Engine
3.5L 6-cyl
How to read this file. Complaint records are unverified owner submissions to the federal safety agency. Counts are raw, not adjusted for sales volume or vehicle age. Recall campaigns apply to the model; only a VIN check shows whether this car is affected or repaired. Parts shown are named by an editorial note or listed as a search directory; none is a diagnosis. Full methodology.
Fault profile
Complaint-component records on this vehicle, grouped by family. A complaint naming two systems counts once in each.
Complaints are owner-reported and not verified by the agency.
When it fails
The timing of this vehicle's reported failures, from the complaint file itself. A cluster tells you what to expect and when; it is shaped by reporting behavior as well as by the vehicle.
Vehicle age when the failure occurred
Years between the model year and the owner's reported failure date. Based on 1,415 of 1,426 complaints with a usable failure date.
Odometer when the failure occurred
Owner-reported mileage at failure, in 20,000-mile bands. Based on 1,160 of 1,426 complaints reporting a plausible odometer (500 to 500,000 miles; unverified).
Known issues
The component families with the most complaint records against this vehicle. Counts, crash and fire figures belong to the whole family, not to any single named issue. Parts listed are related system parts, not a diagnosis.
Power train
942 complaint records2 fire reports15 crash reports
"I HAVING MAJOR TRANSMISSION JERKING FROM MY 2004 NISSAN MAXIMA. THE JERKING APPEARS TO HAPPEN WHEN THE CAR GET HOT. *TR..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse power train parts in the directory →
Tires
142 complaint records3 crash reports
"TIRE TREAD SEPARATION. WAS TOLD NOTHING CAN BE DONE. LOW MILE TIRES ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT TIRES REPLACED BUT VERY LOUD WITH SAME TIRE. *JB..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse tires parts in the directory →
Engine & cooling
124 complaint records7 fire reports2 crash reports
"DT: WHILE THE CAR SHUTS DOWN/LOSES POWER. CONSUMER IS GETTING READY TO MAKE A TURN, AND DURING THE TURN, CAR LOSES POWER.*AK..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse engine & cooling parts in the directory →
Federal defect investigations
Formal investigations opened by the federal safety agency into this vehicle. An investigation is the step between a complaint pattern and a recall; not every one results in one.
| Investigation | Status | Component | Subject |
|---|---|---|---|
| PE04035 opened Apr 2004 | closed Jul 2004 | Visibility | GLASS ROOF SHATTERING - led to recall 04V326000 THE OFFICE OF DEFECTS INVESTIGATION (ODI) OPENED THIS INVESTIGATION ON APRIL 12, 2004, BASED ON FIVE REPORTS INDICATING THAT THE SKYVIEW GLASS-PANELED ROOF, WHICH IS STANDARD EQUIPMENT IN MODEL YEAR (MY) 2004 NISSAN MAXIMA VEHICLES, WOULD SUDDENLY SHATTER... |
Recall campaigns
Safety-recall remedies are normally provided at no charge. Under US federal law the mandatory free remedy applies when the vehicle was no more than 15 years old at the time the defect was determined; manufacturers often cover older vehicles voluntarily. Canadian rules differ. Confirm eligibility with the manufacturer using the VIN. Each campaign number links to the federal record.
| Campaign | Component | Summary | Remedy |
|---|---|---|---|
| 05V512000 | Seats | 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. | Normally free |
| 04V326000 | Visibility | 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. | Normally free |
Transport Canada recalls
Recalls issued under Canadian law for this model year, from Transport Canada's Vehicle Recalls Database. Matched by model name, so a Canadian-market variant may appear here that was sold under another name in the US. Units are Canadian vehicles affected.
| Recall | System | Units (CA) | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2005341 2005-11-03 | Electrical | 11,873 | On certain vehicles equipped with a driver seat power lumbar support, if the wire harness from the lumbar switch is routed incorrectly, the harness could be pinched or chafed against the structural parts on the underside of the seat when... |
| 2004217 2004-07-07 | Other | 2,774 | On certain vehicles, the glass for the Skyview Roof may not have been quenched properly after the forming process resulting in temper imbalance. |
Service bulletins and warranty extensions
Manufacturer communications to dealers on file with the federal agency: repair instructions, service campaigns, and warranty extensions. A warranty extension means the manufacturer may pay for a repair the recall table does not cover.
