VehicleVerdict

2004 Nissan Maxima problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 1,725 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 13.6 times the median Maxima year — the 2004 model ranks #1 of 42 Maxima years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list. Reports tied to this model year include 4 deaths and 34 injuries, per the complaint records themselves.

The trouble concentrates in one system: transmission issues account for 55% of all reports (942 of 1,725), far ahead of tires & wheels at 149.

1,725

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

1

Investigations

43

Crash-involved

32

Fires reported

34

Injuries

4

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2004 compare to other Maxima years?

Maxima NHTSA complaints by model year, 2004 highlighted1,725 complaints1982: 4 complaints1983: 8 complaints1984: 40 complaints1985: 64 complaints1986: 74 complaints1987: 194 complaints1988: 73 complaints1989: 78 complaints1990: 138 complaints1991: 99 complaints1992: 140 complaints1993: 102 complaints1994: 128 complaints1995: 195 complaints1996: 117 complaints1997: 123 complaints1998: 133 complaints1999: 215 complaints2000: 467 complaints2001: 225 complaints2002: 278 complaints2003: 249 complaints2004: 1,725 complaints2005: 1,152 complaints2006: 733 complaints2007: 169 complaints2008: 99 complaints2009: 460 complaints2010: 399 complaints2011: 138 complaints2012: 137 complaints2013: 71 complaints2014: 126 complaints2015: 2 complaints2016: 224 complaints2017: 154 complaints2018: 46 complaints2019: 28 complaints2020: 33 complaints2021: 4 complaints2022: 6 complaints2023: 2 complaints
Maxima NHTSA complaints by model year, 2004 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Maxima years to avoid →

What are the most common 2004 Nissan Maxima problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Transmission94255%
Tires & Wheels1499%
Engine1247%
Suspension1046%
Brakes744%
Electrical System734%
Body & Structure563%
Speed Control382%
Steering372%
Other342%
Visibility & Wipers302%
Seats151%
Airbags141%
Lighting111%
Fuel System80%
Latches & Locks70%
Climate Control (A/C & Heat)40%
Seat Belts30%
Child Seat20%

Does the 2004 Nissan Maxima have recalls?

2 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

05V512000SeatsNovember 7, 2005 · 102,551 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

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.

04V326000Visibility & WipersJuly 7, 2004 · 32,100 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“I RECENTLY BOUGHT A USED MAXIMA 2004 WHEN I FIRST DROVE IT WITH 84000 MILES ON IT. IT WAS FINE BUT NOT BUT A FEW DAYS LATER IT STARTED TO JERK FROM 1ST TO 2ND AND SOMETIME INTO 3RD. I HAPPENSABOUT 50% OF THE TIME IN JUST ONE DAY! I HAS NOT YET BEEN REPLACED DUE TO THE FACT THAT I HAVE READ SO MANY…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · May 12, 2009 · crash

“2004 NISSAN MAXIMA HAD TIRE FAILURE DUE TO CRACKS IN THE SIDEWALL. CUSTOMER STATES THAT THE TIRES HAD CRACKS IN THE SIDEWALL WHICH CAUSED ONE OF THEM TO BLOW OUT. THE TIRES ON THE VEHICLE WERE REPLACED. [REDACTED]NAR[REDACTED]KB THE CONSUMER LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND CRASHED INTO A GUARDRAIL.…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Tires & Wheels · April 29, 2007 · crash

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2004 NISSAN MAXIMA. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS UNOCCUPIED AND IT CAUGHT FIRE FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. A FIRE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. A LOCAL DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · November 11, 2017 · fire

“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 ..…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Suspension · June 3, 2020 · crash

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 NISSAN MAXIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ABS SENSOR WARNING LIGHT WOULD ILLUMINATE AND THE SYSTEM ACTIVATED ERRONEOUSLY, CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO CATCH ON FIRE. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS CALLED TO EXTINGUISH THE FIRE AND A FIRE REPORT WAS FILED. THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · January 3, 2011 · fire

2004 Nissan Maxima — common questions

Is the 2004 Nissan Maxima reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 1,725 complaints put the 2004 model at #1 of 42 Maxima years. It is one of the Maxima years to avoid.

What are the most common 2004 Maxima problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are transmission (942 complaints), tires & wheels (149 complaints), engine (124 complaints).

Does the 2004 Nissan Maxima have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 2004 Nissan Maxima. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2004 Nissan Maxima under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened one investigation into this model year; all are now closed.

Which Nissan Maxima years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Maxima years to avoid are 2004, 2005, 2006, 2000, 2009, 2010, 2002, 2003, 2001, 2016, 1999, 1995, 1987. The cleanest record among Maxima years belongs to 2023.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.