Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
When problems were reported
Mileage at the reported incident
1380–25K
10625–50K
28150–75K
34975–100K
260100–150K
55150K+
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
What owners actually said
1,425 reports
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
106,000 miles · Jun 13, 2011
Power Train
TRANSMISSION IN 2004 NISSAN MAXIMA JERKS, SO HARD THAT FEELS LIKE YOU JUST GOT REAR ENDED. THESE TRANSMISSIONS ARE FAILING AT AN ASTOUNDING RATE. IT DOESN'T HAPPEN ALL THE TIME BUT WHEN IT DOES, IT MAKES THE CAR UNCOMFORTABLE TO DRIVE. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10406170
77,000 miles · Jun 10, 2011
Power Train
2004 NISSAN MAXIMA TRANSMISSION FAILURE. THE TRANSMISSION JERKS WHEN SHIFTING FROM 1 TO 2ND GEAR AND IT JERKS WHEN SHIFTING FROM 1ST GEAR TO 2ND. IT JERKS WHILE DRIVING AND IT GETS STUCK. IT GOT STUCK WHILE I WAS DRIVING UP A PARKING GARAGE RAMP AND IT WOULD NOT MOVE. WHEN I LET GO OF THE GAS IT BACKED UP ON ITS OWN AND I AM GRA…
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2004 NISSAN MAXIMA TRANSMISSION FAILURE. THE TRANSMISSION JERKS WHEN SHIFTING FROM 1 TO 2ND GEAR AND IT JERKS WHEN SHIFTING FROM 1ST GEAR TO 2ND. IT JERKS WHILE DRIVING AND IT GETS STUCK. IT GOT STUCK WHILE I WAS DRIVING UP A PARKING GARAGE RAMP AND IT WOULD NOT MOVE. WHEN I LET GO OF THE GAS IT BACKED UP ON ITS OWN AND I AM GRATEFUL THE CAR BEHIND ME HAD ALREADY MOVED BACK OR IT WOULD OF CAUSED A COLLISION. THE CAR ONLY HAS 78K MILES AND HAS BEEN VERY WELL TAKEN CARE OF. TO REPLACE THE TRANSMISSION IT COSTS ME $3500!! A CAR WITH ONLY 78KMILES SHOULD NOT NEED A TRANSMISSION REPLACED! *TR
NHTSA ODI #10405926
90,719 miles · Jun 8, 2011
Power Train
I BOUGHT A USED 2004 NISSAN MAXIMA SE AND I'M HAVING PROBLEMS THE JERKING, THRUSTING FORWARD AND THE BAD DOWN SHIFTING. I TOOK THE CAR TO THE NISSAN DEALERSHIP ACT LIKE THEY NEVER HEARD OF A PROBLEM BEFORE AND THEY SAID THE TRANSMISSION NEEDED A FLUSH ($200), SO I DID, IT CONTINUED KICKING. I TOOK IT BACK TO NISSAN THEY DROVE IT…
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I BOUGHT A USED 2004 NISSAN MAXIMA SE AND I'M HAVING PROBLEMS THE JERKING, THRUSTING FORWARD AND THE BAD DOWN SHIFTING. I TOOK THE CAR TO THE NISSAN DEALERSHIP ACT LIKE THEY NEVER HEARD OF A PROBLEM BEFORE AND THEY SAID THE TRANSMISSION NEEDED A FLUSH ($200), SO I DID, IT CONTINUED KICKING. I TOOK IT BACK TO NISSAN THEY DROVE IT AND TOLD ME IT NEED MOTOR MOUNTS ($2,000), I GOT THE MOTOR MOUNTS REPLACED AT LOCAL AUTO SHOP. THEY HAVE NO PROBLEM WANTING ME TO SPENDING MONEY ON DIAGNOSIS THE PROBLEM, WHEN THEY KNOW WHAT THE PROBLEM IS. THE TRANSMISSION IS A RECALL ISSUE THEY DON?T WANT TO MAKE PUBLIC. I?M VERY DISAPPOINTED IN NISSAN. I?VE HAD 2 ALTIMA, I HAVE A 1997 MAX AND NEVER HAD MAJOR ISSUES (I DRIVE THAT MORE THAN THE NEW CAR) AND I HAVE A 2004 ARMADA, I WOULD NOT RECOMMEND THEM TO ANYONE ANY MORE. THEY PRIDE THEMSELVES IN NOT SELLING LEMONS...WELL I GOT ONE! I DON?T UNDERSTAND HOW I CAN HAVE 1997 MAX AND NOT HAVE TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS AND NEW MODEL CAR 2004 AND HAVING ALL THESE ISSUES. I CANNOT AFFORD A $3,800 TRANSMISSION AND A NEW SET OF $500 MOTOR MOUNTS.....ANOTHER PROBLEM I'VE HAD WITH THIS CAR IS THE A/C KEEPS GOING OUT...THERE IS NO LEAKS IN THE LINES BUT THERE IS SOMETHING WRONG WITH THE A/C PUMP SO I WAS TOLD BY A LOCAL REPAIR SHOP. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10405671