| Bulletin | Type | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| NTB09-131C Apr 2026 | Structure | CERTIFICATION LABEL AND VIN PLATE REPLACEMENT SERVICE INFORMATION Because of collision damage or other vehicle repair, a replacement “Certification Label” or “VIN Plate/Label” may be needed. HINT: Certification Label = FMVSS (Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards) label. | |
| NTB13-107G May 2024 | Electrical System | VEHICLE KEY NOT DETECTED / AUTHENTICATED, ENGINE WILL NOT START This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin. | |
| NTB09-081K Apr 2024 | Visibility/Wiper | WINDSHIELD CRACKING This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin. | |
| NTB13-028I Apr 2024 | Visibility/Wiper | REMOVING FOREIGN MATERIAL FROM THE WINDOW GLASS This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin. | |
| NTB17-019H Apr 2024 | Visibility/Wiper | WINDOW GLASS WARRANTY INFORMATION This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin. |
Show 55 more bulletins
| Bulletin | Type | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| NTB22-095A Nov 2023 | Structure | VOLUNTARY SERVICE CAMPAIGN 2002-2006 ALTIMA AND 2004-2008 MAXIMA; FLOOR PAN Voluntary Service Campaign ID # PC926 is no longer active. ï· Repair orders opened after this bulletinâs published date are no longer eligible for reimbursement under Campaign ID # PC926. | |
| PC926 04-08 Maxi Nov 2023 | Structure | Expiration Notification - Maxima/Altima Floor Pan ***** Dealer Announcement ***** On October 28, 2022, in connection with the court-approved settlement of class action litigation filed in Missouri, Nissan launched a Voluntary Service Campaign (VSC) on 36,858 specific model year... | |
| NTB08-097L Sep 2023 | Steering | DIAGNOSIS OF VEHICLE PULL (DRIFT) AND/OR STEERING WHEEL OFF-CENTER This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin. | |
| NTB23-049 Jun 2023 | Electrical System | 12 VOLT BATTERY TESTING FOR IN-SERVICE VEHICLES SERVICE INFORMATION The following Service Information lists NNA procedural recommendations for establishing good connections while performing 12V battery testing. | |
| NTB23-053 Jun 2023 | Electrical System | SILICONE-BASED LUBRICANT OR GREASE CAN DAMAGE ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS SERVICE INFORMATION Do not apply Silicone-based lubricants or grease to, or around, any interior electrical components. | |
| NTB13-107F Apr 2023 | Electrical System | VEHICLE KEY NOT DETECTED / AUTHENTICATED, ENGINE WILL NOT START This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin. | |
| NTB16-003C Apr 2023 | Electrical System | INTELLIGENT KEY REPLACEMENT OR SWAPPING BETWEEN VEHICLES This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Discard all previous versions of this bulletin. | |
| NTB09-081J Feb 2023 | Structure | WINDSHIELD CRACKING This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin. | |
| NTB13-028H Feb 2023 | Structure | REMOVING FOREIGN MATERIAL FROM THE WINDOW GLASS This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin. | |
| NTB08-097K Feb 2023 | Steering | DIAGNOSIS OF VEHICLE PULL (DRIFT) AND/OR STEERING WHEEL OFF-CENTER This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin. | |
| NTB10-126C Feb 2023 | Wheels | WHEEL BEARING COLLISION DAMAGE This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin. | |
| PC926 04-08 Maxi Oct 2022 | Structure | Maxima/Altima Floor Pan Voluntary Service Campaign ***** Dealer Announcement ***** Nissan is conducting a Voluntary Service Campaign (VSC) on 36,858 specific model year 2002-2006 Nissan Altima and 2004-2008 Nissan Maxima vehicles due to possibility of moisture becoming trapped... | |
| NTB22-095 Oct 2022 | Structure | VOLUNTARY SERVICE CAMPAIGN 2002-2006 ALTIMA AND 2004-2008 MAXIMA FLOOR PAN PC926 will expire on November 1, 2023. | |
