2004 Nissan Maxima Problems
- Complaints
- 1,426filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 80,000miles, 1,186 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 2campaigns on record
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
- NHTSA crash rating
- —overall rating starts with 2011 models
- EPA fuel economy
- 21 mpgcombined, 3.5L 6-cyl FWD · 18 city / 25 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 2004 Nissan Maxima (complaints, recalls, investigations), NHTSA crash tests, EPA fuel economy. Report an error
What owners report
Owners of this model year report transmission problems far more than anything else, most often harsh or delayed shifting, slipping between gears, and a hard jolt when moving from park or reverse into drive. Many of these accounts come in between about 50,000 and 100,000 miles and often worsen gradually rather than appearing suddenly. Tire sidewall cracking at low mileage, ABS warning or activation issues, and rust in the floor and front structure also appear in the sample.
- Transmission and drivetrain
Harsh shifting and transmission slippage
- 824 complaints (58%)
- median 84,085 mi at 6.2 yrs old (728 state mileage)
- 20 mention a crash, fire or injury
- owner-quoted repair $3,000 (median of 113 quotes)
- filed 2004–2020
Complaints describe the automatic transmission jerking or slamming between gears, especially 1st to 2nd and 2nd to 3rd, and a hard jolt when shifting from park or reverse into drive. Some owners report the car hesitating, revving high, or slipping out of gear, and a few say it stays stuck in a high gear until the engine is restarted. Dealers and mechanics most often recommended a transmission fluid flush, a valve body replacement, or a full transmission replacement, and several owners say the flush helped only briefly. Mostly reported between roughly 50,000 and 120,000 miles, with several owners noting the behavior worsened over time and was more noticeable after the car was driven for a while.
What to check: Test drive from cold through several upshifts and downshifts, including park-to-drive and reverse-to-drive, and feel for a jolt or long delay. Ask whether the transmission fluid has been serviced and whether a shop has already diagnosed the valve body.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Transmission jerking. This car was purchased with 64,000 on it. The engine light came on after about one month. Took it in to dealer and they fix that problem. Nine months later the car starts jerking at different times when I am driving now it has started doing it every time I brake. Everyone is having the same problem with this year car. I think there should be a recall on this model car.”
NHTSA complaint #10229602, filed 2008-06, 89,000 miles“After the car gets hot, it will rev very high going from 2nd to 3rd gear. It will not shift into 3rd gear until I take my foot of the gas, let the RPM's go down, then hit the accelerator again. It will also hard shift going from park to reverse and reverse to forward gear. Also when downshifting the car will shift hard, mainly going to lower gears, which causes jolts and unexpected increases in the RPM as the shift happens. …”
NHTSA complaint #10418887, filed 2011-08, 145,000 miles - Brakes
ABS activates unexpectedly / ABS warning light
- 103 complaints (7%)
- median 76,800 mi at 6.1 yrs old (91 state mileage)
- 7 mention a crash, fire or injury
- owner-quoted repair $1,750 (median of 26 quotes)
- filed 2004–2026
Complaints describe the anti-lock brakes engaging during ordinary braking, sometimes at low speed, along with an ABS warning lamp. Owners who looked into it say corrosion at the rear wheel hub and a failing wheel speed sensor were involved, and that repairs ranged from cleaning the hub and replacing a sensor to replacing the ABS actuator. One owner reported the ABS activating by itself while driving at 15 mph. Reported from roughly 80,000 miles upward in the sample, with some owners citing earlier failures well under that.
What to check: Ask whether the ABS lamp has ever come on and whether any wheel speed sensor or actuator work has been done. During the test drive, brake firmly at low speed on a clear surface and note any pulsing or unexpected ABS engagement.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Anti-lock brakes engage almost every time brake is applied. Tsb says rust has to be cleaned out of the right rear wheel hub and a drain hole has to be added, right rear ABS($250 +) sensor has to be replaced, with possible replacement of ABS actuator($1000 +) required.”
