About Nissan Maxima
While early models of the Nissan Maxima were small sedans, newer models are considered luxury sedans. Read more Nissan reviews to learn about other models.
Nissan Maxima Reviews
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Reviewed Dec. 9, 2016
Dependable vehicle. 2006 Nissan Maxima. Smooth ride, comfortable and affords leg room. Transmission issue at 100,000 miles and had to replace. Paint - fades. Repairing is expensive even if you do it yourself. Parts are not cheap. Plenty of room in the trunk. Premium sound system. Love Nissans. Plan on buying another one (2015) within the next six months. Take care of the car and it will take care of you.
Reviewed Nov. 14, 2016
On November 1 I dropped my daughter to school and came back home with my car. As I was getting ready to go to work the work would not bulge. It was dead. I thought it was the battery so I went to Auto Zone to get for both keys but that was not the issue. I called a friend who works for Nissan and he told me it might be the Escl malfunction. I YouTubed and Googled the issue and sure enough there is such a problem but it's not supposed to happen to my model not 2010. According to Nissan, written on their website that it was fixed and the warranty is only extended to 09 model.
So I called consumer affairs. A very nasty, condescending, smart behind Mike gave me a hard time until I told him to check question 7 in the same faq's he was asking me to read. It was then he transferred me to Angela the regional manager for Nissan. I explained the situation to her and she kept telling me that the my car did not have the warranty. IF IT'S A MALFUNCTION, Angela from Nissan told me that my case would be reviewed and they would let me know what actions they would take. The Nissan Dealer Gregoris were very nasty too. Maria was not trying to hear anything I had to say. Again I was told that my car is not under warranty for that issue. People it's a malfunction. The car totally shuts down.
I've read online on many complaints that NISSAN owns about the issue but does not want to class it as a recall. I ended up paying $1078 for the part and labor. Nissan consumer affairs called me immediately after I picked up the car and told me that they could not help. I will never purchase another Nissan nothing. Nissan does not care for their customers’ safety. I could have been anywhere and my car could have shut down on me like that. Nissan sucks.
Reviewed Aug. 18, 2016
My 2006 Nissan Maxima started slipping gears at about 80,000 miles, just about after the manufacture warranties were up. This make the 2nd Nissan Maxima I have owned and the 2nd transmission problem I I have had. I waited 10 years to buy another Nissan after my first experience with Maxima transmission problems, thinking "surely they have figured out how to make better transmissions..." Boy was I wrong! My first Maxima cost me almost $4000 to repair back in 2000. NOW I'm told this transmission will cost about $3500 to repair (needing a complete rebuild).
This is NOT a new problem with Nissan. My 2006 now has a hard time finding a gear in automatic, when it does, it SLAMS into gear, then quickly looses gear again as it searches for the next gear. I have to switch over to to the manual gear shifting so the car will stay in each gear. Occasionally, the transmission will get stuck in 5th gear if I have been on the highway for a while. The only way to disengage the gear is to stop the car, turn off the engine, restart the car and put it into gear, where the transmission instantly SLAMS into 1st gear again. This makes for a VERY UNSAFE DRIVING CONDITION. I would like NISSAN to own up to the fact that they are producing very poor quality and UNSAFE transmissions. Are they simply waiting for people to die before they fix their mistakes?
Reviewed July 24, 2016
Purchased a 2013 Nissan Maxima. Hit 70,000 & the CVT transmission is bad. I've had the car for less than 1 year. Contacted Nissan & was advised that it was nothing they could do being that I just had passed the 70,000 warranty. I'm pissed & will never do business with this company. It's definitely not fair that the consumer has to pay for the company false standards. The car was poorly made with this terrible transmission that Nissan knows is bad but continues to put in their cars.
Reviewed June 28, 2016
I bought a beautiful "looking" 2010 Maxima with less than 18,000 miles on it after looking for several weeks for used car. I have had no less than 5 catastrophic failures with the vehicle. Good luck buying an extended warranty on a vehicle if you spend 1300.00 every 5 months repairing it. Power steering went, won't pass Wisconsin emissions without problems and sensors galore. You will get stuck somewhere and require a tow when push start fails without warning... and though Nissan is aware of it, they will not help you. I could go on, but just read the rest of reviews and steer clear of Nissan.
Reviewed June 3, 2016
Never again will buy a Nissan. Their cars suck and they dealerships suck. Money pit. Everything started to fall apart at 62000 miles. Go figure.
Reviewed May 26, 2016
I have a 2012 Maxima with 67,000 miles and the CVT just went on it. The "service engine soon" light came on, I continued to drive the car for a day, then loud, high-pitched, sounds started coming from the car. I tried to take it 2 miles to a service station the next morning to get the sounds, and warning light diagnosed and halfway there the car went into "limp mode." I pulled off to the side of the road, put my hazard flashers on, and at 2 mph crawled into the service station.
After 30 minutes the mechanic informed me my transmission (CVT) was shot and that they don't work on CVTs but only replace them. A new one with labor would be $5,500 and a used CVT with labor $3900. Not only did my CVT fail, I've had the navigation system fail at 35,000 miles but the whole unit was replaced under warranty. Now the backup camera is not working and the sun-roof shutters when closing. The car is garage kept, not driven in snow and has had all maintenance kept up to date. How does a $39,000 car have so many problems within the first 4 years of ownership?
I have contacted Nissan and have tried to work my way through the lower level support reps. who are there only to frustrate angry consumers and deflect them from getting real answers from upper management. I have owned many cars in my years and have had plenty of small problems but never had a transmission go out. I had a Volkswagen Rabbit (showing my age) in high school and drove that in college and finally sold it with 185,000 miles on it and the transmission still worked fine. I still own a 98 Jeep Wrangler and the transmission works fine. I had a Ford Explorer with 132,000 miles on it before getting rid of it and that transmission worked fine. There is obviously a defect in the engineering of the Nissan's CVT and I was unlucky enough to buy one.
I just wish Nissan would stand behind their mistake instead of pretending it doesn't exist. If a 1982 Volkswagen Rabbit selling new for $9,100 can get close to 200,000 miles on the engine and transmission I would think that a 2012 Nissan Maxima costing $39,000, with today's technology, could at least equal that. I am woefully wrong.
Reviewed April 30, 2016
I repaired autos for 20 years. I had over 30 car in my life! And this 07 Nissan Maxima is the worst vehicle I've ever had. The cvt transmission is slipping noisy garbage, the front floor pans are rotten? The rear abs sensors short out and burn up traction control module. $$. The rear brake calipers seized up and burned off the brakes. The ac clutch grinding when turned on. The blower motor makes horrible noise when it feels like it? This car in the snow will not go over 20mph, will not stop or steer. 20.000$ car and no one wants this p.o.s. Never again. Sad example for a car maker.
Reviewed Feb. 16, 2016
Let's first be clear that when I say this it will hit the fan!!! I work for a Dodge dealership and found out on this past Saturday how Nissan got over on great loyalty customers!!! I own a 2009 Nissan Maxima S with 95K!! On last week my vehicle would not start. It had two lights on the dash a red security light and a yellow key light that mean something was wrong with the steering lock system!! I google my car, but to my surprise many others were having the same problem with their 2009-2010 Nissan Maxima and Altima!!! Then found out that Nissan had put a 6 year unlimited warranty mileage on this part which is the steering lock module!!! Of course my car was out of the warranty!!!
Here come the part that made me very upset. I call my local Nissan dealership here in Columbia, SC and was told it would cost about $1100 to fix my car and the part itself was $790. I reach out to Nissan North America for help due to the fact this was a defective part that was not replace. They call me back today and said they wouldn't assist. Anyway the dealership I work for call the same local Nissan store and got the part for $499 and I went to Lowe's on yesterday to buy a special tool call easy out to take the part off my car!!! It took me every bit of 20 minutes to fix my car and I'm not a mechanic!!! So what I'm getting at is that a lot of consumers paid close to $1100 for a $700 job max!!! Thanks Nissan for showing the American people who buy your product or brand how much you care!!!
Reviewed Jan. 8, 2016
Just got to a accident last week. As I was driving into my parking space at my complex halfway into my parking space my car just took off on me AND accelerated and I could not react quick ENOUGH to do. Over $5000 in damage. Lucky for me I didn't hurt or crash into anyone. Can someone help me and direct me to what should I do next. THANK YOU.
Reviewed Dec. 20, 2015
I purchased a 2013 Nissan Maxima in April 2015. It's now December 2015 and my transmission is bad in the vehicle and needs to be rebuilt. I only have about 70,000 miles on the odometer and of course my warranty on the vehicle is no longer valid. This is really frustrating because this is a new vehicle which I haven't got to use for a whole year yet. Nissan service department has quoted me $5,000 to repair the transmission. I'll be better off putting the $5000 down on a new more reliable car brand. Please be careful when buying a Nissan. You'll end up in more debt and won't get the opportunity to enjoy the vehicle because you will stay having to take it to the shop for different repairs. This was my first and last Nissan.
Reviewed Dec. 18, 2015
I own a beautiful dark blue 2005 Nissan Maxima. But it is the pits, a lemon. Transmission was replaced and it went bad just after the warranty went out. Now I am broke down. Merry Christmas Nissan!!!
Reviewed Nov. 15, 2015
I replaced my transmission in my 2004 Nissan Maxima at the Nissan dealership. Two years later the transmission is acting up. I went to the store and got back in my car, put it in drive and the car wouldn't move so I gave it a little gas and it still wouldn't move. Then I cut the car off for 15 mins then put the car in gear then it made a thump noise like it was hung up. So what do I need to do I am feed up. Transmission are not cheap. I love the car because I needs to work but scared to drive the car. It might put me down somewhere.
Reviewed Nov. 10, 2015
Nissan Maxima 2006 - I would like to mention that I just want the car fixed at this time at no cost to me. The history of the car I mentioned on the initial call, parts have been replaced since 10/26/2015 and I yet to know if it has corrected the initial problem which is car turning off while I am driving. The tcs, slip and check engine lights up, which Scott at service witness and even drove the car. Many parts have been replaced but yet the car turned off again.
The initial pick up, the battery was dead and was charged. I then drove the car from the back of the dealer lot to the front and it turned off with all lights appearing again. Scott then drove the car and kept it to diagnose again. Originally, the engine mount and transmission mount was replace and a cam sensor but still the car turn off. In the process of me writing this email, I received a call from Nissan corporate and they are standing their ground as to me paying the extra labor
It is unfortunate that decisions were made unknown to me on a repair of a seized bolt which has now put me in a situation where additional labor is needed because the technician decided to break the bolt without my consent of verifying if the warranty would pay for it. I think this is unacceptable, and disappointing customer service. I will definitely share my thoughts and concerns with the attorney general of consumer affairs, better business bureau, and every social media, and review of team Nissan.
