2005 Nissan Maxima SL 3.5

Summary:

Great

Faults:

Transmission problems rough shifting from 2nd gear to 3rd gear, from 3rd gear to 2nd gear, and delayed shifting from neutral to drive when warm.

Brought the car to the dealer, and they said 3 motor mounts were bad and the transmission was fine, but needed the fluid changed.

I got the mounts replaced under the extended warranty, and had them flush the transmission on my dime since I was going to have it flushed at 60K miles anyway.

On the way home once, the transmission got warm, the problem was back. Took it back to the dealer the next day, and one of the mechanics test drove the car with me. At first the car drove fine and the mechanic said there was nothing wrong. I asked him to drive further to warm up the transmission, and sure enough it started acting up. I also had him shift to N and back to D, and he noticed the delay shifting and the jerk. He immediately told me the transmission was defective, and informed the service manager. Nissan covered the transmission replacement since the car has less than 60K miles.

I suggest if you are experiencing transmission problems, to keep bringing the car to the dealer and have them test drive car with you.

General Comments:

Great car, and Nissan came through with a repair as expected.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 3rd October, 2009

2005 Nissan Maxima SE 3.5

Summary:

Mechanical Nightmare

Faults:

I don't think I'm adding anything new here since the story sounds the same! Those of you that think it's NOT the transmission, are in DENIAL. If you keep your 2005 Nissan Maxima, plan on paying to have the transmission rebuilt or replaced, and we all know that isn't cheap.

At 78,000 miles we experienced the clunking when shifting gears and slipping on acceleration. We took ours in and got the "we can't figure it out" and "it didn't happen when we test drove it".

Finally, the transmission shop gave us the bad news. We loved this car until now and I wish I would have did my research and read these reviews earlier.

General Comments:

There is a definite need for a recall.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 16th September, 2009

2005 Nissan Maxima SE

Faults:

Check engine light came on a couple of weeks ago, finally took it to the dealer today and was told my catalytic converter needs to be replaced along with a CO2 sensor. The converter will be covered under the 80,000 mile warranty. Not sure if the extended warranty will cover the CO2 sensor or not. $1200 for converter, $400 CO2 sensor.

I have had the issue where I'm at a stop light and the engine will rev up like I'm pushing the gas as well. That was happening for awhile before the check engine light came on.

General Comments:

Until this point the car ran great. I bought the Maxima because it was supposed to be a good car.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 20th July, 2009

2005 Nissan Maxima SE 3.5

Summary:

It's a lot of fun to drive

Faults:

1st problem: I purchased my 2005 Maxima in December 2006. Initially there was a problem with the passenger side front strut. They replaced the strut twice, but ultimately it was the rubber grommet that was the problem. As it was still under warranty, the third time was indeed the charm.

2nd problem: There was a hole in one of the high pressure AC lines creating a slow Freon leak. In the process of finding this problem, they discovered that the compressor was bad. The total to replace the line and the compressor was a little over $900. The alternative was to put a high pressure patch over the hole, and I had them replace the clutch assembly instead of the whole compressor. This brought the price down to around $500 including labor. Works fine now.

3rd (and most disappointing) problem: I’ve noticed a thumping in the gears shifting in and out of the lower ranges. I had the filter replaced not too long ago. I rechecked the fluid… it’s neither dark nor gritty. I am very disappointed to hear so many of the same stories concerning this make and model as I really like the car.

General Comments:

It’s quick, good looking, extremely comfortable, and decent on gas. Too bad, cause it may be the last one I buy.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 15th April, 2009