2004 Nissan Maxima

Introduction

The 2004 Nissan Maxima is a midsize sedan powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine paired with a 5-speed automatic transmission. It delivers 265 horsepower and 255 lb-ft of torque. The Maxima offers a comfortable and spacious interior, stylish exterior, and impressive performance. Owners often praise its handling, acceleration, and luxurious amenities. However, like any vehicle, it has some common issues that potential buyers should be aware of.

Engine

3.5L V6

• Intake camshaft sensor failure: Symptoms include a check engine light, rough idling, and poor acceleration. Solution: Replace the intake camshaft sensor. Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $300+
• Rear main seal leak: Symptoms include an oil leak from the rear of the engine. Solution: Replace the rear main seal. Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $800+
• Catalytic converter failure: Symptoms include a check engine light, decreased fuel efficiency, and a sulfur-like smell. Solution: Replace the catalytic converter. Estimated Cost to Fix: $1000 - $1500+
• Timing chain tensioner failure: Symptoms include a rattling noise from the engine, especially during startup. Solution: Replace the timing chain tensioner. Estimated Cost to Fix: $600 - $900+
• Valve cover gasket leak: Symptoms include an oil leak from the top of the engine. Solution: Replace the valve cover gasket. Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $300+
• PCV valve failure: Symptoms include rough idling, oil consumption, and a check engine light. Solution: Replace the PCV valve. Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $200+

Transmission

5-Speed Automatic

• Transmission slipping: Symptoms include difficulty shifting gears, delayed engagement, and a loss of power. Solution: Repair or rebuild the transmission. Estimated Cost to Fix: $2000 - $3000+
• Torque converter shudder: Symptoms include a vibration or shudder during acceleration. Solution: Replace the torque converter. Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $1200+
• Solenoid issues: Symptoms include erratic shifting, delayed gear engagement, and a check engine light. Solution: Replace the faulty solenoid(s). Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+

Suspension

• Front strut mount bearing failure: Symptoms include a clunking or rattling noise from the front suspension, especially during turns. Solution: Replace the strut mount bearing. Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $300+
• Rear shock absorber failure: Symptoms include a rough ride, poor handling, and uneven tire wear. Solution: Replace the rear shock absorbers. Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $500+
• Sway bar link failure: Symptoms include a clunking or rattling noise from the suspension, especially during turns. Solution: Replace the sway bar link. Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $200+

Electrical

• Alternator failure: Symptoms include a dim or flickering dashboard, difficulty starting the car, and a burning smell from under the hood. Solution: Replace the alternator. Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $800+
• Starter failure: Symptoms include difficulty starting the car or a grinding noise when trying to start. Solution: Replace the starter. Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $500+
• Battery drain: Symptoms include a dead battery after the car has been parked for a while. Solution: Test the battery and electrical components to identify the source of the drain. Repair or replace the faulty component. Estimated Cost to Fix: Varies depending on the source of the drain
• Power window switch failure: Symptoms include non-functioning power windows. Solution: Replace the faulty power window switch. Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $200+

Exterior

• Sunroof leaks: Symptoms include water leaking into the passenger compartment from the sunroof. Solution: Repair or replace the sunroof seals. Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+
• Tail light lens cracking: Symptoms include cracks or condensation inside the tail light lens. Solution: Replace the tail light lens. Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $200+
• Door handle failure: Symptoms include difficulty opening or closing the door. Solution: Replace the door handle. Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $200+

Interior

• Dashboard cracking: Symptoms include cracks or splits in the dashboard. Solution: Repair or replace the dashboard. Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $1000+
• HVAC control panel failure: Symptoms include non-functioning HVAC controls. Solution: Repair or replace the HVAC control panel. Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+
• Seat heater failure: Symptoms include non-functioning seat heaters. Solution: Repair or replace the seat heater element. Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+

Recalls

• NHTSA Campaign Number: 13V407000: Hydraulic brake booster line replacement
• NHTSA Campaign Number: 05V242000: Tire pressure monitoring system malfunction
• NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V693000: Takata airbag inflator replacement

Summary

While the 2004 Nissan Maxima is generally a reliable and enjoyable vehicle, it has some common issues that potential buyers should be aware of. Engine issues such as camshaft sensor failure and rear main seal leaks are relatively common. Transmission issues like slipping and torque converter shudder can be costly to repair. Suspension components like strut mount bearings and shock absorbers can wear out and lead to a rough ride. Electrical problems with the alternator, starter, and power window switches are also not uncommon. Exterior issues include sunroof leaks, cracked tail light lenses, and door handle failures. Interior problems may include dashboard cracking, HVAC control panel failure, and seat heater failure. Recalls have been issued for brake booster line replacement, tire pressure monitoring system malfunctions, and Takata airbag inflators. It’s important to note that the severity and cost of these issues can vary depending on the specific vehicle and its maintenance history.