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2004 Nissan Maxima engine complaints

Page 5 of 5: complaints 101 to 121 of 121, newest first, as owners wrote them.

See the summary of 2004 Nissan Maxima engine problems: which part fails, at what mileage and related recalls.

Filed Sep 19, 2008 · Electrical, Engine · 83,000 miles · MS

Tl*the contact owns a 2004 nissan maxima. While driving approximately 35 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The power and steering failed and the engine shut completely off. The vehicle was pushed to the side of the road. There were no warning lights illuminated on the instrument panel. The vehicle was jump started and driven to a repair shop. The mechanic stated that the battery and crank shaft sensors needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not included in the recall for the 2003 models, the federal safety agency campaign id number 03v455000 (engine and engine cooling). The contact believes that the vehicle should be included in the recall since the failures are identical. The vehicle has not yet been repaired. The current and failure mileages were 83,000.

Filed Aug 23, 2008 · Engine, Transmission · NJ

My timing chain started making noise at approximately 65,000 miles. When idling, I can hear the links in the engine. According to nissan, it will cost me approximately $3,000 to $4,000 in labor alone to correct the problem.

Filed Aug 19, 2008 · Engine, Transmission · 63,500 miles · PA

My car was having shifting issues with the transmission. The car shut off while I was driving and when I restarted it, it stayed in 5th gear. I took the car to the local dealership where they did something and resolved the problem but didn't inform me what it was. I then had the same issue about 3 months later I took the car to the same dealership they said they test drove my car but the mileage was only 1 mile different from when I dropped it off. So I know that was a lie. I was told they were unable to duplicate the problem. My vehicle was under warranty. I pleaded with the service manager telling him that I drive the car everyday and I have the problems all the time. He game me a smart ass answer like " when it does it again stop by and pick me up and show me what it is doing". Now 4 months later my warranty is over and my transmission is shot. They are now saying they are going to do nothing to help me out with this issue. I have to pay $3600 to fix the problem.

Filed Aug 8, 2008 · Engine · 75,000 miles · CA

2004 nissan maxima se. Front right ticking sound. Dealer evaluated the car and said it was a primary and secondary timing chain problem. Said I needed a replacement. I'm told by another non-nissan dealer that this is so common it should be listed as a recall.

Filed Jun 27, 2008 · Engine, Transmission · 62,000 miles · CA

Tl*the contact owns a 2004 nissan maxima. While driving 30 MPH uphill, the vehicle suddenly failed to shift into gear. The RPM's increased into the red zone on the instrument panel gauge. The gear final changed and the vehicle began to jerk badly. The vehicle eventually settled back into gear and proceeded up the hill. The failure was intermittent. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and they stated that the motor mounts were the cause of the failure. The dealer replaced the motor mounts. Currently, the transmission is causing the same failure. The VIN was unknown. The failure mileage was 62,000.

Filed Apr 8, 2008 · Engine, Transmission · 84,000 miles · AL

Tl*the contact owns a 2004 nissan maxima. While attempting to accelerate from a traffic light, the vehicle would not move. The contact had to shut off the vehicle and wait a few minutes to restart it before it would drive normally again. The failure occurred several times at various speeds. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and they stated that the catalytic converter and transmission were failing. The current and failure mileages were 84,000.

Filed Apr 7, 2008 · Engine, Transmission · 98,000 miles · IL

Nissan transmission and timing chain issues. Please see attached comments which demonstrate extent of problem. Nissan and their dealership should assume responsibility for this obvious defect. Http://www.carsurvey.org/viewcomments_review_61092.html.

Filed Jan 30, 2008 · Engine, Fuel system · 29,000 miles · MD

Tl*the contact owns a 2004 nissan maxima. When the vehicle was started, the clutch would not shift into any of the gears. The dealer repaired the master cylinder and the clutch system twice, yet, the failure continued. Another dealer stated that the transmission was failing. The vehicle has not been repaired and is currently parked. The failure mileage was 29,000 and current mileage was 83,000. Updated 06/17/08. *lj the consumer stated the fule pump and map sensor was replaced. Updated

Filed Dec 18, 2007 · Engine · 80,000 miles · CA

Tl*the contact owns a 2004 nissan maxima. While driving 40 MPH, the vehicle shut off and the steering locked without warning. The dealer stated that the cam and crank sensors caused the failure. As of december 18, 2007, the dealer had not repaired the vehicle. The current and failure mileages were 80,000. Updated 01/17/08. *lj updated

