View Poll Results: Do you have major problems with your max?
Multiple Choice Poll. Voters: 389. You may not vote on this poll
Do you have major problems with your car?
Junior Member
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 19
Mine is Aussie delivered 1997 A32 Maxima. the problems I am currently facing with the car is:
- Oil leaks : replaced oil pressure switched. Soon to replace oil sump seal.
- Steering rack leaking oil as well
- suspension making annoying noises : suspecting either bushings or tie rods.
- Oil leaks : replaced oil pressure switched. Soon to replace oil sump seal.
- Steering rack leaking oil as well
- suspension making annoying noises : suspecting either bushings or tie rods.
Newbie - Just Registered
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 3
From: North Liberty, IA
Bought a 97 SE last week. Allready have the dreaded axle leak and its B A D, lots of play in the drivers side axle!! Im so pissed off, looks like you guys can chalk another one up to Trans Bearing Faliure. Ughhhh
Supporting Maxima.org Member
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 97
45000 miles since last post
I now have 186,000 miles on the car and I have passed it on to my son. He lives 150 miles away and now has a AT that won't shift out of park. Since my last post, I have had the waterpump replaced, (it gave out in Dec, and even in the summer I might not have attempted it). MY local independant shop wouldn't touch the waterpump so it was back to the dealer. Also had an alternator replaced once again in the middle of winter and the indy would do that one.
The shift out of park problem worries me as there are now only two dealers in the state of Wyoming, and both are more than 200 miles from the vehicle. A local "Import" specialist is going to give it a go.
All in all a pretty trouble free 186,000 hard miles. Still doesn't burn oil, the AT still doesn't slip and I like Auto RX as a AT cleaner. Would I buy another, no, I just bought an ACURA TL SH-AWD. Don't know how it will be in the miles from 125000 -200000, that is the period of time that can cost lots of $$$. We will see
The shift out of park problem worries me as there are now only two dealers in the state of Wyoming, and both are more than 200 miles from the vehicle. A local "Import" specialist is going to give it a go.
All in all a pretty trouble free 186,000 hard miles. Still doesn't burn oil, the AT still doesn't slip and I like Auto RX as a AT cleaner. Would I buy another, no, I just bought an ACURA TL SH-AWD. Don't know how it will be in the miles from 125000 -200000, that is the period of time that can cost lots of $$$. We will see
Newbie - Just Registered
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 1
From: chesapeake, va
starter, cv axles (got to replace the drivers side boot)
got transmission replaced at 179K and now needs another just 3 months later at 182K... love the car just not the money being dumped in it!
might need valve cover gaskets, also knock sensor code been coming up but went away recently.
got transmission replaced at 179K and now needs another just 3 months later at 182K... love the car just not the money being dumped in it!
might need valve cover gaskets, also knock sensor code been coming up but went away recently.
Member
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 33
From: Minnesota
I have major problems. Tranny is leaking madly and needs to be replaced. Suspension squeaks, radio antenna squeaks, trunk lid squeaks, knock sensor needs replacing apparently, same with intake air temp sensor, and EGRC solenoid valve.
I have no money to do any of that
I have no money to do any of that
Member
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 33
From: Minnesota
I have had a leaky left transmission seal (5-speed) for about 3 years, but am getting it replaced in 2 days for Cdn$50. I have the part.
The seal is leaking more recently and I had to get the transaxle topped up on the weekend to the tune of 1.5 litres (capacity 4.5 litres).
I have owned the car since new and have had virtually nothing go wrong with the car, although it has less than 68k mostly highway miles on it.
To date:
1. replaced an 02 sensor on warranty about 10 years ago
2. replaced both rear calipers as right rear was frozen because I hadn't used the parking brake for about 5 year (my stupidity).
3. replaced oil pressure sender
4. replaced EGR control solenoid a few months ago.
The original spark plugs were only replaced a month ago and I still have the original front brake pads.
