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2005 Nissan Maxima: complete transmission failure

147 of the 948 complaints about the 2005 Nissan Maxima describe complete transmission failure.

owner complaints
147
of this car's complaints
16%
typical repair cost reported
$4,000
typical mileage
83,000
recalls
0
Is there a fix? 6 service bulletins cover this area of the car. See below

Complete transmission failure by model year

  • 2018
    1
  • 2017
    1
  • 2016
    5
  • 2014
    11
  • 2013
    4
  • 2012
    5
  • 2011
    11
  • 2010
    3
  • 2009
    1
  • 2008
    3
  • 2007
    1
  • 2006
    66
  • 2005
    147
  • 2004
    180
  • 2003
    2
  • 2002
    2
  • 2001
    1
  • 2000
    2
  • 1999
    2
  • 1997
    1
  • 1996
    1
  • 1994
    1
  • 1993
    2
  • 1992
    1
  • 1991
    1
  • 1990
    1

What owners say

Filed Nov 12, 2019 · Electrical, Transmission · 112,337 miles · PA

My car only has 112337 mile and needed to replace the transmission , now at 112954 have to replace the ABS control module . The transmission was hard shifting/ jerking when you get to about 30-35 MPH . So it cost almost 4,000.00 to fix and the the speedometer and odometer quit working after 500 miles with new transmission and took the car to electrical shop to find out I now have to replace the ABS control module and after all the money put in this car I don't think it is worth fixing the ABS considering I just bought the car in oct. 2018 and thought I got a great car and alredy have enough money put in it and could never sell it for the money I have in it nissan should be fixing these issues not me considering all the complaints on these cars with the same problems at the same mileage

Filed Dec 10, 2017 · Transmission · 107,000 miles · KY

Transmission failed.

Filed Jun 4, 2017 · Transmission · 45,699 miles · WA

Sudden total transmission failure at 45,699 miles on maxima 2005. Put car in reverse, backed out put in drive it stalled out. Car did not want to start, I was in middle of street. Car has never ever given me issues prior. Sudden "service engine" light, (never illuminated before. Put accelerator to floor to start then car would barely move forward, it had no 1, 2nd gears. Drove it out of middle of street. Took forever to get to 20mph. Parked car, started easier in the morning but made horrible clunk when put in reverse. It is now at repair shop and not sure of full diagnosis yet but told will probably bee a full transmission rebuild.

Filed Mar 1, 2017 · Transmission · 120,000 miles · PR

I bought a nissan maxima 2005 from a second hand and looks great but one riding the transmission started to make a uful noise. Once I got home I turned of the engine. The next day when I start the engine and shifted to drive the wouldn't move. The mechanic told me that I have to buy a new transmission that it's to expensive. I hope you could help me. Thank you

Filed Jan 9, 2017 · Engine, Transmission · NM

The transmission on my 2005 nissan/maxima is hard shifting when engine/transmissionis is hot, delaying take off and kicking extremely bad when picking up speed and the automatic transmission shifts gears. Two motor mount are already broken as a result of this problem. Nissan dealer recommended replace transmission. A transmission specialized shop inspected and tested the transmission for second opinion and did no find problem in the transmission, other than 2 bad sensors. Sensors was replaced and 6 months later the problem started again. *interior sunvisor lightning cover broken in both sides, driver's and passenger. *cd player not working, not playing. *original chrome wheels are corroded, breaking the seal on two of the tires causing pressure to lower and makes tire go flat in less than a week, if not attended soon.

Filed Jan 7, 2017 · Transmission · AZ

Transmission failure on the highway..

Filed May 4, 2016 · Transmission · 60,006 miles · VA

Transmission failure at 60k miles. Stuck in 5th gear. Slamming, jerking, hard downshifts. No reverse power. Very hard shifting between gears. Also paint peeling off entire car. Car purchased for over 30k. Vehicle was stationary and on street. Problem is constant upon car reaching operating temp.

Filed Mar 1, 2016 · Transmission · 115,102 miles · NJ

I was complaining of the car jumping when changing gears, mechanic found that the motor mount was cracked. Replaced it, some improvement for short period but now car is jumping, hesitation between gears, rough shifting, and diminished acceleration. I did not go to the dealer as my warranty is expired. This is my first maxima and I will never purchase another. Now told that I'll need a new transmission. Not happy.

Filed Nov 11, 2015 · Engine · 106,000 miles · CA

Transmission failure after faultier why they don't take responsibility is no only one ca every single owner of nissan maxima is having this issue from 2002 to 2006 nissan maximas

Filed Nov 10, 2015 · Transmission · 145,000 miles · IL

Taking off car jerks real bad between 1st & 2nd gear, then when I push down on gas sometimes it doesn't want to move. Slowing down car kicks & jerks when down shifting. Now it's at the point where the car stalls when switching gears. Putting the car from park to drive it hesitates about 5 to 7 sec and makes a loud sound when it jerks. Transmission slips out of gear under 20m.p.h. Causing engine to rev up to 4rpm and sometimes 5rpm. This issue is happening whether I in motion on a street or highway, stationary getting ready to put the car in gear, etc. I am really afraid that I am going to have an accident or something. I took the car to a mechanic and he says I need a new transmission.

Filed Aug 24, 2015 · Body, Transmission · 100,000 miles · CA

Transmission failure, check engine light comes on, car jerks into gears, RPM's accelerate when driving in first gears. Per nissan dealer they said it needed new mounts and a new transmission, I should trade it in they said :[ I have maintained all oil changes and have kept up my service. They are not accepting any responsibility. Need help please, I can not afford a new transmission, I can not afford 5 years of car payments as well. Thank you, [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6).

Filed May 27, 2015 · Transmission · 109,000 miles · PA

Transmission slippage in the lowest gears. When the car warms up after a 10 mile drive it starts slipping. When I try to stop at a traffic light or when I try to accelerate from a complete stop the car jerks off in the lower gears. I came to know online that this is a common issue across nissan. I would appreciate any helpful steps in fixing the issue. My current value is around $5000 I hate to spend nearly $3500 for a new transmission on the vehicle. I'm sure my car will run for another 30 - 40,000 miles if this is fixed.

Service bulletins that may apply

Related recalls

No recalls on record for this model year.

Questions about the 2005 Nissan Maxima transmission failure

Is complete transmission failure a common problem on the 2005 Nissan Maxima?

147 of 948 owner complaints about the 2005 Nissan Maxima (16%) mention complete transmission failure. The model year with the most reports is 2004.

How much does it cost to fix complete transmission failure on the 2005 Nissan Maxima?

Owners who mentioned a price put the repair at about $4,000 (median of 43 complaints that include a dollar amount). Costs vary with mileage, warranty and where the work is done.

Is there a recall or service bulletin for this on the 2005 Nissan Maxima?

There are 0 recalls and 6 service bulletins for the same area of the car. Check them below with your VIN.

Other symptoms on the 2005 Nissan Maxima

Jerking 456Slipping 170Harsh shifting 115Hesitation 79Stalling 57Sudden acceleration 33Check engine light 32ABS 25Won't shift 23Knocking 14Fire or smoke 10Loss of power 10Grinding brakes 8CVT failure 7Door locks 6Tire blowout 6

All model years of the Nissan Maxima

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