Filed Apr 17, 2007 · Engine, Suspension · 33,000 miles · NY

Tl*the contact owns a 2004 nissan maxima. While driving the contact heard a buzzing sound which alerted him that the motor mounts were failing. The dealer stated that the engine motor mounts were torn , and the front and rear mounts on the cross member were replaced. Approximately one month later the contact heard the buzzing sound and felt the engine shifted. The dealer was unable to duplicate the failure. Approximately three months later the vehicle was taken to the dealer again. The dealer replaced the front and rear motor mounts. The contact continued to hear the buzzing sound. The dealer advised the contact to replace the transmission fluid, and the right front strut. However, the repair did not solve the failure. The dealer informed the contact that the ECM computer should be replaced. The buzzing sound continued and the manufacturer stated that they would have their technician inspect the vehicle. Presently, the technician has not inspected the vehicle. The current and failure mileages were 33,000.*ak update 5/3/07

Filed Sep 25, 2006 · Brakes, Electrical · 56,000 miles · NJ

I have had numerous problems with my 2004 nissan maxima. I have had to replace tires, have had the vehicle in the shop for the check engine light coming numerous times; have paid to have the battery replaced because the car suddenly stalled; have had the catalytic converter replaced because of one of the check engine light trips to the dealer. Most recently, I replaced the front and back brakes due to what I thought was normal wear and tear. A month later, the ABS brake system fails, and I am told that is not under warranty, and the charge will be $1,645. The car is only two years old. I am at the dealer at least once, sometimes twice a month. I used to be the biggest cheerleader for nissan. I had a 1991 nissan maxima that I bought used with 173,000 miles on it. That car was on the road until it had more than 300,000. Now I feel like I purchased a lemon. I bought a new car because I didn't want the headaches that come along with a used car. I took my car to the dealer on september 18th because something weird going on with the brakes. I had had the brakes changed about a month before that, I knew that they were in good condition. I received a call later that day telling me that my ABS brake system was bad and needed to be replaced. And that I would need to cover the cost because the part was no longer under warranty. I contact nissan north america to lodge a complaint on september 19th to see if they would cover the cost for the ABS system failing, because I don't think that I should have to cover a major repair like that on a 2 year old car. I was told that a regional specialist would call me back within 24 hours. 2 days passed without a return call. I called again on the 22, and again on the 25th with no response. L believe that nissan is aware of all of the manufacturing defects with the maxima and by not responding hope that consumers will go ahead and pay for the repairs over and over again because they are afraid to drive an unsafe car.

Filed Aug 13, 2006 · Electrical, Engine · 3,992 miles · NY

Problem 1 of 5: purchased 2004 maxima brand new on 4/12/04. End of june, 2004, noticed temperature gauge pinned at hot. Also, sometimes when I reverse, my trunk pops open. Called nissan to bring car in. Was not given appointment until 7/12/04. Of course, the wonderful mechanics at nissan huntington could not experience the same problem and said my car was operating property at that time. Gave me my car back and was told the next time my car is pinned at hot, bring it right in. Then, a few weeks later, the thermostat was pinned at hot again. When I called nissan the woman who answers the phone for service would not let me bring my car in despite what the mechanic told me a few weeks back. She would not give me an appointment until the following week. I told her that this could be a major engine problem and what if my car engine fails. She did not care. So I drove the car in anyway, and had to cut the line at the service dept and grab a mechanic so they can see for themselves that the thermostat was indeed pinned at hot and I am not crazy. This was on 8/11/04, my car is just about 4 months old now. The dealership finally determined faulty temperature gauge and placed gauge. I only had 3,992 miles on this car. The dealership did give me a rent a car because I made a big stink about my car being broken and I would be out of a car for 4 days.

Filed Aug 13, 2006 · Electrical, Engine · NY

This is problem #1: (I had so far 4/5 major problems) purchased 2004 nissan maxima brand new. Within 2 months of driving this car, the thermostat kept registering at h, pinned at h. When I took it to the dealership in huntington, ny, they could not find the problem. Was told, when it pinns at hot again, bring the car in. Well, when I driving to work and the thermostat was pinned at hot again, I called the dealership to tell them and the receptionist said I could not bring my car in, it was not an emergency. I informed her that I don't know what type of problem this can be and what if my engine ceases? She said there was nothing I can do, and I can come in next week. I drove there anyway, and had to grab a mechanic to see that my car thermostat was indeed pinned at hot. It turned out to be a "electrical" problem and they had to replace the entire thermostat, and dash board. Also, while all my problems were going on, my trunk pops open when I reverse every now and then. Of course, the wonderful mechanics at the service dept in huntington could not duplicate the problem.. What a surprise??

