2004 Nissan Maxima SE 3.5 from North America

Summary:

Turned off Nissan Maxima

Faults:

1. Auto transmission knocks and has jerks. Cost:???

2. Factory installed Goodyear tires wore out unevenly with just 30,000 kms, even after swapping all season and winter tires every 6 months. Cost to replace: $1,000. I had already replaced the tires when Nissan sent a recall. They would not honor replacement or even half the cost, although the spare Goodyear tire ID is listed in their recall.

3. Plastic wheel wells keep cracking. Replaced 2 times already.

4. Battery died in just three years. Replaced for $200.

5. Wiper motors died in just three years. Replaced at an auto shop as the dealer was too busy to fix and did not have parts.

6. A lot of shudder in steering.

7. Bose speakers on driver side crackles occasionally with not much sound. Dealer says $1000 to fix. Scarier stories of refurbished Bose systems, so did not replace.

8. Heat shields caused a lot of rattling - removed.

9. Panels of doors and hood keep popping out.

10. Door linings keep popping out.

11. Too much drift on corners.

12. Glove compartment panel does not fit the mold.

13. Little change compartment got stuck on hinges. Dealer said $500 to fix / replace as it was integrated into the front dashboard. Popped it out myself and fixed it with some WD-40.

14. Leather knob of gear shift came off. It's loose. I guess it's a automatic stick shift.

15. Got a surprise when picking up change from front mats. Wires are just hanging loose. Weird!!

16. Rear view mirror is noisy. Sounds like an electric current.

17. Replaced brakes and brake rotors twice after having them polished. This was for shudder which I still get (or shimmy).

RECALLS

-------

- Recall on heating under seats for fire hazard

- Recall on moonroof, but not replaced thankfully

- Recall on Goodyear tires but not compensated by Nissan or Goodyear.

General Comments:

I like the Maxima as it's quite powerful, stylish and sporty. However this being my third Nissan, I am very disappointed about the quality. After this, sadly I will never buy Nissan again, having owned two Nissan's prior to this.

I am very surprised so many people have complained about the transmission. Mine just happened last week at 101,000. It's the same story. Changing gears results in a jerk with very slow acceleration. It's gone to the dealer for a transmission flush.

I did call Nissan to file a complaint. Nissan Canada says there is no recall as Nissan DOES NOT see this as a safety issue. They or Nissan USA also claim they DO NOT have any record of other Maximas having the same problem.

I am willing to join a class action. This is just terrible quality.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 28th April, 2008

29th Apr 2008, 10:30

Count me in.

12th May 2008, 17:42

Me too. This car makes me car sick because of the gear shifting problems in the automatic transmission. It is great on the highway, but is terrible for city driving. Does a transmission flush work? Does the gear shift box need replacing? I have had this car since February 2008...

2004 Nissan Maxima from North America

Summary:

Nissan engines are no good

Faults:

Transmission has been jerking a lot.

General Comments:

I'm very glad to come across this website. I am going through the same issues with my 2004 Nissan Maximum SE.

My transmission has been jerking a lot and it is so frustrated when you take it to the dealer and all they tell you is "you need to buy a new transmission", which it'll cost me 3k plus to get it fix. They also indicated that there is no alternative but to buy a new one.

Having to read all the comments on here, I am ready to contact the Nissan corporate tomorrow. Last time I spoke to them was regarding my transmission. They indicated that there was no recall and they have not heard any complaints from others. But when I spoke to the Nissan Superior dealer, the engineer there told me they change a lot of transmission because of this problem. This is why I don't understand why they have not yet recall this.

I thought Nissan were supposed to have better engines, but after reading all this I don't think I'll be looking forward to buying another Nissan car.

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

Review Date: 17th April, 2008

18th Apr 2008, 15:19

No Japanese car has the reliability or build quality of the newer domestics. I'd check out the top-rated Fusion, Car of the Year Malibu, or the incredible new Pontiac G8. We've owned imports. That's why we now drive only domestics.

18th Apr 2008, 19:29

Yes, I'm having the same problem with my Nissan. They told me the same thing; that I needed another transmission. I'm trying to figure out why there's know recall. I was thinking about a trade in, but I owe to much, I might trade it anyway, but I don't think I will be getting another one.

This was the car that I thought I could enjoy, but the jerking got on my nerves. They should recall this at once.

18th Apr 2008, 22:38

I was thinking of buying a Nissan Sentra, but I think I'm gonna go for the Focus now. I had an 04 Camry; I got burned on big time. I have an 99 Honda Civic now, but after this no more Japanese cars for me. I'll buy Korean or American from here on out.