NISSAN ALTIMA — Mass or Volume Air Flow Sensor A Circuit Range/Performance

Q: "What does P0101 mean on a NISSAN ALTIMA?"

"P0101 indicates: Mass or Volume Air Flow Sensor A Circuit Range/Performance. This is a fuel and air metering code. 9 NISSAN ALTIMA owners have reported this to NHTSA."

Q: "What are the most common causes of P0101 on NISSAN ALTIMA?"

"Based on 9 NHTSA reports, the most commonly cited components are: Power Train, Engine, Electrical System,Vehicle Speed Control,Engine. These percentages are based on the component field in owner complaints."

Q: "Is P0101 serious on my NISSAN ALTIMA?"

"Of 9 NHTSA reports for this code on NISSAN ALTIMA, none involved a crash or fire. However, any diagnostic code should be evaluated by a qualified mechanic."

Q: "What should I do if my NISSAN ALTIMA shows P0101?"

"1) Check for recalls on your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 2) Get a professional diagnosis — a code alone doesn't identify the exact failed part. 3) Get 2-3 repair estimates to compare."

What P0101 Means on Your NISSAN ALTIMA

P0101 is a diagnostic trouble code indicating: Mass or Volume Air Flow Sensor A Circuit Range/Performance. This code relates to the fuel and air metering system. The vehicle's computer detected a condition outside normal operating parameters and stored this code.

9 NISSAN ALTIMA owners have reported this issue to NHTSA across model years 2011-2020. Most reports come from the 2011, 2015 model years.

Real NISSAN ALTIMA Owner Reports

Source: NHTSA Complaints Database

"What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The Engine Control Module (ECM) is malfunctioning, triggering persistent P0101 codes related to the Mass Air Flow (MAF) sensor."

— 2011 NISSAN ALTIMA owner · ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ENGINE · Filed 07/03/2025

"I get the p0101 code that indicates a mass air flow issue. while driving the car cuts off, stalls, sputters. often the car can be restarted, but it contines to stutter, or shut off. the issue has occurred while driving on nyc streets and on highways, usually while driving on straight roads."

— 2011 NISSAN ALTIMA owner · VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL · Filed 05/03/2014

"I have replaced the mass air flow sensor and the code keeps coming on. it only stayed off for a month. it causes the car to idle rough. i am not sure if the other problems that are happening are related but the only light that comes on is the service engine light and the code shows p0101."

— 2011 NISSAN ALTIMA owner · ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC),ENGINE · Filed 12/20/2019

"P0101 powertrain/maf circuit issue keeps coming back with car. even a technical service bulletin has been issued by the manufacturer for this issue. dealer reprogrammed ecu/updated & <maf sensor ."

— 2011 NISSAN ALTIMA owner · POWER TRAIN · Filed 04/17/2016

"My engine service light is on and I have scanned with diagnostics. The code P0101, C119A, and C1155 with the most likely solution is to reprogram the power train control module(PCM)."

— 2015 NISSAN ALTIMA owner · POWER TRAIN · Filed 01/30/2022

All reports filed by vehicle owners directly with the U.S. Department of Transportation.

📊 Complaint Trend by Model Year

4

'11

2

'15

1

'16

1

'19

1

'20

Common Causes on NISSAN ALTIMA

Based on NHTSA complaint component analysis for this vehicle.

POWER TRAIN 22.2%

ENGINE 22.2%

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ENGINE 11.1%

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL 11.1%

ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC),ENGINE 11.1%

What To Do Next

1
Check for recalls on YOUR VIN
Go to nhtsa.gov/recalls and enter your VIN. If your vehicle is covered, repairs are free.
2
Get a proper diagnosis
A code alone doesn't tell you the exact failed part. A diagnostic at a shop ($50–$150) pinpoints the root cause before you spend money on parts.
3
Compare repair quotes
Get 2–3 quotes. Dealer vs. independent shop prices often differ 30–50% for the same repair.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does P0101 mean on a NISSAN ALTIMA? ▾

P0101 indicates: Mass or Volume Air Flow Sensor A Circuit Range/Performance. This is a fuel and air metering code. 9 NISSAN ALTIMA owners have reported this to NHTSA.

What are the most common causes of P0101 on NISSAN ALTIMA? ▾

Based on 9 NHTSA reports, the most commonly cited components are: Power Train, Engine, Electrical System,Vehicle Speed Control,Engine. These percentages are based on the component field in owner complaints.

Is P0101 serious on my NISSAN ALTIMA? ▾

Of 9 NHTSA reports for this code on NISSAN ALTIMA, none involved a crash or fire. However, any diagnostic code should be evaluated by a qualified mechanic.

What should I do if my NISSAN ALTIMA shows P0101? ▾

1) Check for recalls on your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 2) Get a professional diagnosis — a code alone doesn't identify the exact failed part. 3) Get 2-3 repair estimates to compare.