27th Mar 2008, 01:04

Wow!!! I am shocked and outraged at how many of us there are. I too am now part of the failed transmission of the 2004 Nissan Maxima club. I bought mine brand new in 2004. This was my first new car and has been nothing but trouble for me. At 60,000 miles 2 of the catalytic converters went out and shot parts into my engine and ruined it. Because the Catalytic converters were still under warranty Nissan gave me a new engine. Now for the past month off and on my car has been jerking between 1st and 2nd gear. I would think it was better then it would start up again. Today on my way home from school the check engine light came on and I lost almost all power when coming up my driveway. I know it's something bad! I am so mad that Nissan has not recalled this problem. Isn't this their flagship car?!!! I will complain to Nissan tomorrow and file a complaint with the other agency mentioned. If anyone has any pointers let me know.

Finishingtouchint@att.net.

27th Mar 2008, 01:46

I posted earlier that I too had the same transmission problem. I then found an article at nissanhelp.com that said if a certain transmission fluid was not used, it could ruin the transmission. It appears to be a bulletin to its mechanics. I am not quite sure if it means anything, but I know I have had Nissan change my fluids before, and what if they didn't use the recommended transmission fluid? Please take a look at the article.

6th Apr 2008, 14:11

I came to this site looking for information on what brand tires to buy; I have an 04 3.5SE Maxima and with 56K on it am about to buy my 3rd set of tires. I bought the car with 21K on it and the original Goodyears were all cracked on the inside tire wall. I purchased top-of-the-line Michelins only to get 35K out of them.

I have experienced the rattles and the steering shimmy, etc. I did have the rotors turned by the dealer and tires re-balanced by the dealer which seemed to help for about 10K miles. The dealer told me that many of the discount tire places over-weight the tires and this car is very sensitive to that.?? Now I am at the point that if I let go of the steering wheel for a fraction of a second... this car is headed for on-coming traffic; last month they installed new struts, rotated tires, fixed some more rattles, replace motor mount, etc. This is my second Nissan product; the first was a Quest van and I have to say it will be my last.

After reading all of the comments, I think the best tire to buy is one that is under a different vehicle!

7th Apr 2008, 13:07

I purchased my 2004 SE Maxima in December 2003. The problems with this Flagship car are echoed all over this comment sheet.

At 17000 miles struts are replaced, the rear view mirror has never stopped 'buzzing', 39000 miles car violently shaking - warped rotors due to brakes getting too hot. This is a defect clearly. I brake gently, always have.

CD player had to be replaced - defective.

ABS replaced - covered extended warranty - problem persisted, took back to dealer - took new ABS off and said there was grass in the wheel that caused the sensor to light up.

Out of nowhere the left rear tire blew out. The tire/crack problem was not known to me at the time. I paid for 2 new tires, then last year heard about tire problem.

8th Apr 2008, 08:59

I also purchased an 04 Max SE new. Replaced struts (under warranty), all 4 goodyears (cracked sidewalls) under warranty,

Bose radio trouble, left side channel would go in and out, replaced under warranty, rear frame replaced due to corrosion (under warranty). I have no transmission problems (58K miles) but the front brakes are horrible. Rotors warped and steering shimmy is scary at times. I beat the crap out of this car though and the engine and tranny seem OK so far. My recommendation is NOT to do any transmission flushes if you never done them before. It will usually make the transmission worse. If you don't change the transmission fluid regularly, then it is better to not change it at all. Nissan needs to step up with this issue.

19th Apr 2008, 08:57

WOW.. This is crazy to see so many of us with the same problems with a so called reputable automobile. I too own a 2004 Maxima SE with the same transmission problem, and paid $3900 to replace it. The replacement does not feel as smooth as the original, and from time to time I get slight jerkage letting me know this may only be a bandaid...

I also have this loud clacking sound coming from the timing area, which I figure would have been fixed when the transmission was changed. The sound is so annoying that I have to turn up my radio at times as to ignore it... I was told it would cost me $1500 to fix that problem and I don't have it. Nissan needs to get on the ball and admit to these issues before the situation goes public. I have about 2 years left to pay for car, and already less oil changes and tune ups would be responsible for roughly $4500 in repairs; not wear and tear related, but Nissan defective.

20th Apr 2008, 17:19

Well, here's another one--I bought my 2004 Maxima SE new in December of 2004. I've noticed a little jerking from time to time when the transmission shifts but only occasionally, no major problem here. (yet) I have 64,000 miles on it now. My problem has been with the steering wheel shimmy and tires. We've changed out tires, turned the rotors, aligned the front end and still have a shake. The dealership assures me my wheels are good. It's just so darn frustrating because I'm one of those people whom take very special care of their car and keep it serviced. This is not a cheap car--we shouldn't be having these problems! I've been trying to decide what to trade this one in for and it probably won't be another Nissan--too bad---the car I had before this was a 1993 Maxima and it was still a great car with 218,000 miles on it when I traded it for this one.

23rd Apr 2008, 14:54

I am also an owner of a 2004 Nissan Maxima; I purchased used in 2005 with 36,000 miles on it. I love my Nissan Maxima and have owned other Nissan models; but my Maxima has given me the most problems. I have had to replace the coil ignitor, the rotors & brake pads, power steering belt & A/C belt - as of now my A/C does not work, several cracked belts & leaking belts & the battery! As of yesterday my car completely stopped on me... I had my car towed to Nissan and my timing chain broke on the car and I now need a WHOLE new engine. From what I am told - the timing chains should last up to 300,000 miles (I have 125,000 miles now). The diagnostics for this was $1100.00 plus the cost of the new engine estimated at $8,000 - 9,000 dollars! I am devastated - I owe too much money on this car still to even consider any trade in - I am totally at a loss here and I am sickened over this mess. I am very loyal customer to Nissan. 10 of my family members have Nissans but my Maxima which is the most expensive model is the lemon of the bunch. I am very saddened & disappointed. I hope Nissan Consumer Affairs has a way to help me with the repairs. julzda11@yahoo.com.