In closing I will also consult with a lawyer since I was not given an option to get my vehicle and option to take elsewhere where now I am force or obligated to pay a labor expense which will not guarantee my car is yet fixed correctly. I personally think they are just trying to make money off my extended warranty. I believe the dealer is taking advantage of the warranty as well as me the consumer with price gouging, since originally the warranty was going to be charged $850.00 and suddenly the same work can be done for $350.00. Let alone should I mentioned that parts have been replaced to the tune of 1500.00 and yet my car still has the same problem. Sincerely, unsatisfied customer, and disgusted and disappointed on the service received.
Reviewed Nov. 6, 2015
Time to file a lawsuit. We bought a 2010 Nissan and just finished paying it off. However, the paint on the hood and roof are shot. Even people at the dealership agreed they had never seen anything as bad as this. We took all the steps, opened a case, had pictures taken at the dealership, waited patiently, and was very confident that Nissan would do the right thing and get this taken care of. After all, we read that this was a common complaint and Nissan did fix the problem with others. We just heard back. Nissan will not do anything. Not only have they lost a customer, I will make sure that pictures and reviews are posted everywhere with warnings to never buy a Nissan because they do not consistently stand behind their product.
Reviewed Oct. 15, 2015
I purchased a 2007 Nissan Maxima new in March of 2007. Every 3 months the cars has had an oil change and any work done that was recommended by service dept. I wash the car weekly and wax and hand wax monthly. All this so called stainless steel trim (which I learned is just plastic that is covered with stainless steel looking tape) has came off. The headliner in the rear of the car is starting to fall down. It appears that Nissan was too cheap to use an inch more or material to tuck it under before they glued it to headliner board.
Did I mention the cars doesn't even have 15,000 miles on it yet? Last time I looked at the odometer it had 14,895 on it. I had brakes done, serpentine belt done at under 7000 miles, exhaust, interior floor sills that was replaced because they were starting to rot and are starting to rot again, which I also supposed to be made of stainless steel. Every time I called Nissan USA they told me "there's nothing they can do because each dealer is independently owned." I realized the car is over its warranty time now and there's nothing I can do. But I will never buy another Nissan Product and I wish everyone reading this will not buy one either!
Reviewed Oct. 13, 2015
I purchased a 2007 Nissan Maxima in 2007. Since then, I have had to replace/repair the following: catalytic converter, power steering pump, high pressure power steering hoses, motor mounts, both drivers side and passenger side sun visors, passenger side side view mirror, new battery every two years, hydraulic trunk struts. I drive extremely conservatively, have not been in a wreck, do regular and scheduled maintenance. I know of no other person who owns a car of any make, model or year that has had as many high dollar repair/replacements as I have had with this car. I will never buy Nissan again.
Reviewed Oct. 3, 2015
I am experiencing the same problem with my 2005 Nissan Maxima. Bought this car in 2011 with 43,000 miles. This issue happened back in March 2015 when it began jerking hard almost came to a closed call when engine rev at 2,000rpms. Took to a mechanic he said that my transmission is gone. Tried fixing but the repair was very expensive. A buddy of mine did add new parts on making it work again but there was problem this time much worst. This time my car is jerking violently into 2nd and 3rd gear even just replaced motor mounts. I've had trouble with engine burning 2 quarts of oil plus catalytic converter needs to be fixed. My car is nice looking but think that wouldn't consider another Nissan after this problem car sound like has diesel after taking off. I think Nissan should have recalled these cars. Now I'm losing a lot of money in minimal repairs. Even transmission is dangerous after car begins in jerking very violently. Thinking trading off on a much more reliable brand. YOU LOST NISSAN!!!
Reviewed Sept. 28, 2015
In 2006 bought 2004 Nissan Maxima. Tranny begin jerking 5 years after purchase! Had valve body replaced. 2 years later jerking comes back and stuck in 4th gear! What a piece of junk! Going back to American Cars!!
Reviewed Sept. 25, 2015
Me and my wife purchased a Nissan Maxima 2005 about a year ago from a dealer. Transmission is giving us problems. It's jerking. I also heard a lot of complaints about the transmissions in the Nissan.
Reviewed Sept. 19, 2015
I purchased a 2008 Nissan Max 5 years ago at 32,000 miles. This year my car reached 119,000 miles and my troubles began. Local Nissan Dealer replaced a part in the tranny, but three months later the car only goes into drive with the ac off. I can press the accelerator to the floor and it won't go so when I turn the air off it then goes into gear. Nissan claims all test are clear and they cannot duplicate problem. So, what's confusing is that it happens seldomly. Any ideas would be helpful!
Reviewed Sept. 11, 2015
I didn't even have my car for a year yet and my check engine light came on then came off then came on and then came off. The dealer said nothing is wrong then my transmission starting slipping, shifting, hard slamming into gear and they say it will cost $3000 to fix. I'm about to have my first child and need my car to be fixed. I live in Connecticut where it is about to be winter soon and we get very bad snow storms and prices, taxes are unbelievable high. I need help. This isn't fair. Nissan should have fixed my car. For now it's just in the back sitting there. God where are you!!!!!!
Reviewed Sept. 1, 2015
I'm only 20. I have an 04 Maxima and I feel like my damn transmission is about to fall. When I'm slowing down it kicks, so disgusting. Never again will I buy a Nissan car. Ima stick to Chevy.
Reviewed Aug. 24, 2015
I have a Nissan Maxima 2005. This car only have 41590 miles. Few month ago start having shifting problem. Went to Nissan dealer and they told me that the problem were the engine support. I change the engine support but the problem continue the same (spent over $400.00). Now I have to deal with the transmission solenoid to see if that solve the problem (provably another don't know how many hundred). I took a look at Nissan extended warranty and they did extend it to 10 years or 120,000 miles meaning they recognize there is transmission problem but the surprise was that 2005 to 2007 Maxima are not included in this warranty. Don't know why because the 10 years are inside that period of extension. It may be that there are too many Maxima with the same problem? If someone have any idea let me know.
Reviewed Aug. 14, 2015
Since we purchased this car about 6 months ago the electrical system has had some kind of short where it causes all of the lights to turn on and the seat heaters turn on as well and in no time at all the battery was dead. There is some strange clicking noise under the hood and the only way to stop it is to disconnect the battery. After 2 trips to the dealer we still don't have an answer.
On the latest dealer visit the technician told my wife that the cause of the problem was the fact that she had the headlights set on auto!! And then after running their diagnostics they informed my wife that the battery cable and terminals needed replacing and it would cost almost $600.00 to have this done!! There is an electrical problem in the car and I am afraid that when it shorts out one of these times it will catch fire and burn up. I just hope we are not in it when this happens!! Nissan should do something about this problem. They should also stop their technicians from pushing unwarranted repairs on people.
Reviewed Aug. 13, 2015
The day after I purchased the car, the engine light came on and so I took it back to the dealer who sent it to a Nissan dealership in which I was told that 3 different codes showed up and they would take care of it. Come to find out they only took care of one of the codes and the car was returned a week later and later that night the engine service light came back on so I returned it back to the dealer and of course the car failed inspection.
So long story short, both the dealer and Nissan dealership knew the car had all of these problems which they claimed to have fixed and the dealer even went to get an inspection sticker on my car the same day my warranty was due to expire. I have only had this car for about 3 months and even though they claim nothing else is showing on the diagnostic test, I've been having nothing but problems. I wish I would've returned the car when the first service engine light came on instead of listening to the dealer who promised to have the car fixed.
Reviewed Aug. 2, 2015
My 02 Maxima has been my favorite car I've ever bought. As soon as I drove it off the lot within 2 months my exhaust was rotted so bad it fell off the car. Now my car is taking hard left's by itself. I replaced all brakes rotors control arms and inner and outer tie rods. Still did nothing. Now my trans is starting to slip. It will rev up to almost 4,000 before shifting. I know it's going to go any day and I don't have the money to fix it. I was using my brother in law's car a few weeks back, here's this story.
06 Maxima Drove fine until one day it jolted hard enough to give you whiplash and once that happened it took 2 days for the transmission to break. NISSAN tried calling them to see if there is anything we can do considering most of my family have Maxima or Altima. They could have cared less. NISSAN does NOT care about their customers whatsoever. I suggest everyone on here calls and calls until we get transmissions recalled. This is not fair to anyone who owns a Nissan and something needs to be done.
Reviewed July 29, 2015
I have owned several Nissans for many years now. Right now I am having my worst experience especially since I am being told I have to replace my transmission. I have already replaced several other parts in my car in the last three months, and I am very frustrated and think Nissan should definitely do something and stand up to the consumer since I have researched and found many of the Nissan cars all seem to have transmission problems plus other issues. I also do not understand why there are class action suits for Nissan but find nothing for the Nissan Maxima 2005 model even though it seems like everyone is having these transmission problems and this is also not the only year that is having these same problems. So even if you fix the transmission the car is worth **. Owners of the Maxima models should be all be given a buyback problem for any of us that still have a financial burden.
Reviewed July 14, 2015
It all started a year and half into owning my 2011 Nissan Maxima. First issue was the engine mount, which cracked and eventually broke. I was told by the Nissan dealership in which I purchased the car from that that particular mount was not covered by my 60K/60 month warranty and that it would cost $1,000.00+ to repair due to labor. Then, within that same year and a half, the battery went completely dead and needed to be replaced, luckily, my warranty reimbursed me for that. Then, in the 3rd year, the battery went dead AGAIN and needed to be replaced along with the battery cables since they were corroded.
In that same time frame, I began having driveability issues and my check engine light illuminated. My car began to burn gas like crazy, stall, jerk (hiccup), and shut off on at any given moment whether I was in motion or stopped. I took it to a shop (not the dealer) to have the code pulled and it came back as P0101, which is Mass Air Flow. I was told the MAF Sensor needed to be replaced, so I purchased an OEM MAF Sensor and replaced that part BUT, my check engine light was still on and wouldn't go off by itself so I had it professionally reset. Then, the light came back and I again had driveability issues (same issues as I previously listed).
