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Transmission and engine problems make the 2004, 2005, and 2006 model years of the sedan undesirable.

Nissan Maxima has been one of the most beloved sedans in the world for the last couple of decades. Impressive interior features, reliable safety features, and excellent all-around performance made this vehicle one of the most desired in the full-size sedan class. However, this grand vehicle has come to the end of its journey, and will be discontinued.

Having said that, you have to make sure you are fully aware of every little detail about Maxima’s different models when trying to buy a used one. So, let’s get more into details and see what are the worst years of the Maxima and how reliable it is in the long run.

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According to the CarComplaints website, the 2004 Maxima has the highest number of overall complaints and is also considered the worst Maxima produced for its high-cost repairs and low-mileage problems.

The 2004 model year is plagued with transmission problems. Many reports have shown that the transmission jerks when shifting in this model year and starts happening relatively early. “

The vehicle is undrivable. The vehicle is an automatic and jerks into gear. The problem gets worse the warmer or longer it is driven at one time. Before this happened, the vehicle would stall out if in stop, and then it went into limp mode, staying in 5th gear. I contacted Nissan about any known problems regarding this year of Maxima and was told they had not received any complaints. However, the problems were mentioned all over the internet when researching the issue. They responded via telephone call and email. Absolutely unacceptable for Nissan to not admit or consider all the complaints about this issue”, stated a 2004 Maxima owner. The vast majority of the owners facing this problem had their transmission replaced, typically costing around $2500.

Another big issue that the 2004 Maxima owners face is the rattling noise when starting and loss of power while driving. These engine-related problems can be both hazardous and costly and often require compartments replacement.

The 2005 model year also suffers from severe transmission problems. These transmission-related problems happen even earlier on this model, making it one big hassle for the owners. This model year also deals with a variety of interior issues. The biggest interior problem is the malfunctioning of the door locks. The doors on this vehicle tend to lock randomly and then lose power, trapping the occupants in the car. The manufacturer has issued no specific solution as it remains one of the main issues of the 2005 model year.

It goes without saying that the 2006 model year also has all its predecessors' transmission and engine problems. Additionally, the 2006 model features major braking issues. This model tends not to brake properly while driving and also has an ABS light malfunction. No particular data have been published on why this keeps happening and how to fix it.

There have also been many complaints reporting body paint problems where a part of the vehicle changes colors and often turns white. Depending on the severity of the issue, the cost varies; nonetheless, it takes much effort to fix this issue.

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With proper maintenance, you can expect to get 200,000 miles out of a Nissan Maxima. Numbers of around 275,000 miles have been achieved before, but to stay on the safe side, you can get close to 250,000 if you’re lucky.

To maximize your chances of getting to the bigger numbers, you need to perform all the procedures suggested by the manufacturer. Here are some of the most critical stages in the official maintenance schedule of a Nissan Maxima:

According to the RepairPal website, the average year-round cost of maintaining a Maxima is $540, which is fifty bucks lower than the class average. However, the chances of a repair being severe for a Maxima is 15%, two percent higher than the average for full-size cars.

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Nissan Maxima has a powerful engine, offers a classy interior, and provides great value. However, there are some model years that you are better off avoiding. The 2004, 2005, and 2006 model years are the most problematic, hosting many transmission and engine problems. Moreover, make sure to examine the Maxima you’re trying to buy to avoid any potential trouble.

Seyyed is a literature student, fitness guru, writer, and gearhead. He is a fanatic about a healthy lifestyle, music, and anything car-related. He is a massive devotee of vintage muscle cars. His favorite hobby is clanging and banging in the gym.