2006 Nissan Maxima. Consumer writes in regards to ABS and actuator defect. The consumer stated the ABS sensor and hubs were replaced in August 2009, after receiving notification from Nissan. A repeat of the same problem recently, required the replacement of the sensors, hubs and actuator. Nissan failed to notify the public about the problem and issue a recall, although they have known about the problem since 2004 and issued an advisory to dealers. Failure of the components could lead to failure in proper braking, significant reduction of engine power and loss of speedometer reading. Nissan was notified of the incident, but refused to take responsibility in repairing the vehicle.

- Brooklyn, NY, USA

While traveling approximately 40 mph, with no warning, the ABS lamp, tcs light and the emergency brake lights came on and the brakes became sensitive. I took the vehicle to my mechanic who discovered that the ABS actuator was defective, rendering the ABS system, traction control system and the electronic brake force distribution inactive. The mechanic installed an ABS motor/module per the Nissan service bulletin issued March 16, 2007 and removed both rear wheel bearings and performed an inspection and knuckle modification per the bulletin. The cost of the ABS actuator alone was $1,300; 75% of the total repair bill which cost, I feel, is exorbitant and excessive. Updated IVOQ 03/20/12

- Hamilton, OH, USA

2006 Nissan Maxima. Consumer writes in regards to vehicle braking system the consumer stated the ABS on the right and left wheels of the vehicle would engage as he depressed the brake pedal at a time when the roadway was clear and dry, and his speed was in excess of 40 mph. Upon taking the vehicle to the dealer, the consumer learned there was a defect. The defect caused water/moisture to be retained in the rear hub assembly, resulting in corrosion to the hub assembly and causing the ABS to engage when it should not have been. In December 2010, the dealer performed a procedure where they cut a drain channel to allow water to drain out of the right rear hub assembly. This corrected the problem. However, the dealer acknowledged it was a problem on Nissan models. When the consumer inquired about whether it would happen on the left side of the vehicle, the dealer stated it was possible. In January 2011, the dealer performed the same procedure on the left side as they did for the right side. However, after having the service done, they determined the ABS was still engaging. Upon further investigating it was determined that the continuing problem was due to the left rear wheel bearing assembly having become so corroded with water and moisture that it had to be replaced.

- Cedar Rapids, IA, USA

The contact owns a 2006 Maxima SE. In late August 2010, the ABS brakes activated without warning. We immediately stopped driving it and brought it to a garage for repair. They cleaned off a bit of rust from the rear wheel hubs. It seemed to help but the ABS still went on during normal summer breaking conditions. The garage saw a bulletin from Nissan regarding the problem and told us that additional repairs needed to be done by the Nissan dealer. We brought it to a Nissan dealer. They inspected the car and told us that repairs would be around $800 to replace the sensors and if that did not work, the antilock actuator would need to be replaced, which would cost about $1500-2000. The car has about 60,885 miles on the car. We also own another Maxima. It is a 1998 Maxima with over 160,000 miles. On that older Maxima, we have never had a problem with the antilock brakes. We contacted Nissan Consumer Affairs and they told us that this normal and they would not pay for the repairs since the car was no longer under warranty.

- Shelton, CT, USA

The contact owns a 2006 Nissan Maxima. While starting the vehicle, the ABS light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealership where the light was reset but it did not turn on. The contact was informed that the sensor control module needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired at the time of the complaint. The current and failure mileages were approximately 50,000.

- Newark, NJ, USA

The contact owns a 2006 Nissan Maxima. The contact stated that the ABS activates on its own. He took the vehicle to a dealer and they stated that dirt enters through the speed sensor and causes the failure. The contact would be responsible for the repairs since the warranty was expired. The manufacturer did not assist. The vehicle has not been repaired. The failure mileage was 37,000 and current mileage was 39,000. The consumer was informed the sensor failure caused the pump motor and actuator relay to fail. The consumer stated he dismantled the ABS in order to drive the vehicle properly. Updated 07/08/09.

- Huntington, VT, USA

The contact owns a 2006 Nissan Maxima. On September 5, 2008, while driving approximately 15 mph, the contact heard a grinding noise. He drove to his residence and had the vehicle towed to the dealer. A diagnostic was performed and they stated that the ABS sensors were corroded due to a build up of moisture, which caused the grinding noise. The mechanic drilled a hole in the rear hubs to release the moisture so that the ABS sensors would not corrode again. The contact called the manufacturer after the repairs were made and they stated that the vehicle was no longer under warranty. They would not cover the cost for the repairs. The current mileage was 43,338 and failure mileage was 43,278. Updated 11/6/08 updated 11/10/08.

- Hoffman Estates, IL, USA