Took it back to the same shop and they reset the light again since they said there were no other issues they could locate. Later that same day, the light came back on! So I finally took it to the dealership, paid the $140.00 for the full diagnosis only to be told my car needed to be reflashed! REALLY Nissan?! You couldn't give a courtesy call or bulletin to advise your customers of this? I had children in my car when all of the stalling and jerking was happening, this was a MAJOR safety concern and Nissan couldn't even alert their customers. So basically, me buying the $240.00 sensor was a waste since all my car needed was an update!
Anyway, during this time, I am also told the following all need repairing: Shocks are leaking, antifreeze hose is leaking, control arms need to be replaced, need new front tires, and a front end alignment. Now, some of those things are just wear and tear (especially because I have 98K miles on the car and it is my only commuter/leisure car) but some of these other things are MAJOR repairs that shouldn't even be needed on a car I purchased brand new with 19 miles on it! Needless to say, I am BEYOND angry with this entire Nissan experience. So the moral of the story: I called Nissan Corporate and started a case documenting ALL of my problems from day one and I am now in contact with an attorney because I feel completely robbed and put in jeopardy due to ALL of the driveability issues I've had over the last 4 years!
Reviewed July 11, 2015
The transmission is no good after only 113,000 miles and timing chain ticking after the company knows its faulty parts.
Reviewed July 2, 2015
Ok so August of 2014 I had my 2007 Nissan Maxima CVT replaced. October the inner axle seals blew out. Had them replaced. December car was hesitating to go into reverse. February same issue with reverse. April same thing. May there's a whining noise. July 1st 2015 the dealer takes up on highway. The CVT is failing. They tell me they're not doing anything about it that I need to come up with $6,000.00 to fix??? 27,000 miles and it is shot. Makes no sense. The car has a known issue from time put in to now with a good paper trail. I would think it's time to contact the BBB and a lawyer. Bought car last year. 53 times taken to dealer for anti freeze leak, nothing. Still losing anti freeze. Both head gaskets replaced. Any help would be great.
Reviewed June 4, 2015
My parents bought a brand new Nissan Maxima in 2005. This was their third Nissan. In 2007, they started experiencing jerking and delayed acceleration. Nissan said it was not the transmission but something else causing the problem. They waited until 2013 to agree with what we had already said to them. Nissan has gotten thousands of complaints and chose to ignore them.
They don't value loyal customers at all. They could care less about their customers. Profit over safety is obvious based on their response towards this enormous problem. My mother is 71 years old and my father passed away two years ago this month. They want her to pay $4,100 to replace a defective transmission? Nissan should be boycotted for such scandalous business practices. This morning June 4, 2015 they turned down our claim to have the transmission replaced. Their consumer affairs division is bogus. Horrible company to buy an automobile from...
Reviewed June 4, 2015
My 2008 Maxima has been problem free and I was just singing the praises of a maintenance free vehicle. A few weeks ago my car wouldn't move after sitting at a drive through window. The car eventually moved and had no other problems that I could tell while driving. Last week the car did the same thing. Took it to a repair shop who said I had an issue with the transmission. Decided to do a little internet searching (hoping to find a cheaper problem with the same symptoms) and ran into a PSA from Nissan - they extended the warranty on the CVT to 10 years/120,000 miles. I never got this notice and was hesitant to try the dealer as I had not done maintenance at scheduled intervals nor dealt with this particular dealer.
Well today I was notified that I will be getting a brand new transmission at no cost! The service tech stated that he explained the problem and there was no question from corporate. I would have NEVER known about this if I hadn't found the letter. Please search "NISSAN CVT EXTENDED WARRANTY". I hated to read the other stories as money is hard to come by..... It's worth a try.
Reviewed May 19, 2015
2011 Nissan maxima sv - Well my transmission just went out today, Saturday. It first started to act funny Sunday. I didn't drive it at all cause I knew it was going to be a issue and this happened out of nowhere. I have 76,000 miles on my Maxima so of course it's out of warranty. Nissan found all metal parts in pan when they took it down. I even had it serviced last year for preventive maintenance so I could avoid any issues.
Reviewed May 17, 2015
I purchased my Maxima back in 2007. It had 30k on the odometer not even hurt. This was my dream vehicle, I was instantly in love. I still love my vehicle had it serviced as required but I too feel cheated my vehicle started to slip, but they told me at Nissan Headquarters that it wasn't the transmission until after the warranty ran out. Now the transmission is slipping so bad it will almost throw you through the windshield. The price is 3542.00 to replace it. I Love my vehicle so I want it repaired. Is this fair? No, when Nissan knows they have a transmission problem in THE MAXIMAs so be careful on your purchases.
Reviewed April 21, 2015
Purchased used @ 86k, promptly fell in love with this car's ride, handling performance, etc. Then the trans starting slipping climbing slight inclines, light bumps. Next few months the delay from PARK to DRIVE/REVERSE increased; if you weren't aware of the disengagement, would cause the car to lurch/squeal tires intermittently. The dealer misdiagnosed, and/or refused to acknowledge the known issues/TSB's, and screwed my aftermarket warranty company for thousands (us the deductibles), as they said it was a cam sensor and needed a trans flush. Condition continues... becoming more unsafe. Done the research, see the impending class action... have a case open with Nissan America. What now?
Reviewed April 20, 2015
I purchased this 2006 Nissan Maxima brand new and like many complaints here, I can totally relate to the transmission problems (hard jerking, slipping, hesitation). My car started this problem after reaching 70,000 mile mark. I had the transmission serviced but the problem is still present. The car was not abused and was just a daily work commute vehicle. In addition, the paint started to fade on the hood & roof of the car which was washed & waxed regularly. Now I am stuck with a car that costs more to fix than the car is worth.
Reviewed April 14, 2015
So this all started last summer, I noticed that my exhaust was smoking when I would turn on the car, mind you I am only at 70,000ish miles at this point and have my car routinely maintained. Anyway back to the story, so I make sure to tell the mechanics that my car is smoking only when it is turned on and then it quits, my car is also experiencing a ticking noise coming from the transmission. Every time I am told that they do not see any issues, but the problem continues. I tried putting in a cleaner into the gas tank which was recommended to me as a way to cure this problem, irritatingly no relief.
This fall I decided to go out of town and on my way home while I was on the highway my car's oil pressure light comes on and my car begins to make odd sounds while I am increasing in speed, every time I step on the gas it almost sounds as if the damn things is going to explode. I made it home and immediately brought the car into a local mechanic. They tell me that it was a bad sensor and replace it. Within one month the same exact issue continues. I again bring it in and am told that several pieces need to be replaced in the fuel line and a new pressure gauge is needed.
I am also told that this issue would subdue and I may see some smoke for a little while. Well after leaving and not even 48 hours later the oil pressure light came on again along with service engine soon. I brought the car back in and was told that the engine is shot and that they will give me a deal for around $3000 to put in a rebuilt engine. I have had it with this car this past year. It makes no sense to me how a car that is a 06 and has less than 90000 miles on it would all of a sudden have a shot engine. Nissan needs to let the public know about this issue before as a consumer you spend an arm and a leg trying to fix a problem that seems to be unfixable. I have already spent about $2000 trying to figure out what is wrong with the car and come to find out this seems to be a very common problem.
Reviewed April 11, 2015
Purchased an 04 maxima in Feb. 07. Took vehicle in for checkup and I got claims history report. Found that the sky roof had been repaired in Nov. 06 under warranty. About 4 years later I noticed rust around the roof in three spots. Call 1-800-nissan1 told them about the roof work that was done under warranty and the rust issue that I was having. They told me it's been long expired on the warranty which I knew, but I told them the bad repair work that was done is what's causing the rust. They may as well told me "yeah yeah, now who's next in line." That was my second Maxima and my last Nissan. They don't care once you're out the door. No Nissan, never again.
Reviewed April 6, 2015
I purchased my 2000 Maxima SE in 1999 and have owned it since then. I love this car, but began to notice rust in the trunk (where the spare tire is kept) in 2009. The rust began to creep to the rocker panels on both sides of the car. Last year, I spent approximately $1000 on replacing muffler, tail pipes, and a bad coil in one cylinder. When I had it inspected this past February, I was told it would not pass inspection next year due to the bad rust found under the trunk. Only 114K miles on the odometer. I really have had few problems with this car, only the replacement of the catalytic converter about 10 year ago. I was thinking of buying another Maxima sometime this year, which by the way, I really can't afford to do, on Social Security which doesn't go far enough for a car payment. After reading all the complaints posted here, I am now reconsidering that thought.
Reviewed March 26, 2015
Well I bought an 05 Nissan Maxima from a preowned company and I have had the car for 16 days. And this morning I was taking my car to the mechanics to get a full body inspection because my service engine light came on. So I drove the car fine to the mechanics. So I parked, cut the car off, got out, went in to talk to the mechanics but was told to bring the car back monday. So I got back in my car, started the car, put in reverse then put it back in drive and noticed it would not accelerate for a few seconds. I just thought it me but then I got home and told my daughter to drive the car around the corner and she noticed the same thing the acceleration. And I have been reading the reviews about Nissan Maxima and I got to say, if I had known these problems about these vehicles I would have never purchase it. Hopefully when I take it to the mechanics on monday it will not be anything too serious or expensive because I do not have money to repair anything expensive.
Reviewed March 26, 2015
2014 Nissan Maxima 4 doors 6 cylinders - Had a car accident and my seatbelt didn't restraint at chest. It only locked at the hips. Anyone else with the same problem? As of this date there is no recalls concerning this malfunction. Contacted Nissan Head Office and was told that they are not required to advise consumer about possible problems regarding this matter.

Reviewed March 11, 2015
In 2014 October, I purchase a 2005 Nissan Maxima. It was driving okay for the test drive. Then November, problems start to happen. Power steering start to leak. Took it back to dealer. They replace the part, and didn't charge me. Now, the transmission is not changing gears on time. Took it for a check up. Found out the transmission mounts need to be replace. Front, rear, and right side. Had the front replace, and the shop put after market part. I wanted them to put a new Nissan parts. I was hoping the front mount will fix the problem. Now I can feel, the rear mount need to be replace also. I took it back to the shop. I ask them why they didn't put official Nissan mount. He said, I never told him. I feel the worker should told me first. Official part just cost $40 more. Now the work told me, for him to put the official part. I will have to pay for the part, and the labor.
