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
102,000 miles · Apr 1, 2008
Power Train
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 NISSAN MAXIMA. WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH, THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND THE VEHICLE BEGAN LOSING POWER. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO DRIVE TO HER RESIDENCE AND HAVE THE VEHICLE TOWED TO THE DEALER. AFTER INSPECTING THE VEHICLE, THE DEALER STATED THAT THE TRANSMISSION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTA…
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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 NISSAN MAXIMA. WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH, THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND THE VEHICLE BEGAN LOSING POWER. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO DRIVE TO HER RESIDENCE AND HAVE THE VEHICLE TOWED TO THE DEALER. AFTER INSPECTING THE VEHICLE, THE DEALER STATED THAT THE TRANSMISSION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT FILED CLAIM NUMBER 6097908 WITH NISSAN. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 102,000.
NHTSA ODI #10223078
27,000 miles · Mar 31, 2008
Electrical SystemEquipmentTires
I PURCHASED A 2004 NISSAN MAXIMA, ON FEBRUARY 27 2007 WITH ONLY 24,000 MILES. THREE MONTHS LATER, THE VEHICLE STARTED TO FAIL. I NOTICE SOME JERKING WHEN I SLOWED DOWN AND THEN HIT THE GAS, AS WELL AS A METAL RATTLING NOISE (WHEN I GIVE IT GAS). I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER WHICH THEY STATED THAT THEY DIDN'T FEEL IT JERK AND THEY DID…
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I PURCHASED A 2004 NISSAN MAXIMA, ON FEBRUARY 27 2007 WITH ONLY 24,000 MILES. THREE MONTHS LATER, THE VEHICLE STARTED TO FAIL. I NOTICE SOME JERKING WHEN I SLOWED DOWN AND THEN HIT THE GAS, AS WELL AS A METAL RATTLING NOISE (WHEN I GIVE IT GAS). I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER WHICH THEY STATED THAT THEY DIDN'T FEEL IT JERK AND THEY DIDN'T HEAR THE RATTLING NOISE. THE NOISE HAS BECOME WORSE. NOW A YEAR LATER THE ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND MY CAR WOULDN'T START. I TOOK THE CAR TO THE SHOP WHERE THEY DIAGNOSE THAT MY IGNITION COIL WENT BAD. (HAD TO REPLACE ALL SIX) COST $1000. TO THIS POINT THE CAR STILL REMAINS IN THE SHOP DUE TO IGNITION COIL. FINALLY, THE ROTOR WENT BAD WHICH HAD TO BE REPLACED FOR THE AMT $380. I HAVE DONE SOME RESEARCH ON THIS VEHICLE WHERE THERE HAVE BEEN NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS. I HIGHLY BELIEVE THAT AN INVESTIGATION SHOULD BE PLACE TO GET THIS ON THE RECALL LIST. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10222982
100,000 miles · Mar 27, 2008
Power Train
I OWN A 2004 NISSAN MAXIMA AND NOTICED JERKING BETWEEN 1ST AND 2ND GEAR AND THEN TODAY THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND I LOST COMPLETER POWER. I GOOGLED THE PROBLEM AND WAS SHOCKED TO FIND HUNDREDS WITH THE VERY SAME PROBLEM. I ALSO SAW A BULLETIN NISSAN PUT OUT THAT SAID TO THEIR MECHANIC DO NOT USE ANY OTHER TRANSMISSION FL…
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I OWN A 2004 NISSAN MAXIMA AND NOTICED JERKING BETWEEN 1ST AND 2ND GEAR AND THEN TODAY THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND I LOST COMPLETER POWER. I GOOGLED THE PROBLEM AND WAS SHOCKED TO FIND HUNDREDS WITH THE VERY SAME PROBLEM. I ALSO SAW A BULLETIN NISSAN PUT OUT THAT SAID TO THEIR MECHANIC DO NOT USE ANY OTHER TRANSMISSION FLUID OTHER THEN MATIC K. PLEASE INVESTIGATE THIS!!! GO TO HTTP://WWW.CARSURVEY.ORG/VIEWMORECOMMENTS_REVIEW_61092_4.HTML. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10222452
80,000 miles · Mar 26, 2008
Power Train
TRANSMISSION ON MY 2004 NISSAN MAXIMA IS HITTING REALLY HARD INTO SECOND AND THIRD GEAR. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10222412