NHTSA complaint #10509509, filed 2013-04, 167,300 miles“Excessive hard jerking (up & downshifting) of transmission between gears. Frequently sticks in 5th gear will not downshift until car is turn off and restarted. Hard short left to right jerking of steering wheel when brakes are applied, gets stronger when slowing from higher speeds. Excessive jerking when car shifts between gears caused us whipped lash overtime. Took to mechanic and found that rotors are also warp causing steering wheel to vibrate.”
NHTSA complaint #10206952, filed 2007-10, 78,056 miles - Tires
Tire sidewall cracking at low mileage
- 146 complaints (10%)
- median 25,000 mi at 2.5 yrs old (92 state mileage)
- 3 mention a crash, fire or injury
- owner-quoted repair $574 (median of 12 quotes)
- filed 2003–2013
Owners report deep cracks in the sidewalls of the original-equipment tires while tread remained, sometimes found during routine service rather than from a driving symptom. Dealers advised replacing the tires, and owners note the cracking can be on the inner-facing side that is hard to see. A separate set of complaints covers cracked or dented alloy wheels and low-profile tires after pothole impacts. Mostly reported under about 35,000 miles, often on the tires that came with the car.
What to check: Inspect all four tires, including the inner sidewalls, for cracking regardless of tread depth, and check the alloy wheels for cracks or bends. Ask how old the tires are by date code rather than by tread alone.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Purchased 2004 Nissan Maxima 3.5 se in july, 2003. It has aluminum wheels ( rims ) and low profile tires. In march, 2005, I hit a pothole, which flattened the front passenger tire and dented the rim. I had to change the tire, and then replaced that rim (tire was ok). In may, 2005, my front driver tire was low. I drove a half mile at 20 MPH to the closest gas station and filled the tire. I took it to the dealer to investigate why it was low. …”
NHTSA complaint #10122118, filed 2005-05, 24,942 miles“At a recent oil service the tires on my car were found to have deep cracks in the sidewalls. The tread on the tires appears to be good for 10k more miles. However I had to have them changed as they amy fail due to rupture of the sidewalls.”
NHTSA complaint #10155733, filed 2006-04, 22,940 miles - Body and structure
Rust in floor pans and front structure
- 39 complaints (3%)
- median 110,000 mi at 10.2 yrs old (32 state mileage)
- filed 2007–2020
Complaints describe rust-through in the front floor pans on both driver and passenger sides, with owners finding wet carpet and, in one case, a hole large enough to see through. One owner reported the front subframe rusted to the point that a lower control arm came loose. Owners say body shops were reluctant to take on the structural repair, and in one case the car failed a safety inspection. Reported mostly between about 85,000 and 170,000 miles, and owners connect it to wet or humid conditions.
What to check: Lift the floor mats and check the front floor pans and rocker areas for soft metal or rust stains, and have the subframe and suspension mounting points inspected on a lift. Ask whether the car has spent time in a salt-belt or coastal area.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“I have a 2004 Maxima sl with 90,000(mi) as I was driving on a rainy day I noticed the passenger front mat was getting wet when I got home I removed the mat and carpet and to my surprised I found a sizable rust hole in the floor passenger side . I took the car to the dealer and informed the manager of my discovery she told me that she was going to contact Nissan and find out what to do. …”
NHTSA complaint #10464308, filed 2012-07, 85,000 miles“Front subframe completely rotted out lower control arm become unattached, had to repair subframe and all components, absolutely a safety risk, many recall on these vehicles but I don't understand why they don't have one for this vehicle”
NHTSA complaint #11372497, filed 2020-11, 120,000 miles - Engine
Timing chain noise and engine stalling
- 145 complaints (10%)
- median 80,000 mi at 6.6 yrs old (124 state mileage)
- 3 mention a crash, fire or injury
- owner-quoted repair $2,000 (median of 25 quotes)
- filed 2004–2021
A smaller group of complaints covers engine-side problems: a buzzing or whining noise from the timing chain area, one owner reporting timing chain repair costs, and others describing the engine stalling or refusing to restart, sometimes with the check engine light on. Owners also report rough running and slow acceleration tied to compression or sensor problems. Spread across the sample from under 20,000 to about 200,000 miles, with several reports above 80,000 miles.