I told him, "you can kiss my crack **". Never going back to that shop. This car is a real problem. Now the car has 167,654 miles. My left signal not working. Inside meters not working when I turn on the lights. I replace all light fuses. Still have more problems. Sun roof not working. Never buying a Nissan again. Nissan Cars Looks Great. But, It Really Matters, If The Car Can Drive Normal After Repair It's Repairs.
Reviewed March 8, 2015
I purchased my 2005 Nissan Maxima five years ago from Birmingham dealership, with 12,000 miles. My chrome trim is completely faded on one side. My transmission is jerking...it won't go into gear, and revving up. I was almost stranded at work during the winter weather. Nissan knew about this problem and did nothing. There's too many complaints about the same issues.
Reviewed March 7, 2015
My transmission went bad at 90000 miles, it started to jerk. I'm not that good writing in English but I hear a lot of people having the same problem with Nissan transmissions. My at this moment is no good, it shift really hard.
Reviewed Feb. 26, 2015
I have a 2002 Nissan Maxima SE and had the transmission replaced 3 yrs. ago. The real problem is the power steering fixture leaks real bad. It has leaked inside on my carpet on the passenger side. And the sunroof opens on its own. And I know another young lady with the same car and the same problems... I would like to know if this is a defect on this year 2002 Maxima?
Reviewed Feb. 20, 2015
Purchased pre-owned 06/2009 21k miles on it. 03/2013 (40k miles) I noticed a green dye around low pressure/return line hose (crimp joining the rubber to aluminum). I had it replaced and recharged. 04/2013 (40.5k miles) The condenser fan motor went out and replaced electric fan assy. 01/2014 (50k miles) LF wheel bearing failure and had replaced. 02/2015 (56.5k miles) LR wheel bearing failure and had replaced.
Reviewed Feb. 13, 2015
I bought this car about 3 years ago. I bought it at a general auction and one week later, I had problems with the transmission. I paid 3500 to fix the transmission and now three years later... guess what? I'm having transmission problems again and now they are saying it is going to cost me another 3500 to fix it. Faulty valve body. It is ridiculous.
Why hasn't Nissan listened to the complaints being made by its customers? This is horrible. I don't think I will every buy a Nissan nor would I tell someone to buy it. I know they don't give a ** if they lose my business but I swear to God, I will make sure I tell everyone I know not to get a Nissan or even get close to one. I'm going to try to ** you guys over like you did me. That is all, thank you.
Reviewed Feb. 10, 2015
2004 Nissan Maxima - Bought car new. Within 2 years (30k miles) car would just cut off and leave me stranded on side of road. Brought to dealer 3x before they replaced the computer. Headliner started falling the next year. Engine sensors and rear ignition coils went around 100,000 miles. As did the rear bearings and control bars. Transmission started to shift hard at 125,000 miles. Noticed my floorboards were rotted out at this junction. Changed transmission fluid 2x since. Has 157,000 miles now but still driving. Transmission shifting harder and slipping.
Problem I discovered is the Pressure Control Solenoid on the transmission valve body. There are three solenoid valves on the body and one or all will be bad. There is a fix using a transmission shift kit. I suggest checking out a YouTube video ** posted by a professional transmission repairman. This problem could easily be fixed by Nissan with minimal outlay at their dealers. Times are tough so I will be doing the repair myself when the weather gets warm. This will be my last Nissan product.
Reviewed Feb. 2, 2015
My 2004 Nissan maxima has about 140k miles on it. I just replaced the timing chain tensioner, speed sensor, fuel sensor and now the rpm's area running up, causing the car to jerk. I am so disappointed with it. It's a beautiful car but I'm so tired of all of the problems. Not to mention the service engine light popped on and no one can figure out why?
Reviewed Jan. 30, 2015
I got my 2007 Maxima brand new and loved it! Now it is Jan 2014 and on Jan 23, 2014 I barely made it home from the shop where I had wheel bearings and brake pads done. Transmission was slipping. Carried it to a shop nearby the next day which was a Saturday. They called me on Monday, January 26, 2014 and told me they thought it was the body valve as Nissan was known to have problems with it.
They checked it out and called back on Tuesday to tell me the transmission was gone. Pulled the pan out and it was full of metal shavings. I only have about 81,000 miles on it! He found out for me that they had a service bulletin out saying they have problems with the CVT transmission on 2003-2010 and was extending the warranty from 5 years 50,000 mile to 10 years and 120,000 miles. So I carry it to Palmetto Nissan in Florence, SC and left it for them to check. Husband gave them hell until they finally agreed to pay for a rental until it was fixed.
They called today, 1/30/14, and said there were no metal shavings in the pan and without proof with pics that Nissan would not fix it. They accused the first shop of dumping the shavings and he had no reason to do that as he wasn't being paid to fix it. I told Nancy that maybe they dumped the shavings and I have no way to know which is lying to me but, I truly believe Nissan is lying! They are the only ones with anything to gain out of this. I think all of us with issues with Nissan should band together and seek justice!!
Reviewed Jan. 30, 2015
I have under 63000 miles on this car. In 2013 the air conditioner went out which was costly. On January 30, 2015 I came home and went into the garage and I could not put my transmission in park. It would only shift from drive to neutral but that was it. I could not even take my keys out of the ignition. After seeing all the complaints, I have a horrible feeling about what this will cost to fix. I will never purchase another Nissan vehicle ever again. I only drive 3000 miles a year. I thought this would be my last car. What a racket they have. A car that costs $30,000 should last at least 100,000 miles before having problems!
Reviewed Jan. 29, 2015
2005 Nissan Maxima Recommended Service not needed poorly manufactured. Replaced: ABS brake sensors 50k-$400 failed again at 92K est $1200. Fuel ratio sensor 44K@ $548 Drive belt 48k and 63k. Trans srvc @ 52k and 63k. Timing chain failed 70k Rear rotors/pads at 76k and 92k. Headlight bulb $225. Have all receipts.
Reviewed Jan. 26, 2015
I purchased my 07 Maxima new in June of 2007 from a dealership in the Tampa area. I have had nothing but trouble with this vehicle since the early days when it was under warranty. It started with the fuel pump at 7k miles and progressed from there. The AC compressor locked up on the interstate and took out the belt which also spun the alternator so I was forced to park the car and have it towed to the closest dealership. It turned out that I had 9 days left of the 36 month part of the warranty which was a blessing because the entire AC system had to be replaced. The dealer had my car for 3.5 months because there were no compressors available in the US.
What does that tell you with regard to the amount of Maxima's and Altima's (shared part) having catastrophic compressor failures. Nissan did begrudgingly agree to provide me with a rental car at their expense. Let's see, what else; the Bose 6 CD changer went bad and had to be replaced. The fly by wire accelerator sensor went bad. The windshield had a leak by the drivers side. A pillar which turned out to be a sealant "skip" from the factory. I had a .25 inch gap that would let water run down the "A" pillar and onto my feet. The driver side rear wheel bearing failed and had to be replaced. All of the last 4 things listed happened out of warranty and were repaired at my expense.
Other things that are disappointing would be, the paint is fading and will need a re-spray in a couple of years if I chose to do so. This car currently has 52K miles, is garage kept and maintained as much as it can possibly be maintained. The best synthetic oil and filter, etc changed ahead of what is recommended. My point is, the car is not abused. Now I'm reading that the CVT transmission may go in a couple of years due to a design flaw or weakness that Nissan is not admitting too. I am somewhat relieved to know that the 07 is covered by the 10yr/120k mile after the fact extended powertrain warranty. I feel sorry for all of those 06 owners that it doesn't cover. Like many of you Maxima owners on this blog, I WILL NEVER OWN ANOTHER NISSAN!
Reviewed Jan. 16, 2015
FAILED TRANSMISSION: My experience is like everyone else on here - no help from Nissan. They do have an extended warranty that they claim they made everyone aware of, not so in my case. They extended the warranty to 10 years or 120,000 miles, whichever comes first. I'm just outside of that mileage and my car is a 2007 Maxima and they will not offer any help to me. Look up the warranty online and MAKE NISSAN PAY. You have until Feb 2017. Go online or to Nissan's site and look it up. Call and give them your info and get them to take accountability for this huge mess they have caused so many people. I love my car but I will NOT buy another Nissan. Been driving them since 1989. What a shame that they don't care. Losing business doesn't matter if they are still making money.
Reviewed Jan. 16, 2015
3 weeks after purchasing my '06 Maxima, my transmission started to slip so I took it back to the dealer and they offered to fix it and give me a rental to drive. Well 3 months and 2 transmissions later, I get my car back only to find out it was the harness wiring that needed rewired. Now it shifts perfectly. So if you're having transmission issues, have your harness checked before you spend the money on a transmission.
Reviewed Jan. 13, 2015
I have a 2007 Nissan Maxima. I have kept up with all my maintenance. While getting the control arms replaced the mechanic informed my that my floorboards are almost completely rotted through. With some investigation I have found that this is a common problem for all nissans. I also have a blinking airbag light that flashes. I was informed that it is a broken clock spring. Quoted $2000 to fix floorboards and $450 to fix/ replace clock spring. Definitely my last nissan.
Reviewed Jan. 10, 2015
I purchased my 2005 Maxima in 2004. I started having transmission problems in 2007. I took it into Nissan in Columbus, OH and they told me I needed a new transmission... at the cost of $3500 for a new one or a rebuild one for $1800. It's unsafe to drive, it jerks really hard, sometimes it takes off slow and it'll pick up speed. Every time I get behind the wheel of my car I pray that I have a safe drive to and from my destination. Please help!!!
Reviewed Jan. 5, 2015
2005 Maxima SE - I bought the car with 103,000 miles on it. Drove it for two days, check engine light came on. Needed a Catalytic converter. Luckily the car lot paid for that. Two weeks later, alternator goes bad and kills battery. I replaced those out my pocket. Now the car is just acting weird, brake lights in the back stayed on for two days, had to unhook battery. Now its have electrical issues. Top it all off, I haven't even made the first payment!!!
Reviewed Dec. 30, 2014
I purchased a 2004 Nissan Maxima with 90,000 miles in 2012 from a used car dealer. About a year into driving this car I started having transmission issues. Currently my car is sitting in my backyard needing a new transmission. I can’t even drive.
Reviewed Dec. 27, 2014
Bought a 2005 maxima new. Bought all the bells and whistles and paid over $30000 for it. The transmission started having trouble around 50000 miles and still under warranty. I took it back to the dealership and they patched it up long enough till the warranty ran out. The warranty expired and they keep telling me that they hadn't had any complaints from anyone but me. I went on the Internet and found that there was many complaints about the transmission on the maxima. They agreed to split the cost on a new transmission (my out of pocket was nearly $2000). They assured me it wouldn't be the defected transmissions that was installed from the factory, but a new improved one.
