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2004 Nissan Maxima

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

More warning signs than most Maxima years

Owner complaints for the 2004 Nissan Maxima are substantially higher than the model-year median of 99.

About this comparison →
1,425Owner complaints

Model-year median: 99

2Recall campaigns

View recall details →

1Investigations

View investigation details →

How this year compares

Owner complaints by model year

Other model years Selected year
172
2001205
2002206
20031,425
2004948
2005576
2006129
2007
Compare all Maxima years →

Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.

What owners reported most

Power Train
934Tires
141Suspension
102Engine And Engine Cooling
70Service Brakes, Hydraulic
61
All reported categories
Electrical System
56Structure
56Engine
51Vehicle Speed Control
38Steering
37Visibility
30Unknown Or Other
23Equipment
20Seats
15Air Bags
13Exterior Lighting
9Latches/locks/linkages
7Wheels
7Electronic Stability Control (esc)
6Fuel/propulsion System
6Service Brakes
5Service Brakes, Electric
4Seat Belts
3Child Seat
2Fuel System, Gasoline
2Traction Control System
2Equipment Adaptive/mobility
1Service Brakes, Air
1

Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.

When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

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
Mileage unknown · Feb 24, 2008
Service Brakes, Hydraulic

DEFECTIVE ABS SENSOR ($482.71) APPARENTLY A COMMON ISSUE WITH THE 2004 NISSAN MAXIMA AS THERE IS A SERVICE BULLETIN ALERTING THE DEALERS OF THE SAME. I TRIED TO GET NISSAN TO AT LEAST COVER THE COST OF THE PART ($202.99) AND WAS FINALLY CONTACTED BY THE "REGIONAL REP" AFTER OVER A WEEK OF E-MAILS AND PHONE CALLS. I WAS TOLD I WA…

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DEFECTIVE ABS SENSOR ($482.71) APPARENTLY A COMMON ISSUE WITH THE 2004 NISSAN MAXIMA AS THERE IS A SERVICE BULLETIN ALERTING THE DEALERS OF THE SAME. I TRIED TO GET NISSAN TO AT LEAST COVER THE COST OF THE PART ($202.99) AND WAS FINALLY CONTACTED BY THE "REGIONAL REP" AFTER OVER A WEEK OF E-MAILS AND PHONE CALLS. I WAS TOLD I WAS BASICALLY "SOL". SEEMS TO ME THAT A BRAKE ISSUE INVOLVING DEFECTIVE PARTS IS VERY SERIOUS ONE. AND AT LEAST THE CONSUMER SHOULD BE ALERTED TO IT, EVEN IF IT IS NOT AT THE RECALL STAGE YET!!!! NO LONGER HAPPY WITH THE FOLKS AT NISSAN. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10218978

Mileage unknown · Feb 21, 2008
Tires

2004 NISSAN MAXIMA WITH RECALL ON THE GOODYEAR TIRES. CONSUMER STATES THAT THE PROBLEM WITH HIS TIRES OCCURRED A YEAR BEFORE HE RECEIVED THE RECALL. CONSUMER REQUESTED REIMBURSEMENT AND WAS DENIED BECAUSE GOODYEAR SAID THERE WAS NO PROOF OF SIDEWALL CRACKING ON THE RECEIPT. *KB

NHTSA ODI #10219449

55,000 miles · Feb 21, 2008
Power Train

TRANSMISSION ON MY VEHICLE SLIPS FREQUENTLY. I HAVE TAKEN MY VEHICLE TO THE DEALERSHIP FOR THIS PROBLEM, BUT AM ALWAYS TOLD, THEY CAN'T FIND THE PROBLEM AND IF IT CONTINUES TO BRING IT BACK. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10218748

