2005 Nissan Maxima Problems
- Complaints
- 948filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 85,000miles, 820 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 / 27 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 2005 Nissan Maxima (complaints, recalls, investigations), NHTSA crash tests, EPA fuel economy. Report an error
What owners report
Sampled complaints for this model year center on the automatic transmission, with owners describing harsh shifts between the lower gears, delayed engagement when moving from Park or Reverse into Drive, and occasional slipping out of gear while driving. Symptoms commonly appear in the 60,000-100,000 mile range, are often worse once the car is warm or in stop-and-go traffic, and owners frequently report that engine mounts were replaced first before a transmission or valve body repair was quoted. A few complaints cover steering effort, door locks, engine noise and seat-area burning smells.
- Transmission and drivetrain
Harsh, jerking shifts between low gears
- 743 complaints (78%)
- median 86,000 mi at 6.8 yrs old (654 state mileage)
- 15 mention a crash, fire or injury
- owner-quoted repair $3,500 (median of 102 quotes)
- filed 2005–2021
Owners describe the automatic transmission slamming, bucking or kicking on the 1st-to-2nd shift and again on downshifts when coming to a stop, sometimes with a clunk or knock. Several say the shifts became forceful enough to lunge the car forward in traffic, and that the behaviour is intermittent and worse once the car is warm. Complaints commonly mention that dealers replaced engine mounts first, and that a transmission or valve body replacement was quoted when the jerking returned. Mostly reported between roughly 45,000 and 110,000 miles, often noticed around 60,000-85,000 miles and getting worse with use.
What to check: Drive the car from cold through several stop-and-go cycles and note whether the 1st-to-2nd shift bangs or pauses. Ask for service records showing which automatic transmission fluid was used and whether the valve body was ever replaced.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“My 2005 Nissan Maxima se has been bucking and jerking from first to second gear since 60,000 (now has 64,000) accelerating and braking. It's been happening regularly (every time I drive) for over a month now. Transmission fluid is fine, not sure what the problem is. I have heard that many others have had this problem with 2004 and 2005 models.”
NHTSA complaint #10243486, filed 2008-09, 60,000 miles“I bought my 2005 Nissan Maxima se used and it ran fine a first, but within 2 months the transmission began acting up by jerking, hard shifting and hi engine rev's. I took it to the Nissan dealer and they blame everything else except the transmission. They said it was the motor mounts, but they were new then it was this sensor and that sensor, the dog, the cat anything but the transmission. …”
NHTSA complaint #10449056, filed 2012-02, 131,000 miles - Transmission and drivetrain
Delayed engagement into gear and slipping out of gear
- 401 complaints (42%)
- median 88,000 mi at 6.9 yrs old (358 state mileage)
- 10 mention a crash, fire or injury
- owner-quoted repair $3,150 (median of 48 quotes)
- filed 2005–2020
Owners report a pause of several seconds after moving the selector from Park or Reverse into Drive, followed by a hard lurch, along with the transmission slipping out of gear or the engine revving without the car moving. Some describe the car shifting into neutral on its own or refusing to move at all, requiring a restart. Complaints frequently note that dealers flushed the fluid or could not find stored codes, and in several cases quoted a full transmission replacement. Reported mainly from about 60,000 miles upward, with owners describing the delay getting longer as mileage increased.
