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2005 Nissan Maxima

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

More warning signs than most Maxima years

Owner complaints for the 2005 Nissan Maxima are substantially higher than the model-year median of 99.

About this comparison →

When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

822 reports with mileage · 126 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 777 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Engine. Review the 61 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Engine And Engine Cooling. Review the 40 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

16 crash reports10 fire reports19 injury reports

What owners actually said

948 reports
Mileage unknown · Jan 17, 2006
Engine And Engine Cooling

I PURCHASED A NEW 2005 NISSAN MAXIMA ON FEB. 12 2005. SINCE MY PURCHASE I HAVE HAD TO BRING THE CAR BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP SOON AFTER THE PURCHASE. THE FIRST PROBLEM WAS THAT THE THROTTLE WENT OUT AND HAD TO BE REPLACED. NOW ON 01/16/06 THE ENTIRE ENGINE HAS TO BE REPLACED. THE DEALERSHIP STATES THAT THE VEHICLE HAS THROWN A ROD…

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I PURCHASED A NEW 2005 NISSAN MAXIMA ON FEB. 12 2005. SINCE MY PURCHASE I HAVE HAD TO BRING THE CAR BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP SOON AFTER THE PURCHASE. THE FIRST PROBLEM WAS THAT THE THROTTLE WENT OUT AND HAD TO BE REPLACED. NOW ON 01/16/06 THE ENTIRE ENGINE HAS TO BE REPLACED. THE DEALERSHIP STATES THAT THE VEHICLE HAS THROWN A ROD. MY CAR IS NOT EVEN A YEAR OLD YET, BRAND NEW WITH LESS THAN 10,000 MILES ON IT. I WILL BE WITHOUT A VEHICLE FOR 2-3 WEEKS. I HAVE BEEN A LOYAL NISSAN OWNER FOR OVER 13 YRS. I HAVE PURCHASED NOTHING BUT NISSAN VEHICLES SINCE MOVING TO TEXAS. I AM SO UPSET THAT I CAN'T EVEN PUT IT TO WORDS, I WILL NEVER,EVER, BUY ANOTHER NISSAN PRODUCT DUE TO ALL THE HARD ACHES I HAVE GONE THROUGH WITH THE PURCHASE OF MY NEW VEHICLE. I CAN'T EVEN ENJOY THE VEHICLE BECAUSE IT SPENDS HALF THE TIME IN THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT. I WANT TO GET OUT FROM UNDER MY LEASE, UNSURE IF I CAN EVEN DO THAT. THEN TRYING TO CONTACT YOUR COMPANY HAS BEEN A LIVING NIGHTMARE. I COULD CRY RIGHT NOW. YOU WANT A COMPLAINT YOU GOT A BIG ONE. NOW, WHAT ARE YOU GOING TO DO ABOUT IT! I NEED SOMEONE IN CHARGE TO CONTACT ME ASAP. I WILL CONTACT MY NEWS STATION, LOCAL RADIO STATION WHATEVER IT TAKES AND LET EVERYONE IN THE ENTIRE STATE OF TX. KNOW HOW I HAVE BEEN TREATED BY NISSAN MOTORS. *JB

NHTSA ODI #10147969

3,514 miles · Jan 13, 2006
Service Brakes, HydraulicVehicle Speed Control

I INADVERTENTLY UPON DEPRESSING THE BRAKE PEDAL, ALSO PRESSED ON THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL. WHAT IS APPARENTLY NORMAL FOR THE 2005 NISSAN MAXIMA, IS THE BRAKE PEDAL CAN MOVE BELOW THE LEVEL OF THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL. THIS HIGHLIGHTED TWO PROBLEMS: 1. THE BAKE PEDAL TRAVEL IS TO MUCH, AND 2. THE DISTANCE BETWEEN THE BRAKE AND ACCELE…

