Nissan Maxima

Besides the complaints below, many 2003 Maxima owners complain that their headlights are being stolen repeatedly.

• Nissan Maxima - stolen headlights

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Sam of Ancaster OTHER (09/02/08)
I have a 2 year old Maxima that is suffering from corrosion on all 4 alloy wheels. Since this is caused by the environment, nissan will not cover the replacement of these wheels. It is stated in their warrenty booklet that they will only cover alloy wheels for 1 year or 20,000 km which ever comes first. This was not explained to me when i purchased the extended warrenty and when I was told the original warrenty which is not up yet is comprehensive.

So I am wondering what this says about a huge car maker who warrenties their wheels for only 1 year. This shows the quality of their cars and faulty products. Their customer service center were extremely unhelpful and unsympathetic bordering on rude. They have lost a customer and I will be sure to let everyone know about their quality and their poor customer service

John of Franklinville NJ (07/09/08)
I own a 2004 Nissan Maxima SL (purchased new). 8-16-05, a mouse found its way into my cabin air filter resulting in a NASTY odor and COSTLY repair. 7-7-08, same problem. I contacted NISSAN via their website, www.nissanusa.com ... File # 6211713. I was referred to one of their authorized dealers. In all of my driving years, I never had this problem. Perhaps it is unique to 2004 Nissan Maxima's and other owners may be experiencing similar problems. Consequently, I am bringing this matter to your attention. Thank you for your assistance!

Laura of Greenville NC (06/04/08)
Starting in November 2006. I was having problems with my 2003 Nissan Maxima. I took it in to be fixed and was told that there was a recall for the problem that I was having. So I made an appoitment with my local dealership to have my car serviced. This was in November 2006. The recall was concerning the crankshaft sensor. My local dealership did replace the part and my car was fixed. Well, in August of 2007, I was experiencing the same problem with my car. It was would lose power while I was driving it. So I took it in the my local dealership again, and was told that they could NOT fix the problem again, because Nissan would replace the recalled part only once.If I got it fixed then, I would have to pay over $400.00 out of pocket. I call Nissan at 1-800-NISSAN, a file was created for me, and was told my the Nissan Rep. that I need to take my car to another dealership and they would replace the part for me. So, I did make an appointment with another dealership, 30 miles away from my home (this was the closes one). I was able to arrange other transportation while my care was 30 miles away. Now i want to say, that I am a single mother with a school aged child. I am the means of transporation for my sona nd myself. I work a full time job and have to take and pick up my son from school 5 days a week. So any how, took my car to the dealership 30 miles away. I had to borrow a family member car's for 4 days. Which really inconvienced both myself and my family member. The dealership called me to let me know that Nissan would not pay and I would have to pay out of pocket. Well, they called me back told me that they would pay for my parts, but I need to labor which was $200.00. I did not have that money to pay, but I had to have my car back. So I had to borrow the money to get my car fixed. Well, just one month later the same part went bad AGAIN in September 07. Of course, I was told that Nissan would not fix it. so I had to pay $400.00 to get it fixed. This took 4 days again to fix, so I once again had to borrow a family member's car. Which inconvienced EVEYONE. So now, in the end of May and 1st of June my car has done it again!!!! i was told that it had been over 12,000 miles and now i have to pay another $450.00 to get it fix!!! What do I do???? This car is sucking me out of money that i don't have. I am in debt because of this car, but I need this to travel to work everyday to pay my bills! PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE someone help me!!!

Rich of Newton MA (01/26/08)
2002 Nissan Maxima- The service engine soon light comes on every 20K-30k costing $300-$700 to repair every time.

Linda of Blacksburg VA (01/17/08)
I complained about consistently having the error code P1320 coming up on my 1999 Nissan Maxima. Although Nissan has a service bulletin on this problem issued back in 2001, they refuse to finance replacing the coils on my car or fixing the underling problem of repairing the wiring harness. I have seen several complaints about this same problem on Nissan 1999 & 2000 models. My car only has 53,000 miles and should last longer. The cost of the upkeep of replacing coils is not worth it. As much as I liked the vehicle otherwise, I will never buy a Nissan again, since they refused to cover this problem.

