2004 Nissan Maxima
This year had more than double the complaints of this model's typical year.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1982 | 4 |
| 1983 | 5 |
| 1984 | 30 |
| 1985 | 54 |
| 1986 | 63 |
| 1987 | 178 |
| 1988 | 60 |
| 1989 | 64 |
| 1990 | 106 |
| 1991 | 77 |
| 1992 | 110 |
| 1993 | 78 |
| 1994 | 89 |
| 1995 | 152 |
| 1996 | 96 |
| 1997 | 102 |
| 1998 | 113 |
| 1999 | 165 |
| 2000 | 360 |
| 2001 | 172 |
| 2002 | 205 |
| 2003 | 206 |
| 2004 | 1425 |
| 2005 | 948 |
| 2006 | 576 |
| 2007 | 129 |
| 2008 | 78 |
| 2009 | 339 |
| 2010 | 275 |
| 2011 | 106 |
| 2012 | 107 |
| 2013 | 62 |
| 2014 | 95 |
| 2015 | 1 |
| 2016 | 142 |
| 2017 | 103 |
| 2018 | 36 |
| 2019 | 18 |
| 2020 | 21 |
| 2021 | 3 |
| 2022 | 5 |
| 2023 | 1 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.
66% of complaints: power train — 942 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing automatic transmission and manual transmission.
CRASH FIRE INJURY10% of complaints: tires — 142 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing sidewall and tread/belt.
CRASH INJURY7% of complaints: suspension — 104 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing macpherson strut and front.
CRASH FIRE5% of complaints: service brakes — 74 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing hydraulic and electric.
CRASH FIRE DEATH5% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 73 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing engine and catalytic convertor.
CRASH FIRESAFETY TIMELINE
GLASS ROOF SHATTERING
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.
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.
Campaign 04V326000 — check if this car was fixed
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
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.
Campaign 05V512000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2004 Nissan Maxima — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for power train issues (942 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for tires issues (142 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for suspension issues (104 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 04V326000 (visibility) has been completed.
- Verify recall 05V512000 (seats) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 2004 Nissan Maxima reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2004 Nissan Maxima is rated "significantly worse".
What are the most common problems with the 2004 Nissan Maxima?
The most-reported component is power train, accounting for 66% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2004 Nissan Maxima have?
2 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-09-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.