| NTB99-001F Dec 2021 | Suspension | STRUT AND SHOCK ABSORBER REPLACEMENT GUIDELINES This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin. | |
| NTB99-001e Feb 2021 | Suspension | STRUT AND SHOCK ABSORBER REPLACEMENT GUIDELINES This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin. | |
| NTB17-030a Nov 2018 | Fuel System | NISSAN; FUEL TANK IS EXTREMELY DIFFICULT TO FILL This bulletin applies to Titan XD vehicles with a gas engine. The update below was sent out to Regions and Dealers in August of this year. | |
| Revision 1-NEVAP Nov 2018 | Equipment | OBD II EVAP Tube Warranty Enhancement The update below was sent out to Regions and Dealers in August of this year. We are re-circulating this update to make regional and dealer personnel aware that we are re-notifying customers at this time. | |
| NTB17-030a Aug 2018 | Fuel System | NISSAN; FUEL TANK IS EXTREMELY DIFFICULT TO FILL This bulletin applies to Titan XD vehicles with a gas engine. This bulletin has been amended. Changes have been made throughout. It is necessary for you to read this revised procedure to properly perform this action. | |
| NTB17-030 Mar 2017 | Fuel System | NISSAN; FUEL TANK IS SLOW OR DIFFICULT TO FILL IF YOU CONFIRM The fuel tank is slow or difficult to fill (filling nozzle shuts off before tank is full). IMPORTANT: Make sure this incident has been duplicated at a gas station by dealer service staff. | |
| NTB09099A Apr 2016 | Equipment Adaptive/Mobility | IF YOU CONFIRM A refrigerant leak at a refrigerant pipe/hose joint location. ACTIONS 1. Inspect the metal surfaces of the pipe/hose joint for damage or contamination. | |
| NTB09131B Apr 2016 | Equipment | SERVICE INFORMATION Because of collision damage or other vehicle repair, a replacement "Certification Label" or "VIN Plate / Label" may be needed. These items may be available from Nissan by request if certain criteria are met. | |
| NTB13028A Nov 2015 | Visibility | SERVICE INFORMATION Windshield "foreign material" that is on the surface of the glass in some cases can be cleaned off with a very particular type and grade of steel wool. | |
| NTB13088A Sep 2015 | Lane Departure | SERVICE INFORMATION This bulletin has compiled Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS) and Low Tire Pressure Warning System (LTPWS) information for: - Basic diagnosing of TPMS/LTPWS systems - Radio frequency interference causing a "No Data" (C1708, C1709, C1710, C1711) condition -... | |
| P5216 Aug 2015 | Equipment | To ensure customer satisfaction, Nissan extended the warranty for cracking of the rear sub-frame due to corrosion to a total of 13 years with unlimited mileage on all model year 2002-2005 Nissan Altima and 2004-2005 Nissan Maxima vehicles. | |
| NTB15-059 Jul 2015 | Equipment | NISSAN 2002-2006 ALTIMA AND 2004-2008 BULLETIN INFORMATION INVOLVING FLOOR PAN REPAIR INSTRUCTIONS DUE TO RUST. *LJ | |
| NTB15059 Jul 2015 | Equipment | SERVICE INFORMATION The Service Procedure provided in this bulletin is for the installation of Repair Plates on vehicles that have rust in the floor pan area. See this bulletin for further detail. | |
| NTB00042D Jan 2015 | Back Over Prevention | SERVICE INFORMATION Changes or modifications to the front seat assembly trim materials may affect the proper operation of the Front Seat-Mounted Side-Impact Supplemental Air Bags and Passenger Occupant Classification Sensor and could result in serious personal injury or death. | |
| NTB-08-055-A Jan 2014 | Air Bags | NISSAN: SRS PRECAUTIONS DURING SERVICE;IMPROPER MAINTENANCE, INCLUDING INCORRECT REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION OF THE SRS, CAN LEAD TO A SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH CAUSED BY UNINTENTIONAL ACTIVATION OF THE SRS ON ALL NISSAN MODELS WITH THE SRS SYSTEMS. *PE UPDATED 2/21/14. *PE | |
