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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 →

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

Structure complaints

56 reports
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Mileage unknown · Dec 26, 2011
Engine And Engine CoolingPower TrainService Brakes, Hydraulic

I TOOK POSSESSION OF THIS VEHICLE AROUND THE 14TH OF NOVEMBER AND THIS VEHICLE HAS BEEN RETURNED BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP 6 TIMES WITHIN A TWO WEEK PERIOD. I THINK THIS COULD POSSIBLE BE A FLOOD CAR THERE IS A SMELL OF MILDEW AND THE VISOR ARE WATER DAMAGED. TO THIS DAY THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN FIXED AND IT IS THE 26TH DAY OF DE…

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I TOOK POSSESSION OF THIS VEHICLE AROUND THE 14TH OF NOVEMBER AND THIS VEHICLE HAS BEEN RETURNED BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP 6 TIMES WITHIN A TWO WEEK PERIOD. I THINK THIS COULD POSSIBLE BE A FLOOD CAR THERE IS A SMELL OF MILDEW AND THE VISOR ARE WATER DAMAGED. TO THIS DAY THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN FIXED AND IT IS THE 26TH DAY OF DECEMBER 2011. THE TRANSMISSION SEEMS TO BE SLIPPING AND I AM AFRAID TO ENTER TRAFFIC AS THE CAR STALLS AND THEN STICKS UPON ACCELERATING. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT AS WELL AS THE BRAKE AND ABS LIGHTS ARE CONSTANTLY ON WHEN THE DEALERSHIP STATED THAT THEY HAD TURNED THEM OFF. I CAN SMELL FUMES UPON STARTING AND DRIVING THIS CAR. I AM PARENT AND I DON'T LIKE TO GIVE MY CHILD OR ANY OTHER PERSON A RIDE BECAUSE OF THE SMELLS. THE TIRES WERE BALD ON THE CAR AND TWICE WHEN IT RAINED I ALMOST HAS 2 MAJOR COLLISIONS WHEN THE VEHICLE VEERED INTO THE OTHER LANE DRIVING 45 IN A 65 MPH ZONE. I AM FILING A COMPLAINT BECAUSE I DON'T THINK THIS CAR IS A GOOD CAR. I HAVE CONTACTED THE FINANCE COMPANY AND THEY ARE STATING THIS IS OUT OF THERE HANDS. I HAVE TAKEN PICTURES OF THE DIFFERENT ITEM THAT SEEMS TO BE WATER DAMAGED. I ALSO WILL BE FILING A COMPLAINT WITH THE CONSUMER LAW GROUP REGARDING THIS MATTER. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10441212

99,000 miles · Dec 25, 2011
Structure

THE SKYVIEW ROOF IN MY 2004 NISSAN MAXIMA IS LEAKING WATER. DURING A HARD RAIN WHEN THE CAR IS SITTING STILL FOR MORE THAN ONE HOUR, WATER WILL RUN THROUGH THE INTERIOR LAMPS ONTO THE INTERIOR. THIS IS VERY ANNOYING TO THE POINT THAT I HATES WHEN IT RAINS. I HAVE TO PLACE A LARGE BATH TOWEL OVER THE DASHBOARD AND GEAR LEVER TO H…

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THE SKYVIEW ROOF IN MY 2004 NISSAN MAXIMA IS LEAKING WATER. DURING A HARD RAIN WHEN THE CAR IS SITTING STILL FOR MORE THAN ONE HOUR, WATER WILL RUN THROUGH THE INTERIOR LAMPS ONTO THE INTERIOR. THIS IS VERY ANNOYING TO THE POINT THAT I HATES WHEN IT RAINS. I HAVE TO PLACE A LARGE BATH TOWEL OVER THE DASHBOARD AND GEAR LEVER TO HELP PREVENT WATER AND ELECTRICAL DAMAGE! PLEASE HELP! *TR

NHTSA ODI #10441191

95,000 miles · Nov 22, 2011
Engine And Engine CoolingStructure

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 20004 NISSAN MAXIMA. WHILE AT AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR ROUTINE MAINTENANCE THE CONTACT WAS MADE AWARE OF HOLES DUE TO CORROSION ON THE FRONT DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE FLOOR BOARDS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE TECHNICIANS STATED THE FLOOR BOARD HAD TO BE REPLACED. THER…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 20004 NISSAN MAXIMA. WHILE AT AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR ROUTINE MAINTENANCE THE CONTACT WAS MADE AWARE OF HOLES DUE TO CORROSION ON THE FRONT DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE FLOOR BOARDS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE TECHNICIANS STATED THE FLOOR BOARD HAD TO BE REPLACED. THERE WAS ALSO A BUZZING NOISE IN THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO STATED THE TIMING CHAIN HAD TO BE REPLACED. THE TIMING CHAIN WAS REPLACED; HOWEVER, THE FLOOR BOARD WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 95,000.

