Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
When problems were reported
Mileage at the reported incident
1380–25K
10625–50K
28150–75K
34975–100K
260100–150K
55150K+
1,189 reports with mileage · 236 unknown
NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.
What to inspect
Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.
Power Train. Review the 934 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
Tires. Review the 141 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
Suspension. Review the 102 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
33 crash reports16 fire reports22 injury reports
What owners actually said
1,425 reports
98,000 miles · Sep 23, 2008
Power Train
MY CA R BEGAN SLIPPING AND JERKING EVERY NOW AND THEN. AFTER IT GOT WORSE, I TOOK IT TO DOBBS NISSAN. THEY SAID I NEEDED A TUNE UP AND A TRANSMISSION FLUSH. I PAID $500 BUT IT DID NOT FIX THE PROBLEM. NOW IT'S WORSE THAN EVER. IT JERKS ANYTIME GOING FROM 2 TO 3RD GEAR AND SOMETIMES GETS STUCK IN 5TH GEAR. AFTER LOOKING FOR SIMIL…
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MY CA R BEGAN SLIPPING AND JERKING EVERY NOW AND THEN. AFTER IT GOT WORSE, I TOOK IT TO DOBBS NISSAN. THEY SAID I NEEDED A TUNE UP AND A TRANSMISSION FLUSH. I PAID $500 BUT IT DID NOT FIX THE PROBLEM. NOW IT'S WORSE THAN EVER. IT JERKS ANYTIME GOING FROM 2 TO 3RD GEAR AND SOMETIMES GETS STUCK IN 5TH GEAR. AFTER LOOKING FOR SIMILAR PROBLEMS AND SOLUTIONS ON THE INTERNET, I SAW THAT MANY PEOPLE OWNING A 2004 NISSAN MAXIMA ARE HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM. SEE COMMENTS BELOW: 14TH DEC 2005, 18:15 I HAVE A 2004 MAXIMA SE AUTOMATIC WITH 59,000 MILES. FOR ABOUT 5 MONTHS THE CAR BANGS AND JERKS WHEN ACCELERATING AND DECELERATING. THE PROBLEM HAS BEEN GETTING WORSE AS TIME GOES ON. THIS HAPPENS BEFORE THE CAR SHIFTS INTO 2ND GEAR OR AS IT SHIFTS INTO 2ND. MY MECHANIC TOLD ME IT WAS A MOTOR MOUNT PROBLEM AND IT WILL COST APPROXIMATELY $800 TO FIX. I AM NOT VERY HAPPY ABOUT THIS. HAS ANYONE HAD A SIMILAR PROBLEM WITH THEIR MAXIMA? FIX THE SPELLING AND GRAMMAR DELETE THIS COMMENT VOTE: -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 31ST DEC 2005, 12:37 I HAVE THE SAME ISSUE. THE CAR JERKS WHEN IT SWITCHES FROM 1ST TO 2ND GEAR. IT'S A 2004 MAXIMA SL. I COMPLAINED ABOUT IT. AFTER A FEW WEEKS, THEY SPOKE WITH SOME TECHNICIANS AND THEY SAID THERE'S A PIECE THAT NEEDS TO BE CHANGED IN THE TRANSMISSION - TURBINE SENSOR. AFTER THE FIX, THE CAR GOT BETTER FOR A COUPLE OF MONTHS OR SO, BUT NOW I HAVE THE SAME ISSUE AGAIN. I'M STILL RESEARCHING IT, I JUST DON'T WANT TO GIVE IT TO NISSAN TECHNICIANS AND THEY PERFORM THE GUESS-WORK AGAIN.. FIX THE SPELLING AND GRAMMAR DELETE THIS COMMENT VOTE: -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1ST APR 2006, 21:17 THERE IS MUCH TO LOVE ABOUT MY 04 MAXIMA SE, BUT THERE ARE SOME ANNOYING PROBLEMS TOO. THE BIG ONE IS THE FACT THAT THE TRANSMISSION SLIPS QUITE OFTEN, ESPECIALLY BETWEEN 1ST AND 2ND GEAR. THE MOTOR REVS PROBABLY 1000 RPM OR SO BEF. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10243224
135,000 miles · Sep 22, 2008
Power Train
TRANSMISSION JERKS IN 1ST TO 2ND GEAR AND FROM 3RD BACK TO 2ND WHEN CAR WARMS UP. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10243095
108,035 miles · Sep 22, 2008
Power Train
WHEN DRIVING, THE VEHICLE WILL SHIFT INTO 5TH GEAR BY ITSELF AND STAY LOCKED IN THAT GEAR. WHEN THIS INITIALLY OCCURS THE ENGINE WILL STALL, MAKING IT VERY DIFFICULT TO STEER DUE TO LOSS OF POWER STEERING. AFTER RESTARTING THE VEHICLE, TRANSMISSION REMAINS IN 5TH GEAR MAKING IT HAZARDOUS TO DRIVE IN ANY CONDITIONS. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10243042