10,000 miles · Feb 21, 2008
Suspension

SINCE THE CAR WAS NEW (PURCHASED FEB. 2004), I HAVE HAD A KNOCKING SOUND FROM THE FRONT RIGHT. THE DEALERSHIP ORIGINALLY DIAGNOSED THIS AS A STRUT PROBLEM, AND REPLACED THE STRUT MOUNT UNDER WARRANTY, BUT THE SOUND CAME BACK WITHIN A FEW MONTHS. NISSAN REFUSES TO ACKNOWLEDGE THAT THIS IS A KNOWN DEFECT IN THE CAR (AS EVIDENCED…

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SINCE THE CAR WAS NEW (PURCHASED FEB. 2004), I HAVE HAD A KNOCKING SOUND FROM THE FRONT RIGHT. THE DEALERSHIP ORIGINALLY DIAGNOSED THIS AS A STRUT PROBLEM, AND REPLACED THE STRUT MOUNT UNDER WARRANTY, BUT THE SOUND CAME BACK WITHIN A FEW MONTHS. NISSAN REFUSES TO ACKNOWLEDGE THAT THIS IS A KNOWN DEFECT IN THE CAR (AS EVIDENCED BY THE ABUNDANT COMPLAINTS ONLINE AND ON FILE WITH THE NHTSA), AND HAS CONTINUALLY REFUSED TO COVER THE COST OF REPAIR ONCE THE WARRANTY EXPIRED. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10218747

57,850 miles · Feb 18, 2008
Service Brakes, Hydraulic

ANTI-LOCK BRAKE AND ALL ACTUATOR FAILURES. STARTED MAKING A BIT OF NOISE PRIOR TO FAILURE. AS A RESULT OF THE FAILURE, ANTI-LOCK, ANTI-SKID, VSC, DO NOT WORK. I HAVE PURCHASED APPROXIMATELY $1800 IN PARTS. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10218442

Mileage unknown · Feb 13, 2008
Tires

2004 NISSAN MAXIMA WOULD LIKE REIMBURSEMENT FOR TIRES. CONSUMER STATES THAT HE HAD TO REPLACE TIRES DUE TO SIDEWALL CRACKING. CONSUMER WOULD LIKE REIMBURSEMENT FOR THE REPLACEMENT. *KB THE CONSUMER WAS DENIED REIMBURSEMENT BECAUSE HE DID NOT PROVIDE PROOF THAT THE TIRES WERE REPLACED DUE TO SIDEWALL CRACKING. *JB

NHTSA ODI #10218345

62,000 miles · Feb 7, 2008
Electrical System

TL*- THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 NISSAN MAXIMA. WHILE DRIVING AT 65 MPH ON THE HIGHWAY THE DRIVER'S FRONT DOOR OPENED UNEXPECTEDLY. HE THEN PULLED OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE HIGHWAY AND SHUT THE DOOR. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY TOLD HIM THAT THE FAILURE WAS DUE TO ELECTRICAL FAILURES. CURRENT AND FAILURE…

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TL*- THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 NISSAN MAXIMA. WHILE DRIVING AT 65 MPH ON THE HIGHWAY THE DRIVER'S FRONT DOOR OPENED UNEXPECTEDLY. HE THEN PULLED OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE HIGHWAY AND SHUT THE DOOR. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY TOLD HIM THAT THE FAILURE WAS DUE TO ELECTRICAL FAILURES. CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGE IS AT 62,000 MILES.

NHTSA ODI #10217417

65,000 miles · Feb 5, 2008
Power TrainSteeringSuspension

MY 2004 NISSAN MAXIMA EXP TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS @ 65K REPLACED OUT OF WARRANTY SINCE THEN THE CAR HAS HAD (4) FRONT MOTOR MOUNTS (1) TRANSMISSION MOUNT.(1)RACK AND PINION REPLACED,(1) RIGHT FRONT AXLE REPLACED. STRUTS ARE NOW BAD! WHEEL BEARINGS REPLACED, OIL SEALS REPLACED AND THE FRONT END MAKES NOISE LIKE SOMETHING BIG IS LO…

