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.

8.7

pretty bad
Typical Repair Cost:
$2,200
Average Mileage:
108,600 miles
Total Complaints:
21 complaints

Most Common Solutions:

  1. not sure (12 reports)
  2. replaced the transmission (6 reports)
  3. transmission flush (2 reports)
  4. rebuilt transmission, new head casing (1 reports)
2004 Nissan Maxima transmission problems

transmission problem

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2004 Nissan Maxima Owner Comments (Page 1 of 2)

problem #21

Jan 092017

Maxima SE 3.5L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 160,487 miles

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

Slips on highway, lurches when shifting..car has 160,000 miles on it. It is my only working car.

- Rosie P., Atlantic City, NJ, US

problem #20

Oct 082016

Maxima SL 3.5L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 140,000 miles

So, I have a major jerk when I go from ANY gear into drive. More often than not when I accelerate it jerks terribly sometimes shooting up to 6rpms and causing the tires to squeal. It's annoying, it's unsafe and I know that it is going to be a costly repair. I can not afford to bear these expenses as I am a single mother of three working two jobs, barely above low income housing and going to school full time. It's ridiculous. I expect to do some work given that there are quite a few miles on the car but the transmission AGAIN??? It has already been replaced and my hardheaded stubborn self went and got another transmission that was new and this one has lasted all of 40,000 miles and started doing the same thing.

- Marisha W., Louisville, KY, US

problem #19

Jun 162016

Maxima SE 3.2L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 115,000 miles

This is the second time my transmission has started to fail! First time was when I had maybe 60 or 70 thousand miles it completely failed car wouldnt even move. Had to purchase a used transmission and pay to have it installed. Now with my second transmission it has started to slip with only maybe 30 or 40k miles since it was installed.

- michaelg7, Riverside, CA, US

problem #18

Sep 112015

Maxima ES V8

  • Automatic transmission
  • 91,180 miles

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

My car has been very slow when trying to accelerate, once it gets speed it appears to drive ok. This just started happening around Sept.11, 2015. On Sept. 14, 2015 my car had problems accelerating and cut off on a very busy road. I was able to coast to the side of the road. I was very scared sitting on the shoulder of the road. The car also jerks when put in gear. I don't have money for expensive transmission work. Is there any help for me, I need my car. I mistakenly wrote V8 but it is V6.

- Edna P., Sandston, VA, US

problem #17

Dec 172014

Maxima SE 3.5L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 92,370 miles

click to see larger images

transmission slips

I want say only few words NEVER, NEVER, BUY A GARBAGE NISSAN MAXIMA.

- dzbigniew, Vaughan, ON, Canada

problem #16

May 012014

Maxima SL 3.2L V6

  • Manual transmission
  • 140,000 miles

I had my transmission fixed at 140,000 miles. The problem started at 60,000 miles. It jerked and would cut off even when I was at a high rate of speed, (like the freeway). The cost was $1600. The dealer would not warranty the transmission. Now I have to replace my timing chain. This is the new problem, besides having problems with my sensors. I am so disappointed with this car because I have had two other Nissans that have lasted for 200,000 miles.

- Pamela H., Ontario, CA, US

problem #15

Aug 062014

Maxima SL 3.5L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 75,490 miles

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

Totally ridiculous problem. Very low mileage & only 2 drivers. I purchased the car from my sister. At about 75,000 miles the transmission would jerk when shifting. Now, at 80,000 miles it hangs up, not engaging & whines. The auto is totally unsuitable for city driving (which is what I do). I purchased a new Toyota & am still trying to get a reasonable fix for the Maxima so that I can unload it. It was not even suitable as a trade in because the problem happens every time I drive the auto.

I will NEVER own another Nissan and will warn anyone off who will listen.

- pattyjtx, San Angelo, TX, US

problem #14

Jul 122014

Maxima SE 3.5L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 135,000 miles

Transmission slips then band into gear hard. Also gets stuck in high gear for no reason. Just prior to it getting stuck in high gear, the car stalls and when you start it again its in high gear.

- robertjlyonsny, Kings Park, NY, Sierra Leone

problem #13

Jan 162014

Maxima SL 3.5L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 154,721 miles

Transmission jerks between shifts. Similar to issues noticed by most other '04 Maxima owners.

This is just a very poorly built car. Never going to buy another Nissan again until they do a recall for this issue.

- P P., Ab, AB, canada

problem #12

Mar 022015

Maxima

  • Automatic transmission
  • 142,915 miles

Apparently this is nothing new. Thousands of 2004 Nissan Maximas have reported this problem. Nothing done about it.

