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2004 Nissan Maxima problems

The most common problem on the 2004 Nissan Maxima is transmission and drivetrain, typically around 84,000 miles. It has 13.5 times the complaints of a typical Maxima model year.

Year to avoid13.5x the typical complaints
Year score
5/100
Owner complaints
1,426
Recalls
2
Service bulletins
115
Worst area
Transmission
Fuel economy
21mpg
Typical repair
$3,500

The worst 2004 Nissan Maxima problems

Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.

Problems by type

Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.

Specific symptoms reported on the 2004 Nissan Maxima

Jerking 538Slipping 186Transmission failure 180Harsh shifting 73Stalling 73Hesitation 61Check engine light 50ABS 44Won't shift 38Knocking 27Tire blowout 24Sudden acceleration 19Grinding brakes 18Sunroof shattered 17Fire or smoke 14Loss of power 14No deployment 10Won't start 10Engine failure 7Headlights 7Door locks 6Whining noise 6

Trouble codes owners of the 2004 Nissan Maxima mention

P3040 2

Recalls 2

Seats: front assembly: power adjustReported November 7, 2005 · 102,551 vehicles affected
What is wrong
On certain passenger vehicles equipped with the driver preferred package, the wire harness from the driver's seat power lumbar support switch may be routed incorrectly and could be pinched under the driver seat.
Risk
A pinched harness, in combination with driving vibration, may result in a short circuit in the harness that could lead to a fire in the seat.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the wire harness and route it correctly. The recall began on january 16, 2006. Owners may contact nissan at 1‑800‑647‑7261.

Recall number 05V512000 · Recall details

Visibility: sun/moon roof assemblyReported July 7, 2004 · 32,100 vehicles affected
What is wrong
On certain passenger vehicles equipped with skyview roofs, the glass for the roof may not have been quenched properly after the forming process, resulting in temper imbalance.
Risk
This could create excessive internal stress in the glass and eventually cause the glass to shatter, creating a risk of injury.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect and replace the glass in the skyview roof. The recall began on september 7, 2004. Owners should contact nissan at 1‑800‑647‑7261.

Recall number 04V326000 · Recall details

See all 2 recalls for the 2004 Nissan Maxima

Defect investigations

Glass roof shatteringOpened April 12, 2004, closed July 13, 2004

The office of defects investigation (odi) opened this investigation on april 12, 2004, based on five reports indicating that the skyview glass-paneled roof, which is standard equipment in model year (my) 2004 nissan maxima vehicles, would suddenly shatter while the vehicle is in use.five injuries have been reported to odi, resulting in cuts to the head, hands, arms, or face.nissan discovered that their supplier for the skyview glass paneled roof did not properly quench (cool) the glass after it was formed.the resulting temper imbalance could create excessive internal stress in the glass and can eventually cause the glass to shatter.nissan reports that glass produced beginning october 23, 2003 was properly quenched.nissan has informed the agency that it will recall 32,100 my 2004 nissan maximas built from the beginning of production thru december 17, 2003.it reports that vehicles built after december 17 are not affected.to correct the condition nissan will replace the existing skyview glass with new properly quenched glass.nissan will begin owner notification on september 7, 2004.odi is aware of only one complaint and nissan reports no complaints of skyview glass paneled roof breakage on vehicles built after the december 17 date.this investigation is closed, however the agency will monitor complaints and take appropriate action as appropriate.

PE04035

Technical service bulletins for the 2004 Nissan Maxima 115

Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.

See all 115 bulletins for the 2004 Nissan Maxima

2004 Nissan Maxima fuel economy

Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.

EngineDriveCityHighwayCombined
3.5L 6‑cylFWD1825-2721

What 2004 Nissan Maxima owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Sep 24, 2026 · Brakes · 200,000 miles · NY

The contact owns a 2004 Nissan Maxima. The contact stated that while driving 15 MPH, the ABS independently activated. In addition, the contact became aware of an abnormal sound. The failure was a persistent failure. The failure mileage was approximately 200,000.