What to check: With the car warm, shift from Park to Drive and Reverse and time how long engagement takes before the car moves. Ask whether the transmission fluid was ever flushed and whether any fault codes were stored.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“I bought a Nissan Maxima 2005 from a second hand and looks great but one riding the transmission started to make a uful noise. Once I got home I turned of the engine. The next day when I start the engine and shifted to drive the wouldn't move. The mechanic told me that I have to buy a new transmission that it's to expensive. I hope you could help me. Thank you”
NHTSA complaint #10957732, filed 2017-03, 120,000 miles“We purchased a Nissan Maxima 2005, for my mother a year or 2 ago. It reaches 80,000 plus miles and the transmission starts clunking, takes a while for it to shift from 2nd to 3rd. I called the dealership and got a price of $1100 for a valvebody. I asked if there was a recall, the employee stated there wasn't but was aware of the problem. Even said that after changing the valvebody it would still do it, to pony up and switch the whole transmission that comes with the valvebody. …”
NHTSA complaint #10423848, filed 2011-09, 83,000 miles - Transmission and drivetrain
Inconclusive diagnosis, valve body and replacement quotes
- 439 complaints (46%)
- median 83,971 mi at 6.6 yrs old (386 state mileage)
- 7 mention a crash, fire or injury
- owner-quoted repair $3,500 (median of 88 quotes)
- filed 2005–2019
Owners describe being quoted for a valve body or a complete transmission after the dealer could not duplicate the fault or found no stored codes. Others were told the transmission needed replacement at the first inspection, with prices ranging from a valve body job to a full unit. A few note that fluid flushes and mount repairs were paid for without resolving the shifting problem. Most reports fall between about 45,000 and 110,000 miles.
What to check: Ask for the written diagnosis and any stored codes, and whether a valve body or transmission has already been replaced; get an independent transmission shop opinion before agreeing to a full replacement.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“My 2005 Maxima was violently jerking, stalling and hard shifting from 2nd to 3rd gears and vice versa. I kept telling Nissan that something was wrong with my car but they would take may statement say they would get back when me and when they did they said they could not assist me in any way. I took my car to several mechanics spending 1000.00 of dollars and no one could figure out the problem. …”
NHTSA complaint #10379346, filed 2011-01, 85,000 miles“My car began jerking violently when shifting into 1st and 2nd, just as bad or worse when downshifting it would literally jump around in traffic. I had to drive it this way until it broke completely or I saved the 2000 to repair the valve body. Luckily I came up with this money before I was stranded. It was very nerve racking every time I drove because it would jerk and jump making me think I was going to hit someone or at times it felt like I'd been hit from behind when it slammed it 1st on downshifting. …”
NHTSA complaint #10565918, filed 2014-02, 75,000 miles - Engine
Worn engine mounts found during transmission diagnosis
- 119 complaints (13%)
- median 80,000 mi at 6.0 yrs old (103 state mileage)
- 3 mention a crash, fire or injury
- owner-quoted repair $3,250 (median of 28 quotes)
- filed 2008–2017
Several owners say the first repair offered was replacement of the engine or motor mounts, sometimes described as cracked, after they reported jerking or hard shifting. In some complaints the mounts were replaced and the symptoms came back, and one owner reports the mounts tearing repeatedly. Others were told the transmission was fine and only the mounts needed attention, before the transmission later stopped working. Reported mostly between about 78,000 and 130,000 miles.
What to check: Ask whether the engine mounts have been replaced and when, and have a shop check them for cracking or separation, since a mount repair alone may not explain shifting complaints.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“While driving my vehicle I noticed jerking and car was not shifting gears. I then thought to have the car serviced so I did. They advised getting a transmission motor mount,but that didn't work and it sure wasn't the problem. Then I decided to have it check by two transmission specialist. They told me that this incident was very rare to happen to nissans with the amount of miles it has. The car has approx. 79,000 miles on it. Who would have thought of buying a newer car if such a problem would occur so soon. …”
NHTSA complaint #10318400, filed 2010-03, 7,900 miles“I bought a 2005 Nissan Maxima from private owner less than a week ago. The car had a hard shift when put into drive. The lady I bought from, told me that at the Nissan dealership they said the transmission is working properly and it needs the transmission mounts thats all. She replaced one side but did not have money to do the other side. I was able to drive about 1000 miles before the transmission stopped working. I have read so many complains online about the same exact issue and Nissan will not take any responsibility.”
NHTSA complaint #10598699, filed 2014-06, 131,440 miles
Buying note. The transmission is the deciding factor on this model year, so test it thoroughly from cold and warm and consider a pre-purchase inspection by a transmission specialist. Also confirm that the open seat-related recalls were completed, and check steering effort, door locks and any engine whine at idle.