- Dannie S., london, Ontario, canada

problem #11

Oct 232014

Maxima SE 3.5L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 207,000 miles

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

I have a 2004 Nissan Maxima this car is a POS! The transmission should have been recalled but never has! I have the 3.5L SE model and replaced the transmission TWICE! which is a pain in the ass $4,500 (each time the car ain't worth that!) is what a shop wanted! This car had left my wife and 3 children all under 5 year's old stranded on side of the road many of times car has cut off while driving all the lights went dim in the dash then the car cuts off! Nissan had NO explanation why that happened since "nothing" was wrong with the car. Unless you want a car with a lot of tranny problems STAY AWAY!!!!

- lovelikewinter09, Columbia, SC, US

problem #10

Nov 102010

Maxima SL 3.5

  • Automatic transmission
  • 66,460 miles

Beginning of transmission problems. Hoping this isn't a sign of things to come.

- Sharon R B., Brandon, FL, US

problem #9

Aug 132013

Maxima SL 3.5

  • Automatic transmission
  • 91,243 miles

Transmission slipping - less than 100,000 miles. Can't understand why there was a problem when maintenance service was done according to suggested manufacturer guidelines.

- Sharon R B., Brandon, FL, US

problem #8

Oct 052012

Maxima SE 3.5L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 63,380 miles

the fix would of been less annoying if the dealship had not been so awful to deal with

- Keith B., saskatoon, Saskatchewan, canada

problem #7

Nov 072012

Maxima ES 3.2L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 110,000 miles

NOT MUCH TO SAY AFTER READING ALL OF THIS. I JUST KNOW A RECALL SHOULD HAVE BEEN DONE FOR THE TRANNY AND THIS CHEAP PLASTIC PIECE IN THE TIMING CHAIN! WE SHOULD HAVE ALL WENT TO THE MEDIA.

- Michael S., Harrison, TN, US

problem #6

Jul 302012

Maxima SE 3.5L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 117,923 miles

SLOWS DOWN FOR NO REASON CAN CAUSE TO GET TO REAR ENDED WILL REPORT TO BBB TO SEE IF ANY THING CAN BE DONE NISSAN NEEDS TO DO BETTER THAN THEY DO SHAME ON THEM

- fixjerryvirginia, Waynesboro, VA, US

problem #5

Jul 132012

Maxima

  • Automatic transmission
  • 59,000 miles

I BROUGHT THIS CAR (7) MONTHS AGO! I SHOULD HAVE DONE MY HOMEWORK! THIS CAR HAS BEEN IN THE SHOP THREE TIMES FOR TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS. THIS IS MY THIRD AND LAST NISSAN THE TWO CARS BEFORE THIS ONE WERE GREAT. THANKS NISSAN YOU LOST A GOOD CUSTOMER. I WILL NEVER BUY A NISSAN AGAIN! I WILL ALSO TELL ANYONE I KNOW WHO'S LOOKING AT BUYING A NISSAN, TO LOOK FOR SOMETHING DIFFERENT BECAUSE NISSAN HAS TRULY GONE DOWN THE HILL! NISSAN USA YOU AW TO BE A SHAME OF YOURSELVES.

- nafektness, Lusby, MD, US

problem #4

Oct 122011

Maxima SE 3.5L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 80,000 miles

Transmission Slips When Shifting .Had Transmission Flushed Made Problem Worse .Also Check Engine Light Just Came on At 103,000 Miles . Getting Ready To Take To Shop For Estimate On Repairs.Also Have You had Your Spark plugs Replaced That Will Cost you 15.00 Dollars A Plug .You Can Only Change Four Then You Have To Take Engine Apart To Get To Rear Left Ones.That Will Cost You A New Gasket And About $400.00 To Get Plugs Replaced. Transmission Problem Should Be Repaired By Nissan for Free!

- bradyca, Ridgecrest, CA, US

problem #3

Nov 222011

Maxima 3.2s V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 86,619 miles

I bought this car this year in March 2011 with 66,000Miles. I had this car 8 months and the transmission is bad and the timing chain. I think Nissan need to have a recall on this car. Who want to spend over 5,000 dollars on a car that you are making payment on. I'm so mad right now I don't know what I'm going to do.

- Dionne T., Red Springs, NC, US

problem #2

Oct 152011

Maxima SE/ SI 4D 3.2L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 111,000 miles

My 2004 Maxima only had 111,00 miles (just after my extended warranty expired @100,000) my transmission made a terrible noise and jerked when putting the car in reverse and drive. I took it to the deaerlship and was told that my transmission needed to be replaced for the tune of $4300.00. I was devastated. I couldn't believe it. I was told by the dealer that there is not a manufacture defect on the transmission but I strongly think there should be. I let the dealer replace it which I could kick myself. What a rip off. I'm sure they will rebuild my old transmission and resale it. I'm done with Nissan. Won't be getting another Nissan product after owing 3.

- Janice K., Marietta, GA, US

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