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I INADVERTENTLY UPON DEPRESSING THE BRAKE PEDAL, ALSO PRESSED ON THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL. WHAT IS APPARENTLY NORMAL FOR THE 2005 NISSAN MAXIMA, IS THE BRAKE PEDAL CAN MOVE BELOW THE LEVEL OF THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL. THIS HIGHLIGHTED TWO PROBLEMS: 1. THE BAKE PEDAL TRAVEL IS TO MUCH, AND 2. THE DISTANCE BETWEEN THE BRAKE AND ACCELERATOR PEDALS IS INSUFFICIENT. THE RESULT OF THIS PROBLEM IS TO APPLY MORE BRAKE PRESSURE THEREBY ALSO ACCELERATING THE CAR. I WAS PARKING AND ENDED UP UPON THE MEDIAN BETWEEN LANES OF PARKING AND DAMAGED MY BUMPER AND SKIRT UNDER THE FRONT END. *NM

NHTSA ODI #10147700

3,800 miles · Dec 12, 2005
Service Brakes, HydraulicCrashInjury

WE PURCHASED A NEW 2005 NISSAN MAXIMA IN JULY 05. FROM DAY ONE, WE NOTICED AN ENGINE SURGE WHEN DOWN-SHIFTING GEARS, START FROM A STOP AND WHEN PLACED IN REVERSE. WE ATTRIBUTED THIS TO BEING A SPORTIER CAR THAN WE WERE USED TO. *JB HOWEVER, ON NOV. 9, AS MY WIFE WAS TURNING INTO A PARKING SPACE IN A PARKING DECK, THE BRAKES F…

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WE PURCHASED A NEW 2005 NISSAN MAXIMA IN JULY 05. FROM DAY ONE, WE NOTICED AN ENGINE SURGE WHEN DOWN-SHIFTING GEARS, START FROM A STOP AND WHEN PLACED IN REVERSE. WE ATTRIBUTED THIS TO BEING A SPORTIER CAR THAN WE WERE USED TO. *JB HOWEVER, ON NOV. 9, AS MY WIFE WAS TURNING INTO A PARKING SPACE IN A PARKING DECK, THE BRAKES FAILED TO ENGAGE. SPECIFICALLY, SHE HAD JUST LEVELED-OFF FROM THE UP-RAMP OF THE DECK, MADE A LEFT-TURN INTO A PARKING SPACE, PRESSED THE BRAKE PEDAL AND - NOTHING. THE PEDAL WOULD NOT DEPRESS. BECAUSE THE CAR WAS NATURALLY SLOWING DOWN FROM THE UP-RAMP, THE DOWN-SHIFTING OF GEARS CAUSED THE CAR TO STALL, THEN SURGE, JUST AS IT HAS DONE BEFORE. B/C THE BRAKE PEDAL DIDN'T DEPRESS, THE BRAKES DIDN'T ENGAGE, THUS THE CAR ROLLED INTO THE BOUNDARY WALL OF THE PARKING DECK. WHEN WE NOTIFIED THE DEALER, THEY SAID THAT IT WASN'T THEIR PROBLEM AND TO CALL NISSAN. I CALLED 1-800-NISSAN-1, AND SPOKE WITH AN ATTENDANT ON 11/10. A TECH VISIT WAS SCHEDULE FOR 12/5. ON 12/12, NISSAN CALLED TO REPORT THAT THEY COULDN'T FIND A DEFECT. WHEN I INQUIRED AS TO THE SPECIFICS OF THE "INVESTIGATION," I WAS TOLD THAT THEY WERE "PROFESSIONALS, AND CHECKED WHATEVER THEY THOUGHT WAS NECESSARY." WHEN I PRESSURED FOR SPECIFICS, THEY COULDN'T PROVIDE ANY. THIS PURCHASE WAS INTENDED TO PROVIDE MY WIFE AND UNBORN CHILD A SAFE AND DEPENDABLE MODE OF TRANSPORTATION, BUT IF THE BRAKES DON'T WORK AND NO ONE CAN FIND A PROBLEM, HOW SAFE AND DEPENDABLE IS IT? B/C WE COULDN'T DRIVE THE CAR DUE TO THE ACCIDENT AND MECHANICAL ISSUES, WE WERE WITHOUT THE USE OF THE CAR FOR 34 CALENDAR DAYS, AND FOR 29 BUSINESS DAYS. THE COST OF THE REPAIR IS $2000+. THIS IS AN OUTRAGE THAT A $30K CAR DEVELOPS AN ENGINE/TRANSMISSION PROBLEM FROM PURCHASE (ASSUMING IT IS A PROBLEM) AND THEN DEVELOPS A BRAKE MALFUNCTION WITHIN THE FIRST 4 MONTHS OF PURCHASE. COMPLETELY ASININE. *JB