NHTSA ODI #10436730

115,000 miles · Nov 17, 2011
Structure

ON NOVEMBER 15, 2011, I WAS WALKING ACROSS THE PARKING LOT OF FOOD STORE AND NOTICED SOMETHING HANGING DOWN FROM THE PASSENGER SIDE OF THE CAR UNDER THE PASSENGER SEAT. UPON INVESTIGATION I FOUND A HOLE IN THE BOTTOM OF THE CAR WHERE IT HAD ROTTED OUT. THE METAL IS FLAKING OFF AND THE HOLE CONTINUES TO GET BIGGER. I LOOKED ONLIN…

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ON NOVEMBER 15, 2011, I WAS WALKING ACROSS THE PARKING LOT OF FOOD STORE AND NOTICED SOMETHING HANGING DOWN FROM THE PASSENGER SIDE OF THE CAR UNDER THE PASSENGER SEAT. UPON INVESTIGATION I FOUND A HOLE IN THE BOTTOM OF THE CAR WHERE IT HAD ROTTED OUT. THE METAL IS FLAKING OFF AND THE HOLE CONTINUES TO GET BIGGER. I LOOKED ONLINE TO SEE IF THERE HAD BEEN A RECALL TO FIX THE PROBLEM AND FOUND MANY OTHER PEOPLE WITH THE SAME PROBLEM. NISSAN REFUSES TO RECALL OR REPAIR THE PROBLEM. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10436282

88,000 miles · Nov 10, 2011
Structure

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 NISSAN MAXIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN FOR ROUTINE MAINTENANCE WHEN HE WAS ADVISED THAT THE PASSENGER SIDE FLOORBOARD WAS CORRODED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE BUT DID NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE W…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 NISSAN MAXIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN FOR ROUTINE MAINTENANCE WHEN HE WAS ADVISED THAT THE PASSENGER SIDE FLOORBOARD WAS CORRODED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE BUT DID NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 88,000.

NHTSA ODI #10435189

73,000 miles · Aug 4, 2011
Structure

THE PASSENGER FLOOR BOARD HAS RUSTED THROUGH CREATING A HOLE ABOUT 7" BY 14" UNDER THE CARPET. NISSAN WAS CONTACTED THROUGH OUR LOCAL DEALER IN MAY AND NISSAN RESPONDED THAT THEY WOULD NOT REPAIR THE ISSUE WITHOUT COST TO US. IN INVESTIGATING IT IS INTERESTING TO NOTE THAT THE PANEL THAT IS RUSTED OUT APPEARS TO BE PAINTED IN A …

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THE PASSENGER FLOOR BOARD HAS RUSTED THROUGH CREATING A HOLE ABOUT 7" BY 14" UNDER THE CARPET. NISSAN WAS CONTACTED THROUGH OUR LOCAL DEALER IN MAY AND NISSAN RESPONDED THAT THEY WOULD NOT REPAIR THE ISSUE WITHOUT COST TO US. IN INVESTIGATING IT IS INTERESTING TO NOTE THAT THE PANEL THAT IS RUSTED OUT APPEARS TO BE PAINTED IN A GREEN GLOSS PRIMER WHEN THE REMAINDER OF THE FLOOR IS THE BODY COLOR OF WHITE. IN SEARCHING THE INTERNET IT APPEARS THAT THERE ARE MANY OTHER MAXIMA OWNERS WITH THE SAME ISSUE. THE CAR IS GARAGE KEPT IN OHIO, AND RARELY HAS A PASSENGER ON THAT SIDE. CAR IS IN MY WIFE'S NAME.

NHTSA ODI #10417628

112,000 miles · Jun 14, 2011
Structure

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 NISSAN MAXIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FLOOR BOARDS ON THE FRONT HALF OF THE VEHICLE WERE RUSTED AND CORRODED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND INFORMED HIM TO TAKE THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER FOR THE REPAIRS. THE VEHICLE WAS THEN TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO ADVISED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS OUT OF WARRANT…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 NISSAN MAXIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FLOOR BOARDS ON THE FRONT HALF OF THE VEHICLE WERE RUSTED AND CORRODED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND INFORMED HIM TO TAKE THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER FOR THE REPAIRS. THE VEHICLE WAS THEN TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO ADVISED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS OUT OF WARRANTY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED A SECOND TIME AND INFORMED HIM TO GET AN ESTIMATE ON THE REPAIRS FOR POSSIBLE ASSISTANCE. THE ESTIMATE WAS PROVIDED TO THE MANUFACTURER BUT THEY OFFERED NO FURTHER ASSISTANCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED AND A CLAIM WAS FILED WITH THE MANUFACTURER. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 112,000.