Standard maintenance issues have been addressed: battery, muffler, PCV valve, belts, flush PS, radiator and brakes, recharge AC.
Following the tranny seal replacement, there are no further maintenance issues to address sfor the foreseeable future (touch wood).
The seal is leaking more recently and I had to get the transaxle topped up on the weekend to the tune of 1.5 litres (capacity 4.5 litres).
I have owned the car since new and have had virtually nothing go wrong with the car, although it has less than 68k mostly highway miles on it.
To date:
1. replaced an 02 sensor on warranty about 10 years ago
2. replaced both rear calipers as right rear was frozen because I hadn't used the parking brake for about 5 year (my stupidity).
3. replaced oil pressure sender
4. replaced EGR control solenoid a few months ago.
The original spark plugs were only replaced a month ago and I still have the original front brake pads.
Standard maintenance issues have been addressed: battery, muffler, PCV valve, belts, flush PS, radiator and brakes, recharge AC.
Following the tranny seal replacement, there are no further maintenance issues to address sfor the foreseeable future (touch wood).
bought my car in 07 with 82k on the odometer. Im currently at 119k miles
had to replace all 6 injectors a starter at 92k and i have an inner timing chain cover O ring leaks. i dont know if that all would classify as major engine issues
had to replace all 6 injectors a starter at 92k and i have an inner timing chain cover O ring leaks. i dont know if that all would classify as major engine issues
Member
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 83
I would say, if yer in a salt belt area , like newyork . Around 100k you need struts, sway bar links all yer brakes, wheel bearings tie rods some core support and body work, and not to mention a rag joint and muffler. I was working at monro, most cars, maximas or nissans in general had this stuff going on by 10 years 130k. but them engines and tranny lemme tell ya. I'm in the process of cathching up with the last of these things with my 1998 right now
Newbie - Just Registered
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 13
From: staten island
98 max w/151k..New Tranny @ 119k (auto),2 sets of axles(old tranny was dead snaping axles poping into gear), knock sensor,whole exhaust needs replacing,cel light on evap,leaving timing chain cover(pita job),new front shocks and struts,Front hub bearings(front suspension was bad replaced a lot),want me to tell u more?lols...
Newbie - Just Registered
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 5
ive got a '95 3.0 V6 auto and it will only move when in 1st gear. it wont move in reverse and in D and 2 it acts like it wants to move but only if i rev it up. anybody have any clue what is wrong with it? please help! i need this car to get to work!
Won a 1995 Max GLE @ 183k miles on ebay auction almost a month ago.
-Car start-up issues, found out its one of the ignition coils need to be replaced.
-Faint burnt rubber smell, so it could be the belt.
-Needs fluids flushing black as hell (brake fluid, oil, etc..)
-Sometimes its hard to shift to reverse, have to press the brake down all the way down to get it to move.
Replaced hood lift support. Might need new brake pads.
Still checking...
-Car start-up issues, found out its one of the ignition coils need to be replaced.
-Faint burnt rubber smell, so it could be the belt.
-Needs fluids flushing black as hell (brake fluid, oil, etc..)
-Sometimes its hard to shift to reverse, have to press the brake down all the way down to get it to move.
Replaced hood lift support. Might need new brake pads.
Still checking...
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 4,005
From: Worcester, MA
But to me sounds like your torque converter is gone. Jus replace tranny with a used. Prolly cost u 1000 bucks for everythin.
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 4,005
From: Worcester, MA
Define a major problem???
Tranny and engine, to me, are the only major components. But is not a major problem for a max cuz they are so readily available. Its a major problem if u CANT find a tranny or engine, then u have to dump the car or perfrom major surgery to repair.
Yea i have a major problem..i like to mod too much lol
Tranny and engine, to me, are the only major components. But is not a major problem for a max cuz they are so readily available. Its a major problem if u CANT find a tranny or engine, then u have to dump the car or perfrom major surgery to repair.
