CarComplaints.com Notes: The 2004-2006 Nissan Maxima has widespread transmission problems. It starts with the vehicle jerking when shifting, & progresses to full-blown transmission failure.

Maxima owners report spending $3,000 to replace the transmission, typically around when the odometer hits 100,000 miles.

There's a class action lawsuit filed in late 2011, & it is still in the "discovery" stage. Apparently, these things take time ... far too much time.

8.0

pretty bad
Typical Repair Cost:
No data
Average Mileage:
105,000 miles
Total Complaints:
2 complaints

Most Common Solutions:

  1. replace timing chain (2 reports)
2004 Nissan Maxima drivetrain problems

drivetrain problem

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2004 Nissan Maxima Owner Comments

problem #2

Nov 012017

Maxima SE 3.5L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 120,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

We bought this car for my son, reason being was it was a Nissan, and a Maxima on top of that. But unfortunately I didn't check this website first. First thing we noticed was a little harmless timing chain slap that became a horrible rattle, along with a hard shifting transmission that finally went all the way out in 6 months. Also just saw on this website a lawsuit against Nissan for their faulty timing chains in many of their vehicles. The vehicle also developed a knock in the engine probably due to timing slip because of the timing chain. Stay away from Nissans from 2004 to 2008 with the timing chains. I also had a co worker who had an Xterra that had a timing chain break while driving.

- John L., Fort Worth, TX, US

problem #1

Jul 012012

Maxima SE 3.5L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 90,000 miles

I have a 2004 Nissan Maxima. I have already had to have the transmission replaced.At about 90,000 miles the engine started making a clicking/knocking noise which continued to get louder. On NUMEROUS OCCASIONS while driving the car, it went into, what is described as "limp mode". The car just died in the middle of traffic. I was very fearful of being hit by another car. On a couple of occasions I had my 3 year old granddaughter in the car with me. This problem could have caused a serious accident.

I was told by a mechanic that the timing chain MUST be replaced. My car is sitting in my driveway and I am unable to drive it due to the timing chain problem. I cannot currently afford to have the timing chain replaced. The issues I have had with my 2004 Nissan Maxima have caused undue safety concerns and stress. I am aware of the class action lawsuit against Nissan related to faulty timing chains. They need to take responsibility and repair my car.

- Cathy D., Indianapolis, IN, US

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