10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 1
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
17,105 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

The NHTSA is the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints can be spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem. See the Back button — blue bar at the very top of the page — to explore more.

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problem #15

May 012008

Maxima 6-cyl

  • 30,000 miles
With only 30,000 miles on my Maxima I have had to replace 1)motor mount 2)front strut 3)rotors (need to be replaced again) and still the wheel shakes even at low speeds.

- Spanish Fork, UT, USA

problem #14

Mar 012007

Maxima 4WD 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 26,000 miles
The contact owns a 2004 Nissan Maxima. Since the vehicle was purchased, the contact has experienced failures with the radio and headlights, the rotors were replaced three times, the front coil springs were replaced twice, and the battery wiring burned. Currently, the transmission pulls when the vehicle is accelerated. The vehicle will be taken to the dealer to diagnose the transmission failure. The manufacturer stated that no recalls were available for any of the failures. The current mileage was 49,000 and failure mileage was 26,000.

- Camden , NJ, USA

problem #13

Oct 032006

Maxima 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 27,500 miles
Multiple strut failures on a car with only 28K miles. Also brake rotors continue to warp. This is unacceptable for such a new car.

- Montgomery, AL, USA

problem #12

Jul 192006

Maxima 6-cyl

  • Manual transmission
  • 44,000 miles
: the contact stated, while decelerating or depressing the break pedal, the front wheels and steering wheel vibrated and jerked from left to right. The problem was recurring, but not constant. The vehicle was inspected and serviced on four separate occasions. Each time, the front break rotors were turned, eliminating the vibration for a short period of time. The manufactured determined the rotors overheat at times, warping the rotors, and suggested the vehicle be taken to another service dealer. The manufacturer also confirmed that warranty has expired, so services would be provided at cost.

- Watertown, CT, USA

problem #11

Jun 222006

Maxima 6-cyl

  • Manual transmission
  • 13,000 miles
At 13K miles, when traveling over 50 mph and I step on the brake, the steering wheel and front end judders violently. This has caused much concern and worry. However, when I took my car to the dealer I was told that the rotors could be "machined down to a smooth finish at my expense of $120". I asked why it wasn't covered under my warranty and was told, "because it's considered maintenance." For a new car - 2004, under 30K miles that is bull and Nissan should fix the problem!

- Cincinnati, OH, USA

problem #10

Mar 172006

Maxima 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 26,500 miles
Ever since the first day I purchased my 2004 Nissan Maxima, I noticed something rather odd. At 50 mph, even less at most times, there is a terrible shimmy which can cause a serious accident. When I step on the brakes at or above 50 mph, the wheel shakes ferociously out of control, and this can cause a serious serious accident, especially in rain or snow, and even on dry land. I am not the only one. Everyone with a 2004-2006 Nissan Maxima has this problem. This is a lemon.

- Boonton, NJ, USA

problem #9

Apr 052006

Maxima 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 37,000 miles
Front brakes pulsate violently when braking. Front end shimmies constantly. Original front tires wore out within 10,000 miles. Nissan continues to ignore the design flaws and component failures (rotor failure) in this 2004 Maxima. Owners are getting nothing but the runaround when vehicle safety is a huge issue.

- Midlothian, VA, USA

problem #8

Apr 032006

Maxima

  • miles
My 2004 Nissan Maxima has been experiencing loud rattling noise when driving and severe shaking of the steering when applying the brakes. In April 2006 I took the car to the dealership. They stated the struts and suspension needed to be placed and insisted I pay for it. The struts had been replaced in the car previously in April of 2005 along with defective rotors. They also suggested the belts be replaced because they were cracking. I have not had the car two years yet, but parts on this vehicle continue to malfunction exhibiting all signs of defective manufacturing. Additionally I replaced two of the originally tires (Goodyear rsa 18") at 12K and 20K miles for tears in the sidewalls. I have reviewed the other complaints on file for this vehicle from other owners and unfortunately I share the same problems with my Maxima.

- Edison, NJ, USA

problem #7

Feb 212006

Maxima 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 18,504 miles
: the contact stated the steering wheel vibrated while the brake pedal was depressed. The vehicle was taken to the dealership, which determined the front rotors needed to be turned and the rear passenger side caliper was rusted to the rotor. The front rotors were turned and the rear caliper and rotor was cleaned. There have been no further problems. Updated 4/11/2006 - the consumer indicated that there is still a slight vibration in the steering column.

- Grand Island, NY, USA

problem #6

May 152005

Maxima

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
Front struts replaced on my brand new 2004 Nissan Maxima after 9 months. I also had to have my rotors turned after 18K miles. I know of others that had/have the same problems.

- Pasadena, MD, USA

problem #5

May 302005

Maxima 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 22,980 miles
1) normal driving conditions, no extraordinary events 2) 'brake judder' causing uncontrolled movement of steering wheel 3) taken to dealer in February 2005, rotors re-surfaced, problem recurrence after only 7,000 miles (May 30, 2005). Taken to dealer June 09, 2005. Dealer will not replace rotors at menufacturer's cost.

- Ypsilanti, MI, USA

problem #4

May 072005

Maxima 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
Contact states when the vehicle is in reverse there is a loud squeaking noise when the brake pedal is pushed. Also, there is vibration when the brake pedal is pushed while driving the vehicle. A Goodyear service dealer stated the rotors needed to be replaced. The dealer where the vehicle was purchased said there was nothing wrong with the brakes. This has been ongoing since the vehicle was purchased.

- Texarkana, AR, USA

problem #3

Apr 112004

Maxima 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 11,000 miles
Purchase new car Dec 2003, car vibrated while braking and making a rubbing noise when turning, this was at 11,000 miles, rotors were turned and then problem started again and the rotor were turned a second time. The rotors were turned a third time when the noise returned the fourth visit the rotors were replaced after much protest by the dealership. Now the problem is back again the noise has returned.. do you have any information regarding a defect with the rotors, struts, or brake pads.. the brake pads were also replaced after I insisted that they were replaced. The dealership continues to say that the rotors get hot and can warp when you hit water on the road, surely the rotors should not have to be replaced after a year of normal wear. I also have a 1997 Toyota 4 runner and a 95 4-runner and have never had to replace the rotors. Please advise.

- Lexington, SC, USA

problem #2

Oct 042003

Maxima

  • Automatic transmission
  • 85 miles
When driving vehicle shook uncontrollably at any speed. There was a severe vibration in the steering wheel, seats, a defect in the rubber molding of the windshield, the brakes squealed, the brake rotors were out of round and a grinding sound when the steering wheel was turned. The tires were rotated a few times, the brakes were lubed and sanded, power steering rack was adjusted, brake rotors were replaced and a brand new set of tires were added.

- Crofton, MD, USA

problem #1

Aug 252004

Maxima 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
While driving at highway speed steering wheel shook. Dealership inspected vehicle twice. First time they tightened the suspension system. The second time dealership replaced the front rotors, but the problem recurred. Also, radiator failed.

- Staten Island, NY, USA