What to check: Listen for a whine or buzz from the front of the engine at idle and on acceleration, and check that no check engine light is on. Ask whether the timing chain or any sensors or the ECM have been replaced.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“While picking my new, used Maxima 2004 from dealer, pulling out of the lot and waiting for clearance to get on highway, I proceeded to turn onto hw & it stalled & alternator light came on & check engine it hasn't shut off yet, I felt like I was in a horrible nightmare.. …”
NHTSA complaint #10638581, filed 2014-09, 100,030 miles“Me and my boyfriend were sold this car for 2500 and the car needed a new battery, a new converter . Once I brought those items and put them in the car started having compression problems to the point it has a slow take off , cannot go up hills , and we have to shift gears just for it to move .. This car was sold to us like this and we almost fell off a cliff because of the compression problem and not being able to go up any hills .. The people who sold us the car said they will not fix the problem or refund our money .”
NHTSA complaint #11340304, filed 2020-07, 10 miles
Buying note. The transmission is the main thing to evaluate on this model year: budget for a thorough test drive across many shifts and for a pre-purchase inspection focused on shift quality. Also check tire sidewalls, floor pan rust, and ABS warning history before deciding, since these come up repeatedly in owner reports.
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.
NHTSA recorded 1,426 consumer complaints for the 2004 Nissan Maxima. 1,186 of the complaints include a mileage, and 21% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 80,000 miles. Of all complaints, 33 involved a crash, 16 a fire, 30 an injury, 2 a death, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns and 80 technical service bulletins for this model year.
Not compared (before 2008). Model years 2008–2023 of the same vehicle that have at least 25 complaints are compared, and a model needs at least 3 of them.
Which parts are reported most
Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.
- Transmission and drivetrain934 66%
- Tires141 9.9%
- Suspension102 7.1%
- Brakes72 5.1%
- Engine cooling70 4.9%
- Electrical system56 3.9%
- Body and structure56 3.9%
- Engine51 3.6%
- Vehicle speed control38 2.7%
- Steering37 2.6%
Also reported: Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) (30), Other or unknown (27), Equipment (21), Seats (15), Air bags (13), Exterior lighting (9), Fuel system (8), Latches, locks and linkages (7), Wheels (7), Electronic stability control (6), Seat belts (3).
Example complaints
Transmission and drivetrain: “About 2 years ago while driving the transmission would down shift to second or first gear, which would rev out the motor. Sometimes it would jerk harshly back into gear. I replaced a sensor on the transmission and somewhat solved the problem. Now its worst than it was before, I basically drove 10 minutes at 20 MPH on first gear. I hope it can be fixed this time.”
NHTSA complaint #10702241, filed 2015-03, 90,000 milesTires: “I have a 2004 Maxima with less than 1500 miles. There is a noise apparently coming from the tires that sounds like a ringing noise. When going over a line crack in the pavement or bump between 20-50 MPH it sounds like a hollow ringing sound. I upgraded tires from factory installed to michelins at about $500 more and the ringing continues. What gives?”
NHTSA complaint #10073148, filed 2004-05, 100 milesSuspension: “2004 Maxima sl - clunking noise on the front from both sides, the car is over 36,000 so I have not taken it to the dealer since it will not be covered under warranty. I think the noise started when the car was around 40,000 miles. I took it to goodyear, they replaced the struts but the noise never went away. You can hear it the most when going over brick roads and humps. I am afraid to drive the car because I feel like it will fall apart.”