45,000 miles · Mar 24, 2008
Power Train
TRANSMISION SLIPPING BETWEEN 1ST AND 2ND GEAR. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10222176
101,000 miles · Mar 22, 2008
Power Train
2004 MAXIMA SE EXPERIENCING SEVERE TRANSMISSION JERK. EVERY PLACE I GO IN ADDITION TO THE DEALER STATE THAT I NEED A NEW TRANSMISSION AT AROUND $3,400. THE TRANSMISSION WAS FLUSHED AND THE PROBLEM PERSISTED I HAVE NO EXTENDED WARRANTY AND IT GETS FRUSTRATING. I HAD A COMPLAINT FILED EARLIER WITH CHRYSLER FOR THE 2.7 LITER ENGIN…
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2004 MAXIMA SE EXPERIENCING SEVERE TRANSMISSION JERK. EVERY PLACE I GO IN ADDITION TO THE DEALER STATE THAT I NEED A NEW TRANSMISSION AT AROUND $3,400. THE TRANSMISSION WAS FLUSHED AND THE PROBLEM PERSISTED I HAVE NO EXTENDED WARRANTY AND IT GETS FRUSTRATING. I HAD A COMPLAINT FILED EARLIER WITH CHRYSLER FOR THE 2.7 LITER ENGINE SLUDGE ISSUE BUT NO RESOLUTION TO THAT EITHER. I HAD TO REPLACE THAT ENGINE TWICE AT $6,000 A POP. HERE WE GO AGAIN. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10222046
Mileage unknown · Mar 21, 2008
Tires
NOTICE OF POSSIBLE TIRE CRACKING CONDITION RECEIVED THROUGH THE MAIL SUGGEST LOOKING AT TIRES. LOOKED AT TIRES SAW NO CRACKS .A FEW MONTHS LATER A TIRE WAS FLAT EVEN THOUGH IT LOOKED LIKE GOOD THREAD WEAR AND A SECOND TIRE WAS SLOWLY LOSING AIR. THE FLAT TIRE HAD SEVERAL CRACKS ON THE INNER SIDE OF TIRE SIDEWALL. WE CONTACTE…
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NOTICE OF POSSIBLE TIRE CRACKING CONDITION RECEIVED THROUGH THE MAIL SUGGEST LOOKING AT TIRES. LOOKED AT TIRES SAW NO CRACKS .A FEW MONTHS LATER A TIRE WAS FLAT EVEN THOUGH IT LOOKED LIKE GOOD THREAD WEAR AND A SECOND TIRE WAS SLOWLY LOSING AIR. THE FLAT TIRE HAD SEVERAL CRACKS ON THE INNER SIDE OF TIRE SIDEWALL. WE CONTACTED THE GOODYEAR COMPANY AND THEY SUGGESTED GOING TO A GOODYEAR DEALER AND HAVE THEM INSPECT THE TIRES. AFTER GOING TO THE SUGGESTED DEALER,THEY CONFIRMED THAT ALL THE TIRES WERE CRACKING AND SUGGESTED NOT RIDING ON THEM. THE DEALER SAID THEY HAD A FILE NUMBER FOR THIS INSPECTION FROM GOODYEAR. THE DEALER ALSO SAID THE TIRE REPLACEMENT WOULD COST MORE THAN $1,100.00 AND THAT WAS ONLY AN ESTIMATE. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10221949
65,000 miles · Mar 21, 2008
Power Train
MY TRANSMISSION SLIPS AND JERKS. I TOOK IT TO THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY SAID I NEEDED TO REPLACE THE TRANSMISSION. FUNNY THE DEFECT DID NOT HAPPEN UNTIL AFTER MY WARRANTY ENDED. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10221939
90,000 miles · Mar 20, 2008
Power Train
THE CAR WAS SLIPPING AND JERKING, TOOK IT TO THE DEALERSHIP 3 TIMES FOR THE SAME PROBLEM AND THEY SAID NOTHING WAS WRONG. AFTER THE WARRANTY EXPIRED I TOOK IT BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY SAID IT WAS THE TRANSMISSION. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10221917
65,121 miles · Mar 19, 2008
Power Train
2004 NISSAN MAXIMA MY TRANSMISSIONS HAS BEEN JERKING AND SLIPPING FOR OVER A YEAR NOW I HAVE TRIED A FEW DIFFERENT TRANSMISSION MECHANICS AND THEY ARE SAYING I WILL HAVE TO GET A NEW TRANSMISSION. THIS DOES NOT MAKE SENSE FOR A 2004 CAR TO ACT LIKE THIS. I DID RESEARCH AND I HEAR THAT THIS IS A PROBLEM WITH MANY OF THE 2004 I M…
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2004 NISSAN MAXIMA MY TRANSMISSIONS HAS BEEN JERKING AND SLIPPING FOR OVER A YEAR NOW I HAVE TRIED A FEW DIFFERENT TRANSMISSION MECHANICS AND THEY ARE SAYING I WILL HAVE TO GET A NEW TRANSMISSION. THIS DOES NOT MAKE SENSE FOR A 2004 CAR TO ACT LIKE THIS. I DID RESEARCH AND I HEAR THAT THIS IS A PROBLEM WITH MANY OF THE 2004 I MAKE A CAR PAYMENT EVERY MONTH ON A CAR I CANNOT DRIVE THIS IS HORRIBLE FOR NISSAN. *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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