Filed Jul 26, 2006 · Electrical, Engine · 42,000 miles · VA · fire

I have had numerous ignition coils replaced over the course of the last 16 months. Several times incurring weeks without the vehicle. There have been several electrical problems resulting in part replacement and the engine catching on fire. Nissan corporate sent technicians to research the issue and had to replace the engine as a result of the fire, saying fortunately I stopped the vehicle before the fire got out of control. Under the hood was charred and melted plastic and oil. Since having the engine replaced, I have gone 9 months and have the same problems with coil failures and replacement. I am perusing lemon law action at this time but need to see what else can be done. I am at the point where I have no confidence in the vehicle and everytime I smell something out of the ordinary, I fear that I will see more smoke and another fire. The technician said the ground wire from the battery was shorting out against the body of the engine and transmission. The wire that was replace 9 months ago was replaced again two weeks ago for corroding completely through and making contact with the engine again.

Filed Jul 20, 2006 · Electrical, Engine · 109,000 miles · CA

Dt*: the contact stated that while driving 72 MPH, a piston in the engine fractured causing oil to leak out of the vehicle. The instrument panel failed to provide a warning that the oil was low, and that the vehicle was overheating. The vehicle was taken to a service dealer, where the dealer was unable to repair the problem.

Filed Feb 25, 2006 · Electrical, Engine · 10,522 miles · CA

10,522k miles,- I broke down due to failure of alternator and battery. Dealership replaced both. 15,358k miles,- I complained about a loud rattling noise, like a flat tire rattling grinding noise and car feeling shaky.= dealership found no problem. Continuing driving my car thinking everything is ok. I bought it brand new so I shouldn't really worry. I was wrong for thinking that. 27,500 mi. -I broke down again got towed to the dealership,where they replaced another alternator. 27,732-I brought it back to dealership, because I just thought the noise my car still made didn't seem right.= dealership resecured heatshield 3. 26'099 mi.-r/f headlight bulb burnt out. Dealer fixed that one. 28'071 mi.-left side front headlight burnt out. Dealer replaced . 29,276 mi.- I paid $300.00 for my major service that was due for my car, also thinking maybe my car wouldn't be as noisy as it is. Maybe the dealership might find the problem. 31'431 mi.- I still hear the grinding noise,the cover under engine was loose, my air conditioner was not cold enough, and the center console was loose.=this time the dealership said it was the heat shield for the grinding noise, they fixed the loose cover under engine,fixed center console, and replaced low pressure hose in the A/C. 31'813 mi.- car still making the grinding noise, I hear knocking noises from the back of the car when I reverse, and the a/t light stays on longer than normal,then turnes off.= dealer replaced front exaust pipe, said the knocking noise I hear in the back of the car, is from the aftermarket air cleaner.(that is in the front of car).when I picked up my car from the dealership, I felt like this time my car was going to be fixed.I got in my headed for home.I heard the same noise I have been complaining about since 15,358 mi.I turned around brought right back in to service.=they replaced the rear manifold and cat converter.I picked up my car but I still hear the noise my car makes and it is louder when turning.

Filed Sep 11, 2005 · Engine · VA

When accelerating, there's a rattling sound/noise coming from around the engine area.

Filed Jun 10, 2005 · Engine · 40,000 miles · DE

Dt: while the car shuts down/loses power. Consumer is getting ready to make a turn, and during the turn, car loses power.

Filed Aug 25, 2004 · Brakes, Engine · NY

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.

Filed Feb 27, 2004 · Engine · 25,500 miles · FL

The engine stalled after sputtering briefly while in park.

Filed Feb 1, 2004 · Body, Electrical · 9,800 miles · MD

The car started up and was running fine. My wife went back into the house to get our daughter and found the car had stalled. The car has not started since. I am concerned about this situation, because of the fact that the car justed stalled for no apparent reason. I hate to think what could have happened if my wife was driving the car. In addition, according to several post on edmunds.com this is happening to other consumers. I have had other problems with this car since I purchased it 3-12-03. It has been back to the dealership several times for the following reasons: service engine lights coming on, leaking sunroof, cd not working, a fog/condensation behind center console screen, and interior molding coming loose. I have called nissan USA and spoke to matt at 310‑771‑8454 ext 8454. If you can help with this please contact me at 410‑239‑0119. Thank you for your time and efforts.

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