NHTSA complaint #10299050, filed 2010-01, 40,000 milesBrakes: “Recently purchased a 2004 Nissan Maxima for my 16 year old, did not have the car for 3 days and had car shut off and could hear a motor or pump running. Determined it was the ABS pump, vehicle warranty does not cover that now Nissan is charging $1500.00 to fix problem. Needless to say the car is not fixed and sitting under car port until we can resolve issue.”
NHTSA complaint #10268411, filed 2009-05, 95,000 milesMileage when problems were reported
21% of the 1,186 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 56,078 and 100,000 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Trend: falling. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2004 Nissan Maxima. Frontal results are shown driver / passenger; rollover shows the star rating and NHTSA's estimated risk of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash.
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Side | Side pole | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Maxima · sedan | not rated | 5 / 4 | — | — | — |
Ratings before the 2011 model year come from an older, less demanding test and are not comparable with ratings for 2011 and later.
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (5-Star Safety Ratings), nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 2004 Nissan Maxima version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).
| Version | Engine | Transmission | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Maxima FWD | 3.5L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 18 | 25 | 21 | $3,200 |
| Maxima FWD | 3.5L 6-cyl | 6-speed manual | 18 | 27 | 21 | $3,200 |
| Maxima FWD | 3.5L 6-cyl | 5-speed automatic | 18 | 26 | 21 | $3,200 |
Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.
Recalls and investigations
- 05V512000Nov 7, 2005Seats › Front assembly › Power adjustCovers: Nissan Maxima 2004–2006
On certain passenger vehicles equipped with the driver preferred package, the wire harness from the driver's seat power lumbar support switch may be routed incorrectly and could be pinched under the driver seat.
- 04V326000Jul 7, 2004Visibility › Sun/moon roof assemblyCovers: Nissan Maxima 2004
On certain passenger vehicles equipped with skyview roofs, the glass for the roof may not have been quenched properly after the forming process, resulting in temper imbalance.
Recall details for the 2004 Nissan Maxima → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
NHTSA investigations
- PE04035Glass roof shatteringClosed · Apr 12, 2004
Technical service bulletins
TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 80 on record; the latest 10 are shown.
- 11031705Apr 13, 2026Body and structure. CERTIFICATION LABEL AND VIN PLATE REPLACEMENT SERVICE INFORMATION Because of collision damage or other vehicle repair, a replacement “Certification Label” or “VIN Plate/Label” may be needed. HINT…
- 11031704Apr 13, 2026Body and structure. CERTIFICATION LABEL AND VIN PLATE REPLACEMENT SERVICE INFORMATION Because of collision damage or other vehicle repair, a replacement “Certification Label” or “VIN Plate/Label” may be needed. HINT…
- 11004962May 21, 2024Electrical system. VEHICLE KEY NOT DETECTED / AUTHENTICATED, ENGINE WILL NOT START This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
- 11001201Apr 30, 2024Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors). WINDOW GLASS WARRANTY INFORMATION This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
- 11001194Apr 30, 2024Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors). REMOVING FOREIGN MATERIAL FROM THE WINDOW GLASS This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
- 11001191Apr 30, 2024Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors). WINDSHIELD CRACKING This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
- 10246452Nov 1, 2023Body and structure. Expiration Notification - Maxima/Altima Floor Pan ***** Dealer Announcement ***** On October 28, 2022, in connection with the court-approved settlement of class action litigation filed in Missouri…
- 10246436Nov 1, 2023Body and structure. VOLUNTARY SERVICE CAMPAIGN 2002-2006 ALTIMA AND 2004-2008 MAXIMA; FLOOR PAN Voluntary Service Campaign ID # PC926 is no longer active. ï· Repair orders opened after this bulletinâs published date…
- 10243708Sep 21, 2023Steering. DIAGNOSIS OF VEHICLE PULL (DRIFT) AND/OR STEERING WHEEL OFF-CENTER This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
