27th Feb 2010, 15:17
I too bought a 2004 Maxima SE with only 42K miles on it in July 2009. Thought this was a great deal of course, only to have to replace 4 engine sensors in Nov/December and now, with 60k miles, have what appears to be a defective ABS module. Of course, no warranty to cover this. I see that Nissan has issued a service bulletin for this problem -- this is clearly a safety issue so why no recall??? I'm disgusted with this car as to repair this problem will cost a mere $2-3K, AND still have a car note!! For a car that is supposed to be top of the line model for Nissan, it's a money pit. Shame on you Nissan!!
27th Feb 2010, 15:56
I have a 2005 Maxima SE with 123,000 miles. The transmission and valve body recently rebuilt, converter was also changed. Thus far, the car runs great. The entire work cost approximately $2,500.00 at a transmission repair specialist, which is a lot of money. At this time, the transmission shifts very well and the gas mileage has improved significantly.
1st Mar 2010, 19:11
I also have a 2004 Nissan Maxima with only 57,000 miles on it.
I too have transmission troubles. I called the 1-800-nissan-1 hotline and they told me there was nothing they were going to do to help me. I was under their 60,000 miles, however they told me I was over in the amount of years that I had the vehicle. They asked me did I do a 30,000 mile check up. They use this as an excuse not to own up to their problem of manufacturing a bad transmission. I posted a complaint with the NHTSA. Hope they will do something soon. If they don't, this will just be the beginning of Nissan ripping the public off.
4th Mar 2010, 11:06
I have a 2004 Maxima, and I financed it. I pay 480.00 a month, and the car drives like junk. I hate it; the transmission is horrible, and they won't do anything about it. I don't think is fair; they should recall this problem. Can anybody tell me what can be done at this point? Can we sue?
My car has only 70,000 miles, and it feels like it's a 1990 car... Please, any suggestions, contact me jcolonvbc@yahoo.com
8th Mar 2010, 18:40
I am buying a 2004 Nissan Maxima SL with 95000 miles. Is there anybody with an SL (2004) that still drives great and has over 120000 miles. Please let me know.wambugu@juno.com
11th Mar 2010, 12:45
Hello everyone,
I have a 2004 Nissan Maxima, I started having the same transmission problems as everyone else, shifting problems. I took my car to my friends mechanic and he informed me that my ATF was burnt. I said "what, I only have 61K miles on it" I treat this car like a baby, I do not abuse it or drive it without warming it up. Needless to say I have the same issues everyone else on this website has. I'm thinking about changing the valve body, as the AAMCO specialist said before he started talking about rebuilding the whole thing for $2368.00. I hope it works, I'll keep you posted. Why hasn't there been a recall? I will never look at another Nissan again, and will advise family and friends to do the same.
Eddie.
12th Mar 2010, 08:21
I too had the same problems as everyone. I changed the valve body, but it was only an temporary fix. 2 months later that valve gave out, luckily I had an one year warranty on it. I went ahead and had the transmission rebuilt and the valve body replaced again, and so far so good.
19th Mar 2010, 17:26
Bought an 04 Maxima SL with 121k on it yesterday. It's a great looking car, unfortunately when I test drove it off the lot, it was great for about 25-30 minutes... When I got onto the bypass to test it at speed, it drove well, but when I exited and came to downshift from 2-1, it jerked very hard. The rest of the way to the dealer it was great. I purchased it and don't experience the problem until the car warms up. It's not extremely rough, but you do notice it. 1-2 2-3 and on up don't give me a problem, but I see where the problem will snowball if not attended to, so I am looking at a VBA replacement already. Thanks for all the info guys!
20th Mar 2010, 06:59
I own a 2004 Nissan Maxima SE, and I am also experiencing the same jerking problem when my car is changing 1st and 2nd gear.
Several mechanics stated that I needed a new transmission, and after saving enough money for a used or rebuilt transmission, I am now having difficulties finding an affordable part.
Has anyone heard that the reason this part is in such short demand is because 2004 was the only year this particular transmission was made?
In the wake of other care manufacturer problems, I can't believe there has not been more aggressive action by Nissan.
I was encouraged to find this site... while looking for the part, but I am discouraged that so many of us are experiencing the same problem.
21st Mar 2010, 12:54
I am thinking of buying an 04 Maxima with 76k miles.
Do you think this is a good idea?
26th Mar 2010, 10:48
I too have a 2004 Nissan Maxima with a 117K, and I am experiencing problems like everyone else.
My mechanic recommended putting a 2007 transmission in it. The price is $3200, and I get back $800 once the 2004 transmission is turned in. I highly recommend getting a 2007 transmission and don't waste time or money on rebuilding a 2004 transmission. From reading the other comments, it's not worth it. It will take 1-2 days to install it. The reason I am recommending the 2007 transmission is because I am not hearing problems about it.
27th Mar 2010, 11:26
^^^^^^^^^^^^^ my mechanic told me a 2007 transmission wouldn't work in my 04 Maxima, or that would've been the route I would've taken a long time ago.
29th Mar 2010, 10:21
I have an 04 Maxima, and it's currently getting a rebuild, and possibly a new valve body. Gonna call Nissan again and complain about the 04 transmission, and see where that gets me.
As for getting an 07 transmission in an 04, it won't work, because Nissan went to the CVT in 07!
30th Mar 2010, 13:38
I have a 2004 Nissan Maxima with 93,000 miles on it. I have the same problem with changing the gear, mostly from 1 to 2. Nissan dealer and private mechanics suggested to change the motor mounts to fix the problem. I am not sure if I just drive it the way it is or change them, which would cost me around $750. Anybody getting results from changing the motor mounts?
Thanks.
27th Feb 2010, 08:44
I have 2004 Nissan Maxima, which I'm still making payments on. The transmission has a hard jerk in between shifting gears. Also, when going from reverse to drive, and vice versa, there is a pause, then a hard jerk before shifting.
Tires wear out too quickly. Also there is a knocking noise on the right side... please, if there are any recalls, please let me know.