Right after the year warranty expired, the transmission started to do the same thing. I had a transmission shop install a new one at $3500. I just got it back and within a week, it was slamming into gear and slipping gear. I'll take it back yet again and I'm getting rid of it. It's nothing but a money pit. Nissan will take no responsibility for the defective transmission. Please don't buy their products. I hear their sales are done... Maybe there's Karma. At least I'll get some satisfaction knowing their business practices is hurting them.
Reviewed Dec. 24, 2014
Ever since I purchased my Nissan I've had nothing but problems with my transmission. The dealer so called fixed the trans and they stated they replaced it with a used one. My transmission still jerks when going into 2nd and 3rd gear. It is getting worse. My RPM will raise and drop dramatically before jerking back into gear. I hate this vehicle. I would never recommend the Nissan Maxima.
Reviewed Dec. 14, 2014
Hello, I've brought 3 Nissan cars. My first one was a Nissan Altima 1998 and I traded that because the car would smoke up as soon as I start the car. Then, I purchased a 2004 Nissan Altima and that one ended up doing the same that the 1998 did. So, I traded that car for a 2005 Nissan max and I never thought I would be so dissatisfied. They are luxury cars on the outside, but that's about it. I have to get a new engine because the timing chain is completely gone, and the car has been cutting off me sometimes while waiting at the stop light. I found a mechanic that will be able to help with all the issues with my car. I'm not putting Nissan down because I truly love Nissan Maxima. They are really nice and I would love to buy another one, but it's just so many problems with the mechanical issues down the road and I cannot afford it. To everyone out there just beware of what you are buying no matter what it is.
Reviewed Dec. 13, 2014
I have a 2008 Nissan Maxima. In January of 2014 I had to have a shift sensor replaced for about $900.00. In June 2014 it started shifting rough, but the shop I went to could not identify the problem. I returned there several times and they finally got it to do for them what I feeling when it shifted. I am having to have the transmission rebuilt and replace the case half as bearings in it are worn. This will be over $3000.00! The car has only 103,000 miles on it. I have a 1997 Toyota Camry that has never had transmission work done. The mechanic told me that most manufactures changed to a lighter weight metal in the transmissions to help with fuel economy about 10 years ago. The lighter parts just wear out quicker.
Reviewed Dec. 13, 2014
I purchase a 2005 Nissan Maxima a year ago. After having it 2-3 mos., had transmission problem, it was covered under warranty. After 2-3 wks., the car wasn't driving right. I took it back telling them it wasn't driving right and jerking. They said, “It’s ok. Nothing wrong with it.” This year the air went out. Took it to Nissan dealer. They said, “It’s the compressor.” They cause there selves fixing it. After 3 wks., the air went out again. Back to the dealership they said, “Its a clamp that was spilt.” Trying to charge me almost $400.00. I told them I was just in here about weeks ago. Then June of 2014 my car caught on fire in my garage while we were asleep. I saw flashing lights coming from the car open the door, my windshield was cracked, the inside of the car was full of smut all on the windows. My driver dashboard was melted all under the use to be dashboard. Called the fire dept. Didn't know how long the car was on fire. They had to investigate and pull the car out the garage. The fire started inside the car from the fuse box. They open the hood of the car, no damages. We were blessed that the house didn't blow up. If the windows would have broke, it would have blown up. The car is a total loss.
Reviewed Dec. 5, 2014
My service engine soon light went on and I brought it in to my Nissan dealer. It cost $70 for them to hook it up to the computer to tell me that it was an airflow sensor problem. But there was a note from Nissan saying there was a problem with this warning so they could just reprogram my computer. So this warning didn't go off unnecessarily. Total cost $150 plus tax to solve a problem that wasn't a problem. Really Nissan???
Reviewed Dec. 5, 2014
I own a 2007 Nissan Maxima and the transmission is having issues. THIS VEHICLE IS 7 YEARS OLD! Everywhere I search everyone has issues with the transmission, how is this not a Nissan issue???
Reviewed Dec. 2, 2014
I purchase my car in 2002. It was a 2001 Nissan Maxima. After many years of travel through 20 states, 3 times down to Southern Mexico it finally gave in (only because I did not change the power steering hose, my fault). In January I changed the transmission, but I got my money's worth 6 years of no payments prior to that. I gave it a run for my money and was sad to see it finally die on me. I did regular maintenance and changed minor parts as needed, never gave me a problem (except the catalytic converter about 2 years ago as well).
Reviewed Nov. 27, 2014
Own a 2006 Nissan Maxima with a failing transmission at under 80K miles. I contacted Nissan Consumer Affairs where I opened a case. Nissan had me take the car to the dealer for evaluation and the dealer found that the transmission needed to be replaced at a cost of $3,700. They also found that the timing chain needed to be replaced and some other items fixed totaling around $3,000. The dealer suggested that if I pay for the timing chain then maybe Nissan could pay for the transmission but Nissan consumer affairs initially refused to offer any assistance because the car was out of warranty.
I contacted Nissan Consumer Affairs again via email and they did reopen my case. After ten days further I was again told that Nissan Consumer Affairs would not offer any assistance because the car was out of warranty. I am not sure why Nissan Consumer Affairs chose to drag me through the wringer like this just to arrive back at the same conclusion. I was dismayed by this process and have dealt with a great deal of stress and anxiety involving this situation and Nissan just doesn't care. I feel that the offer made by the dealer and me was a goodwill gesture to keep me in a Nissan, but Nissan does not seem to care about keeping a customer.
While I do understand that the car is out of warranty, it should not be having transmission issues like this. There is a technical service bulletin, reports to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration, and even a class action lawsuit regarding the transmissions in Nissan Maxima from my model year but Nissan has chosen not to address this issue. I have read in the documents sent to me by Nissan about this case that Nissan wants to build lifelong customers but this is clearly not the case. I feel betrayed by Nissan and am dismayed as to why they won't help keep a customer. For those who don't know, there is a class action lawsuit.
Reviewed Nov. 25, 2014
I also bought a 2004 Maxima new off the lot. Almost immediately I started noticing issues, first my stereo, then the struts, then at only 30k the tranny went out. Granted my car was under warranty and they fixed it. As far as the paint job, it’s horrible. After 5 years I notice clear coat going and now my car looks awful...All my motor mounts and tranny mount are worn and need replacement. Struts are done, my condenser went out, needed belts on air. Just a nightmare with this car…When I bought it I loved it until the problems. I had a Chevy Camaro that had 198000 with no issues. I have my Maxima with 114000 with nothing but issues... Sorry Nissan, I will NEVER BUY another car from you guys...Chevy man now... As soon as I save enough, going back to Chevy...Nissan should be sued for all the lemons they produce...
Reviewed Nov. 20, 2014
My 2006 Maxima with 58000 is beginning to have transmission problems. Sounds like the same problems as others here are discussing.
Reviewed Nov. 20, 2014
I purchased a 2006 Maxima in 2009, and last year I noticed that my gears were slipping; this year I found out I needed a valve body in the transmission. The car slips before kicking into gear, and I've notice it slips on the second gear. I never owned a vehicle with major issues with the transmission. I'm still saving up to purchase this part for my car. I spoke with friends that owned Maximas and most of them got rid of these vehicles because of the transmissions were going bad.
Reviewed Oct. 31, 2014
2004 Nissan Maxima - Transmission for the longest time not shifting properly. Hard shift from park to reverse and hard shift from park to drive. I asked for help and no one had an answer, even the private shops. The private shops told me Nissan has a possible problem with valve body. Now I have transmission failure valve body replaced with upgraded valve body which then had to do a relearn program at cost of near $3000.
Reviewed Oct. 21, 2014
2005 Maxima - 90K miles. The good: great engine, smooth ride, good looks, roomy car for family of 4. The bad: Numerous issues with general quality.
So far: Poor quality paint job. Car needed to be resprayed upon delivery (brand new) due to severe bird dropping damage to rear panel. Roof panel now has bad cracking of clear coat and looks very ugly. Paint is very susceptible to chipping. Timing chain and tensioner needed to be replaced at ~30K due to noise when revving engine. Fortunately power train warranty took care of the cost. CV boot needed to be replaced around the same time. Again, fortunately under warranty. Alternator died at 85K miles and needed to be replaced (my expense). Air conditioner refrigerant return hose leaked at 80K miles and needed to be replaced (my expense).
Automatic transmission so far has not experienced the failure issues reported by many others, but definitely has quirks (occasional severe jerk when accelerating from slow coasting). Hoping it doesn't progress to more severe issues, and am driving the car gently to make it last. I have read one issue is that the transmission cannot handle the power from the engine, so is unreliable over time. I would like to keep my car for a few more years, but am concerned whether the more serious issues will force me to change to a more reliable vehicle.
Reviewed Oct. 20, 2014
I bought a 2004 Nissan Maxima brand new off of the showroom floor. I never drove the car that much but throughout the entire time, I have had the car. Gave the car to my dad, and he's having the same issues as many others are having, jerking, transmission slipping. This car only has 72,000 miles.
Reviewed Oct. 17, 2014
I own a 2006 maxima..bought it brand new from Jim Burke Nissan. Was never told about the problems with the transmission problems with this year model or offered a warranty on it.. I'd go in for my oil changes & the manager would keep saying, "I'll see you before 100000 miles." I kept ignoring it, cause it's a Nissan... But lo & behold my transmission fell out at 100000. Benton Nissan wanted to deny any problems with the transmissions for this year. But I have a friend who owns a Nissan Dealership & yes this year car is a joke..just like everybody on here complaining about their problems, it's all true. This car has sucked so much money out of me & Yes Nissan don't want to take the responsibility for the faulty transmissions in this car.
Hope somebody will open a class action suit against them, cause Nissan needs to repay everybody back for all these transmission we the hard working people had to pay for. Also anybody's top of their car start fading just out of the pull.. my car gets cleaned & waxed, but the top just all of a sudden started to fade to white. I own a black maxima...Hope this helps!!!