Victor of Walnut CA (11/14/07)
My 2004 Nissan Maxima's Transmission is slipping and needs to be rebuilt after my warranty expired. I reported the symptoms to two different dealers on two different occassions and was told that they could not find anything wrong but suggeted I do a transmission flush, which cost me over $250. and did nothing to fix my problem. Now that I'm trying to fix my transmission, I've been told by two different mechanics that this year maxima seens to be having the same transmission problem and many owners are having to replace the trasmission. How fortunate is it that the transmission on the 2005 models are redesinged!

James of Brookfield CT (08/26/07)
Starting in early April 2007 my 2001 Nissa Maxima(stil unde warranty 66k miles) begane shut off while driving unexplanably. Severly times this put me, my passangers and other veichls on the road serious harm. At first no one from Nissan would communicate what was wrong, what was the solution and when I get my car back. Promised calls from managers and me personally calling ovr 50 times letters to the CEO and Nissan Consumer Affairs didnt work. Finally after 5 months it took a letter to the Better Business Bearue. Nissan called me back. Now going into he 6 month and aftr 7 failed attempts to repair I am still with out my car.

Moe of Jersey City NJ (06/28/07)
Like the rest of these people, I also have an 03' Nissan Maxima, And guess what?! my headlights got stolen twice within this year. The first time, both headlights were stolen and they ripped out the wiring taking along with it my main headlights, The HID bulbs and transformers. when i arrive called insurance blah, blah blah the usall... and file a police report just to be safe. the police officer who showed up to take down the info also had an 03' maxima and the week before my incident they hit em' up fo hiz lights too... part i decide to play it safe and not get the original lights fearing the same problem... so i bought some cool looking cheap after market lights of EBAY and just got some really strong Xenon bulbs..and you guessed it.. almost a eight months later i got jacked... the second time they only got away with the right headlights but i guess he got frustrated with the left and bashed it in... not only that scrathed up my hood with the tools he used...... and that not even the bad part....litterally arcoss the street is a fire department and up that block is a police precent were that cop's maxima lights were taken... THE 03' maxima is a really nice car it drive great they barely mechanic problems but if they take my lights again i might be force to sell it...i heard that the nissan dealership have some sort of headlight clamp to prevent theft...but that means they probably to more damage to your car to get the lights....good out there 03' maxima driver.....and if your lucky enough to have a garage, PUT THAT CAR IN THERE......

Latricia of Vilonia AR (05/30/07)
I have a 2004 Nissan Maxima. I love the look of the car, but I have not been satisfied with the car in general. At 31000 miles, I had to have the right front strut and bearings replaced due to wear I was told. Now at 47000 miles, I need my left front strut and bearings replaced again due to wear. I drive my car mostly on the freeway and cannot imagine that both struts have worn out already. I have also had to have the hear shield replaced. This is the loudest vehicle (as far as road noise) that I have ever owned. My husband's 4 wheel drive truck is quieter. And lastly, the power adapters are in the most inconvientent locations that I have ever seen. One nearly has a wreck just trying to access them. I am diligently trying to find someone that will pay off this car so that I can get something different. Again, I love the look and the power, but don't like a few other things.

Lisa of Southfield MI (04/30/07)
My complaint is not about the dealership nor the service person that dealt with my issue with my vehicle. My problem is I purchased the exteneded warranty on my 2004 Maxima. I brought my vehicle into th edealership on Wednesdy April 25, 2007 for several things but ultimately because I have been having a problem with my CD player skipping. This has been going on for a while especially when the the weather had been extremely cold. I was told by the dealership service person that my radio would have to be sent out for repair and this would take up to three to six weeks before I can get my radio back. Now I am driving around for Lord only knows how long with no radio and none the other displays are working because I am assuming this was all connected to the radio (time, mileage etc.....). This is such a huge inconvenience for me. Is this Nissan's policy or the dealerships policy?

