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.

10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
2 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
5 / 0
Average Mileage:
98,453 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

2005 Nissan Maxima brakes problems

brakes problem

Find something helpful? Spread the word.
Get notified about new defects, investigations, recalls & lawsuits for the 2005 Nissan Maxima:

Unsubscribe any time. We don't sell/share your email.

2005 Nissan Maxima Owner Comments

problem #13

Mar 112017

Maxima

  • 175,960 miles

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

Prior owner reported issues with ABS rear sensor, and having to disconnect fuse. Vehicle was taken to Nissan dealer for service weeks ago, I authorized diagnostic fee and was notified that computer reports rear right ABS sensor being defective and needing to be replaced at a total cost a little over $550. Driving from dealer, the vehicle has reduced acceleration out of nowhere to a point where I have not driven car until I proceed with repairs at dealer. Since re-connecting fuse that powers ABS... at times I have found the car battery drained. After jump starting vehicle, permitting battery to charge, ,, after turning off car I would hear the ABS pump (on firewall, passenger side) on and not turn off unless I remove the fuse again. If ABS is not standard in all vehicles, why is it that it cannot be completely disabled without negatively effecting other systems, but more importantly braking and electrical.

- Ossining, NY, USA

problem #12

Oct 242016

Maxima

  • 96,000 miles
Brake ABS system failure. Subframe rust breaks the anti-lock brake system (ABS) and renders the ABS brake, traction control, and vehicle dynamic control systems inoperable. The slip, brake, vdc off (tcs off) lights all illuminate on the vehicle dashboard, notifying the driver of this problem. Further investigation into the problem demonstrates that the ABS sensors and/or ABS actuator fail on the vehicle due to a design defect that promotes excessive rust accumulation on ABS components. The ABS sensor failures disable all ABS, traction control, and vehicle dynamic control systems. Driver and occupant safety is severely compromised due to the vehicle's significantly diminished steering and accident avoidance capability during emergency braking and crash avoidance situations (especially skid situations) due to the non-functioning ABS, traction control, and vehicle dynamic control systems. Nissan is aware of the ABS brake, traction control, and vehicle dynamic control system failures and the cause, but requests to Nissan to fix the systems are denied. Nissan has documented the problem in tsb ntb07-016(B) which shows Nissan has been aware of this problem since at least March 16, 2007. Nissan's tsb documentation shows how to correct the design defect on the vehicle by grinding the subframe and replacing defective parts with Nissan redesigned parts.

- Bloomington, IL, USA

problem #11

Feb 122016

Maxima 6-cyl

  • 175,000 miles
"tamara inflators" seat belts didn't lock or light did not come on. Smashed body all the way to back seat bottom to ground. Engine was idling very high felt/sound as if we were going 60 but only was going 40. No air bags came on. Brakes grinding. Back window blew out and tires flat in back.. windows slow on drivers side. When the sheriff Tahoe hit us at 80mph on U.S. 40 greenfield in was in the shop at J&M truck an trailer on the West side of indianapolis having the oil leaked fixed and tires all fixed and rotors and lights by [xxx] a couple months prior. I had my little girl in the back seat as well where sheriff hit and ran. I uploaded a before and after picture. VIN#[xxx] information redacted pursuant to the Freedom Of Information Act (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

- Greenfield, IN, USA

problem #10

Dec 042015

Maxima

  • 130,000 miles

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

I thinks many have the same issues with me, transmission had some issues. Also ABS started when it is not supposed. Maxima need to be recalled.

- Knoxville, TN, USA

problem #9

Sep 272015

Maxima

  • 170,000 miles
Prior to incident car was shifting really hard and slipping gears. Once when driving, car suddenly went into a safety mode not letting it shift out of 5th gear. Going down hill caused the engine to stall because of being in 5th gear and car engine turned off, as well as power steering and braking. Had it been on a busy road a crash would have occurred.

- Millersburg, OH, USA

problem #8

Aug 062014

Maxima

  • 98,000 miles
We purchased this car in 08/13 after we bought the car it needed a transmission then ended up putting 2 transmissions in the car, also a new throttle body with all this and the purchase of the car it is over $8,000 in this useless car, that now is totaled due to faulty brakes and traction control, these cars are dangerous it was only goin 20 mph the brakes were applied, and the brakes locked and the throttle was hung open, then it hit a bank and flipped over now it is totaled and we have nothing these cars are junk.