Yea i have a major problem..i like to mod too much lol
Member
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 142
I've gotten one CEL for EGR Flow, but it went away on its own and hasn't come back.
Otherwise, 219K and no noticeable leaks, doesn't seem to burn anything, electrical is solid, transmission shifts smooth as butter.
The only thing I replaced that was becoming an issue was an ignition switch (you'd have to try turning the key several times before it cranked over sometimes)...but that was a 30 dollar part and a 15 minute job, and it never failed completely before I replaced it...so I wouldn't call it major.
Basically just all routine stuff...about due for an oil change now, and my front pads and rotors are pretty close to shot, but otherwise it's in good shape for its age and mileage.
Otherwise, 219K and no noticeable leaks, doesn't seem to burn anything, electrical is solid, transmission shifts smooth as butter.
The only thing I replaced that was becoming an issue was an ignition switch (you'd have to try turning the key several times before it cranked over sometimes)...but that was a 30 dollar part and a 15 minute job, and it never failed completely before I replaced it...so I wouldn't call it major.
Basically just all routine stuff...about due for an oil change now, and my front pads and rotors are pretty close to shot, but otherwise it's in good shape for its age and mileage.
@ 178k my Max needs:
a tranny rebuild, which it is getting in a few weeks
The front & rear valve cover gaskets replaced, I have them but need to be installed
bushings need to be replaced, again I have them but need to be installed
Sunroof needs to be rebuilt or replaced, ill probably just replace it
a tranny rebuild, which it is getting in a few weeks
The front & rear valve cover gaskets replaced, I have them but need to be installed
bushings need to be replaced, again I have them but need to be installed
Sunroof needs to be rebuilt or replaced, ill probably just replace it
Member
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 292
Of course, it helps that I am still the first and only owner of this car (bought new 9/94) and it still gets faithfully garaged.
Junior Member
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 16
My old maxima has been giving me transmission problems. It has a great motor, however, my transmission slips and hesitates to switch gears. Ive parked it for a little over a year now and Im currently riding in my new maxima. I had a certified mechanic to look at the car and he said I would have to replace the transmission. Im hoping to find one this year and get my maxima back on the road. In the meantime, Im enjoying riding in the new maxima; just hate putting the miles on it.!
Newbie - Just Registered
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 5
Member
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 143
From: Birmingham, AL
I was given my 95 SE 3 years ago next Monday @ 194,xxx miles. :smile: Since then i've put 49k miles on it and replaced 1 Injector, 4 Coils (2 new 2 junk yard), 2 CV Axles, and soon to be; 4 struts (the front is shot the back just because), Passenger Motor Mount, and uhh, that's it....I'm extremely pleased with my car...Now i'm at 243,xxx
Member
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 178
From: Fayetteville, NC
I had the engine go out on me on the way to the beach 2 years go now, it had 215,000 miles on it. Replaced it with a 98' engine that only had 90,000 miles on it and im about around 140,000 miles on this one now. Im the fourth owner of the Max. She is very well taken care of now!!!
Junior Member
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 17
From: saint john nb
in the last two weeks i have replaced a ball joint, brake caliper, alternator, and rad support. i have also welded a crack in my rear subframe, replaced a knock sensor, a control arm, clutch line, repaired an engine ground, and done minor body work. this being said, I paid $1900 for it, drive it hard, and live in a costal (read-salty) city with terrible, terrible roads. now that its working well again, i still love the maxima
i just bought a 95 gxe a month ago, needs maf knock and vss sensor replaced, has a nasty oil leak needs some serious suspension work and the body...well....its beat to sh*t and the sunroof apparently got stuck open and someone hacked it together so the sunroof is open and motor dont work it is sealed properly so it dont leak but im lookin at well over 1500 in parts, however its only got 140k on it so imma invest some money into it, it is a max tho...
