8th May 2008, 12:02

Same problem here - both counts - 2004 Max SL - and I get the shimmy shimmy rattle your bones on braking and (worse) the trans problem where it sounds like a turbine jet engine running in tandem with the trans. I can't believe this, but I'm at the Nissan dealership now and am KICKING myself for not finding this list earlier - they are changing the trans. fluid as I type :`(

This is absolutely ridiculous that so many owners are having the same problem in the same model/design - if this doesn't constitute a design flaw, I don't know what does - has anyone contacted an attorney? This is almost class-actionable...

8th May 2008, 19:57

Man... Thought I was alone at first... I too have a 2004 Nissan Maxima 6-speed manual; had a grinding in 2nd gear - dealer said I needed new clutch, pressure plate, throwout bearing, and flywheel.

$1300 later - same grind (oh, by the way, another $1300 they say to fix that - now it's a synchronizer issue; not the clutch)... and now 2 months later, my tranny is starting to lock up again in certain gears, can't shift, etc. I also have the "shaking" thing where the rotors feel like they're warped, but they aren't... Tightened the lug nuts and it got better for a couple of weeks.

This is a nice looking car, but mechanically horrible.

9th May 2008, 10:56

I have a 2004 Maxima SE, bought as new at 12,000 miles. At 58,000 miles, developed scraping sound when accelerating. Dealer replaced the catalytic converter, sound stopped. Back in shop today at 70,000 miles for constant whine from engine. Dealer says secondary timing chain is bad, will require 3 day repair job. Had an extended warranty to 72,000 miles, hallelujah. Tires are expensive and wear out at less than 35,000 no matter how often they are rotated. Found Falken tires at Sears for $170 vs $260 for Goodyears. I'm so used to the vibration in the steering wheel that it seems normal. Had a 1995 Maxima, loved it. Don't love this one. Will file complaint with NHTSA.

19th May 2008, 09:42

I have a 2004 Maxima and the car is clunking when moving between reverse and drive. This problem becomes more pronounced when it is warm. I brought it to the shop and have been told that it needs a rebuild and it will cost me $3,600. Nissan needs to shoulder it's responsibility and take care of this problem. I am considering just trading the car in as this problem will just happen again in another 60,000 miles but I am not considering a Nissan.

20th May 2008, 11:18

Chalk another one up to the clunking over bumps/transmission/rattling sound issues for my '04 Maxima with 72k. I've had it for a total of 2 months. The previous owner had the tranny flushed twice in accordance with the recommended maintenance. This should not happen when the transmission has been properly maintained and not abused.

20th May 2008, 16:21

I have a 2005 Maxima SE with 95,000 miles. Major issue with TIMING CHAIN problems. Have been told that there is a service bulletin from Nissan regarding this. Has anyone else heard this? So far, Nissan won't touch the problem without charging big bucks to fix it... this is absurd! A 3-year old car that I paid $30,000+ for should not be having this problem.

I've loved this car up until now...but at this point it's probably best to trade it in (next car won't be a Nissan).

TB.

21st May 2008, 13:53

I have a 2005 Maxima SE with 82k and I found out today I have a timing chain issue. I spoke with the dealership and they said there was a service bulletin posted in July 2007 on this issue. I will be contacting Nissan today to see if I have any recourse, however it sounds like I will be 100% responsible for the $1400 repair. That stinks.I think they should pay for half the labor (total lablr is $960) cost.

24th May 2008, 08:40

We have a 2004 Maxima SL with 45,000 miles. We have had repeated failures with the suspension system - right front end. This is ridiculous. When I called Nissan, they told me there where no reported cases. I'm in the process of contacting Nissan through vocal complaints and letters. Since purchase, we have had over 4 failures with struts, rotors since we have purchased the car. There is still a persistent vibration or shimmy at higher rates of speed. It seems like a costly defect to me. It will probably take a serious incident for Nissan to do something about this.

28th May 2008, 12:18

I have a 2007 Nissan Maxima that I purchased last year new. I have maintained the regular oil changes at the dealership, and at the same time had the tires rotated each time. No one other than the dealership has ever looked at or done anything to this vehicle. Well at approximately 30,000 my tires are "slick" in the center. The Nissan Service Department told me it was from over inflation, which I told them THEY ARE THE ONLY ONES inflating the tires... and what were they going to do about it? At the time of purchase I also bought the tire warranty. They said they aren't going to do anything... I need to know who, where I can contact someone at Nissan to get something done.

28th May 2008, 13:00

As well, we have a 2004 Nissan Maxima and are having the same shifting and transmission problems, and also engine rattling. I have contacted NHTSA.GOV and filed a complaint as of today. I plan to contact Nissan Corp tomorrow, has anyone heard anything or any kind of an update??

Thanks

678/283-5807.

29th May 2008, 12:59

OK now this is ridiculous. I'm from Canada and I to own a 2004 Nissan Maxima and I'm having transmission slipping issues. Mainly from 2nd to 3rd but sometimes from 1st to 2nd as well as some jerking problems. The dealership said they can't duplicate the problem. Anyone have any suggestions? I have an extended warranty and I'm considering getting rid of the car. I would appreciate any suggestions at the address below.

Thank you.

garrybrennan@hotmail.com

2nd Jun 2008, 10:04

I too have a 2004 Nissan Maxima and was experiencing jerking and transmission slipping from 1st to 2nd gear. I paid $1900 to replace the valve body and my car is working perfect now.

27th Jun 2008, 18:59

I am another upset owner of a 2004 Nissan Maxima SE. I took the car into the dealer in March at 58,700 miles, just under my 60,000 mile warranty. The motor mount was re-placed and I was told there would be no more problems. I am now at 62,200 miles and my transmission is slipping and jerking when I go up a slight grade. This is the second Nissan I have bought. I bought A 2006 ARMADA. Four brakes jobs before 3000 miles!!! I was able to get rid of that, but am now looking at a $3,000 + repair bill. I have filed a complaint with the (NHTSA) today and urge others to due so immediately. Nissan knows there is a problem. We need a recall.