2004 Nissan Maxima: problems, recalls and reliability
2 recalls and 1,425 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is power train (62% of complaints); the 2002 and 2003 and 2006 model years look more trouble-free.
Data updated weekly · latest recall Nov 2005
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 1,425 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“Timing chain failure. Timing chain was bad from day one. Spent nearly 4000 dollars for repair. Then to look up online and find out many other people had problem. Now a few years later. Same problem”Owner report · Engine · Feb 2021
“Car failed safety inspection due to rusting of floorboards on driver and front passenger side. Turns out this is a systemic problem with model years 2002-2006. How can this not be a safety issue??”Owner report · Unknown Or Other · Nov 2020
“For starters I replaced the alternator then the battery and then the crankshaft senor and then dorman that is on the possessive side of the battery. And it doesn't want to start still. Now just maybe you can help me on this.”Owner report · Electrical System · Oct 2020
Show 7 more owner reports
“Front subframe completely rotted out lower control arm become unattached, had to repair subframe and all components, absolutely a safety risk, many recall on these vehicles but I don't understand why they don't have one for this vehicle”Owner report · Structure · Aug 2020
“Me and my boyfriend were sold this car for 2500 and the car needed a new battery, a new converter . Once I brought those items and put them in the car started having compression problems to the point it has a slow take off , cannot go up hills , and we have to shift gears just for it to move .. This car was sold to us like this and we almost fell off a cliff because of the compression problem and not being able to go up any hills .. The people who sold us the car said they will not fix the problem or refund our money .”Owner report · Vehicle Speed Control · Jun 2020
“04v326000 one of the recall number the other is 05v512000 not sure what to do at this point I've changed my timing chain also already I also received a letter stating if I had to replace it to contact nissan I believe I'm just getting the run around”Owner report · Unknown Or Other · Jun 2020
“The body control module keeps the front and back lights from working. The tail lights also not working. The license plate lights not working cost for replacing with labor and tax is over 1k in california. While I was driving at night I could not see the road. I had to pull over and get towed home.”Owner report · Exterior Lighting · Jan 2020
“The floor boards on both the drivers and passenger side front have rusted out. Most of the other metal/ flooring has not rusted out like it has in these two spots. The rust does seem to lead up close to the sub frame which worries me of the integrity of the frame. The flooring has rusted out to the fabric/insulation portion of the interior. Also of concern is when you are getting in and out of the car the floor is so weak that your foot/leg could go through it. In time your feet can and will go through the floor with out warning.”Owner report · Structure · Dec 2019
“Car was fine initially then started car which took longer than normal to start and car would not hardly go due to it not being in 1st gear. Put the transmission into manual mode and downshifted it to first and got a hard clunk but car would now go under its own power but when you put it back in auto mode it goes straight to 3rd gear. Shut car off came back later and started car it started right up and had no issues with transmission. Drove it for a bit turned car off for a bit and then went to start again and had the long start and bad shifts again.”Owner report · Power Train · Jun 2019
“When driving the car wil lose power and start jerking badly, cutting back like losing power. It feels as if it is going to stop in the middle of the road. I took it to a well know transmission specialist and was told that this is a problem with several nissan cars including mine. There are several recalls including the 2003 but not my year,I'm confused and it's getting worse. But it's a known issue. I don't understand. My safety is warranted???”Owner report · Power Train · May 2019
When filing, owners marked a crash in 33 of these complaints and injuries in 30 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 2 campaigns
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.
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.
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.
Trouble codes owners mention
OBD-II codes that appear in NHTSA complaints about this car.
Specifications
Factory options offered for the 2004 model year, decoded from the NHTSA vPIC database. Individual vehicles have one of each.
How other years compare
Check your exact Maxima by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 2004 Nissan Maxima reliable?
NHTSA has 1,425 owner complaints and 2 recall campaigns on record for the 2004 Nissan Maxima. The most complained-about area is power train (62% of complaints).
At what mileage do 2004 Nissan Maxima problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 80,000 miles or less.
Does the 2004 Nissan Maxima have open recalls?
2 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning seats:front assembly:power adjust. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.