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MY 2004 NISSAN MAXIMA EXP TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS @ 65K REPLACED OUT OF WARRANTY SINCE THEN THE CAR HAS HAD (4) FRONT MOTOR MOUNTS (1) TRANSMISSION MOUNT.(1)RACK AND PINION REPLACED,(1) RIGHT FRONT AXLE REPLACED. STRUTS ARE NOW BAD! WHEEL BEARINGS REPLACED, OIL SEALS REPLACED AND THE FRONT END MAKES NOISE LIKE SOMETHING BIG IS LOOSE. OVER $12,000.00 DOLLARS INTO VEHICLE LAST YEAR ALONE? WHEN THE CAR CAME BACK WITH THE NEW TRANS IT STILL WAS NOT RIGHT ? I NOTIFIED THE DEALER AND THEY SAID THEY COULD NOT FIND ANYTHING? I CHOSE NOT TO PAY @ LAST MINUTE TO BRING TO THERE ATTENTION AND I WAS SENT TO COLLECTIONS? I AM STILL PAYING THE $3,997.00 PLUS $1,500.00 FINE FOR ISF THE VEHICLE IS ON ITS 2ND TRANSMISSION AND ITS GONE BAD NOW AS WELL? NISSAN DID REPLACE THE RIGHT AXLE @NO/CHARGE THAT WAS ALL. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10217011

29,000 miles · Jan 30, 2008
Engine And Engine CoolingFuel System, GasolinePower Train

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 NISSAN MAXIMA. WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS STARTED, THE CLUTCH WOULD NOT SHIFT INTO ANY OF THE GEARS. THE DEALER REPAIRED THE MASTER CYLINDER AND THE CLUTCH SYSTEM TWICE, YET, THE FAILURE CONTINUED. ANOTHER DEALER STATED THAT THE TRANSMISSION WAS FAILING. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED AND IS CURRENTLY…

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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 NISSAN MAXIMA. WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS STARTED, THE CLUTCH WOULD NOT SHIFT INTO ANY OF THE GEARS. THE DEALER REPAIRED THE MASTER CYLINDER AND THE CLUTCH SYSTEM TWICE, YET, THE FAILURE CONTINUED. ANOTHER DEALER STATED THAT THE TRANSMISSION WAS FAILING. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED AND IS CURRENTLY PARKED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 29,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 83,000. UPDATED 06/17/08. *LJ THE CONSUMER STATED THE FULE PUMP AND MAP SENSOR WAS REPLACED. UPDATED

NHTSA ODI #10216470

42,750 miles · Jan 27, 2008
Service Brakes, Hydraulic

THE ABS SYSTEM HAS STOPPED WORKING AT ONLY 42,000. I BELIEVE THE PART IS DEFECTIVE. NOW THE CAR CANNOT USE ABS TO STOP WHICH IS UNSAFE IN RAIN OR SNOW. THE MANUFACTURER DOES NOT WANT TO HELP PAY FOR THE REPAIRS, ALTHOUGH THE DEALER IS WILLING TO OFFER A DISCOUNT FOR REPAIR BECAUSE THE CAR HAS ONLY 42,000 MILES ON IT WHEN THE AB…

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THE ABS SYSTEM HAS STOPPED WORKING AT ONLY 42,000. I BELIEVE THE PART IS DEFECTIVE. NOW THE CAR CANNOT USE ABS TO STOP WHICH IS UNSAFE IN RAIN OR SNOW. THE MANUFACTURER DOES NOT WANT TO HELP PAY FOR THE REPAIRS, ALTHOUGH THE DEALER IS WILLING TO OFFER A DISCOUNT FOR REPAIR BECAUSE THE CAR HAS ONLY 42,000 MILES ON IT WHEN THE ABS STOPPED WORKING. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10216201

Official recalls

2

05V512000 · Seats:front Assembly:power Adjust

Nov 7, 2005

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.

04V326000 · Visibility:sun/moon Roof Assembly

Jul 7, 2004

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.