The Lemon IndexThe air flow reading doesn't match what the computer expects.
Get it fixed soon. A few more days of normal driving is usually OK, but waiting can turn a small repair into a bigger one or a breakdown.
Dirty MAF sensor. Then: air leak after the sensor; clogged air filter.
Owners named P0101 in 76 complaints to the U.S. government, most often on the Nissan Kicks.
Models that report it most
Complaints that name P0101, by model. Raw counts, not a failure rate: popular models get more complaints. Tap a model for its years, mileage and what owners say fixed it.
P0101 by model: P0101 Nissan Kicks (17) · P0101 Nissan Sentra (16) · P0101 Nissan Altima (10)
Years owners report it on most: 2015 Nissan Sentra · 2019 Nissan Kicks · 2018 Nissan Kicks · 2011 Nissan Altima · 2020 Nissan Kicks · 2014 Nissan Sentra
The details
What P0101 means
The air flow reading doesn't match what the computer expects. The engine may hesitate, stall or idle rough.
Can I drive with P0101?
Get it fixed soon. A few more days of normal driving is usually OK, but waiting can turn a small repair into a bigger one or a breakdown.
20% of the owner complaints that name P0101 also say the car loses power or goes into limp mode. A complaint can describe more than one problem, so this doesn't prove the code caused it.
Common causes of P0101
- Dirty MAF sensor
- Air leak after the sensor
- Clogged air filter
- Failing MAF sensor
A shop should confirm the cause with a scan and tests before replacing parts.
What owners describe
- Loses power or goes into limp mode: 20% of complaints
- Stalls or shuts off: 18% of complaints
- Transmission slips or shifts hard: 18% of complaints
- Warning lights and electrical faults: 16% of complaints
Share of complaints naming the code whose text also mentions each problem.
Model years that report P0101 most
2015 Nissan Sentra (6), 2019 Nissan Kicks (6), 2018 Nissan Kicks (6), 2011 Nissan Altima (5), 2020 Nissan Kicks (5), 2014 Nissan Sentra (4).
Related codes
P0100 P0102 P0106 P0107 P0108 P0113 P0117 P0120
Quick answers
What does P0101 mean?
Mass or Volume Air Flow Sensor A Range/Performance. The air flow reading doesn't match what the computer expects. The engine may hesitate, stall or idle rough.
Can I drive with P0101?
Get it fixed soon. A few more days of normal driving is usually OK, but waiting can turn a small repair into a bigger one or a breakdown.
What causes P0101?
Dirty MAF sensor; Air leak after the sensor; Clogged air filter; Failing MAF sensor.
Counts: NHTSA owner complaints whose text names P0101. A complaint is an owner's report, not a diagnosis. Meanings: the standard SAE J2012 definitions in our own words; manufacturer codes only where verified for that make. General information, not repair advice for your car.