← New search

2005 Nissan Maxima

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

More warning signs than most Maxima years

Owner complaints for the 2005 Nissan Maxima are substantially higher than the model-year median of 99.

About this comparison →

When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

822 reports with mileage · 126 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 777 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Engine. Review the 61 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Engine And Engine Cooling. Review the 40 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

16 crash reports10 fire reports19 injury reports

Wheels complaints

9 reports
Clear category filter
170,000 miles · Aug 18, 2018
Power TrainVehicle Speed ControlWheels

THE 2005 NISSAN MAXIMA HAS A TERRIBLE TRANSMISSION. PROBLEMS SHIFTING GEARS AND WHEN TRYING TO ACCELERATE IT WONT SHIFT OUT OF GEARS TO GO FASTER. SUCH AS IF I STOP AT A STOP LIGHT OR STOP SIGN AND THEN TRY TO GO AGAIN IT ACCELERATES VERY (5MPH). ALSO WHEN SHIFTING INTO DRIVE, IT DOES THIS LOUD BANGING JERK THAT JERKS THE ENTIRE…

Read full complaint

THE 2005 NISSAN MAXIMA HAS A TERRIBLE TRANSMISSION. PROBLEMS SHIFTING GEARS AND WHEN TRYING TO ACCELERATE IT WONT SHIFT OUT OF GEARS TO GO FASTER. SUCH AS IF I STOP AT A STOP LIGHT OR STOP SIGN AND THEN TRY TO GO AGAIN IT ACCELERATES VERY (5MPH). ALSO WHEN SHIFTING INTO DRIVE, IT DOES THIS LOUD BANGING JERK THAT JERKS THE ENTIRE CAR. WAS TOLD TRANSMISSION IS SLIPPING. THERE ARE THOUSANDS OF OTHER COMPLAINTS FOR THE NISSIAN MAXIMA TRANSMISSION AND NEEDS TO BE A RECALL ON THE TRANSMISSION. CAR IS ONLY 13 YEARS OLD.

NHTSA ODI #11120805

Mileage unknown · Jan 9, 2017
EnginePower TrainWheels

THE TRANSMISSION ON MY 2005 NISSAN/MAXIMA IS HARD SHIFTING WHEN ENGINE/TRANSMISSIONIS IS HOT, DELAYING TAKE OFF AND KICKING EXTREMELY BAD WHEN PICKING UP SPEED AND THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION SHIFTS GEARS. TWO MOTOR MOUNT ARE ALREADY BROKEN AS A RESULT OF THIS PROBLEM. NISSAN DEALER RECOMMENDED REPLACE TRANSMISSION. A TRANSMISSIO…

Read full complaint

THE TRANSMISSION ON MY 2005 NISSAN/MAXIMA IS HARD SHIFTING WHEN ENGINE/TRANSMISSIONIS IS HOT, DELAYING TAKE OFF AND KICKING EXTREMELY BAD WHEN PICKING UP SPEED AND THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION SHIFTS GEARS. TWO MOTOR MOUNT ARE ALREADY BROKEN AS A RESULT OF THIS PROBLEM. NISSAN DEALER RECOMMENDED REPLACE TRANSMISSION. A TRANSMISSION SPECIALIZED SHOP INSPECTED AND TESTED THE TRANSMISSION FOR SECOND OPINION AND DID NO FIND PROBLEM IN THE TRANSMISSION, OTHER THAN 2 BAD SENSORS. SENSORS WAS REPLACED AND 6 MONTHS LATER THE PROBLEM STARTED AGAIN. *INTERIOR SUNVISOR LIGHTNING COVER BROKEN IN BOTH SIDES, DRIVER'S AND PASSENGER. *CD PLAYER NOT WORKING, NOT PLAYING. *ORIGINAL CHROME WHEELS ARE CORRODED, BREAKING THE SEAL ON TWO OF THE TIRES CAUSING PRESSURE TO LOWER AND MAKES TIRE GO FLAT IN LESS THAN A WEEK, IF NOT ATTENDED SOON.