NHTSA ODI #10406277

Mileage unknown · Nov 27, 2010
Electrical SystemLatches/locks/linkagesPower Train

FRONT AND REAR SUSPENSION, STEERING, BRAKES,BODY WORK, DRIVERS DOOR. HAD ISSUES RIGHT AFTER WIFE BOUGHT THE CAR SHE WENT WITHOUT ME BUT UPON LOOKING AT CAR AFTER SHE CAME HOME WITH IT DID THE CAR FAX ON IT ON THING WERE SOME ELECTRICAL CHECKS THAT'S IT NO ACCIDENTS. STEERING TIGHT WHEN I DROVE IT AND NOTICED NOISE FROM SUSPENSIO…

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FRONT AND REAR SUSPENSION, STEERING, BRAKES,BODY WORK, DRIVERS DOOR. HAD ISSUES RIGHT AFTER WIFE BOUGHT THE CAR SHE WENT WITHOUT ME BUT UPON LOOKING AT CAR AFTER SHE CAME HOME WITH IT DID THE CAR FAX ON IT ON THING WERE SOME ELECTRICAL CHECKS THAT'S IT NO ACCIDENTS. STEERING TIGHT WHEN I DROVE IT AND NOTICED NOISE FROM SUSPENSION WHEN GOING OVER RAILROAD TRACKS AND DRIVER DOOR SAGGING. BROUGHT TO DEALER NEXT DAY AND THE SAID A BAR WAS RUBBING ON ANOTHER THEY FIX THEY SAID NOTHING WRONG WITH SUSPENSION IN HEARING THINGS IS THERE EXACT WORDS AND REPLACED THE DOOR HINGES WHICH ARE PURPLE AND THE CAR IS RED DOOR SAGGING AGAIN BUT I WAS INVOLVED IN ACCIDENT END OF 2008 GOT SIDESWIPED BY 2500 DODGE RAM TRUCK AT 45 MPH ON DRIVERSIDE HAVING PROBLEMS WITH THAT BECAUSE BODY SHOP ON REPAIR DAMAGE NOT REPLACED I BROUGHT MY CAR TO ANOTHER BODY SHOP BECAUSE OF ISSUES IM HAVING AND THEY SAID WORK WAS DONE INCORRECTLY. AND TRANSMISSION HAS ALWAYS WHEN I DRIVE MORE THAN 20 MILES CONTINUOUSLY WHEN I COME TO STOP AND START AGAIN THE TRANNY ALWAYS SLIPS BAD BETWEEN 2ND AND 3RD GEAR AND INTO 4TH SOMETIMES. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10367952

140,000 miles · Oct 17, 2010
Power TrainStructure

MY CAR HAS NOT CRANKED ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS LEAVING ME STRANDED. ALSO RATTLING SOUND FOR A LONG TIME WHEN STARTING THE CAR. THIS MORNING WHEN I CRANKED MY CAR IT SOUNDED LIKE SOMETHING BROKE LOOSE, UNABLE TO DRIVE WILL HAVE TO GET IT CHECKED OUT ALSO RUST SPOTS ARE FORMING ON MY HOOD, FRONT BUMPER AND BOTH SIDES OF MY WINDSHIELD…

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MY CAR HAS NOT CRANKED ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS LEAVING ME STRANDED. ALSO RATTLING SOUND FOR A LONG TIME WHEN STARTING THE CAR. THIS MORNING WHEN I CRANKED MY CAR IT SOUNDED LIKE SOMETHING BROKE LOOSE, UNABLE TO DRIVE WILL HAVE TO GET IT CHECKED OUT ALSO RUST SPOTS ARE FORMING ON MY HOOD, FRONT BUMPER AND BOTH SIDES OF MY WINDSHIELD. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10360841

Mileage unknown · Aug 10, 2010
Structure

RUSTING OF UNDERBODY (FLOOR), UNDER DRIVER AND PASSENGER, VISIBLE HOLES, DIAMETER SIZE OF OVER 1 FOOT. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10348596

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.