Greg of Cabool MO (03/12/07)
March 12, 2007 Brought my 2000 Nissan to Al West Nissan Service Department, because the reverse gear was not working all the time. All forward gears worked just fine. After two weeks there, the vehicle STLL is not finished. They are in the process of replacing the ENTIRE transmission because a small part of it was not working. I use my Xterra for my employment, so no work and no pay for two weeks.

Mickey of Torrance CA (01/26/07)
Like many people, I do not have the patience to pursue or have any idea of how to pursue Nissan to right the wrongs of my vehicle. I purchased my 2000 Nissan Maxima SE in May of 1999. Within the first 20,000 miles, I had to have my transmission replaced due to slipping.

The vehicle still did not feel fixed (although I was assured it was) and by the next 10,000 miles after, I had to have it replaced again for the same reason. Both events were covered under warantee. By 40,000 miles, I had the same problem and had it replaced once more. At this point, they claimed that they would replace it with a rebuilt OEM transmission and also replace the radiator. I have asked for lemon law requirements but they claim it is not eligible. I now have 130,000 miles and I've yet to have any more transmission problems (luckily since I no longer am under warantee).

I have also had problems with my shocks and hubs. At 70,000 miles, I had problems with my rear shocks leaking and all 4 hubs were cracked and needed to be replaced. Since it was not under warantee, I needed to repair this out of my own money. At the dealer, they would have charged me $4000 but I found a local mechanic who did a wonderful job for $1000. I've had absolutely no problems since. Finally, my current problem with the car concerns the catalytic converter, ignition, fan and injectors.

The ignition was once an issue during cold starts because when I started the vehicle, there was a loud screeching cranking noise. It periodically occurs and Nissan is unable to completely fix the issue and does not seem to be a concerning problem. So I ignore it. The fan makes loud clanking noises when it is on during A/C usage and when the engine needs cooling. It sounds almost as if it is loose and the fan is hitting metal. Definitely good if you want attention. The check engine light has also come on because of the catalytic converter.

From what I've been told, the Maxima has several catalytic converters monitoring the air flow. I was told that I must replace one of them because either the cat has gone bad or the sensor is bad. In either case, it must be replaced. This item is not cheap. Furthermore, they tell me that I need to have my injectors cleaned (which is not an unusual thing for 130,000 miles and is understandable).

I've consistently attended my oil changes, did routine tune-ups and routine check-ups. I have receipts and documentation on each account. Still, they do not consider my vehicle a lemon or recall worthy.

Jill of Plymouth MA (12/28/06)
I bought a 2003 Nissan Maxima, brand new, in August of 2002. Since I've owned the car I've had the CD player replaced about 4 times. The problem has been a combination of the left speaker not working intermittenly (only with the cd player, works great with the radio/tape player) and the cd player stops playing for a few seconds or stops entirely. Nissans cure for this was to replace it with a refurbished CD player. Now my warrenty is up and Nissan is saying its no longer their problem and that it is my responsiblity.

Do I have any say legally?

It seems to me that they never fixed the problem and that they should be responsible. They are saying that because it's been over a year since I last brought it up that they will not cover it. The last cd player was replaced in april of 2005 and I gave up because I'd waste hours in the dealership waiting for the repair (missing out on work). For each replacement I'd have to bring the car in twice - the first so they could get the serial number of the player (usually 1-2 hrs), then again for the install (usually 2-4 hrs). I gave up because of all the time it was wasting and figured I could deal with it, until my left speaker went out entirely! Now if I play a CD, since certain sounds come out of the left speaker exclusively, the sound is off. Which brings us to today and Nissan saying it's my problem now.