- 10239062Jun 16, 2023Electrical system. SILICONE-BASED LUBRICANT OR GREASE CAN DAMAGE ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS SERVICE INFORMATION Do not apply Silicone-based lubricants or grease to, or around, any interior electrical components. To avoid…
Other model years of the Nissan Maxima
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 5 | 2,700 | 0 | 5 | 24 | — | Not enough data |
| 2020 | 22 | 23,000 | 1 | 5 | 24 | — | Stable |
| 2019 | 18 | 12,500 | 1 | — | 24 | — | Falling |
| 2018 | 36 | 36,500 | 2 | 5 | 25 | 44 · Typical | Falling |
| 2017 | 106 | 27,908 | 4 | 5 | 25 | 100 · More | Stable |
| 2016 | 142 | 40,000 | 8 | 5 | 25 | 100 · More | Stable |
| 2014 | 96 | 50,400 | 0 | 4 | 22 | 44 · Typical | Falling |
| 2013 | 62 | 62,000 | 0 | 4 | 22 | 17 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2012 | 107 | 55,000 | 0 | 4 | 22 | 55 · Typical | Falling |
| 2011 | 106 | 67,500 | 0 | — | 22 | 40 · Typical | Falling |
| 2010 | 275 | 65,000 | 1 | — | 22 | 87 · More | Falling |
| 2009 | 339 | 70,500 | 1 | — | 22 | 100 · More | Falling |
| 2008 | 79 | 75,000 | 0 | — | 21 | 30 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2007 | 129 | 85,000 | 1 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2006 | 576 | 83,500 | 2 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2005 | 948 | 85,000 | 2 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2004 | 1,426 | 80,000 | 2 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2003 | 206 | 86,600 | 3 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2002 | 205 | 64,200 | 6 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2001 | 172 | 72,000 | 3 | — | 22 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2000 | 360 | 60,000 | 0 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1999 | 165 | 79,000 | 0 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1998 | 113 | 110,000 | 1 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1997 | 102 | 85,696 | 1 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1996 | 96 | 100,300 | 0 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1995 | 152 | 129,000 | 0 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1994 | 89 | 114,500 | 2 | — | 19 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1993 | 78 | 108,000 | 3 | — | 19 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1992 | 110 | 134,500 | 2 | — | 20 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1991 | 76 | 173,922 | 1 | — | 20 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1990 | 106 | 130,000 | 1 | — | 20 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1989 | 62 | 146,945 | 1 | — | 20 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1988 | 60 | — | 0 | — | 18 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1987 | 176 | 152,500 | 0 | — | 18 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1986 | 60 | — | 1 | — | 18 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1985 | 54 | 90,000 | 1 | — | 19 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1984 | 30 | — | 0 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1983 | 5 | — | 0 | — | — | — | Not enough data |
All Nissan Maxima model years · Best and worst years by complaints
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 2004 Nissan Maxima?
Owners of this model year report transmission problems far more than anything else, most often harsh or delayed shifting, slipping between gears, and a hard jolt when moving from park or reverse into drive. The issues reported most often: Harsh shifting and transmission slippage; ABS activates unexpectedly / ABS warning light; Tire sidewall cracking at low mileage.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2004 Nissan Maxima have?
NHTSA recorded 1,426 consumer complaints for the 2004 Nissan Maxima as of Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 2004 Nissan Maxima is reported most often?
Transmission and drivetrain is named most often, in 934 complaints (66% of the total), followed by tires with 141.
Has the 2004 Nissan Maxima been recalled?
NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2004 Nissan Maxima get?
The EPA rates the 2004 Nissan Maxima (Maxima, 3.5L 6-cyl) at 21 mpg combined, 18 city and 25 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $3,200 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 2004 Nissan Maxima reported?
Among the 1,186 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 80,000 miles and the middle half falls between 56,078 and 100,000 miles; 21% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Crash ratings are from NHTSA’s New Car Assessment Program. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).
Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.