CarComplaints.com Notes: The 2007 Nissan Maxima has a significant trend of timing chain problems, which can ruin the engine.
Nissan used an "interference" design where the valves pop out into the path of the cylinder heads. Normally the timing chain keeps the valves opening at all the right times, but when Nissan's timing chain breaks or "jumps time", the cylinder heads smash into open valves & cause thousands of dollars of engine damage in one very quick & surprisingly unimpressive "PPPRRRRING!" sound.
Nissan Maximas from 2004-2006 have a widespread transmission defect, but judging from our complaint data, Nissan managed to fix the transmission problem for the 2007 model. The engine timing chain problems are a serious concern though.
9.1
really awful
Typical Repair Cost:
$1,700
Average Mileage:
117,750 miles
Total Complaints:
7 complaints
Most Common Solutions:
replace timing chain (3 reports)
this whining sound only be solved with new timing chain (2 reports)
I am experiencing, whining and rattling when I start the car. Also, when driving there is a skipping/jerking action that occurs. I have taken it to a mechanic and he says it is the timing chain and will cost me ~$2500 dollars to fix. I have not been able to afford getting the car fixed
I took my 2007 Maxima in before the extended 120,000 Powertrain Warranty expired because it was having issues. The dealership checked it and stated that there was not an issue. Now that I am past the extended warranty mileage, the car is still making the high pitched whining noise. I have it rechecked and now all of a sudden it needs to have the Timing Chain System replaced. That is due to the fact that Nissan put faulty plastic parts in this model Maxima and I have been quoted a price of nearly $1800 to fix it.
Now I don't just have this type of money lying around and the Nissan Dealership is not willing to do anything to fix the situation that there faulty parts caused. I am very upset by this and I feel that the manufacturer of the automobile should be responsible, at least partially, for helping to get my car to the shape it should be in.
Not only is it the loud, whining ticking sound the car drives horrible. When I took my car in the dealer says Nissan Maxima is known for the timing chain to go out! He says a major problem and I don't have 17 to 1800.00 laying around. I use to love my car but I hate Nissan for this. Never again Nissan
This car has a problem with the timing chain and tensioner. Anybody considering buying this car please factor in the cost of replacing these items. It is a problem that exists with all the Maximas between years 2004-2007. Have your $1800 ready!!
- Mark F.,
Niagara Falls, ON, Canada
Search CarComplaints.com for these popular complaint phrases...
This is a problem with all the Nissan Maximas 2004-2007. Make sure you have $1600 to fix this problem if you have plans on buying this vehicle. You cannot get around it. If you get a street mechanic to fix the problem you are taking a major risk! It is a very big job.
High pitched whining noise coming from engine. Was told by Nissan that it was the timing chain tensioner and that it would cost $1700 to fix. I paid $30,000 for this car 4 years ago and I am going to have to have major repairs before the car has 100,000 miles on it. This is crap.
Nissan knows there is a problem with their plastic timing chain tensioners. They should be required to replace all that go out. I used to love my Maxima but it has had problems since the day I drove it off the lot brand spanking new. I have had a knocking sound in the front end when it is cold outside. I have had to have the battery replaced twice. The car drives and rides like a "buckboard" and there is major wind noise. Not the quality car I thought I was getting. Will never buy another Nissan.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
I am experiencing, whining and rattling when I start the car. Also, when driving there is a skipping/jerking action that occurs. I have taken it to a mechanic and he says it is the timing chain and will cost me ~$2500 dollars to fix. I have not been able to afford getting the car fixed
- remonia, Indian Trail, NC, US