VehicleVerdict

2005 Nissan Maxima problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 1,152 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 9.1 times the median Maxima year — the 2005 model ranks #2 of 42 Maxima years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list. Complainants reported 74 injuries in total across these filings.

The trouble concentrates in one system: transmission issues account for 68% of all reports (782 of 1,152), far ahead of engine at 101.

1,152

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

0

Investigations

32

Crash-involved

17

Fires reported

74

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2005 compare to other Maxima years?

Maxima NHTSA complaints by model year, 2005 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, 2005 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Maxima years to avoid →

What are the most common 2005 Nissan Maxima problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Transmission78268%
Engine1019%
Electrical System484%
Speed Control333%
Other313%
Brakes282%
Tires & Wheels262%
Body & Structure252%
Steering171%
Suspension131%
Seats131%
Airbags91%
Fuel System81%
Latches & Locks81%
Visibility & Wipers30%
Lighting30%
Seat Belts20%
Climate Control (A/C & Heat)10%
Child Seat10%

Does the 2005 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.

05V338000Child SeatJuly 26, 2005 · 90,016 units

Defect

CERTAIN VEHICLES FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 225, "CHILD RESTRAINT ANCHORAGE SYSTEMS." THE LOWER ANCHORAGE BRACKETS IN THE REAR SEATS DO NOT MEET THE LOCATION REQUIREMENT IN THIS STANDARD. THIS MAY CAUSE DIFFICULTY IN ATTACHING SOME CHILD SEATS TO THESE BRACKETS.

Consequence

IF A CHILD SEAT IS NOT PROPERLY SECURED, THERE IS AN INCREASED RISK OF INJURY TO THE SEAT OCCUPANT IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE LOWER ANCHORAGE BRACKETS WITH MODIFIED BRACKETS TO ENSURE THAT THE STANDARD IS MET. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 28, 2006. THE INFINITI Q45 MODEL VEHICLES ARE BEING CAMPAIGNED UNDER A SEPARATE RECALL (PLEASE SEE 05V374000). OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT NISSAN AT 1-800-647-7261 OR INFINITI AT 1-800-662-6200.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“NISSAN MAXIMA 2005 AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION IS SUFFERING AND WILL AND COULD CAUSE AN DEADLY ACCIDENT. AFTER INITIAL START UP THE CAR DRIVES FINE THEN A FEW MINUTE DOWN THE ROAD THE TRANSMISSION DRIVES AS IF IT IS STUCK IN A TALL GEAR. IF YOU PLACE INTO LOWER GEAR THE GEAR VIOLENTLY SHIFTS. ALSO THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · January 31, 2016 · crash

“"TAMARA INFLATORS" SEAT BELTS DIDN'T LOCK OR LIGHT DID NOT COME ON. SMASHED BODY ALL THE WAY TO BACK SEAT BOTTOM TO GROUND. ENGINE WAS IDLING VERY HIGH FELT/SOUND AS IF WE WERE GOING 60 BUT ONLY WAS GOING 40. NO AIR BAGS CAME ON. BRAKES GRINDING. BACK WINDOW BLEW OUT AND TIRES FLAT IN BACK..…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · February 12, 2016 · crash

“ABS AND BRAKE LIGHT CAME ON FLASHING PERIODICALLY OVER A WEEKS TIME, SPEEDOMETER STOPPED WORKING, NEXT DAY THE PARKED CAR '5 HOURS COLD' CAUGHT ON FIRE AROUND FUSE BOX AREA EVERYTHING ELECTRICAL BURNED UP. POLICE REPORT WAS DONE BUT I DO NOT HAVE A COPY, STILL WAITING ON FIRE MARSHAL REPORT. UPON…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · August 28, 2018 · fire

“TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 NISSAN MAXIMA. WHILE IDLING AT A STOP LIGHT WITH THE BRAKE PEDAL DEPRESSED, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED TO APPROXIMATELY 20 MPH. THERE WERE NO WARNING LIGHTS PRESENT DURING OR AFTER THE FAILURE OCCURRED. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE REAR OF…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Speed Control · September 16, 2007 · crash

“"TAMARA INFLATORS" SEAT BELTS DIDN'T LOCK OR LIGHT DID NOT COME ON. SMASHED BODY ALL THE WAY TO BACK SEAT BOTTOM TO GROUND. ENGINE WAS IDLING VERY HIGH FELT/SOUND AS IF WE WERE GOING 60 BUT ONLY WAS GOING 40. NO AIR BAGS CAME ON. BRAKES GRINDING. BACK WINDOW BLEW OUT AND TIRES FLAT IN BACK..…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · February 12, 2016 · crash

2005 Nissan Maxima — common questions

Is the 2005 Nissan Maxima reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 1,152 complaints put the 2005 model at #2 of 42 Maxima years. It is one of the Maxima years to avoid.

What are the most common 2005 Maxima problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are transmission (782 complaints), engine (101 complaints), electrical system (48 complaints).

Does the 2005 Nissan Maxima have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 2005 Nissan Maxima. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

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.