2004 Nissan Maxima problems
Owners have filed 1,725 complaints about the 2004 Nissan Maxima with NHTSA. Power train accounts for 54.6% of them — far more than any other system, ahead of tires at 8.2%.
Complaints1,725
Crashes43
Fires32
Injuries34
Deaths4
What owners report breaking
Power train 54.6% · 942
Tires 8.2% · 142
Suspension 6.0% · 104
Engine and engine cooling 4.2% · 73
Service brakes, hydraulic 3.7% · 64
Electrical system 3.4% · 58
Structure 3.2% · 56
Engine 3.0% · 51
Severity
Of those complaints, 43 describe a crash, 32 describe a fire, 34 report an injury and 4 report a death.
Reading the numbers
Across the 24 model years of the Nissan Maxima in this data, 2004 draws the most complaints of any of them.
Filings have fallen off, 6 in the last three years against 21 in the three before. That is normal as a generation leaves the road.
The median odometer reading at the time of complaint was 78,950 miles.
In owners' own words
The contact owns a 2004 Nissan Maxima. While driving 60 mph, the check engine light illuminated and the vehicle began losing power. The contact was able to drive to her residence and have the vehicle towed to the dealer. After inspecting the vehicle, the dealer stated that the transmission needed to be replaced. The contact filed claim number 6097908 with Nissan. The current and failure mileages were 102,000. Power train · reported at 102,000 miles
I have a 2004 Nissan Maxima se that has 105k miles and needs a new transmission. The transmission started to slip and now the vehicle barely moves in first gear. After doing some researching online, this appears to be a recurring problem with the 2004-2005 maximas. The transmission design is faulty but Nissan will not issue a recall. There is no reason why a 6 year old vehicle should need a new transmission. Power train · reported at 105,000 miles
Transmission problems on my car, stranded in the middle of nowhere. Let car rest for 10 minutes, then finally restarted only to find my car stuck in 5th gear with slow acceleration and high rpm if not careful. Car stopped in the middle of traffic in a very busy intersection. I do not know extent of damages (financial burden) as car is left in mechanic shop, but already depending on friends for a ride to work. Power train · reported at 134,000 miles
Verbatim from NHTSA filings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.
Safety recalls
Checking NHTSA for open recalls…