2004 Nissan Crew Problems

What owners report

Owners of this model year report brake vibration more often than any other problem, typically a shudder or steering wheel shake when braking that tends to return after rotor and pad work. Other frequent reports involve repeated brake service, rear differential or axle failures that are mostly reported at higher mileage, and alternator failures that often appear suddenly as a loss of charging or a stall. Brake vibration is most often reported at lower mileage.

1. 1
   Brakes

   Brake shudder and steering wheel vibration when braking

   • 32 complaints (37%)
   • median 5,100 mi at 1.4 yrs old (26 state mileage)
   • 2 mention a crash, fire or injury
   • filed 2004–2007

   Owners describe the steering wheel, brake pedal, or front end shaking when they brake, sometimes only when slowing down. Many say the dealer turned or replaced the rotors and pads, but the shaking came back within months or a few thousand miles. Some describe warped rotors, a pulsing pedal, or the vehicle pulling to one side. According to complaints, some dealers said the manufacturer knew of the problem and was working on a remedy. Most were reported under 15,000 miles, though some describe the shaking continuing at 20,000 miles or more.

   What to check: Ask whether the dealer documented a remedy for brake vibration on this model year and review the repair history for repeated rotor or pad work. On a test drive, brake firmly from a moderate speed and note any pulsing in the pedal or steering wheel.

   2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

   “It started about a month after taking ownership on a new 2004 titan..at that time it had about 1500 miles on it ..the steering wheel started a shudder upon applying the brakes ...I finally had the time available to get it to the dealer and was told that they would turn the rotors..I couldn't accept that quick fix and insisted on the updated rotors.. …”

   NHTSA complaint #10113891, filed 2005-03, 1,000 miles

   “I bought my armada in oct 2004 and it was in for repairs by nov 2004, the front end/brakes would violently vibrate while attempting to stop, the rotors along with several other major components were replaced which temporarily fixed the problem. By the beginning feb 2005 my armada was back at the dealership for the exact repairs which again will temporarily fix the problem. …”

   NHTSA complaint #10110323, filed 2005-02, 3,000 miles
2. 2
   Brakes

   Repeated brake service and reduced braking

   • 25 complaints (29%)
   • median 10,415 mi at 1.5 yrs old (18 state mileage)
   • 3 mention a crash, fire or injury
   • filed 2004–2007

   Owners describe brake work repeated over a short period, with pads and rotors replaced several times and some visits that did not resolve the problem. Some say the brakes felt weak or the vehicle was hard to stop, and one describes the brakes failing while driving on a highway. In one account, a wheel-speed sensor was found faulty and replaced, and the control module was reprogrammed. Owners often say the repairs did not hold. Most were reported under 22,000 miles, but one describes brake failure at about 60,000 miles.

   What to check: Ask the dealer for the full brake repair history, including any repeat visits for the same complaint and whether an ABS or brake-system software update was applied. During a test drive, confirm the pedal feels firm and the vehicle stops straight without any brake warning light.

   2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

   “I have a 2004 Nissan armada this is a major safety issue break problems I have taken my car in to get the breaks jobs 10 times in 40,000. Miles this is a serious problem! To this day I continue to have problems with the breaks and I am scared to drive the car now. I can't continue the of risk driving this car knowing that it's not safe.”

   NHTSA complaint #10130384, filed 2005-07, 10,831 miles

   “I will be on my 5th brake job shortly and I am still awaiting rotors, pads, calipers for the front as well as the rear. It seems that nissian north america should be required to fix all of it's vehicle's problems since they stated they have corrected it on the 2005 and noe the 2006 nissian titan trucks.”

   NHTSA complaint #10123680, filed 2005-05, 3,000 miles
3. 3
   Transmission and drivetrain

   Rear differential or axle failure and fluid leaks

   • 11 complaints (13%)
   • median 54,712 mi at 3.3 yrs old (10 state mileage)
   • filed 2006–2011

   Owners describe whining, ticking, or thumping from the rear that led to rear differential or axle repairs, sometimes a full rear-end replacement. Some report gear skipping, leaking axle seals with fluid spreading onto the rear wheel hub and brakes, or a differential that overheated and burned. Some owners mention towing a trailer or boat, while another says the vehicle was not loaded. According to one complaint, a dealer representative called the problem common on this model. Most were reported between about 32,000 and 94,000 miles, with one case at about 2,100 miles.

   What to check: Ask whether the rear differential or axle seals were replaced and look for fluid on the rear wheels or brake parts. On a test drive, listen for whining or ticking from the rear at different speeds and under light acceleration.

   2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

   “My 2004 titan le (tow package) had 32000 (+or-) miles when I heard a loud whining noise from the rear end. The dealership examined the truck and advised they had to replace the entire rear end. Now 3500 miles later (total mileage 37000) it has gone out again. Tonight, it's in the shop. Will it go out again? After reading this site, my guess would be an intelligent, yes!”