Filed Mar 28, 2025 · Visibility · 165,000 miles · NY

The contact owns a 2004 Nissan Maxima. The contact stated while driving 60 MPH, the vehicle made an abnormally loud popping sound, and the contact noticed that the sky view roof glass had shattered. The contact stated that pieces of shattered glass had fallen inside the vehicle. The contact pulled over to the side of the road. The contact had not sustained any injuries and resumed driving. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the contact was informed that the VIN was not included in a recall. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and confirmed that the VIN was not included in the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 04V326000 (Visibility). The failure mileage was 165,000.

Filed Apr 19, 2023 · Seats · HI

UNKNOWN - I recently purchased this vehicle today from a private seller on April 18, 2023. Previous owner had stated the driver seat adjuster motor(to move the seat forward and backwards) has never functioned properly and gets stuck in the far back position or rotates counterclockwise at times(while remaining in the far back position). This is a big safety issue for me as it is very difficult to reach the brake and gas pedals without compromising my field of vision whilst driving. I did a VIN check on vincheck.info and it comfirms a recall report for this specific seating problem for this vehicle's year, make, and model. As for everything else, it is unknown as I did just recently purchase the vehicle.

Filed Mar 21, 2021 · Electrical, Engine · FL

04v326000 one of the recall number the other is 05v512000 not sure what to do at this point I've changed my timing chain also already I also received a letter stating if I had to replace it to contact nissan I believe I'm just getting the run around

Filed Mar 15, 2021 · Engine · 80,000 miles · NY

Timing chain failure. Timing chain was bad from day one. Spent nearly 4000 dollars for repair. Then to look up online and find out many other people had problem. Now a few years later. Same problem

Filed Dec 7, 2020 · Electrical · 18,600 miles · TX

For starters I replaced the alternator then the battery and then the crankshaft senor and then dorman that is on the possessive side of the battery. And it doesn't want to start still. Now just maybe you can help me on this.

Filed Nov 17, 2020 · Electrical · 167,000 miles · DE

When it rains the back passenger door has water in the door and soaks the back floor

Filed Nov 10, 2020 · 167,000 miles · VA

Car failed safety inspection due to rusting of floorboards on driver and front passenger side. Turns out this is a systemic problem with model years 2002-2006. How can this not be a safety issue??

Filed Nov 1, 2020 · Body · 120,000 miles · NH

Front subframe completely rotted out lower control arm become unattached, had to repair subframe and all components, absolutely a safety risk, many recall on these vehicles but I don't understand why they don't have one for this vehicle

Filed Jul 20, 2020 · Acceleration, Engine · 10 miles · PA · crash

Me and my boyfriend were sold this car for 2500 and the car needed a new battery, a new converter . Once I brought those items and put them in the car started having compression problems to the point it has a slow take off , cannot go up hills , and we have to shift gears just for it to move .. This car was sold to us like this and we almost fell off a cliff because of the compression problem and not being able to go up any hills .. The people who sold us the car said they will not fix the problem or refund our money .

Used buying checklistWhat to check on a 2004 Nissan Maxima before you buy

Compare the 2004 Nissan Maxima

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Other model years

1990199119921993199419951996199719981999200020012002200320042005200620072008200920102011201220132014201520162017201820192020202120222023

Questions about the 2004 Nissan Maxima

Is the 2004 Nissan Maxima reliable?

Owners have filed 1,426 complaints about the 2004 Nissan Maxima, 13.5 times a typical Maxima model year. It is one of the years we flag to avoid.

What is the 2004 Nissan Maxima year score?

The 2004 Nissan Maxima scores 5 out of 100 (poor). The score compares it with the other model years of the Nissan Maxima: 75 is a typical year, 50 means twice the usual complaints, and serious complaints and recalls lower it.

What is the most common problem with the 2004 Nissan Maxima?

Transmission and drivetrain, with 934 complaints, typically around 84,000 miles. Next is tires (141).

How many recalls does the 2004 Nissan Maxima have?

2 recalls, covering seats and visibility.

What year does the Nissan Maxima have bad transmission?

The Nissan Maxima model years with the most transmission complaints are 2004 (934 complaints), 2005 (777 complaints) and 2006 (393 complaints).

What gas mileage does the 2004 Nissan Maxima get?

Official estimates for the 2004 Nissan Maxima range from 21 mpg combined. The most efficient version (3.5L 6-cyl, FWD) gets 18 city and 25-27 highway.

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