NHTSA ODI #10944019

175,000 miles · Jul 4, 2016
Air BagsElectrical SystemElectronic Stability Control (esc)CrashInjury

"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 TH…

Read full complaint

"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). *TR

NHTSA ODI #10882397

37,000 miles · Dec 12, 2014
Electrical SystemService Brakes, HydraulicWheels

THE ABS SYSTEM IS DEFECTIVE BASED UPON NISSAN MANUFACTURERS BULLETIN REGARDING MAXIMA'S YEARS 2004, 2005, 2006. THE REQUIREMENT OF NISSAN TO REPLACE 2-REAR WHEEL HUBS $444.10, 2-REAR ABS WHEEL SENSORS $627.20, AND POSSIBLY THE ABS ACTUATOR-ASSY $1306.51 ALL DUE TO THE TECHNICAL FACT THAT WATER ACCUMULATES IN THE WHEEL HUBS AND …

Read full complaint

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

NHTSA ODI #10664929

51,000 miles · Aug 27, 2010
Wheels

I HAVE 2005 NISSAN MAXIMA WHERE THE STEEL WHEELS ARE CORRODING CAUSING SLOW LEAKS WHEN TIRES ARE SEALED TO THE WHEEL. I AM CONCERNED ABOUT HITTING POTHOLES AT HIGHER SPEEDS AND SEAL BREAKING CAUSING CAR TO GO OUT OF CONTROL. CAR HAS 51,000 MILES ON IT. NISSAN DEALERSHIP WHERE CAR WAS PURCHASED ADVISES CORROSION WARRANTY LAPSED A…

Read full complaint

I HAVE 2005 NISSAN MAXIMA WHERE THE STEEL WHEELS ARE CORRODING CAUSING SLOW LEAKS WHEN TIRES ARE SEALED TO THE WHEEL. I AM CONCERNED ABOUT HITTING POTHOLES AT HIGHER SPEEDS AND SEAL BREAKING CAUSING CAR TO GO OUT OF CONTROL. CAR HAS 51,000 MILES ON IT. NISSAN DEALERSHIP WHERE CAR WAS PURCHASED ADVISES CORROSION WARRANTY LAPSED AS OF 3/25/2010.THIS PROBLEM FIRST STARTED IN 3/2008. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10352281

60,000 miles · Nov 13, 2009
Wheels

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 NISSAN MAXIMA. WHILE DRIVING BETWEEN 60-65 MPH THE VEHICLES ROAD PERFORMANCE WAS VERY POOR DUE THE EXTREMELY LOW TIRE PRESSURE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A SERVICE STATION TO INFLATE THE LOW PRESSURED TIRES. IDENTICAL FAILURES OCCURRED ON SEVERAL SEPARATE OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN IN…

Read full complaint

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 NISSAN MAXIMA. WHILE DRIVING BETWEEN 60-65 MPH THE VEHICLES ROAD PERFORMANCE WAS VERY POOR DUE THE EXTREMELY LOW TIRE PRESSURE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A SERVICE STATION TO INFLATE THE LOW PRESSURED TIRES. IDENTICAL FAILURES OCCURRED ON SEVERAL SEPARATE OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE FAILURES WAS CAUSED BY DEFECTIVE CHROME WITHIN THE INNER WHEELS. THE DEFECT CAUSED LOW TIRE PRESSURE, IN WHICH ALL FOUR TIRES HAD DEEP CRACKS. THE FOUR TIRES WERE REPLACED ON THREE SEPARATE OCCASIONS. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 60,00. THE VIN NUMBER WAS UNAVAILABLE.