90,719 miles · Jun 8, 2011
Power Train
I BOUGHT A USED 2004 NISSAN MAXIMA SE AND I'M HAVING PROBLEMS THE JERKING, THRUSTING FORWARD AND THE BAD DOWN SHIFTING. I TOOK THE CAR TO THE NISSAN DEALERSHIP ACT LIKE THEY NEVER HEARD OF A PROBLEM BEFORE AND THEY SAID THE TRANSMISSION NEEDED A FLUSH ($200), SO I DID, IT CONTINUED KICKING. I TOOK IT BACK TO NISSAN THEY DROVE IT…
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I BOUGHT A USED 2004 NISSAN MAXIMA SE AND I'M HAVING PROBLEMS THE JERKING, THRUSTING FORWARD AND THE BAD DOWN SHIFTING. I TOOK THE CAR TO THE NISSAN DEALERSHIP ACT LIKE THEY NEVER HEARD OF A PROBLEM BEFORE AND THEY SAID THE TRANSMISSION NEEDED A FLUSH ($200), SO I DID, IT CONTINUED KICKING. I TOOK IT BACK TO NISSAN THEY DROVE IT AND TOLD ME IT NEED MOTOR MOUNTS ($2,000), I GOT THE MOTOR MOUNTS REPLACED AT LOCAL AUTO SHOP. THEY HAVE NO PROBLEM WANTING ME TO SPENDING MONEY ON DIAGNOSIS THE PROBLEM, WHEN THEY KNOW WHAT THE PROBLEM IS. THE TRANSMISSION IS A RECALL ISSUE THEY DON?T WANT TO MAKE PUBLIC. I?M VERY DISAPPOINTED IN NISSAN. I?VE HAD 2 ALTIMA, I HAVE A 1997 MAX AND NEVER HAD MAJOR ISSUES (I DRIVE THAT MORE THAN THE NEW CAR) AND I HAVE A 2004 ARMADA, I WOULD NOT RECOMMEND THEM TO ANYONE ANY MORE. THEY PRIDE THEMSELVES IN NOT SELLING LEMONS...WELL I GOT ONE! I DON?T UNDERSTAND HOW I CAN HAVE 1997 MAX AND NOT HAVE TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS AND NEW MODEL CAR 2004 AND HAVING ALL THESE ISSUES. I CANNOT AFFORD A $3,800 TRANSMISSION AND A NEW SET OF $500 MOTOR MOUNTS.....ANOTHER PROBLEM I'VE HAD WITH THIS CAR IS THE A/C KEEPS GOING OUT...THERE IS NO LEAKS IN THE LINES BUT THERE IS SOMETHING WRONG WITH THE A/C PUMP SO I WAS TOLD BY A LOCAL REPAIR SHOP. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10405669
87,000 miles · Jun 7, 2011
Power Train
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 NISSAN MAXIMA. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 40 MPH WHEN THE TRANSMISSION BEGAN TO SLIP OUT OF GEAR WITH SEVERE HESITATION AND A JERKING MOTION. THE FAILURE RECURRED WHENEVER THE VEHICLE WAS IN OPERATION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHO INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE TRANSMISSION WAS FAULT…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 NISSAN MAXIMA. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 40 MPH WHEN THE TRANSMISSION BEGAN TO SLIP OUT OF GEAR WITH SEVERE HESITATION AND A JERKING MOTION. THE FAILURE RECURRED WHENEVER THE VEHICLE WAS IN OPERATION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHO INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE TRANSMISSION WAS FAULTY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE DEFECT AND THEY REFUSED TO ACCEPT LIABILITY FOR THE REPLACEMENT OF THE TRANSMISSION. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 87,000.
