I have a 2000 Maxima and it has developed an intermittant problem. This is how it manifests itself:

Intermittantly, the Speedo, tach, fuel guage, Odometer, and temp guage just stop working.

If I catch it as it starts, It is somewhat progressive; the speedo will start creeping even though I am driving at a steady speed. As it creeps, it will then just quit and the needle will drop. At about the same time the rest of the guages will also drop. If the speed control is on, it also will malfunction.

The guages will come back almost as suddenly.

The service writer claims they haven't seen it before and there is no history of it.

 

I had a similar problem with my 89SE but it was primarily limited to the speedo. Which would occasionally show me going 5-10MPH when I was standing still. On a couple of rare occasions it stopped working. They were able to trace it to a faulty connector but for me it occurred years later and I had to pay for it. You might have better luck but obviously you'd have an easier chance if they saw it happen.

 

that has not been a common problem. gawd I hope it doesnt become one, I have one of the oldest 5th gens here that would drive me crazy... or drive me down to the lexus lot

 

My friend's 2000 Jeep does that sometimes, though his airbag light also accompanies the drop of tach and speedo. He just slams the horn with his fist and everything is fine.