Two frozen calipers front and rear
Smelly HVAC
Bad EGR solenoid valve
3 bad 02's
air bag lite
Ecm/Ecu comunication errors
Rusted rear quater
speed sensor
the list goes on and on still have check engine on lol but it gets me to work ..!!
Smelly HVAC
Bad EGR solenoid valve
3 bad 02's
air bag lite
Ecm/Ecu comunication errors
Rusted rear quater
speed sensor
the list goes on and on still have check engine on lol but it gets me to work ..!!
1997 GLE, 210k miles.
I haven't gotten major problems so far (Knock on wood).
Only things I've replace were:
Wheel Bearing
Left Half-shaft
Headlight Bulbs
Battery
Front and Rear Valve Cover Gasket
Spark Plugs
Cylinder 6 Coil Pack
Front Struts/Springs
Front Calipers/pads/Discs.
Remaining: o2 Sensor, front & rear motor mounts. I think IACV is giving me a rough idle, so that may be next as well.
I haven't gotten major problems so far (Knock on wood).
Only things I've replace were:
Wheel Bearing
Left Half-shaft
Headlight Bulbs
Battery
Front and Rear Valve Cover Gasket
Spark Plugs
Cylinder 6 Coil Pack
Front Struts/Springs
Front Calipers/pads/Discs.
Remaining: o2 Sensor, front & rear motor mounts. I think IACV is giving me a rough idle, so that may be next as well.
Last edited by Shift_A32B; Jul 4, 2011 at 01:22 PM.
Junior Member
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 36
1999 I30LE auto @ 128k miles
problem - symptom:
Shifts very hard between 1 and 2. Shakes the whole car loudly. Have to replace tranny soon.
The security system randomly deprogrammed itself from my key. Had to have it reprogrammed at the dealership. Got raped $$$. I had three keys. They charge $100 per key. Needless to say, I have one key now.
Not a bad car despite all the problems... never seen snow/salt, but I live in Texas where the summers sustain 100+ degrees and I drive it hard, mostly on the highway.
Still some power loss, probably from dirty typical components (IACV, EGR, throttle body, etc). Hopefully they won't need replacement. I miss this car's performance. When it was new and I hit the gas from a stand-still, it would peel-out for half a sec and jump from the line. Not so much anymore.
problem - symptom:
- alternator (100k miles) - music and dash-lights glitching and then car shut off completely on the highway, power steering off too. **** my pants and then had it towed.
- starter motor (105k) - slowed down to a slow grind, and then halted completely
- A/C "transistor" (115k)- moved a lot of air but piping hot.
- CV joints/boots twice (100k and 120k)- click click click, loud enough to turn heads.
- knock sensor (123k) - severe power loss
- mass airflow sensor (119k) (cleaned it which worked a little, but ultimately had to replace it) - erratic idling/revving, dip in RPMs when applying gas, stalling
- spark plug coils (120k) - misses, especially at idle
- harmonic balancer (110k) - poor performance, incredibly rough running you can hear and feel through the wheel/pedals
Shifts very hard between 1 and 2. Shakes the whole car loudly. Have to replace tranny soon.
The security system randomly deprogrammed itself from my key. Had to have it reprogrammed at the dealership. Got raped $$$. I had three keys. They charge $100 per key. Needless to say, I have one key now.
Not a bad car despite all the problems... never seen snow/salt, but I live in Texas where the summers sustain 100+ degrees and I drive it hard, mostly on the highway.
Still some power loss, probably from dirty typical components (IACV, EGR, throttle body, etc). Hopefully they won't need replacement. I miss this car's performance. When it was new and I hit the gas from a stand-still, it would peel-out for half a sec and jump from the line. Not so much anymore.
Newbie - Just Registered
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 2
i bought my 97' maxima used nd ive had problems like replace radiator nd last week my car ignition switch failed. but besides that i think my 97' is pretty good (no engine or trans problem)....162k and counting
