CarComplaints.com Notes: The 2004-2006 Nissan Maxima has widespread transmission problems. It starts with the vehicle jerking when shifting, & progresses to full-blown transmission failure.

Maxima owners report spending $3,000 to replace the transmission, typically around when the odometer hits 100,000 miles.

There's a class action lawsuit filed in late 2011, & it is still in the "discovery" stage. Apparently, these things take time ... far too much time.

3.2

definitely annoying
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
42,292 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

2004 Nissan Maxima brakes problems

brakes problem

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2004 Nissan Maxima Owner Comments

problem #6

Apr 112010

Maxima

  • 124,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

The contact owns 2004 Nissan Maxima. The contact stated the ABS actuator warning light would illuminate and the vehicle would shake, rattle and knock violently. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer for the failure and was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted to report the failure. The failure mileage was 124,000.

- Newport News, VA, USA

problem #5

Jan 012007

Maxima

  • miles
I have a 04 Maxima-while at first I did not know what the noise was or where it was coming from. I took my car to several places for a mechanic to identify the noise. At first none of them knew what it was. Then finally one said he thought it had something to do with the ABS system. But there was no light to indicate that. The noise continued and I continued to try to find out what it was. I took my car to the Nissan dealer in marlow heights and the mechanic told that the noise came from after-market pads. Even I knew that was not it. So I was told just wait and see if it gets worse. Well it has gotten worse. Then if came across a master technician who told me exactly what the problem was (the ABS system) although still ABS light was not on. Now the car is in the shop and of course the car warranty has expired and the extended warranty does not cover the cost (right rear ABS sensor and cap) and let's hope that I don't need an actuator which cost $1,500. I'm waiting to hear from Nissan. If they don't cover the cost which I think they should (this being my fourth max) since the car is not really that old. And I also think that Nissan knows about this problem. And if they don't cover the cost this will be my last Nissan.

- Suitland, MD, USA

problem #4

Jan 092008

Maxima 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 42,750 miles
The ABS system has stopped working at only 42,000. I believe the part is defective. Now the car cannot use ABS to stop which is unsafe in rain or snow. The manufacturer does not want to help pay for the repairs, although the dealer is willing to offer a discount for repair because the car has only 42,000 miles on it when the ABS stopped working.

- Lewis Center, OH, USA

problem #3

Jun 012004

Maxima 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 87,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

I have had problems with my 2004 Nissan Maxima since purchasing it brand new. Within 60 days of purchasing the car, I had to take it back to the dealership due to a malfunction with the brakes. I have spent over $1,500 since keeping the brakes and rotors repaired. I am on my fourth set of tires and have had three alignments and my front end inspected. I have had to replace an engine mount. In 2006 my air conditioner went out and I spent over $500 having that repaired. Now I am in need of a new transmission because there is internal damage due to the clutch slipping even though it is an automatic car. I have two friends with the same model/year car and they have experienced similar or the same problems. Once of my friends just replaced his transmission in his 2004 Maxima. This car has cost me at least $5,000 in repairs since I have purchased it and I have never ever received a recall notice on anything. I know that Nissan is well aware of the defects in the 2004 Maxima, but are not owning up to their responsibility in taking care of all of the problems that I have read about and talked about with different 2004 Maxima owners. I have also had the battery replaced twice. The body style of the car is beautiful, but the car itself is a piece of crap due to poor mechanics.

- Laporte, TX, USA

problem #2

Jan 132005

Maxima 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
The driver noticed while driving, a squeaking noise was heard coming from the rear of the vehicle. The vehicle started vibrating uncontrollably. The driver was able to maintain control of the vehicle and drove to the dealer for inspection. The mechanic informed the driver that the structure of the vehicle was design defect from the manufacturer. A fix was not available at this time. Two months after purchase, the brakes began to squeal. Dealer said it was a creep groan and could not repair the problem. Consumer experienced 4 flat tires (Goodyear P245/45R18 - model # 96vs2eagrs-avsbrptl) all found to have defective splits called sidewalk circumferential cracks. Consumer received a safety recall notice regarding a sun roof shatter condition.

- Thomasville, GA, USA

problem #1

Sep 212004

Maxima

  • miles
When reversing my brakes squeak almost every time. 8000 miles on vehical, well kept, normal driving conditions. Took it to the dealer to and they told me nothing was wrong. No inspection of my brakes were done, just visually.

- North Potomac, MD, USA

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