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.

2004 Nissan Maxima

■ Significantly worse — known issue year

2004 Nissan Maxima
BUILT 2026-10-10

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.

How is this computed?

Complaints: 1,425
Recalls: 2
Investigations: 1
Top problem: Power train

Complaints per year

2004: 1,425 complaints

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	1,425
2005	948
2006	576
2007	129
2008	79
2009	339
2010	275
2011	106
2012	107
2013	62
2014	96
2015	1
2016	142
2017	104
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.

Power train

66% · 942 reports

Most commonly citing automatic transmission and manual transmission.

CRASHFIREINJURY

Tires

10% · 142 reports

Most commonly citing sidewall and tread/belt.

CRASHINJURY

Suspension

7% · 104 reports

Most commonly citing macpherson strut and front.

CRASHFIRE

Service brakes

5% · 74 reports

Most commonly citing hydraulic and electric.

CRASHFIREDEATH

Engine and engine cooling

5% · 73 reports

Most commonly citing engine and catalytic convertor.

CRASHFIRE

Safety timeline

2 recalls · 1 investigation · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

▮
2004Complaint volume 1,425 complaints filed for this model year.
I
2004-04-12Preliminary evaluationClosed 2004-07-13 Glass roof shattering
R

2004-09-07Visibility04V326000 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.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2006-01-16Seats05V512000 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…

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.

Check if this car was fixed →

Buy-smart checklist

2004 Nissan Maxima — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

Power train: 942 reports on file for this year.
Tires: 142 reports on file for this year.
Suspension: 104 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

Recall 04V326000 · Visibility
Recall 05V512000 · Seats

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years3 years

Worst years3 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 2026-10-09 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.