38,000 miles · Sep 22, 2008
Power Train
MY 2004 NISSAN MAXIMA (38,500 MILES) BUCKS WHEN MOVING FROM A STOPPED POSITION. IT FEELS AS IF THE TRANSMISSION AND ENGINE ARE MOVING FORWARD IN A JERKING MOTION. THERE IS ALSO A NOTICEABLE WHINE COMING FROM THE ENGINE. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10243026
85,000 miles · Sep 19, 2008
Power Train
TRANSMISSION SKIPS AFTER DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 15 MILES. WHEN PUTTING IN GEAR IT JERKS AND WHEN STOPPING IT ALSO JERKS. CALLED NISSAN CONSUMER AND THEY GAVE ME THE RUN AROUND ABOUT SENDING SOMEONE TO CHECK IT. RECENTLY FOUND ON WWW.MYCARSTATS.COM NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS FROM CUSTOMERS WITH THE SAME PROBLEM THAT I AM HAVING WITH MY 2…
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TRANSMISSION SKIPS AFTER DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 15 MILES. WHEN PUTTING IN GEAR IT JERKS AND WHEN STOPPING IT ALSO JERKS. CALLED NISSAN CONSUMER AND THEY GAVE ME THE RUN AROUND ABOUT SENDING SOMEONE TO CHECK IT. RECENTLY FOUND ON WWW.MYCARSTATS.COM NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS FROM CUSTOMERS WITH THE SAME PROBLEM THAT I AM HAVING WITH MY 2004 NISSAN MAXIMA. CAR CURRENTLY HAS 91,000 MILES AND IT HAS BEEN HAVING THIS PROBLEM SINCE AROUND THE 85,000 MARK AND I HAVE NOT RECEIVED PROPER ASSISTANCE FROM THE NISSAN CONSUMERS. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10242959
60,000 miles · Sep 19, 2008
Power Train
I HAVE A 2004 NISSAN MAXIMA THAT HAS STARTING JERKING WHEN SHIFTING OR BRAKING. I GOOGLED THIS AND COME TO FIND OUT THERE ARE 100'S OF COMPLAINTS REGARDING THE EXACT SAME THING! BASICALLY WE ARE BEING TO TOLD WE MUST GET A NEW TRANSMISSION WHICH IS ABOUT 3300.00! MY CAR ONLY HAS 80,000 MILES ON IT AND IT STARTED THIS AT AROUND 6…
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I HAVE A 2004 NISSAN MAXIMA THAT HAS STARTING JERKING WHEN SHIFTING OR BRAKING. I GOOGLED THIS AND COME TO FIND OUT THERE ARE 100'S OF COMPLAINTS REGARDING THE EXACT SAME THING! BASICALLY WE ARE BEING TO TOLD WE MUST GET A NEW TRANSMISSION WHICH IS ABOUT 3300.00! MY CAR ONLY HAS 80,000 MILES ON IT AND IT STARTED THIS AT AROUND 60,000 BUT HAS PROGRESSIVELY GOTTEN WORSE. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10242936
83,000 miles · Sep 19, 2008
Electrical SystemEngine And Engine Cooling
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 NISSAN MAXIMA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE POWER AND STEERING FAILED AND THE ENGINE SHUT COMPLETELY OFF. THE VEHICLE WAS PUSHED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THERE WERE NO WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE VEHICLE WAS JUMP STARTED AND DRIVEN TO A R…
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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 NISSAN MAXIMA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE POWER AND STEERING FAILED AND THE ENGINE SHUT COMPLETELY OFF. THE VEHICLE WAS PUSHED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THERE WERE NO WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE VEHICLE WAS JUMP STARTED AND DRIVEN TO A REPAIR SHOP. THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THE BATTERY AND CRANK SHAFT SENSORS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL FOR THE 2003 MODELS, NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 03V455000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). THE CONTACT BELIEVES THAT THE VEHICLE SHOULD BE INCLUDED IN THE RECALL SINCE THE FAILURES ARE IDENTICAL. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT YET BEEN REPAIRED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 83,000.