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 948 consumer complaints for the 2005 Nissan Maxima. 820 of the complaints include a mileage, and 10% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 85,000 miles. Of all complaints, 16 involved a crash, 10 a fire, 29 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns and 88 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 drivetrain777 82%
- Engine61 6.4%
- Engine cooling40 4.2%
- Electrical system38 4.0%
- Vehicle speed control33 3.5%
- Other or unknown30 3.2%
- Brakes28 2.9%
- Body and structure25 2.6%
- Steering17 1.8%
- Tires17 1.8%
Also reported: Seats (13), Suspension (13), Air bags (9), Wheels (9), Fuel system (8), Latches, locks and linkages (8), Electronic stability control (6), Equipment (5), Exterior lighting (3), Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) (3), Seat belts (2).
Example complaints
Transmission and drivetrain: “Car jerks/jolts/slams into drive or reverse, when driving around 25 MPH & take my foot of the accelerator the car starts to jerk, when I start to speed up after slowing down the RPM's go crazy high & the motor feels like it's being forced to speed up but it won't & after a few seconds it will slam into gear & begin to speed up which is pretty scary.”
NHTSA complaint #10706577, filed 2015-04, 75,000 milesEngine: “Vehicle was in motion and all of a sudden gears started to shift on its own , so stopped on the side of the highway and turned off my engine then I turned it back on after about 15 minutes and it was driving well until after about 10 minutes of driving the gears wouldn't go past 2nd gear”
NHTSA complaint #11205400, filed 2019-05, 157,465 milesEngine cooling: “I have been feeling a jerking in my car, which sounds like the motor is moving around. I had the motor mounts replaced, but still was having the same problems. I have now found out it is the transmission, which will cost me $3200.00, I have been told by the shop that a lot of 2005 Maxima are having the same problems, if this is true why is there not a recall?”
NHTSA complaint #10498097, filed 2013-02, 80,000 milesElectrical system: “Today is march 26, 2015 and for the past week; my car has been stalling when I am shifting gears. Today I was in a not safe situation at a red light. When I shifted the gears to my car to begin driving, the car stalled on me allowing me to only drive around 5-10 MPH down the street. I had to hurry up and pull over because I had cars behind me.”
NHTSA complaint #10702066, filed 2015-03, 105,000 milesMileage when problems were reported
10% of the 820 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 68,000 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 2005 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 2005 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 | 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.
- 05V338000Jul 26, 2005Child seat › Latch strapCovers: Nissan Maxima 2005, Infiniti FX35 2005, FX45 2005
Certain vehicles fail to conform to the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 225, "child restraint anchorage systems." the lower anchorage brackets in the rear seats do not meet the location requirement in this standard. This may cause…
Recall details for the 2005 Nissan Maxima → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
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. 88 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.
- 11004961May 21, 2024Electrical system. CAN COMMUNICATION – NETWORK DIAGNOSTIC FLOW CHART This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
- 11004960May 21, 2024Electrical system. CAN COMMUNICATION CODES – DIAGNOSTIC TIPS AND GUIDELINES 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…
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 2005 Nissan Maxima?
Sampled complaints for this model year center on the automatic transmission, with owners describing harsh shifts between the lower gears, delayed engagement when moving from Park or Reverse into Drive, and occasional slipping out of gear while driving. The issues reported most often: Harsh, jerking shifts between low gears; Delayed engagement into gear and slipping out of gear; Inconclusive diagnosis, valve body and replacement quotes.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2005 Nissan Maxima have?
NHTSA recorded 948 consumer complaints for the 2005 Nissan Maxima as of Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 2005 Nissan Maxima is reported most often?
Transmission and drivetrain is named most often, in 777 complaints (82% of the total), followed by engine with 61.
Has the 2005 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 2005 Nissan Maxima get?
The EPA rates the 2005 Nissan Maxima (Maxima, 3.5L 6-cyl) at 21 mpg combined, 18 city and 27 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 2005 Nissan Maxima reported?
Among the 820 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 85,000 miles and the middle half falls between 68,000 and 100,000 miles; 10% 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.