| NTB08055C Jan 2014 | Equipment | SERVICE INFORMATION Information necessary to service the Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) safely is included in the "RESTRAINTS" section of the Electronic Service Manual (ESM) for each vehicle. | |
| NTB-03-074-C Nov 2013 | Exterior Lighting | NISSAN: EXTERIOR LAMP FOGGING. OCCASIONALLY WATER IS NOTICED IN THE EXTERIOR LAMPS. THIS IS GENERALLY NOT DUE TO A DEFECT. ALL CURRENT EXTERIOR LAMP ASSEMBLIES ARE VENTED TO THE ATMOSPHERE (NOT SEALED). | |
| NTB11-002A Nov 2013 | Power Train | NISSAN: THE VEHICLE HAS A SLOWER THAN NORMAL ACCELERATION FROM A STOP. UPDATED ON 06/08/2011. *KB UPDATED ON 06/13/2011. *RM UPDATED 12/16/2013 *JS | |
| NTB92123D Aug 2013 | Wheels | Nissan Original Equipment or Genuine Accessory Alloy wheels, along with their finish coating (clear, chrome, titanium, etc.), are specifically developed to achieve Nissan design and performance standards. | |
| NTB11005D Aug 2013 | Equipment | Two methods are used to update/upgrade Navigation Map Data: 1. The customer goes to www.nissannavigation.com and is mailed update disc(s) or SD Card and installs data, OR 2. | |
| NTB00033E Jul 2013 | Service Brakes | SERVICE INFORMATION - This bulletin is to assist you in responding to customer questions about brake operation, and provides diagnostic and repair information for each item listed, if any should occur. - Most brake incidents fall into the following categories: a. | |
| NTB04094A Jul 2013 | Service Brakes | If YOU CONFIRM: A vehicle needs to have the brake rotors resurfaced (front or rear). ACTION: Use the ProCut PFM Series on-car brake lathe to perform brake rotor resurfacing and follow the tips listed in this bulletin. | |
| NTB98018G Jun 2013 | Electrical System | As part of an enhanced emissions test for Inspection & Maintenance (I/M), some States may require the System Readiness Test (SRT) status be checked. | |
| NTB-13-038 Apr 2013 | Latches/Locks/Linkages | NISSAN: LOCK/UNLOCK REQUEST BUTTON ON OUTSIDE HANDLE DOES NOT RESPOND. *JS | |
| NTB99001A Mar 2013 | Suspension | SERVICE INFORMATION This bulletin provides information to identify: - A leaking strut or a shock absorber that qualifies for replacement under warranty. | |
| P-5216 Jun 2012 | Suspension | NISSAN: SEE DOCUMENT SEARCH BUTTON FOR OWNER LETTER. VOLUNTARY SERVICE CAMPAIGN REAR SUSPENSION MEMBER REPLACEMENT/ BUSHING REPLACEMENT AND SEALING. *JB UPDATED 6/12/12. *PE | |
| NTB12-035 Apr 2012 | Power Train | NISSAN: ECM REPLACEMENT PROCEDURES WITH CONSULT III PLUS. APPLIES TO ALL 2004 AND LATER (DOES NOT APPLY TO LEAF/EV) VEHICLES. *JS | |
| NTB12-029 Mar 2012 | Steering | NISSAN: ALTIMA, MAXIMA, QUEST; POWER STEERING HOSE SERVICE PART CHANGE. THE HOSE NOW COMES WITHOUT THE PRESSURE SENSOR. DO NOT DAMAGE THE PRESSURE SENSOR UPON REMOVAL OR INSTALLATION. IF ONLY THE PRESSURE SENSOR NEEDS TO BE REPLACED, DO NOT REPLACE ANY HOSES. *JS | |
| NTB-11-080 Aug 2011 | Suspension | NISSAN: AXLE BOLT AND TORQUE INFORMATION. *RM | |
| NTB-11-035 Apr 2011 | Power Train | NISSAN: 2004-2006 MAXIMA. HARSH UPSHIFTS OR DOWNSHIFTS DURING MODERATE ACCELERATION OR WHEN SLOWING. *RM | |
| NTB-11-005 Jan 2011 | Equipment | NISSAN: NAVIGATION MAP DATA UPDATE MATRIX. AFFECTING ALL VEHICLES 2003-11 EXCEPT LEAF, EQUIPPED WITH NAVIGATION SYSTEM. CUSTOMER IS MAILED UPDATE DISC(S) OR SD CARD AND INSTALLS DATA; DEALERSHIP IS MAILED UPDATE DISC(S) AND THE DEALERSHIP INSTALLS DATA WHEN VEHICLE IS BROUGHT... | |
| NTB-09-101 Sep 2010 | Tires | NISSAN: TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING SYSTEM (TPMS) WARNING LIGHT ON/FLASHING. NO MODELS OR MODEL YEARS LISTED. *PE UPDATED ON 08-11-2011. *KB | |