Reviewed Oct. 15, 2014
This is my 4th Maxima and I have an '08 maxima, making it 5 I've owned. My first 3, 1986 and older never had any problems, and had over 300,000 miles when I traded them in for my next Maxima. So far the 2005 has had the Timing chain and tensioner replaced ($1500), new wheel bearings ($500), all 4 disk and breaks ($250), and now at 138,000, I have the slipping transmission. I contacted Nissan corp to see if they would do anything. After a diagnosis by Sheridan Nissan of Delaware, they said I need a new transmission ($3200), new engine mounts, head gaskets, Axle boots on front, and a few other items. This car was just in the shop for the timing chain and there was no other problems. In a year or less, all hell has broken loose with this car. Anyway, Nissan says it will cost over $6200 to fix. The car is only valued at $3300 by Kelly Blue book. I guess I'll junk it and buy something else. At any rate it won't be another maxima built after 2003. Oh, by the way, my 2008 is starting to have problems.
Reviewed Oct. 8, 2014
Nissan Maxima 2005 - This car was given to me as a birthday gift from my husband...it's been the gift from hell. I've had numerous problems with this car from brakes to a whopping 3,000.00 for a transmission. This car has caused me several jerking problems causing me being nearly rear-ended several times. I've finally had it with the complaints to Nissan to no avail... This car is just sitting in the yard. Every time I look at it I'm constantly reminded of the hell I've been through with driving this car. If it wasn't for the thought behind my husband's gift to me and the love he has for me with the purchase... I would Not be still looking at this car in my backyard...ugh ugh and ugh.
Reviewed Oct. 2, 2014
Hello, Good Evening. This is the worst experience I've ever had with a car. I gave up an 1998 maxima for a (POS) 05 maxima - I almost got hurt using this car. My little sister has gotten hurt from the causes of the jerk. This is terrible. Need to do something. ASAP.
Reviewed Sept. 25, 2014
Hi, I bought my Maxima 3.5SL 2005 from Beaverton Nissan (my first ever car). Took an extended warranty on it as well. Since last few years I have always been hearing a whining noise from the timing chain area, during my regular visits for oil change I mentioned it many times to service managers, but I was always told it was due to oil needing change. I recently researched on it and it seems that it is a known problem in the maxima where the tensioner goes bad and a technical bulletin is also out. (NTB07-042_ ) My car currently has 70k miles only on it. It seems that the cost to repair this is very high around 1500$. I would like to see nissan or dealership help me out and at least split the cost for the repairs since this is a known Nissan problem. (I know BMW dealership helped my friends this way) Had I been alerted on this while my warranty was still valid I would have definitely gotten it fixed. Your help in this matter is much appreciated.
Reviewed Sept. 22, 2014
When I Had Warranty on my vehicle, 2006 NISSAN MAXIMA, I TOOK IT TO CHERRY HILL NISSAN FOR OIL CHANGE AND TOLD THEM THAT MY CAR jumped when I changed gears and believe it could be the transmission. The dealer service specialist told me that the mechanics could not find anything wrong with the vehicle. I decided to go back to Cherry Hill Nissan in 2013 because the transmission was jumping and getting worse. I was told that I needed a transmission valve body and mount but I don't have warranty on the vehicle. I told them that it should get fixed for free since I went to check it when I had warranty and it isn't my fault if the mechanics could not find the problems.
Well I took the vehicle home because I couldn't afford it. In August of 2014 I decided to find out and see if Nissan had a recall on the transmission of these vehicles and called Cherry Hill Nissan and I was given a 800 number. I was told to call the main corp because the dealer specialist could give me any info at the time. When I spoke to the representative of Nissan Corp ad told me to get a diagnostic done and they will contact me to see what they can do for me. I took it to Cherry Hill Nissan Dealer and was charged $58.00 to get my vehicle checked.
The next day I received a call from the Nissan Corp and was told, "I am sorry but we can't do anything for you and if I can assist you with anything else... " I was so upset and told the representative that she didn't help me at all. I helped them by giving them $58.00 and hung up on her. I noticed that when my vehicle had warranty... there were no problems with my vehicle but now I already paid $451.00 passenger right headlight and need a headlight at driver side, transmission valve body and mount. CD player on my radio doesn't work, ABS Unit needs to be fixed and my air condition needs to be fixed. I have car parked because it's not worth fixing. Don't buy a Nissan Vehicle... They are junk.
Reviewed Sept. 17, 2014
I have a 2004 Nissan Maxima. My transmission went out. I only had a little over 100,000 miles. Everybody I knew had this car had the same problem. There should have been a recall or a suit filed on this. I was out of $4,000 to get it fixed. Then while they replaced it I also needed a motor mount. I will never buy another Nissan ever...
Reviewed Sept. 13, 2014
I have been constantly putting money into my 2006 Nissan Maxima LS, regarding break issues. I bought it brand new, so excited to own this beautiful luxury car, and then, of course, just after the warranty expired, all hell broke loose. One day I used the breaks, and they made a loud metal pounding continuous noise, and the pedal shook. I also hear a low tone hum noise, and a faint ticking. It scared the 'you know what' out of me! This is a DANGEROUS issue, and after reading many many stories about the break issues on this year car (2005 - 2007 I believe).
I wrote to Nissan, and never had any reply back. Through much research, I discovered that there has even been a Technical Service Bulletin sent out to all the Nissan Service Departments, on how to fix this problem (I have a copy). I CANNOT believe that there has not been a recall. But if the owner had a mechanic outside of Nissan, do the job, it voided the warranty.
So being that mine had already expired, and still paying on the car and could not afford to pay for this repair, I had my ABS disconnected. Earlier this year, I had the job done and got a new sensor. Prior to this, I've had all kinds of break work done, and finally ended up paying for new brakes, too! (over $2000) ... Recently, it started again! I am sick, and my mechanic is frustrated! DOES ANYONE HAVE ANY IDEAS? Is this ABS, or something else related. TCS? We can't figure it out what to fix. I am driving it, locally and with caution, in this condition... I have to! This is a life threatening problem, BRAKES, hello!!... and Nissan doesn't even care.
Reviewed Sept. 7, 2014
I am the first and only owner of this car. There were no accidents or physical damage to my vehicle. Whenever I shift to reverse the car pauses and then jerks. Same jerk behavior happens whenever I shift from reverse to drive. I took it to the shop and had new motor mounts put in to solve the problem. For a few days you could barely feel the jerking when switching to reverse. Literally by the next week it was bad all over again and the jerking returned. Also, sometimes when I am driving I can feel the car "hesitating" when switching gears. For example, this morning I was driving to work and going only around 25 mph and as I started to accelerate the car jerked and slowed down for about 5 seconds before it returned to my normal speed. This can be very frustrating and scary. All regular scheduled services (including oil and fluid changes) were performed by local professional shops. I would like to get my transmission replaced by Nissan at their expense.
Reviewed Sept. 3, 2014
I went in to get my 2005 Nissan Maxima serviced. When everything was checked, the service manager came back with a maintenance breakdown of over $3,000. I was overwhelmed by this fee. One item that really struck me as odd was the timing chain quote, $1,637.06. I immediately went online to check problems with timing chains and there seems to be major issues with this part on 2005 and 2006 Maximas. There was a call back on some Nissans, but not my 2005 Maxima. My neighbor has a Maxima just like mine and my nephew has a 2006. Both are having problems with the noise that signals the problem associated with timing chains.
I contacted the regional office to see if they could help me with the cost and they said my car has too many miles on it. I also have a 1995 Maxima and I am still driving it. This car has 266,000 miles on it and you cannot hear the engine running. My 2005 has 120,000 miles on it and the A/C low pressure hose is leaking Freon, sway bar links are bad, and the outer tie rod ends need to be replaced. These 3 items total over $900 to repair. I also remember when my 2005 Maxima had about 60,000 miles on it and both cooling fans went out at the same time. I almost had to replace an engine. The regional did help me out with this issue, but that was scary. Just think, a car that still has the new smell inside and both fans go out. I love Nissans, but right now, I am hesitant about purchasing another Nissan product.
Reviewed Aug. 6, 2014
Purchased 06 Maxima in the spring (58k miles). After about a month the car starting shifting hard like being rear ended, shifting from 1st to 2nd gear. Long story short it is now being repaired to the tune of 3,800 for tranny plus another 300 for motor mount. Needless to say I will never consider Nissan product again. The class action suit was filed in January of 2012 for the defective tranny in 04-06 Maxima/Altima/Quest van just in case someone is interested (see "Howard ** vs. Nissan).
The only recourse we have as consumers is to not buy their products. Quite sad that Nissan will not fess up to their liability in what is an obvious defect. But please if you have gotten 200,000 miles out of your car, don't ** about having to replace headlights 5 times, etc. that is the expected life of an auto, unless it has a diesel engine. Be thankful you were able to drive it that long. And then never buy another Nissan ever again.
Reviewed Aug. 6, 2014
During the first 500 miles, the transmission slipped and then stopped working, which was covered under warranty, and I have replaced it one additional time at 100K miles for a very similar problem. And then there was the catalytic converter which failed now for the 4th time!!! It was replaced at 50K mi, 80K, 170K and now at 188K. Yep, it was replaced last year and Nissan won't replace it because it was a few months over the warranty!
On their own part which is supposed to last the lifetime of the vehicle according to the EPA guidelines!!! I will NEVER buy another NISSAN again after this host of problems which they were unable to repair. I only had it serviced at Nissan facilities and it continued to fall apart and they had no clue as to why it was failing!!! This car has got to be a lemon!!!
Reviewed July 27, 2014
My 2004 Maxima has 126,000 miles. I have just started experiencing a hesitation and then a jerk when shifting the transmission from reverse to drive. This jerking seems to intensify as the car warms up. From what I have read on several different sites, this appears to be a very common complaint. Does anyone know exactly what needs to be repaired and how much it should cost? If this is such a common issue, why hasn't there been a manufacturer's recall?
Reviewed July 22, 2014
Have an unpleasant experience with dealership? Write directly to Nissan. Maybe they can do something. Dealership mechanics unfortunately are trained to respond to codes ONLY. Good old mechanics are thing of the past. Cars are controlled by electronics today so MANY things can be the culprit.
Reviewed July 20, 2014
I purchased new and I still owe my 2000 Maxima GLS - it is a good car but NISSAN did not stand behind their product. After 12,000 miles the rotors warped - and caused wheel vibration when brakes were applied. Took it dealer numerous times, one time after getting a $175.00 alignment (that they said would help). They said if I waited it would take 2 hours to do. As I drove out and the car pulled to the left!! It never did before alignment!! I drove right back to the dealer. He took car in the back and returned in 10 minutes - said it was my BELTED TIRE (???) but he adjusted it and said it should be OK. I drove out - it seemed ok?? The wheels still vibrated. They said they couldn't feel it when they test drove it??? I had new rotors put on myself. It was very smooth stopping after that!
