2004 Nissan Maxima Engine cooling Problems
- Complaints
- 70about this part
- Share
- 5%of 1,426 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 68,759miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 70 complaints about the engine cooling of the 2004 Nissan Maxima, 5% of the 1,426 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 68,759 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved and 2 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Drove my 2004 Nissan Maxima off the lot on 3/3/14 and noticed a jerk once I got to 30mph, the dealership told me after I purchased it that what ever problems I have I need to fix myself because I bought the car as is .”
NHTSA complaint #10569164, filed 2014-03, 181,000 miles“I bought a brand new Nissan Maxima 2004. After driving for 5 years, it has given nothing but headache and stress. It would not accelerate or would be jerking/shaking after stepping on the accelerator. While driving in the freeway, my car would slow down and couldn't drive pass 20 mile per hour, then engine died. I had replaced catalytic converter ,sensors, mufflers,brakes. And the problems still haven't resolved. As of today, I don't have a car, it is at the dealer for diagnostic.”
NHTSA complaint #10536899, filed 2013-08, 8,000 miles“My 2004 Nissan Maxima with 64000 miles, has started shifting hard in 1st, and 2nd gears, with these transmissions your not suppose to feel the gears changing at all. Also there is a ticking coming from the timing belt which I am told is normal....doesn't sound normal to me!”
NHTSA complaint #10294262, filed 2009-12, 63,000 miles“2004 Nissan Maxima se. Front right ticking sound. Dealer evaluated the car and said it was a primary and secondary timing chain problem. Said I needed a replacement. I'm told by another non-Nissan dealer that this is so common it should be listed as a recall.”
NHTSA complaint #10237496, filed 2008-08, 75,000 miles“The transmission in my car is slipping. When I am trying to take off many times the acceleration is decreased dramatically and puts my family in danger of having a terrible accident. The gears are hard to switch and it makes a loud noise when this happens. Sometimes while driving it starts jerking as if it will cut off. The dealer claims to not have many issues with this problem but my online research shows me that the transmission is the source of most of the problems on this make and model car.”
NHTSA complaint #10434953, filed 2011-11, 81,032 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10033346Mar 19, 2010Nissan: revised vq35 engine timing chain procedures. Removal and installation procedures for the vq35 engine front timing chain case and timing chains (primary and secondary)…
- 10030089Jun 11, 2009Nissan: the mil is on and code p1402 egr open is stored in the ecm. Inspect the egr valve for metallic debris.
- 10025503Apr 21, 2008Airflowmeter service.
- 10022421Jul 17, 2007Buzzing/whining noise from timing chain area.
- 10019613Mar 31, 2006Mil on with dtc u1000 or u1010 stored in engine control unit.
- 10019626Mar 30, 2006Engine oil cooler gasket available.
- 10019300Feb 8, 2006Malfunction indicator lamp on with diagnostic trouble code u1000 or u1010 stored in engine control unit.
- 10017490Oct 21, 2005A rattle or buzz noise during acceleration or a malfunction indicator lamp on with dtc p1273 (a/f sensor).
- 10012861Mar 14, 2005Exhaust rattle buzzing noise present during acceleration.
Engine cooling: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 1 | 3% |
| 2016 | 2 | 1% |
| 2012 | 2 | 2% |
| 2011 | 2 | 2% |
| 2010 | 3 | 1% |
| 2009 | 4 | 1% |
| 2008 | 2 | 3% |
| 2007 | 6 | 5% |
| 2006 | 24 | 4% |
| 2005 | 40 | 4% |
| 2004 | 70 | 5% |
| 2003 | 54 | 26% |
| 2002 | 30 | 15% |
| 2001 | 28 | 16% |
| 2000 | 72 | 20% |
| 1999 | 38 | 23% |
| 1998 | 5 | 4% |
| 1997 | 12 | 12% |
| 1996 | 17 | 18% |
| 1995 | 22 | 14% |
| 1994 | 18 | 20% |
| 1993 | 10 | 13% |
| 1992 | 22 | 20% |
| 1991 | 8 | 11% |
| 1990 | 7 | 7% |
| 1989 | 2 | 3% |
| 1988 | 12 | 20% |
| 1987 | 21 | 12% |
| 1986 | 9 | 15% |
| 1985 | 13 | 24% |
| 1984 | 3 | 10% |
| 1983 | 2 | 40% |
Other parts of the 2004 Nissan Maxima
934 complaintsTires
141 complaintsSuspension
102 complaintsBrakes
72 complaintsElectrical system
56 complaintsBody and structure
56 complaintsEngine
51 complaintsVehicle speed control
38 complaintsSteering
37 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
30 complaintsOther or unknown
27 complaintsEquipment
21 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2004 Nissan Maxima
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 28, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology