Nissan Maxima 2004–2008 problems by year and mileage
6th generation (A34)
NHTSA data through 18 October 20263,158 complaints, 2,679 with mileageMethod
Which year is yours? Tap it to see what breaks on it.
The 2004 Nissan Maxima
Close- Median failure report
- 80,000 mi
- Complaints filed
- 1,426
- Recalls naming this year
- 2
Most reported on the 2004
- Transmission and driveline934 reports · median 84,000 mi
- Tyres141 reports · median 30,000 mi
- Suspension102 reports · median 13,000 mi
Recall areas Seats — front assembly · Visibility — sun/moon roof assembly
Check the VIN at NHTSA
The 2005 Nissan Maxima
Close- Median failure report
- 85,000 mi
- Complaints filed
- 948
- Recalls naming this year
- 2
Most reported on the 2005
- Transmission and driveline777 reports · median 85,000 mi
- Engine61 reports · median 94,000 mi
- Engine and its cooling system40 reports · median 80,000 mi
Recall areas Seats — front assembly · Child seat — latch strap
Check the VIN at NHTSA
The 2006 Nissan Maxima
Close- Median failure report
- 84,000 mi
- Complaints filed
- 576
- Recalls naming this year
- 2
Most reported on the 2006
- Transmission and driveline393 reports · median 85,000 mi
- Engine47 reports · median 100,000 mi
- Hydraulic brake circuit40 reports · median 60,000 mi
Recall areas Suspension — rear · Seats — front assembly
Check the VIN at NHTSA
The 2007 Nissan Maxima
Close- Median failure report
- 85,000 mi
- Complaints filed
- 129
- Recalls naming this year
- 1
Most reported on the 2007
- Body structure33 reports
- Airbag system18 reports
- Engine18 reports
Recall areas Steering — column locking
Check the VIN at NHTSA
The 2008 Nissan Maxima
Close- Median failure report
- 75,000 mi
- Complaints filed
- 79
- Recalls naming this year
- 0
Most reported on the 2008
- Airbag system23 reports
- Body structure21 reports
- Transmission and driveline8 reports
Tiles: each year’s median failure mileage. Latest: the 2005; earliest: the 2008, and the 2005 is 3 years older (part of the gap is age).
The short answer
“Is the 2004–2008 Nissan Maxima reliable?”
- Median of reported failures
- 81,000 mi
- 90% of reports came by
- 126,000 mi
- Reports with mileage
- 2,679
- Recalls
- 5
Most reported
- Transmission and driveline67.4% of complaints · median 85,000 mi
- Engine5.8% of complaints · median 100,000 mi
- Tyres5.7% of complaints · median 29,000 mi
Owners filed 3,158 complaints with NHTSA about the 2004–2008 Nissan Maxima; the transmission and driveline leads with 67.4% of them, and half of the 2,679 that record an odometer reading came by 81,000 miles — complaints, not a failure rate.
No single peak: the middle half runs 62,000 to 101,000 miles.
Before-you-buy checklist ↓At your mileage ↓Check this VIN — NHTSA ↗
How many miles does a 2004–2008 Nissan Maxima last?
On the 2004–2008 Nissan Maxima, half of the 2,679 complaints that record an odometer reading were filed by 81,000 miles and 90% by 126,000 miles (why that is not a lifespan).
122 reports came in past 150,000 miles and 20 past 200,000 — each one proof that a Maxima reached that mileage, not that it failed there.
Figure 1 · Nissan Maxima 2004–2008 · 2,679 reports with mileage
Mileage at failure
5,000-mile bins, 0 to 200,000 miles, linear scale; tallest bar 201 complaints
- Rest of the range
- Median
- 200,000+ — 20 complaints (0.7%), plotted separately
- 10%
- 31,000
- 25%
- 62,000
- Median
- 81,000
- 75%
- 101,000
- 90%
- 126,000
Show the numbers
| Mileage | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 0–5,000 | 94 | 3.5% |
| 5,000–10,000 | 35 | 1.3% |
| 10,000–15,000 | 34 | 1.3% |
| 15,000–20,000 | 29 | 1.1% |
| 20,000–25,000 | 31 | 1.2% |
| 25,000–30,000 | 31 | 1.2% |
| 30,000–35,000 | 31 | 1.2% |
| 35,000–40,000 | 34 | 1.3% |
| 40,000–45,000 | 53 | 2.0% |
| 45,000–50,000 | 52 | 1.9% |
| 50,000–55,000 | 67 | 2.5% |
| 55,000–60,000 | 87 | 3.2% |
| 60,000–65,000 | 151 | 5.6% |
| 65,000–70,000 | 141 | 5.3% |
| 70,000–75,000 | 177 | 6.6% |
| 75,000–80,000 | 179 | 6.7% |
| 80,000–85,000 | 201 | 7.5% |
| 85,000–90,000 | 179 | 6.7% |
| 90,000–95,000 | 165 | 6.2% |
| 95,000–100,000 | 154 | 5.7% |
| 100,000–105,000 | 145 | 5.4% |
| 105,000–110,000 | 86 | 3.2% |
| 110,000–115,000 | 88 | 3.3% |
| 115,000–120,000 | 67 | 2.5% |
| 120,000–125,000 | 83 | 3.1% |
| 125,000–130,000 | 37 | 1.4% |
| 130,000–135,000 | 55 | 2.1% |
| 135,000–140,000 | 29 | 1.1% |
| 140,000–145,000 | 26 | 1.0% |
| 145,000–150,000 | 16 | 0.6% |
| 150,000–155,000 | 27 | 1.0% |
| 155,000–160,000 | 8 | 0.3% |
| 160,000–165,000 | 15 | 0.6% |
| 165,000–170,000 | 12 | 0.4% |
| 170,000–175,000 | 18 | 0.7% |
| 175,000–180,000 | 6 | 0.2% |
| 180,000–185,000 | 4 | 0.1% |
| 185,000–190,000 | 7 | 0.3% |
| 190,000–195,000 | 4 | 0.1% |
| 195,000–200,000 | 1 | 0.0% |
| 200,000+ | 20 | 0.7% |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, public domain.
Common Maxima problems, and when they happen
Figure 2 · Nissan Maxima 2004–2008
When each system fails
Bar: middle half of reports · notch: median · proportional (log) scale (how to read it)
- Suspension141 reportsmedian 22,000middle half 3,500–65,000
- Tyres181 reportsmedian 29,000middle half 18,000–45,000
- Engine and its cooling system142 reportsmedian 75,000middle half 56,000–95,000
- Electrical system131 reportsmedian 78,000middle half 49,000–117,000
- Transmission and driveline2,128 reportsmedian 85,000middle half 70,000–102,000
- Body structure155 reportsmedian 92,000middle half 68,000–115,000
- Engine182 reportsmedian 100,000middle half 74,000–120,000
- Your odometer, once entered below
Ordered by median mileage, earliest first.
All systems in a table
| System | Complaints | Share | Median | 25–75% |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Transmission and driveline | 2,128 | 67.4% | 85,000 | 70,000–102,000 |
| Engine | 182 | 5.8% | 100,000 | 74,000–120,000 |
| Tyres | 181 | 5.7% | 29,000 | 18,000–45,000 |
| Body structure | 155 | 4.9% | 92,000 | 68,000–115,000 |
| Engine and its cooling system | 142 | 4.5% | 75,000 | 56,000–95,000 |
| Suspension | 141 | 4.5% | 22,000 | 3,500–65,000 |
| Electrical system | 131 | 4.1% | 78,000 | 49,000–117,000 |
| Hydraulic brake circuit | 127 | 4.0% | 60,000 | 39,000–80,000 |
| Throttle and speed control | 121 | 3.8% | 92,000 | 66,000–114,000 |
| Steering | 82 | 2.6% | 48,000 | 7,500–97,000 |
Known problems with the 2004–2008 Maxima
Transmission 2007–2008
First Maxima use of the JATCO JF010E Xtronic CVT. Overheated fluid lets the steel push-belt slip on the pulleys, shedding metal debris; symptoms are judder, whine, delayed engagement and eventual loss of drive.
Engine 2004–2008
VQ35DE timing chain guide and tensioner wear producing cold-start rattle and, if ignored, chain jump. Subject of the Falco v. Nissan North America timing-chain class settlement.
Body
SkyView / panoramic glass roof water leaks into the headliner and A-pillar.
Before you buy a 2004–2008 Maxima: the 3-minute check
Generated from 2,679 mileage-tagged complaints, 5 recall campaigns, 3 documented problem areas.
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 5 campaigns cover this generation.
- Check transmission on 2007–2008 cars. What each looks like: Known problems.
- Check engine on 2004–2008 cars.
- Check body.
- Years differ here: from 79 to 1,426 complaints a year — compare them by model year.
- End with a pre-purchase inspection of this car.
Maxima problems by mileage: where your car sits
Type your odometer, or read the table.
| System | Middle half of reports, mi | At 60k mi22% below | At 90k mi60% below | At 120k mi86% below | At 150k mi95% below | At 200k mi99% below |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Transmission and driveline | 70,000–102,000 | later | in window | earlier | earlier | earlier |
| Engine | 74,000–120,000 | later | in window | earlier | earlier | earlier |
| Tyres | 18,000–45,000 | earlier | earlier | earlier | earlier | earlier |
| Body structure | 68,000–115,000 | later | in window | earlier | earlier | earlier |
| Engine and its cooling system | 56,000–95,000 | in window | in window | earlier | earlier | earlier |
| Suspension | 3,500–65,000 | in window | earlier | earlier | earlier | earlier |
| Electrical system | 49,000–117,000 | in window | in window | earlier | earlier | earlier |
Figure 3 · Nissan Maxima 2004–2008 · 2,679 reports with mileage
Share of reports below each mileage
Steps at bin edges (how to read it)
- 60,000 mi — 22% of reports below
- 90,000 mi — 60% of reports below
- 120,000 mi — 86% of reports below
- 150,000 mi — 95% of reports below
- 200,000 mi — 99% of reports below
- Median (the 50% line)
- Your odometer, once entered
Linear axis, same as Figure 1.
2004–2008 Nissan Maxima recalls (5)
NHTSA records 5 recall campaigns covering vehicles in this generation (what a recall is).
Oct 2006 · 2007 · SteeringIf the key is turned to the "off" position without the transmission being in the "park" position, it is…
The defect. Certain passenger vehicles equipped with an 'intelligent key' fail to conform to the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 114, "Theft protection." During an inspection of some vehicles at the assembly plant, it was found that the steering…
What can happen. If the key is turned to the "off" position without the transmission being in the "park" position, it is possible that the steering wheel can lock when turned to the right.
The free fix. Dealers will inspect and replace the steering wheel lock assembly free of charge. The recall began on december 18, 2006. Owners may contact Nissan at 1-800-647-7261.
Feb 2006 · 2006 · SuspensionIf the bracket is cracked, the stability of the vehicle may be affected under severe driving conditions.
The defect. On certain vehicles, the rear subframe may have been manufactured incorrectly, which could result in a crack in a bracket which holds part of the rear suspension.
What can happen. If the bracket is cracked, the stability of the vehicle may be affected under severe driving conditions. This could lead to a loss of control of the vehicle which could result in a crash.
The free fix. Dealers will inspect the rear subframe to determine if it was manufactured incorrectly and replace it, if necessary. The recall began on february 27, 2006. Owners may contact Nissan at 1-800-647-7261.
Nov 2005 · 2004–2006 · SeatsA pinched harness, in combination with driving vibration, may result in a short circuit in the harness that…
The 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.
What can happen. 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.
The free fix. 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.
Jul 2005 · 2005 · Child SeatIf a child seat is not properly secured, there is an increased risk of injury to the seat occupant in the…
The 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…
What can happen. 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.
The free fix. 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…
Jul 2004 · 2004 · VisibilityThis could create excessive internal stress in the glass and eventually cause the glass to shatter, creating…
The 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.
What can happen. This could create excessive internal stress in the glass and eventually cause the glass to shatter, creating a risk of injury.
The free fix. 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.
Crashes, fires and injuries owners reported
Out of 3,158 complaints against this generation, owners also reported:
- Crashes
- 81 (2.6%)
- Fires
- 31
- Injury reports
- 59
- Fatality reports
- 1
Maxima problems by model year
The 2004 drew the most complaints of this generation, 1,426, most of them about the transmission and driveline, and the 2008 the fewest, 79. A typical year drew about 576.
That makes the 2004 stand out at roughly 2.5 times a typical year (what a yearly count can and cannot say).
| Year | Complaints | With mileage | Median miles | Most reported | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2004 | 1,426 | 1,186 | 80,000 | Transmission and driveline (934) | 2 |
| 2005 | 948 | 820 | 85,000 | Transmission and driveline (777) | 2 |
| 2006 | 576 | 510 | 84,000 | Transmission and driveline (393) | 2 |
| 2007 | 129 | 104 | 85,000 | Body structure (33) | 1 |
| 2008 | 79 | 59 | 75,000 | Airbag system (23) | 0 |
What Maxima owners reported
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…
2004 · 165,000 miles · Visibility equipment
The contact filed the complaint on behalf of the owner of the 2006 Nissan Maxima. The contact stated that while the vehicle was stationary and being serviced with the engine running, the service technician closed the front driver's side door and moments later the front and rear driver's side curtain air bags deployed.…
2006 · 91,000 miles · Airbag system
The contact owns a 2007 Nissan Maxima. The contact stated while attempting to start the vehicle in the morning, the vehicle would start after several attempts. The contact stated that he opened the hood and checked the battery and became aware that both battery terminals were corroded. The contact cleaned the…
2007 · 170,000 miles · Steering
The contact owns a 2007 Nissan Maxima. The contact stated while driving at highway speeds, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as designed. The vehicle jerked and then stopped. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who was unable to duplicate the failure. The vehicle was…
2007 · 147,000 miles · Throttle and speed control
Built from 2,679 NHTSA complaints with mileage · snapshot 2026-10-20 · open data · how it is built
Other Maxima generations
- Maxima 1995–1999 187 reports with mileage, most about the electrical system
- Maxima 2000–2003 623 reports with mileage, most about the electrical system
- Maxima 2009–2014 778 reports with mileage, most about the steering
- Maxima 2016–2023 155 reports with mileage, most about problems owners could not categorise