NHTSA ODI #10144983

Mileage unknown · Dec 12, 2005
Exterior Lighting

2005 NISSAN MAXIMA HEADLIGHTS STOLEN. WAS NEVER TOLD THAT THIS IS A VERY POPULAR HOT MARKET ITEM THAT MANY THIEVES ARE STEALING. FACTORY ALARM ONLY GOES OFF IF SOMEONE TRIES TO DRIVE AWAY WITH THE CAR BUT IF THE LIGHTS ARE TAMPERED WITH OR STOLEN THEY DO NOT GO OFF. IF NISSAN KNEW THESE LIGHTS ARE SO POPULAR AMONG THIEVES THEN T…

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2005 NISSAN MAXIMA HEADLIGHTS STOLEN. WAS NEVER TOLD THAT THIS IS A VERY POPULAR HOT MARKET ITEM THAT MANY THIEVES ARE STEALING. FACTORY ALARM ONLY GOES OFF IF SOMEONE TRIES TO DRIVE AWAY WITH THE CAR BUT IF THE LIGHTS ARE TAMPERED WITH OR STOLEN THEY DO NOT GO OFF. IF NISSAN KNEW THESE LIGHTS ARE SO POPULAR AMONG THIEVES THEN THEY SHOULD HAVE GIVEN ME THE OPTION TO ADD A SPECIAL ALARM THAT WOULD GO OFF WHEN SOMEONE TRIES TO STEAL THESE POPULAR LIGHTS. *JB

NHTSA ODI #10144981

6,500 miles · Nov 1, 2005
Suspension

DT: THE CONTACT REPLACED THE RIGHT FRONT WHEEL BEARING ASSEMBLY UNDER WARRANTY. BOTH RIGHT AND LEFT FRONT STRUTS WERE REPLACED AT 8500 MILES. THESE PARTS WERE REPLACED UNDER WARRANTY AS WELL. THERE HAVE BEEN NO PROBLEMS WITH THE SUSPENSION SINCE THE REPLACEMENT OF THESE PARTS. *AK UPDATED 12/7/2005. *NM

NHTSA ODI #10141377

5,542 miles · Oct 13, 2005
Power Train

DT: THE CONSUMER STATED SHE BOUGHT A 2005 NISSAN MAXIM 3.5 SL ON NOVEMBER 15, 04. TOWARDS THE END OF MAY SHE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER FOR A ROUTINE SERVICE BECAUSE SHE COMPLAINED ABOUT THE VEHICLE NOT ACCELERATING AFTER HAVING COME TO A COMPLETE STOP. *AK *JB

NHTSA ODI #10132854

600 miles · Aug 14, 2005
SteeringWheels

VIBRATION IN STEERING WHEEL & SEATS - HAVE HAD BACK TO DEALER FOUR TIMES IN THREE WEEKS - THEY'VE REPLACED WHEEL (OUT OF ROUND/BENT), ROTORS/BRAKES AND ARE NOW INVESTIGATING TIRES - VIBRATION OCCURS IN & OUT AT VARIOUS SPEEDS-LOOKING AT LEMON LAW. *NM

NHTSA ODI #10132761

Mileage unknown · Jul 15, 2005
Vehicle Speed Control

2005 NISSAN MAXIMA DEVELOPED PROBLEMS WITH LURCHING FORWARD AND THE ENGINE RACING.***NO ANSWER REQUIRED***. *MR THE CONSUMER HAD TO QUICKLY PLACE THE GEAR INTO NEUTRAL TO AVOID AN ACCIDENT. *JB