- Washington, VA, USA

problem #7

May 082014

Maxima

  • 90,000 miles

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

I took my car to Nissan to have my car totally checked over. The ABS light came on and I had sharp jerks from the transmission and hesitation around 40 mph. The timing chain also had a rattle when the car was started. My ABS system had failed due to water shorting out the ABS sensor which destroyed the ABS control module repair cost $1200. When I told the service advisor my ABS light was on, he had a service bulletin at his station with exactly what he thought was wrong with my car and he told me it was a common issue with my car. The transmission needs a valve body due to premature wear cost $3500 to rebuild and install new valve body design. The timing chain has guides that wear and chain rubs against plastic then down to metal repair cost $1500. Nissan needs to fix all of these defective cars and pay the people who have made these costly repairs.

- Somerville , TN, USA

problem #6

Aug 132010

Maxima

  • 54,000 miles
The transmission start shifting funny 2 years ago. In between 15-20 miles (1 gear) there was a delay and a click during shifting. At that time I had a warranty on my car, but the dealership's mechanics didn't identify a problem, right now it become more visible and the other dealer found the transmission replacement needed but the cat is out of warranty and replacement will be more than $ 4,000. I asked Nissan Corp. To cover this replacement as a goodwill repair, but was denied due to out warranty status (which makes no sense to me, as if I wouldn't be out of warranty why should I request repair from Nissan Corp. As I would be able to do it in any dealership). Plus I have ABS unit to be replace, but the problem is only in the solenoid not in unit, but the dealers do not replace the solenoid but need to replace the unit for $1,900.

- Brooklyn, NY, USA

problem #5

Mar 152013

Maxima 6-cyl

  • 65,000 miles
I was driving on the freeway and went to go and apply my brakes. At this time my dashboard lights lit up with an ABS and brake light being illuminated. I talked to Firestone and told them the issue as I was out of town. They told me to bring it in and they would run a quick diagnostic. I did and they found it to be a known issue at Nissan. I took it to the dealer as there is a tsb on the vehicle for this issue. They told me they would have to change the ABS sensor and possibly the wheelhub, if all was done I would be out about $3000. I asked the dealer what issues could arise and they told me my brakes could lock up when driving. I find this to be unacceptable, especially if driving down the freeway at 70 with a big truck following. I got in touch with Nissan Consumer Affairs and they did some research, but came back with the would not help with any repairs. I have been following numerous complaints online about the same issue with the 2004-2006 Nissan Maxima. For some people this has gone on too long with Nissan not wanting to help out. A recall should be done before someone gets seriously hurt or killed.

- Wauwatosa, WI, USA

problem #4

Mar 142013

Maxima

  • 40,930 miles
The contact owns a 2005 Nissan Maxima. The contact stated that while driving 50 mph and applying the brakes, the anti-lock braking system engaged. The vehicle would jerk once the anti-lock braking system engaged independently and caused a delay in stopping distance. The contact took the vehicle to a dealer for a diagnostic test. The dealer stated that the ABS sensor was causing the anti-lock brake system to engage during normal braking. The dealer replaced the ABS sensor as well as the rear hub assembly. The failure mileage was 40,930.

- Glen Carbon, IL, USA

problem #3

Feb 042013

Maxima 6-cyl

  • 65,000 miles

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

Failure in ABS system. ABS, tcs, and slip warning lights show after the occurring sound of grinding in the brakes. Apparently this is a known problem in 2004 - 2007 Maximas. There is a tsb floating all over the internet documenting the problem and possible repair procedures. Dealer wants close to 3K for a known issue!!!

- Clinton, MD, USA

problem #2

Dec 182010

Maxima

  • 50,000 miles
Loss of both rear wheel ABS sensors causes ABS system to stop working completely. Technical service bulletin publish by Nissan relating to failure, car owner's responsibility. ABS pump and controller failure.

- Lansdale, PA, USA

problem #1

Oct 032011

Maxima 6-cyl

  • 70,000 miles
The vehicle has had multiple incidents with the ABS system. From what I have read, this is a known issue with a service record and a repair of over $2000 yet Nissan refuses to cover the repair or recall the vehicle. The first incident in my vehicle occurred in October 2011. It has since had the same issue three times. The car pulls when braking, makes a loud noise and is difficult to drive and brake.

- Huntingdon Valley, PA, USA

Not what you are looking for?