2004 Nissan Maxima from North America

Summary:

Pleased with previous Maximas... this is one very very disappointing..

Faults:

Started noticing problems at 100,000 miles. Thought it was ready for a tune up. Check engine light came on. Replaced rotors.

Transmissions is slipping 1st to 2nd gear, when coming to a stop in slow moving traffic.

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

Review Date: 25th September, 2008

2004 Nissan Maxima SL 3.5 from North America

Faults:

The car began jerking / slipping between first and second gear during upshifting and downshifting.

General Comments:

We are all having the same problems with our 2004 Nissan Maxima .. This is caused by a defective valve body assembly that Nissan is yet to recall.

However I suggest that everyone experiencing this problem contact Nissan at (800) Nissan 1 immediately.. as I was told the more people that complain, perhaps Nissan will acknowledge the trend and do something about it.

If you just want to fix the problem? You will have to replace your valve body. This can be done by any transmission specialist .. I recommend someone you trust...

The valve body can be removed and reinstalled without having to remove the transmission from the car. The valve body cost $808.00 at your local Nissan dealer, or 3-400 dollars rebuilt, and labor should not be more than 5-600 dollars.. So for a maximum of $1400 .. you WILL fix the slipping problem on your 2004 Nissan Maxima.

I know this is unfair, but rather than come here and vent .. I thought I'd provide you with the information that I took my time finding out to fix my car.. Hope this helps...

Any questions.. feel free to email me at allmaxed@yahoo.com

Good Luck!!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 3rd September, 2008

11th Dec 2009, 11:45

I am also having the same problem and called Nissan. Nissan said to call the National Highway Traffic And Safety Association to file a complaint. The # is (888) 327-4236. They also have a web site where you can file your complaint. I haven't filed mine yet, but Nissan told me that's how recalls get issued.

I just had my motor mounts replaced and the car is still jerking. Now we think it's the valve body and I also need struts. What a nightmare! I will never purchase another Nissan, and I have owned 3...

13th Jan 2010, 11:00

I am having problems with my 2004 Maxima SL 3.5 with flooding. Intermittently, with no known reason the car just floods. I can get it started, eventually, but I have been told I need to replace the fuel pump. Anyone else with these problems? Is this the beginning? I have 99,800 miles on my 2004.

17th Jan 2010, 21:59

I also own a 04 Nissan Maxima. Like every one else, I had the transmission problem... jolting from reverse to drive, loud bang when decreasing speed from 1 to 2, and when I'm making a turn at 20mph, the car bangs into gear...

I bought my car used, and for he six months I've had it, it's been in the shop for about three of them. Luckily I had the 6 months or 6000 miles warranty.

I also started with a transmission flush, which of course did not work, then replaced all the broken motor mounts, which of course did not work either...

Then three shops later, after not having my car for three weeks, they finally diagnosed the problem... I need valve body for the transmission.

I just got my car back last week and it's running perfect "for now" but I am very disappointed with Nissan, for I am with a Nissan family so to speak; my father owns an Xterra, my mother a Sentra, but I will not buy a Nissan again for the rest of my life.

If you have any questions, e-mail me at rcenteno77@gmail.com and I'll update you on the valve body that is installed in my car...