A year later, Had the oil changed. The guy said my steering wheel off center and he could fix it with an "ALIGNMENT" = LOL! Next after putting on about 40,000 miles and 3 years later, the car started missing every once in awhile. I returned to a different Nissan. They said it was the "Ignition Coil Packs" - they would fix for $600.00 plus parts (6 coils x $125.00)! I didn't have the money at that time. I drove the car and looked it up on the computer - EVERY BODY WAS HAVING COIL PACK PROBLEMS!! I returned to the dealer. He said they have no RECALLS??? I had them put in myself. Car runs great now BUT the way NISSAN handled this was not what a reputable honest car company would! NISSAN OWES ME MONEY for not repairing these defective parts because I had to pay myself!
Reviewed July 16, 2014
2004 Maxima transmission - Like all the other complaints, the transmission hesitates and then jerks violently into gear going from drive to reverse and reverse to drive. It also jerks when shifting between 2nd and 3rd gear both during upshift and downshift. It has now started to rev up for no reason when I'm driving down the road. I have already spent $1,000 for a new shift kit and it helped for a while. Now it's starting to do it again. I am very disappointed in this vehicle. I would like to be included in a class action suit.
Reviewed July 8, 2014
Bought a used 2005 Maxima SE from a local Nissan dealership in mid 2012... not knowing of any issues with this car. For the first year the car seemed to run fine, no major problems at all. But one night I was driving my 3 daughters to dance class when all of a sudden the car just shutdown while I was going 35 mph. Trying not to panic and scare my girls, I quickly pulled over to the side of the street and tried to restart it. First try, nothing. Second try, nothing. Finally after keeping my foot on the gas and trying again it turned over. As I went to put it in gear it made a loud bang and leaped forward, scaring the crap out of my girls. As I drove, it didn't want to shift into the next gear, so I put it into the manual (+/-) mode to the side. When I shifted into 2nd & 3rd gears it did the same banging and leaping as before.
Finally making it to our destination we parked the car and went inside. An hour or so later I came out to leave and it worked fine for the first 10/15 minutes then started acting the same way all over again. The next few days I didn't use my Maxima, using my wife's Explorer so the whole family could go out together. But the following Monday I went to go to work and the car was fine, to and from work... Puzzled I didn't worry about it. This happened off and on for some time. The days I went for longer drives were the times I experienced some kind of problem with the car, but shorter trips (10/15 minutes) there usually wasn't a problem.
But recently I was driving home from picking up my daughter at 9 pm when the car started making this odd sound when I accelerated, almost like a whistling, then the car just wouldn't work. I would slow down at a red light and start to go when green and nothing would happen. My tach was hitting 4000 rpm and I was barely going 5 mph. By the time I got home I had experienced every banging, whistling, leaping that everyone else described. My daughter is now afraid to drive in my car! Just one more thing Nissan should think about!
Reviewed June 28, 2014
I have taken good care of my Maxima with getting the maintenance up to date but within the last 6 months it started jerking when making sudden stop. Then it would hesitate to take off at time when trying to take off. I have taken it to the dealership many times. They told me it's my camshaft sensor just normal wear and tear on a 9yr old car. I told them to fix it because I need my car working properly being that I'm a full time student recently getting out of the Navy. That's cost me 530 out of pocket and my car still did the same thing as I stated before.
I took it back to Hall Nissan in Virginia Beach, VA. They then said it my transmission. I was like, "Why all of the sudden it's my transmission and you guys never said anything about that before every time." I brought my car in for services. I would tell about the jerking and it hesitating, stalling. They would say, "We don't know so we need to put it on the computer," 240 out of pocket for that. Not one time did they say any things about the transmission until this last time. I took it back after they fix the cam shaft sensor because it jerked so hard the check engine light came on. Services tech said they will check it and let me know what it is.
I left my car there then 15mins after I left he call and said it was the transmissions, and as you know it cost 3600 to fix because they don't rebuild transmissions. I took it to Advance auto to run a diagnostic and this code came up, PO797. I was so upset because I don't have that kind of money being a full time student. I'm almost finish paying it off if I was still working I would get rid of it and I love my car. Please Nissan own up before your valuable customer get hurt or a life loss from the car jerking or stalling in traffic.
Reviewed June 27, 2014
I purchased a new 2010 Maxima (fully loaded) in August 2010. The car has approximately 18,000 miles on it to date. I'm now being told that I need tires, brakes, rotor resurfacing. Two weeks ago the car started making a soft clicking noise; yesterday the noise became louder. I parked the car for fear that the axle might break (what do I know). I called to ask about the "suspension recall" and Nissan told me that my vin number is not on the recall list. The dealer at Nissan said that I could bring the car in for a diagnosis (cost $120.00). My extended warranty has expired and I have very little money. I guess my question is: how does this happen to a new car purchase with 18,000 miles? I can pay for the brake job but the clicking noise has me worried. Help!
Reviewed June 26, 2014
I have a 2007 Nissan Maxima which I purchased new from Peter's Auto Sales in Nashua, NH. On December 14, 2012, I was driving down the interstate and the car wouldn't accelerate, RPMs were at 3500. I was told by the dealer that I would need a new left rear abs sensor and an abs assembly, totaling $2400. I took it to a private auto shop and had it fixed, as I don't trust the dealer. In the past they tried to sell me a new HEPA cabin air filter for over $100 (which I finally had replaced for $23.00 at Sullivan Tire).
Today, I was told that I have a rotting hole in the front passenger side floor board - about 12"x7". I called an auto body shop to have it repaired. It's going to cost about $500 and the owner of the shop told me that he's already fixed a large number of this same issue with the Maximas. I purchased an extended warranty at the time I bought the car and have been told that the CVT transmission is covered up to ten years or 110,000 miles. I just hope that this is not another issue I will have to deal with.
Reviewed June 23, 2014
I have a 2006 Nissan Maxima with 87k miles on it and the transmission has been acting up - revving before it slips into the next gear, making a loud cluck as it drops into gear, etc. I took it to my mechanic and he told me my transmission is shot and to get rid of the car. At 87k miles, I had no plans of looking for a new car, thinking I eventually would turn it over to a family member. Looking on the internet for a solution to my problem, I found I was not the only one experiencing this issue. Calling customer service made me realize Nissan is still not acknowledging their responsibility to rectify this problem. No more Nissans for me :-(
Reviewed June 19, 2014
Reading all these complaints on Nissan Maximas are so discouraging. I just got a 04 Nissan Maxima a month ago and on the 2nd day of me having this car I have had problems but due to me just getting the car I don't have to come out of pocket for anything. I must say that if you have a 2004-2006 Maxima to get Power Train warranty. Especially if you don't have it. My car is currently being worked on and has been with this company Cottman Transmission for about a week now. My car downshifts erratically when slowing down, the RPM jumps all over the place according to the speed limit that I am driving. When I am driving between 20-30mph sometimes the car engines revs up and the car doesn't really move any faster but all of a sudden the car bucks and slams into gear. Another thing that it did do was when changing gears to reverse to drive it hesitates and slams into gear. I got that part fixed by Blacks Tires which it needed 2 lower motor mounts. They were both broken. Right now I am waiting for my center case to be replaced.
Reviewed June 17, 2014
I've been experiencing issues with my 2005 Nissan Maxima transmission similar to what everyone else is reporting. Out of nowhere the car will bang when shifting into gear and then immediately the car will go into limp mode where it will have zero power. So far I've replaced 2 cam shaft sensors and 2 other transmission-related sensors and the issue is still reoccurring, which is ridiculous for a car with only 80K miles. If a class action suit is filed, please include me.
Reviewed June 17, 2014
Since I've had the vehicle (2011 Nissan Maxima) I have been having a problem with it. It started off with no key entry light. I went to bbb and met with engineer from nmac, came down, changed the control module which is the brain that sends signal. Now it's the push start I was told that the factory where my vehicle came from is not on recall. I fell short on pymts due to job changes. I stopped making full pymts due to illness and then in May tried to catch up but now I don't have vehicle at all. I call Leblanc Nissan to report the push start issue. Left vm, did not get a call back. Now my vehicle is repo what can be done.
Reviewed June 13, 2014
I bought a 2006 Nissan Maxima 12/15/2013. It had 85,079 miles. In April I was driving on the highway doing 65 mph. All of a sudden I notice all the indicators on the dashboard and heater control was inoperative, so I kept on driving for 40 minutes. When I got to my destination and turn off the ignition then try to start the car it would not start. So I towed the car to the Nissan dealer where I bought the car. Few days I had to call them. They can't figure out what could be the problem.
Few days pass again, I did not hear from the service writer so I called him. He told me they found the problem. It is the body control module, so they install it. Did not hear from them so I call. He told me that did not solve the problem. The problem is the A/C control unit. I waited a week then I call them. He told me the car is not ready. "So what is the problem?" I ask. He told me the problem is the control box for all the control. I am still waiting for my car to be fixed. It's in the shop for two months now. I still did not get my car back 6/13/2014.
Reviewed June 13, 2014
I bought a 2007 Maxima brand new in August 2007. I have had nothing but problems at the beginning not so bad warranty covered: time belt, battery and various other things. But now the warranty is over my car is falling apart all over - everything electrical inside is going. First, the airbag light flashing. I'm told they can't figure what it is exactly because federally they aren't allowed to so they want to start replacing parts and they don't even know if they are going to fix the problem. Now the automatic driver seat is malfunctioning and the cruise control isn't working. I will never ever purchase a Nissan ever again. I want to trade it in 2 years ago but my husband loves this car problems and all.....what do men know?
Reviewed June 10, 2014
I bought this car used and recently notice the transmission started to jerk into gears. First it was only at 30 to 40 miles per hour. Now it slams into gear pretty much at any speed. I consider this car very dangerous for me and my family. After reading the horror stories on this posting I don't know what Nissan is thinking, but I myself will never recommend to family members and friends that they never purchase a Nissan vehicle.
Reviewed May 31, 2014
My 2005 Nissan Maxima failed inspection for emissions. Then you got it worked on. It cost 1,551.00 for catalytic converter and 300 a piece for oxygen sensors, had 2 put it in. Went home, check engine light, went on, brought it back to Noll Brothers in Iselin. And they said come back on Monday to put in another oxygen sensor in my car. Was driving, put on wipers to wet windshield, wiper light keeps flickering. All I want to know is these mechanics are ripping me off. Please help me. Need adviCe. I just want to pass inspection. Been crying all day. And I am a nervous wreck.