| NTB-09-129 Sep 2010 | Equipment | NISSAN: VENT CONTROL VALVE REPLACEMENT. WHEN REPLACING THE EVAP CANISTER VENT CONTROL VALVE FOR REASON: USE THE ONE LISTED ON PAGE 2; FOR VENT CONTROL VALVE REPLACEMENT PROCEDURE, REFER TO THE APPROPRIATE SECTION OF THE ELECTRONIC SERVICE MANUALS (ESM; WHEN INSTALLING THE NEW... | |
| 04049 Apr 2010 | Electrical System | TRAILER LIGHT WIRING. *MR UPDATED *EH UPDATED 09-12-07. *KB UPDATED 6/21/10. *PE | |
| NTB-10-046 Mar 2010 | Engine And Engine Cooling | NISSAN: REVISED VQ35 ENGINE TIMING CHAIN PROCEDURES. REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION PROCEDURES FOR THE VQ35 ENGINE FRONT TIMING CHAIN CASE AND TIMING CHAINS (PRIMARY AND SECONDARY) HAVE BEE UPDATED TO NO LONGER REQUIRE REMOVAL OF ROCKER COVERS AND INTAKE COLLECTOR. *PE | |
| NTB-05-037A Jun 2009 | Engine And Engine Cooling | NISSAN: THE MIL IS ON AND CODE P1402 EGR OPEN IS STORED IN THE ECM. INSPECT THE EGR VALVE FOR METALLIC DEBRIS. *PE | |
| NTB-09-030 Apr 2009 | Electrical System | NISSAN: THE 12 VOLT BATTERY IS AN IMPORTANT PART OF THE VEHICLE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM AND IS REQUIRED TO STAY CONNECTED WHEN THE ENGINE IS RUNNING. TO PREVENT DAMAGE TO VEHICLE ELECTRONIC COMPONENTS FOLLOW THE INSTRUCTIONS/CAUTIONS. NO MODEL YEARS LISTED. *PE | |
| NTB08-034 Jun 2008 | Seats | 2004-2008 MAXIMA; DRIVER/PASSENGER SEATBACK TRIM REPLACEMENT. *NJ | |
| NTB08-049 Apr 2008 | Power Train | NISSAN; SPECIAL AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FLUID REQUIREMENT. 2004 TO CURRENT NISSAN VEHICLES. *NJ | |
| NTB05-080A Apr 2008 | Engine And Engine Cooling | AIRFLOWMETER SERVICE. *PE | |
| 07026 Nov 2007 | Visibility | 2004 - 2008 MAXIMA - DOOR POWER MIRRORS INOPERABLE. *NJ | |
| 07042 Jul 2007 | Engine And Engine Cooling | BUZZING/WHINING NOISE FROM TIMING CHAIN AREA. *KB |
Showing 60 of 111 distinct bulletins on file for this vehicle.
Before you buy this vehicle
A test-drive checklist generated from this vehicle's own complaint and recall record.
- Drive it from a dead stop, twice, on a hill if you can.Shudder, hesitation, or a lurch under light throttle is how this vehicle's largest complaint cluster shows itself. Then ask for the transmission service history in writing; repeat repairs are a pattern, not a fluke.
- Read the tire date codes and look for uneven wear.Uneven wear on this vehicle often points back to the suspension. Four different date codes tell their own story.
- Cold-start it yourself and listen for the first thirty seconds.Knocking, ticking that fades as it warms, or blue or white smoke on startup are the sounds of this vehicle's engine cluster. Check the oil level and the coolant color, and ask whether the engine or its head gaskets have ever been out.
- Run the VIN against open recalls before you negotiate.This vehicle has 2 recall campaigns on file. An open recall needs VIN-specific confirmation. Many are quick, no-charge fixes and worth negotiating over; an unresolved do-not-drive advisory, or a remedy the manufacturer has not yet made available, should stop the purchase until it is resolved.
- Ask for the service history in writing, then read it against this page.The complaint families above are where owners of this vehicle report trouble. Repairs in exactly those systems are evidence the car had the problem; no such repairs could mean it never developed it, or that it was never fixed. The test-drive items above are how you tell those apart.
Parts search directory
The generic parts list for this vehicle has its own page: a search launcher for every system, filtered by fuel type and era but not by engine, trim, or brake type. It is not a diagnosis and not a fitment guarantee.
Open the parts directory for this Nissan Maxima →