NHTSA ODI #10292102

25,000 miles · Sep 18, 2008
Wheels

TIRES ON MY 2005 NISSAN MAXIMA KEEP LOOSING AIR. THE RIMS ARE CHROME (FACTORY) RIMS. I HAVE LOST 2 TIRES BECAUSE OF THIS PROBLEM. I HAVE HAD 4 OCCURRENCES OF THE LEAKING TIRES. THE CHROME PLATING IS SEPARATING FROM THE RIM AND THE TIRE BEAD STARTS TO LEAK AIR. 2 OF THE 4 OCCURRENCES WERE ON THE HIGHWAY. THE REPAIR SHOPS I HAVE T…

Read full complaint

TIRES ON MY 2005 NISSAN MAXIMA KEEP LOOSING AIR. THE RIMS ARE CHROME (FACTORY) RIMS. I HAVE LOST 2 TIRES BECAUSE OF THIS PROBLEM. I HAVE HAD 4 OCCURRENCES OF THE LEAKING TIRES. THE CHROME PLATING IS SEPARATING FROM THE RIM AND THE TIRE BEAD STARTS TO LEAK AIR. 2 OF THE 4 OCCURRENCES WERE ON THE HIGHWAY. THE REPAIR SHOPS I HAVE TAKEN THE TIRES/RIMS TO ALL TELL ME THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM THEY HAVE SEEN. I AM CURRENTLY WORKING THE PROBLEM WITH NISSAN TO TRY TO GET THEM TO REPLACE THE DEFECTIVE RIMS. I HAVE TO DATE SPENT APPROX. $750 FOR TIRES REPAIRS. IS THERE A RECORD OF FAILURES OF THIS KIND ON FILE? IF THE PROBLEM IS NOT CORRECTED BY NISSAN WHAT DO YOU SUGGEST I DO NEXT? I FIND IT VERY SCARY TRYING TO CHANGE A TIRE ON THE INTERSTATE HIGHWAYS AND FEAR BEING HIT. I CHECK ALL 4 TIRES WEEKLY NOW BUT TWO OF THE LEAKS OCCURRED ON THE HIGH SPEED HIGHWAYS EVEN THOUGH I CHECK THE AIR PRESSURE. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10242850

Mileage unknown · Aug 10, 2007
SuspensionWheels

CAR HAS 41K MILES. WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER 4 TIMES FOR A SHIMMY AND VIBRATION WHEN DRIVING OVER 55 MPH. 3 TIMES BALANCED AND ALIGNED TIRES. 4TH TIME WAS TOLD ALL 4 RIMS ARE BENT AND NEED TO BE REPLACED. UNABLE TO GET ACCURATE INFORMATION ON WARRANTY FROM DEALER NOR NISSAN. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10199080

600 miles · Aug 14, 2005
SteeringWheels

VIBRATION IN STEERING WHEEL & SEATS - HAVE HAD BACK TO DEALER FOUR TIMES IN THREE WEEKS - THEY'VE REPLACED WHEEL (OUT OF ROUND/BENT), ROTORS/BRAKES AND ARE NOW INVESTIGATING TIRES - VIBRATION OCCURS IN & OUT AT VARIOUS SPEEDS-LOOKING AT LEMON LAW. *NM

NHTSA ODI #10132761

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.

05V338000 · Child Seat:latch Strap

Jul 26, 2005

CERTAIN VEHICLES FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 225, "CHILD RESTRAINT ANCHORAGE SYSTEMS." THE LOWER ANCHORAGE BRACKETS IN THE REAR SEATS DO NOT MEET THE LOCATION REQUIREMENT IN THIS STANDARD. THIS MAY CAUSE DIFFICULTY IN ATTACHING SOME CHILD SEATS TO THESE BRACKETS.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: IF A CHILD SEAT IS NOT PROPERLY SECURED, THERE IS AN INCREASED RISK OF INJURY TO THE SEAT OCCUPANT IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE LOWER ANCHORAGE BRACKETS WITH MODIFIED BRACKETS TO ENSURE THAT THE STANDARD IS MET. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 28, 2006. THE INFINITI Q45 MODEL VEHICLES ARE BEING CAMPAIGNED UNDER A SEPARATE RECALL (PLEASE SEE 05V374000). OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT NISSAN AT 1-800-647-7261 OR INFINITI AT 1-800-662-6200.

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

0

No exact-year investigations in this snapshot.