My 2008 Maxima is a low mileage vehicle, which I cared for with appropriate maintenance, primarily through my dealer (because they offered me an oil change cost incentive) and in spite of repairs being relatively costly. However, I treated the vehicle as something that would last if I maintained it appropriately. BOY WAS I WRONG. This is my second Nissan that is ending in excessively expensive repairs.

My check engine light came on early part of 2018, I visited the dealer within days of the light coming on, they said there was a small hole in the fuel intake unit and it would fail a compression test, but it wasn't a big deal, they didn't have the part, so I should just bring it in at my next oil change and they'd fix it. After that the dealership changed hands and became unresponsive for weeks, I needed an inspection and oil change, so I took it to a local mechanic. He replaced the filler tank problem, but now there were intake timing codes, but the solenoids were fine, we ever replaced them (over the course of several months of taking the car to him, the dealership, etc.). After spending $700+ at the dealer and still in for several hundred at the local mechanic, the conclusion seems to be that the timing chain is stretched.

WHAT?!?!!? This is the same timing chain that the Nissan salesmen have been crowing about as an INFALLIBLE part that is the basis of their engines since my first Nissan purchase in 2000. Why have a timing belt that needs to be replaced after 90,000 miles when you can have this wonderful chain that will last the lifetime of your vehicle? Well, because the chain fails at <90,000 miles, that's why!

So, now, after replacing solenoids (both banks, since the dealership was unwilling to ask why both banks failed simultaneously) I have to replace the chain (if the engine is even still viable) and it will cost between $2000-$3000. Most local mechanics won't even talk to me, they say they don't want to work on my vehicle, its too much time, too much hassle, and unlikely to workout well for me/them. The dealer couldn't even diagnose it without an up front $100+$340 charge diagnostic + cost to open up the vehicle.

There are two class action suits (one in CA and WA that in my understanding was settled in favor of the plaintiff) and an ongoing suit including my neighboring states of Maryland and New York. Why these suits? Because it has come to light that Nissan manufactured these vehicles with defects in the chain tensioners and guides.

In spite of the legal findings against, Nissan Consumer Affairs refuses to do anything to help me. They will not assist with even a discounted repair, even though my vehicle has relatively low mileage. I guess they're waiting to have enough angry people to produce a suit!

It is my understanding that Nissan also sent Technical Service Bulletins essentially admitting there was a problem with the timing chains on most of their vehicles during a wide 4+ year range of model years in the mid-late 2000's, but refused to recall the defective parts, ostensibly because the repairs are so costly. They told their dealers to consider offering goodwill discounts.

So, it seems they will not respond to anything but a lawsuit. I thought Nissan was actually a decent car company, but it seems increasingly like these vehicles are actually very poor, and do not last at all.