I have owned two Maximas, the first being a 96 se 5sp and the other being my present vehicle which is a 99 se auto. From day one I had noticed many things about my 99 besides the clear fact that it was slower. That paint didnt seem as good, the fit of interior parts was poor, the car had more wind noise, etc.... Todays visit to the dealer revealed a serious problem with the engine. The service writer said that he thinks the engine might have a bad bottom bearing (something like this he got real technical with me and quickly lost me). There is an slight knocking noise coming from the bottom of the engine. This car has 39,000 easy miles on it and was purchased new. Anyone else have problems with their 4th gen like this?

-AJ

 

I have a 99SE and have had no problems with it. Other than adding mods and routine maintenence I haven't had anything bad happen. My car has even seen track time I just rolled over 31k.
-hype

 

I have a 99SE too, I am right now at 37.5k miles and so far no problems.

 

My 99 Se Limited just turner 50,000 miles...
No problems...

I just hate the Breaks... Will change to vented or Drilled soon...

Peace

 

Are you the original owner? I,m not sure how this problem would work out as far as warranty work but for your sake I hope that it is covered under warranty. It sounds as if the rod (piston) bearing has worn enough that it,s close tolerance fit is no longer within spec. My question is how this could have happened. Low oil in the pan could have caused this. An oil filter without the anti-drain back valve could cause this. Starting a cold engine and revving to high right after engine start. Too high/thick grade of oil for too cold a climate might be the culprit. There is always the possibility of manufacture defect but it,s hard to say. As far as my own, I have a 95 that has had no mechanical problems as of yet (knock on wood) just the usual electrical/emission related problems. Good luck!

 

Yes, the car was bought new by myself. I have changed the oil at regular intervals and always let the cer warm before driving off. The car is in the shop now, turns out that the problem is a bad rod. I wonder if I have any chance getting a new engine.