NHTSA ODI #10242895
80,000 miles · Sep 15, 2008
Power Train
I HAVE A 2004 NISSAN MAXIMA AND THE HAVING MAJOR PROBLEMS WITH THE TRANSMISSION, BEEN TO SEVERAL NISSAN SITES AND SEEMS TO BE A MAJOR PROBLEM WITH THE 2004 NISSAN MAXIMA'S AND YOU SHOULD HAVE 100 OF COMPLAINTS ON FILE. THIS PROBLEM IS A MANUFACTURERS PROBLEM AND SHOULD BE ON THE NATIONAL RECALL LIST, THIS IS MAJOR SAFETY HAZARD,…
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I HAVE A 2004 NISSAN MAXIMA AND THE HAVING MAJOR PROBLEMS WITH THE TRANSMISSION, BEEN TO SEVERAL NISSAN SITES AND SEEMS TO BE A MAJOR PROBLEM WITH THE 2004 NISSAN MAXIMA'S AND YOU SHOULD HAVE 100 OF COMPLAINTS ON FILE. THIS PROBLEM IS A MANUFACTURERS PROBLEM AND SHOULD BE ON THE NATIONAL RECALL LIST, THIS IS MAJOR SAFETY HAZARD, IT THE WHEN DRIVING IT SHIFTS INTO GEAR FROM 1ST TO 2ND VERY HARD AND IF YOUR FOOT IS NOT ON THE BRAKE YOU THE CAR CAN GET AWAY FROM YOU. PLEASE CONTACT ME FOR FURTHER DETAILS. NISSAN IS TRYING TO PASS THIS BUCK TO THE CONSUMER AND THAT IS NOT FEAR, THEY NEW THEY HAD A BAD TRANSMISSION IN THIS MODEL BUT FAILED TO WARN THE CONSUMER. AND ON SEPT 8 2008, THE CAR GOT AWAY FROM ME AND I ALL MOST CRASHED LUCKILY I PUT MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE AND STOP THE CAR FROM JERKING. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10242322
120,000 miles · Sep 15, 2008
Power Train
I HAVE A 2004 NISSAN MAXIMA SE WITH A BUCKING SLIPPING TRANSMISSION PROBLEM. I HAVE READ 100'S OF COMPLAINTS ABOUT THE SAME ISSUE WITH THE SAME MAKE/MODEL/YR AS MY CAR. I ALSO CALLED NISSAN AND THEY BASICALLY TOLD ME TO TAKE A HIKE. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10242294
71,000 miles · Sep 14, 2008
Power Train
I JUST BOUGHT A 2004 NISSAN MAXIMA AND THE TRANSMISSION HAS BEEN SLIPPING AND JERKING. I WENT TO THE DEALER AND THEY SAID I HAVE TO GET A NEW ONE, AND IT WILL COST ME 4500 DOLLARS !!!! *TR
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.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: A PINCHED HARNESS, IN COMBINATION WITH DRIVING VIBRATION, MAY RESULT IN A SHORT CIRCUIT IN THE HARNESS THAT COULD LEAD TO A FIRE IN THE SEAT.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE WIRE HARNESS AND ROUTE IT CORRECTLY. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JANUARY 16, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT NISSAN AT 1-800-647-7261.
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH SKYVIEW ROOFS, THE GLASS FOR THE ROOF MAY NOT HAVE BEEN QUENCHED PROPERLY AFTER THE FORMING PROCESS, RESULTING IN TEMPER IMBALANCE.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: THIS COULD CREATE EXCESSIVE INTERNAL STRESS IN THE GLASS AND EVENTUALLY CAUSE THE GLASS TO SHATTER, CREATING A RISK OF INJURY.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND REPLACE THE GLASS IN THE SKYVIEW ROOF. THE RECALL BEGAN ON SEPTEMBER 7, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT NISSAN AT 1-800-647-7261.
Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗
NHTSA investigations
1
PE04035 · Glass Roof Shattering
Opened Apr 12, 2004 · Closed Jul 13, 2004
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Visibility:sun/moon Roof Assembly
THE OFFICE OF DEFECTS INVESTIGATION (ODI) OPENED THIS INVESTIGATION ON APRIL 12, 2004, BASED ON FIVE REPORTS INDICATING THAT THE SKYVIEW GLASS-PANELED ROOF, WHICH IS STANDARD EQUIPMENT IN MODEL YEAR (MY) 2004 NISSAN MAXIMA VEHICLES, WOULD SUDDENLY SHATTER WHILE THE VEHICLE IS IN USE.FIVE INJURIES HAVE BEEN REPORTED TO ODI, RESULTING IN CUTS TO THE HEAD, HANDS, ARMS, OR FACE.NISSAN DISCOVERED THAT THEIR SUPPLIER FOR THE SKYVIEW GLASS PANELED ROOF DID NOT PROPERLY QUENCH (COOL) THE GLASS AFTER IT WAS FORMED.THE RESULTING TEMPER IMBALANCE COULD CREATE EXCESSIVE INTERNAL STRESS IN THE GLASS AND CAN EVENTUALLY CAUSE THE GLASS TO SHATTER.NISSAN REPORTS THAT GLASS PRODUCED BEGINNING OCTOBER 23, 2003 WAS PROPERLY QUENCHED.NISSAN HAS INFORMED THE AGENCY THAT IT WILL RECALL 32,100 MY 2004 NISSAN MAXIMAS BUILT FROM THE BEGINNING OF PRODUCTION THRU DECEMBER 17, 2003.IT REPORTS THAT VEHICLES BUILT AFTER DECEMBER 17 ARE NOT AFFECTED.TO CORRECT THE CONDITION NISSAN WILL REPLACE THE EXISTING SKYVIEW GLASS WITH NEW PROPERLY QUENCHED GLASS.NISSAN WILL BEGIN OWNER NOTIFICATION ON SEPTEMBER 7, 2004.ODI IS AWARE OF ONLY ONE COMPLAINT AND NISSAN REPORTS NO COMPLAINTS OF SKYVIEW GLASS PANELED ROOF BREAKAGE ON VEHICLES BUILT AFTER THE DECEMBER 17 DATE.THIS INVESTIGATION IS CLOSED, HOWEVER THE AGENCY WILL MONITOR COMPLAINTS AND TAKE APPROPRIATE ACTION AS APPROPRIATE.
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