NHTSA ODI #10405483
82,000 miles · Jun 7, 2011
Power Train
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 NISSAN MAXIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD VIOLENTLY JERK WHEN SHIFTING GEARS. THE FAILURE OCCURRED SPORADICALLY WHEN DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS. AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WAS NOTIFIEDOF THE FAILURE AND THE CONTACT WAS ADVISED TO REPLACE THE TRANSMISSION. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAIL…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 NISSAN MAXIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD VIOLENTLY JERK WHEN SHIFTING GEARS. THE FAILURE OCCURRED SPORADICALLY WHEN DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS. AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WAS NOTIFIEDOF THE FAILURE AND THE CONTACT WAS ADVISED TO REPLACE THE TRANSMISSION. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 82,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 86,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.
NHTSA ODI #10405433
80,000 miles · Jun 7, 2011
Power Train
2004 NISSAN - TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS, CAR JERKS TERRIBLY BETWEEN ALL GEARS, JERKS WHEN PUT IN REVERSE AT TIMES HAS LOST ALL POWER WHILE DRIVING. MANY, MANY HAVE THE SAME COMPLAINT. THIS IS A DANGER AND NISSAN NEEDS TO RECALL AND FIX THIS PROBLEM. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10405378
80,000 miles · Jun 2, 2011
Power Train
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 NISSAN MAXIMA SE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS THE VEHICLE WOULD JERK VIOLENTLY. WHILE SITTING AT A STOP LIGHT THE GEARS WOULD SHIFT ON ITS OWN. THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED BY A DEALER AND THEY ADVISED HIM THAT THE TRANSMISSION WAS DEFECTIVE AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICL…
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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 NISSAN MAXIMA SE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS THE VEHICLE WOULD JERK VIOLENTLY. WHILE SITTING AT A STOP LIGHT THE GEARS WOULD SHIFT ON ITS OWN. THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED BY A DEALER AND THEY ADVISED HIM THAT THE TRANSMISSION WAS DEFECTIVE AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 80,000.
NHTSA ODI #10404228
80,000 miles · Jun 1, 2011
Power Train
THE TRANSMISSION ON MY 2004 HAS BEEN HAVING PROBLEMS ABOUT THE PAST 3 YEARS. THE CAR JERKS HARD FROM 1 TO 2ND GEAR AND THEN 2 TO 3RD GEAR... THE CAR SHIFTS AS HARD AS IT DOES IN A MANUAL TRANSMISSION CAR AND IT IS AUTOMATIC. I HAVE LOOKED ON SOME ONLINE WEBSITES AND THEY HAVE MANY OTHER ANGRY CUSTOMERS THAT HAVE THE SAME PROBL…
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THE TRANSMISSION ON MY 2004 HAS BEEN HAVING PROBLEMS ABOUT THE PAST 3 YEARS. THE CAR JERKS HARD FROM 1 TO 2ND GEAR AND THEN 2 TO 3RD GEAR... THE CAR SHIFTS AS HARD AS IT DOES IN A MANUAL TRANSMISSION CAR AND IT IS AUTOMATIC. I HAVE LOOKED ON SOME ONLINE WEBSITES AND THEY HAVE MANY OTHER ANGRY CUSTOMERS THAT HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM AS I DO WITHOUT NO RECALL. IT IS JUST A MATTER OF TIME BEFORE SOMEONE GETS HURT FROM A COMMON FAULTY PRODUCT. *TR
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.
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.
2004 Nissan Maxima Problems, Complaints & Recalls | Skip That Year
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