   NHTSA complaint #10169898, filed 2006-10, 32,000 miles

   “I own a '04 Nissan titan that I purchased new in dec. '04. A rear end hum alerted me (after further inspection) to a leaky passenger side axle seal. After further inspection, the left axle seal was leaking as well. The truck has 93,500 miles on it and the passenger side leak is so bad, that the entire rear wheel hub and portions of the rear brake system are covered in rear end fluid. I was fortunate to have located the problem before more extensive damage or an accident occurred.”

   NHTSA complaint #10191950, filed 2007-05, 93,500 miles
4. 4
   Electrical system

   Alternator failure and loss of electrical power

   • 5 complaints (6%)
   • median 13,800 mi at 1.1 yrs old (5 state mileage, few)
   • filed 2004–2007

   Owners describe a battery or charging warning, a loss of power, or a stall while driving, which was diagnosed as a failed alternator. Some vehicles had to be jumped, towed, or driven on battery power to reach a service center. According to complaints, a dealer said the alternator had been replaced on other vehicles of this model. Most were reported at roughly 11,000 to 14,000 miles, with one at about 38,000 miles.

   What to check: Ask for the repair record of any alternator replacement and whether the charging system was tested. During a test drive, check that the battery or charging warning light stays off.

   2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

   “I was driving my 2004 Nissan murano and was stopped at a stop light when the car just stopped running and would not start. Thankfully I was at an intersection where there was a garage with a tow truck. I called the dealer where I purchased my car and he told me to get the car jumped and drive it to the dealership. The tow truck driver was a mechanic and he told me it was the alternator. …”

   NHTSA complaint #10137665, filed 2005-09, 13,800 miles

   “Failure of alternator on 2004 Nissan murano 11 mo's, 13,500 miles. Dealer was aware of multiple failures, why isn't there a recall? With what certainty am I not getting another alternator with a high probability of failure? Car was driven on battery to Nissan staten island, where they diagnosed failed alternator and a cracked transfer case. When I visited the repair shop and requested the mechanic show me the crack in the transfer case, he and his manager claimed they made a mistake, and only a failed alternator was diagnosed. …”

   NHTSA complaint #10098585, filed 2004-11, 13,500 miles
5. 5
   Suspension

   Front strut or shock wear with rattling and vibration

   • 5 complaints (6%)
   • median 5,000 mi at 1.5 yrs old (5 state mileage, few)
   • filed 2004–2006

   Owners describe front struts that wore out or failed, in some cases replaced more than once. Some describe a rattling front end, and one says a blown strut was followed by continued violent vibration. One owner kept driving on the blown strut while waiting for parts. According to one complaint, service departments would acknowledge the strut problem as well known for this model. Mostly reported under 6,000 miles, though one describes the strut issue at about 20,000 miles.

   What to check: Ask whether the front struts or shocks were replaced and whether the work order lists the parts. On a test drive, check for rattling or clunking over bumps and any vibration through the steering wheel at highway speed.

   2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

   “The first day after receiving the car and getting onto the highway I noticed the vehicle would exhibit harsh vibrations. It was too much vibration to be tolerated. I scheduled an appointment with my local service dealer they rotated and balanced the tires, adjusted the steering rack (a TSB issued) and found my front passenger side strut had blown. I had to drive a whole month with a blown strut to wait for parts to get in and it was very dangerous. The violent vibrations were still not taken care of. That was the first trip. …”

   NHTSA complaint #10098797, filed 2004-11, 2,400 miles

   “My SUV was not even 30 days old when I had serious vibration when braking.have taken the SUV in for service a min of 10times to fx the brakes alone. Dealer tells me that they need to change rotors brake pad but even after they did that a month later I was back in the shop for the same thing. I heard a noise of metal on metal when going over bumps again go back to dealer I needed niew front shocks. Back doos was catching had to take take it to the deal 4 times for them to finally fix problem. Rt front passager seat control came out . …”

   NHTSA complaint #10124228, filed 2005-06, 1,300 miles

Buying note. Before buying, ask for the brake, rear-axle, and charging-system repair history, looking for repeat visits for the same symptom. A test drive with firm braking, attention to rear-end noise, and a check that the charging warning light stays off can help show current condition.

Summary written with AI from a sample of 60 NHTSA complaints for this model year (picked at random, with complaints that state a mileage and recent ones taken first), then checked automatically against the source records. Where a problem shows a complaint count, every complaint for this model year was matched with fixed keyword rules (written with AI and tested against the sample), and the mileage, age and repair figures are calculated from those complaints; owners' figures are as stated, not verified. Other counts refer to the sample. The excerpts come from NHTSA's public complaint records and are unverified; capitalisation is normalised, NHTSA staff notes are removed, and shortened text ends with “…”. Something wrong? Request a correction.