NHTSA ODI #10130235

60 miles · Jul 11, 2005
Power Train

DT: CONSUMER BOUGHT NEW NISSAN MAXIMA 2005 AND HAD DRIVEN VEHICLE FOR A FEW DAYS WHEN WHILE PARKED AT WORK, A CO-WORKER NOTED THERE WAS "BLACK STUFF" WHICH WAS SUSPECTED TO BE BRAKE FLUID. CONCERNED, CALLED DEALERSHIP AND DEALER SAID NOT TO DRIVE VEHICLE BECAUSE OF THE DISTANCE BUT PLEASE GO TO THE NEAREST DEALERSHIP THERE WA…

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DT: CONSUMER BOUGHT NEW NISSAN MAXIMA 2005 AND HAD DRIVEN VEHICLE FOR A FEW DAYS WHEN WHILE PARKED AT WORK, A CO-WORKER NOTED THERE WAS "BLACK STUFF" WHICH WAS SUSPECTED TO BE BRAKE FLUID. CONCERNED, CALLED DEALERSHIP AND DEALER SAID NOT TO DRIVE VEHICLE BECAUSE OF THE DISTANCE BUT PLEASE GO TO THE NEAREST DEALERSHIP THERE WAS A DEFINITE SAFETY ISSUE. A LOCAL DEALER ACCEPTED VEHICLE AND WAS KEPT FOR 4 DAYS AND DETERMINED IT NEEDED A NEW AXLE AND ALSO REPLACED A NEW BRAKE BOOT AS WELL. TOLD DEALERSHIP FROM WHERE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED AND THEY SAID DO NOT LET THAT DEALERSHIP MAKE THOSE REPAIRS-THEY WOULD COME AND TOW VEHICLE BACK. DEALER TOWED VEHICLE. THE DEALER HAS HAD VEHICLE FOR OVER 1 WEEK AND NO REPAIRS HAVE BEEN MADE. THEY CLAIM REPAIR IS IN PROCESS. DEALER HAS NOT CONFIRMED WHAT THE PROBLEM WAS HOWEVER THE SECONDARY DEALERSHIP INSISTS IT WAS A BROKEN AXLE ON THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE. *NOTE* CONSUMER DISCOVERED SHE DID NOT HAVE VIN AVAILABLE TO PROVIDE UPON FILING A COMPLAINT. *NM

NHTSA ODI #10128331

Mileage unknown · Jul 2, 2005
Tires

I WENT TO DO THE MONTHLY CHECK OF TIRE AIR PRESSURE AND FOUND THAT THE LABEL ON THE DRIVER'S DOOR POST DOES NOT LIST THE RECOMMENDED TIRE PRESSURE. ALL FOUR TIRES ARE AT 40 PSI COLD AND I DO NOT KNOW IF THAT IS DANGEROUS.

NHTSA ODI #10127330

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.

05V338000 · Child Seat:latch Strap

Jul 26, 2005

CERTAIN VEHICLES FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 225, "CHILD RESTRAINT ANCHORAGE SYSTEMS." THE LOWER ANCHORAGE BRACKETS IN THE REAR SEATS DO NOT MEET THE LOCATION REQUIREMENT IN THIS STANDARD. THIS MAY CAUSE DIFFICULTY IN ATTACHING SOME CHILD SEATS TO THESE BRACKETS.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: IF A CHILD SEAT IS NOT PROPERLY SECURED, THERE IS AN INCREASED RISK OF INJURY TO THE SEAT OCCUPANT IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE LOWER ANCHORAGE BRACKETS WITH MODIFIED BRACKETS TO ENSURE THAT THE STANDARD IS MET. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 28, 2006. THE INFINITI Q45 MODEL VEHICLES ARE BEING CAMPAIGNED UNDER A SEPARATE RECALL (PLEASE SEE 05V374000). OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT NISSAN AT 1-800-647-7261 OR INFINITI AT 1-800-662-6200.

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

0

No exact-year investigations in this snapshot.