Reviewed May 29, 2014
Bought a used 2006 Maxima with 18,000 miles. Always had problems with the transmission, lots of clunking when changing gears after the car is warmed up and also the ROM jump up to over 5 and the car takes off at a high rate of speed during driving it to where my tires squeal. To me this is an accident waiting to happen. Had the transmission triple flushed at AAMCO and serviced, did not help. Now the floor on the passenger front side is totally rusted out. This car only has 130,000 miles on it which is not a lot for a car that is 8 years old. Had to replace the rotors 2 times, brakes 2 times and also a catalytic converter.
Serviced car as normal with oil changes, transmission flushed, brake fluids flushed, coolant flushed, etc. Replaced tires at least 3 times. Air conditioner does not work either after many cans of freon. Car is just a headache with all the problems with it. Again this should not be happening with the year of the car and the maintenance that has been performed on it. Would not recommend a Nissan to anyone. Sounds like there is a lot of problems with the Nissan Maxima. Should be a class action lawsuit against them for all the problems with their vehicles.
Reviewed May 28, 2014
I bought this car used and recently notice the transmission started to jerk into gears. First it was only at 30 to 40 miles per hour. Now it slams into gear pretty much at any speed. I consider this car very dangerous for me and my family. After reading the horror stories on this posting I don't know what Nissan is thinking, but I myself will never recommend to family members and friends that they never purchase a Nissan vehicle. This is why we need a Federal Consumer Protection Agency with subpoena powers to drag their behinds into court. I will be Contacting my Attorney General on this matter.
Reviewed May 21, 2014
Transmission problem with my 2005 Nissan Maxima - I had the transmission flushed/serviced in Jan. of 2013. Since then it has been jerking/slipping and simply not engaging the gears as smoothly as it used to. I have also found out since then, that there are thousands of 2004-2006 Maxima owners who are experiencing similar problems with their respective transmissions. This service was done at a local Nissan dealership. The problem crops up at speeds of 20 mph to 30 mph. There is a definite burning smell coming from the bottom of the car. I recently had the transmission drained again. The fluid was almost brown in color. It seems as if the transmission is overheating for some reason and causing these problems.
I did talk to a Service Manager at a Nissan Dealership but did not get anywhere with him. Nissan refuses to acknowledge that this problem exists with the 2004-2006 Maximas. I did however got an estimate to replace the transmission and related things for about $4500. Nissan can ignore this problem but it cannot ignore the fact that it is about to lose a diehard Nissan fanatic in me and possibly thousands more.
Reviewed May 16, 2014
This is my daughter's car. It was purchased pre owned. Recently the car started making noise coming from the engine (timing chain). The problem is that it is totally over engineered (stupid) - the timing chain going bad at such low mileage, tensioners and chain guides consisting of plastic parts and being so damn hard to access. I feel it is unfair to permit engineers to design these parts to break down just so the company can sell more parts and charge extremely high prices for repairs and also designing engines so that owners can't do the repairs unless we are master mechanics. I will NEVER AGAIN recommend any one ever purchasing another NISSAN product.
Reviewed May 15, 2014
I bought a 2006 Nissan Maxima. It has not reached 100,000 miles yet and the transmission is going out. It seems that 04 to 07, there are defective transmissions that Nissan won't fix and recall. I paid $16000 few years ago from a Nissan dealership with an extended warranty, which now is out and looking to replace the transmission. I will never buy another Nissan. Nissan's Customers Affairs says, "sorry but we aren't responsible for your transmission".
Reviewed May 12, 2014
CVT Nissan 2010 Maxima Problems & Issues ----These are recorded problems with Nissan's New CVT Transmission on Nissan Maxima 2010 - Sport Edition 300 horse power. The CVT exhibits Lost of power, Engine High RPM, Loud Whining Noise, and CVT gets stuck in 6th Gear (won't down shift) in Manual and drive mode. The car will not accelerate and gives a P1778 Code. This only occurs on long drives over hilly roads on 75 MPH Highways up gradual elevation hill climb. The problem has been getting progressively worst and did not occur when the car was new. This CVT transmission sucks. I took it to three dealerships and they gave me a hard time since the problem doesn't not occur on flat ground, City driving, and the Trouble Code P1778 eventually is cleared from the computer on its own. I WAS TOLD NOTHING IS WRONG.
The problem with NIssan's CVT transmission persists and as I mention is getting progressively worst. I had to stop once making this long 90-mile trip (at 45k miles), then I had to stop twice (at 70k miles), and last time I had to stop 3 times to let the CVT rest. The issue does not occur going down elevation. The CVT fluid has been changed at 40,000 miles and all other maintenance is done routinely.
UPDATE: My 2010 Nissan Maxima CVT was finally diagnosed with "check engine light on". The error code 1778 & four other codes were pulled in total. The overall diagnosis is "complete CVT transmission failure". The recommended action is replacement of the entire valve body (solenoids) which change the gears and reprogramming of the CVT computer. I was told it's better to change the whole transmission at cost of $5,500.00 dollars. I have contacted Nissan consumer affairs. This problem code occurred at 44k miles, 65k miles, and 94k miles. Each time it was undiagnosable since the check engine light did not stay on - it turned itself off. I was able to get this diagnosed with a check engine light on at 124,000 miles.
I CONTACTED NISSAN CONSUMER AFFAIRS AND SPOKE WITH MEGAN, JUANITA AND THEN Callia from the executive branch (so she says - she sounded like a telephone representative). All of these Nissan reps have no knowledge of Nissan engines or CVTs and they refused to believe that the dealers refused to acknowledge the problem exists, even despite the TSBs, Warranty Extension, and my numerous calls over the past two years to Nissan Consumer Affairs. All in all, they did not even acknowledge the ongoing issues with the CVT. These Nissan dealers, Nissan service departments, and Nissan Consumer Affairs are crooks --- I would advise to not buy cars from these people. Get a Honda, Acura, or other reliable vehicle. If you do have to buy a Nissan beware that they will try to rip you off at every diagnosis and decision point on their part. I am very sorry to say. I used to think was a good company.
Reviewed May 7, 2014
I have a problem with the passenger side floor rusting and am curious of any other complaints to Nissan about this.
Reviewed May 6, 2014
I took my vehicle in for servicing due to a noise sounding like it was coming from the transmission. The service tech made note of my concerns and passed the information on to the mechanic. However, when my car was returned to me, of course, I was told there were a number of other issues that I should be concerned about, and the transmission and engine were not one of them. The mechanic never test drove my car, but promised me he would the next time I brought my car in for servicing. Well of course 100,000 miles later, after my warranty expired, I was told the timing chain needed to be replaced, and the car could stop at any given moment.
Needless to say, I took the vehicle to another Nissan Service Center for a second opinion, and was told that something totally different was mechanically wrong with my vehicle. I was told the front and rear motor mounts required replacing, along with some other problems of course. Well, here's a breakdown of my experience with the Nissan servicing centers: Engine and transmission fine at 99,000 mile. At 101, 000 miles, need the timing chain replaced. Had the timing chain replaced, and two days later, the service engine soon light is on.
I took it back to the service center for the mechanic to look into the problem. Now my AC line is leaking; catalytic converter has gone bad, need tire rods; valve covers gaskets, and so forth. The list goes on and on. Basically, either the service department is sabotaging my vehicle so that they can continue to milk me dry or trying to get me to purchase another vehicle. That's not going to happen.
Reviewed April 19, 2014
My transmission at 82000 miles (2006) started to give out. I couldn't go from 1st to 2nd without it skipping and then kicking hard into gear. On the other hand when I went from reverse to drive it would kick too. My motor mount and my transmission is done. It cost 4500 dollars to replace it and now even though it doesn't kick anymore, it doesn't have the power it use to have. I love my Maxima but not the way it’s built. Give me a recall.
Reviewed April 18, 2014
I replaced my 05 Maxima's transmission after it went out. 2 years later, it's going out again. Same problem when it warms up; it begins to not want to shift. I bought this car brand new. The first transmission lasted 5 years, only got 2 from New one. I will never buy another Nissan again.
Reviewed April 9, 2014
Gas pedal went to the floor and car accelerated on its own. Luckily, we were able to stop and my husband reconnected and fixed the issue. Now my tranny is shifting hard and acting up. No one seems to care at Nissan.
Reviewed April 5, 2014
While changing my tires, I discovered on the passenger side that the floor board is rotting out so much that I can push through the floor board carpet. I haven't went to a Nissan dealer yet.
Reviewed April 4, 2014
I bought the car. 200 miles later the reverse went out. The car runs on drive but feel like in park when it is in park or in neutral. I changed the transmission 4-times. I used a junkyard transmission, they all will work for 150-200 miles and then the reverse will do the same thing. I took the car to the Nissan dealer and I think they were trying to get out of saying we don't know, by saying the car must have the computer flashed for the new transmission to work or the new tranny will break down again. What really I know is Maximas have the worst transmissions ever made and the Nissan factory should recall them transmissions, or find solutions. Angry and frustrated.
Reviewed April 3, 2014
I have an 05 Nissan Maxima SE with the 6-speed manual transmission. It has 83,000 miles on it but I started having problems at around 80,000 miles. Took it to the Nissan dealership. Turns out I needed to replace the catalytic converters... When I replaced them, I still had the same fault and he said I needed to replace them again for $2080.15. On top of that, how could my Front and rear motor mounts already need to be replaced with only 83,000 miles on the car, both for $573.21 and $319.01 respectively! Also they tell me my Low side AC line needs to be replaced for $587.85 and my Sunroof Switch map light needs to be replaced for $449.26. This is ridiculous and something needs to be done about all these angry customers.
Reviewed March 27, 2014
Horrible Jenkins at 90,000 miles. No one can tell me exactly what is wrong with my car. One shop says valve body, while another says mother and transmission mounts. Another says it's my catalytic converter. No transmission codes can be found. I've read over two thousand complaints of the SAME issues on the SAME year, make and model of horrible car 2006 Nissan Maxima. How has a recall never been issued? This car here is so bad while driving, almost causing whiplash. I have two young babies and this is not safe for any consumer. It is not our fault that Nissan designed this car horribly like they did. I've never experienced this unsafe feeling ever in my life, let alone in my own vehicle! Something must be done and this needs to be addressed.