Lawrence of Chicopee MA (12/08/06)
i have 2004 nissan maxima in august 2006 i had motor mounts replaced under warranty and in december had them replaced again and was charged a deductable and on my labor sheet that they are charging warranty company they wrote labor at 9.5 hrs.they got car at 8 in morning and called me at 1 pm to say car is ready.

they will not explain why they had to replace motor mounts less then 4 months later and i asked why and they told me they do not know.i feel they are very dishonest and told what do i care you only had to pay deductable of $50.00 that is wrong i also have phone records of time they called when car was ready

Rob of Montclair NJ (02/17/06)
There should be a recall on 1999 and 2000 Nissan maximas for the ignition coils. Thousands of owners(including me) have had to pay up to $1200 to replace these defective coils. Even my mechanic thinks these vehicles should be recalled. If you search under nissan Maxima ignition coil you will see what I mean This is a huge issue and may involve 10's of millions of dollars

Also, even though the lights were fixed the second time, the right hand side headlight doesn’t come on when the light switch is turned on at the second level. Again, I’ll have to rent a car (at my own expense) & get it repaired. To make matters worse, my manager at my work place does not appreciate all the leave I’m taking to get my car repaired. I lost a lot of man-hours at my job because of this problem. Getting to work so late so often does not particularly put me in my manager’s good books. I have spent about $3000/- on the car till now.

In addition to the above, to add to my misery, I am trying to sell my car, there are no buyers available out there. I showed it to one guy (private owner) and he mentioned that he has heard about the problems that Nissan Maxima has and was not ready to buy it. The idea that most people have is that once they buy a new car (especially something as expensive as a Maxima), they don’t have to bother with repairs for a long time but that does not seem to be true in this case.

Gretchen of Portsmouth NH (7/10/01):
On 5/18/01, I forwarded a letter to Nissan North America, Office of Consumer Affairs. My correspondence involved a complaint concerning a recent repair of my 2000 Maxima, the replacement of the power steering pump. After having done some research, I became aware that this part (normally) need not be replaced during the lifetime of my car (and certainly not after 45,000 miles) and that beginning with the 2000 model, the material used in the making of the power steering pump was changed to a less durable material (metal to rubber).

I requested that I be compensated for the repair as I believe it is a defect in my car and not the result of normal wear and tear. At the suggestion of my dealer, I began my complaint process by phoning the Nissan office of consumer affairs. I was advised to write a letter and did this on 5/18/01. In response to my letter, I received a voice mail message from the individual noted above. He identified himself only as Keith, and stated my warranty had expired and therefore I was responsible for the repair. I received no written response and I believe that after having been told to put my complaint in writing, I certainly deserved a more professional contact.

The financial consequence totalled $650. My car was at the service department of the Nissan dealer for 3 days (because they did not have the part in stock because they had not yet had to replace one), during which I was not provided with another car (despite my request). I was forced to take some time off of work and to negotiate my own transportation. Nissan North America's lack of professional and ethical customer service has made me both angry and sorry that I purchsed my car.

Kevin of Queens, NY, writes:
After having continuous problems with the emmissions system sensors on my automobile I decided to call and file a complaint. I was also notified by my technician that all 95 Nissan Maximas have O2 sensor problems.

My first call to Nissan went well. The person checked for any recalls of warranty extensions, found one which covered the vehicle up to 5 years/60,000 miles and was published in 1998. At which time I had approximatley 37,000 miles on the car.S he promised to have a local dealer call me back to make repairs and refund me past funds I had spent.

Of course no one called!

On April 8 I called Nissan and spoke to an Allison who refused to give out her last name. I went through the whole explanation again and was told that they do not make dealer appointments and my car was not covered because I needed to send in proof of miles.

I said to her please check the computer becuase it should show my last trip to Nissan, which she replied, "Oh yeah it says 37,000."

So again i asked for some type of assistance. Then, she replied after having me on hold for 30 minutes, your car has to be registered in california for the repair. I feel they are trying to avoid responsiilty for the problem!!

Carlos of Yonkers, NY, writes:
I have a 1992 Nixan Maxima. Three weeks ago my engine caught fire for no apparent reason. I found this car was in recall for a defective fuel line. I spoke with Ebony and she told me send a letter of what happened, so I did. I called her five days later because I had not heard from them, then she told someone would call me in 36 hours to came and inspect my car. It never happened -- have not heard back from them.

Now a few days ago, I received a letter from them with a bunch of ridiculous requests in order for them to see what they can do. I need my car every day to get to work and to go to church three times a week. They have not responded in any way to try and help me out.