04 Maxima SE problems ive had
10-31-2007, 08:25 AM
#1
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: May 2007
Posts: 46
04 Maxima SE problems ive had
04 Maxima SE, 65,000 miles, this is my first and last Nissan. Very discouraging because all this stuff happened at exactly 61,000miles. Right outside of the factory warranty.
#1) Tons of rattling from the front suspension, I thought it was the shocks, but got the car up on the lift and realized the bolt holding the steering column to the frame had fallen out, so the column was flopping around in the engine bay. That was easy, but dangerous.
#2) ABS kicked on under normal braking, brake lights went on in dash. The ABS motor stays running even when the vehicle is turned off and the keys are out. Only way to stop the motor is by clipping one of the terminals on the multi-fuse under the hood. ran the codes. Most likely the ABS solenoid Assy, $1400 from dealer. Just driving without ABS right now till I can save up the money to fix or find one cheaper used.
#3) Hard shifting from 1st-2nd and 2nd-3rd. I don't know if it the transmission or not, but its making me nervous.
#4) Engine vibration and engine noise under light acceleration until it downshifts to a lower gear and the RPM's rise again. It seems to be hanging in a higher gear longer than it should be while cruising and doesn't downshift fast enough when pedal is pressed to accelerate.
#5) RSA tire recall, previously replaced 2 of them out of pocket because of sidewalls cracking. But just recently had the other two covered under the recall in full. Still ticks me off because it cost me money on the first two.
I wish Nissan would address some of these issues!!!
#1) Tons of rattling from the front suspension, I thought it was the shocks, but got the car up on the lift and realized the bolt holding the steering column to the frame had fallen out, so the column was flopping around in the engine bay. That was easy, but dangerous.
#2) ABS kicked on under normal braking, brake lights went on in dash. The ABS motor stays running even when the vehicle is turned off and the keys are out. Only way to stop the motor is by clipping one of the terminals on the multi-fuse under the hood. ran the codes. Most likely the ABS solenoid Assy, $1400 from dealer. Just driving without ABS right now till I can save up the money to fix or find one cheaper used.
#3) Hard shifting from 1st-2nd and 2nd-3rd. I don't know if it the transmission or not, but its making me nervous.
#4) Engine vibration and engine noise under light acceleration until it downshifts to a lower gear and the RPM's rise again. It seems to be hanging in a higher gear longer than it should be while cruising and doesn't downshift fast enough when pedal is pressed to accelerate.
#5) RSA tire recall, previously replaced 2 of them out of pocket because of sidewalls cracking. But just recently had the other two covered under the recall in full. Still ticks me off because it cost me money on the first two.
I wish Nissan would address some of these issues!!!
10-31-2007, 08:50 AM
#2
they have. they r called TSBs. try to compare the Maxima issues with other cars selling for the same sticker and less. cars are cars. they have so many things that can go wrong. Hell, compare the issues with come higher priced brands as well. some have way more serious/expensive issues.
let me guess. you bought used? there are extended warranties out there. and many newer/used cars are very likely the small percentage that have something going wrong and are sold b/c of that.
let me guess. you bought used? there are extended warranties out there. and many newer/used cars are very likely the small percentage that have something going wrong and are sold b/c of that.
10-31-2007, 09:07 AM
#3
Newbie
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: Philadelphia, PA
Posts: 66
they have. they r called TSBs. try to compare the Maxima issues with other cars selling for the same sticker and less. cars are cars. they have so many things that can go wrong. Hell, compare the issues with come higher priced brands as well. some have way more serious/expensive issues.
let me guess. you bought used? there are extended warranties out there. and many newer/used cars are very likely the small percentage that have something going wrong and are sold b/c of that.
let me guess. you bought used? there are extended warranties out there. and many newer/used cars are very likely the small percentage that have something going wrong and are sold b/c of that.
. . . Every car evetually has problems, so you can't bash Nissan's
10-31-2007, 09:10 AM
#4
Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: Bay Shore, NY
Posts: 819
Keep in mind many of your issues have been documented here. The 04' was plagued with problems such as struts, tires etc. I am glad I have an 05' because 70k miles and not one problem. I just did the brakes(Could have let them go longer) and the tires still are going strong(only replacing them because I drive x country in the winter) With proper maintainence my car will last a long time. I wouldn't abandon Nissan just yet.
10-31-2007, 09:39 AM
#5
I used to have an 02 Maxima GLE that was scraped due to an accident....I was hit by a 70 year old man that was driving drunk back from a xmas party and had fallen asleep at the wheel. He was speeding and went right through a red light a 2 in the morning, in Dec 03. He even had an older invalid sitting next to him in the passenger seat (he hit his head in the window as there was no air bag for him) Unforturnatly due to a comedy of errors on the part of our finest (Montreal Police) a breathalyzer was never administered and instead they ended up going to the hospital...oh and did I mention that he could only walk with a cane and that with lots of difficulty....how could his foot react to an emergency situation? He was driving an Acura EL which is only sold in Canada from what I understand. The EL is a dressed up Civic. After hitting my much larger car (2002 Maxima GLE) and spinning it around 180 degrees he went over a curb and smashed his car on to the side of a building. Lucky for him the building had a faceted corner instead of a regular corner or they would have wedged in to the building!
The point is: The car saved me from serious injury...not even whip lash! The air bags went off and that was the last thing the car did to make sure I was safe. Any other car and I'm sure I would have had serious injuries...After that the insurance company bought me a 04 SL which was a total lemon....I even had a new tranny replaced after only 15K kilometers which is under 10K miles! The car was in the shop every two weeks with another problem....suspension, exhaust, electric windows, stereo, etc etc etc. it was so bad that I was going to invoke the lemon law in Canada, then I went to my stealership and said this is it or that's the end. They worked out a deal with Nissan Canada and bought the car back from me and placed in a new 05 (Second production run) Although I still have some suspension issues (3 years later) I live with it and get them fixed now and then. Even got the extended warranty which I later found out (fine print) does not cover the suspension). Will I change from Nissan? Not if I can help it! Why? Because Nissan and my stealership stand behing the product and help me out when I need it. And because I know that they are safe vehicles. Believe me, I have friends with Hondas, Mazda's, Acura's Mercedes, American cars etc. I used to own an '91 Accord EX-R and a 1996 Mazda 626, 1988 Ford Probe LX, 1995 and 1997 VW Golf GTI, and several American company cars. And I can honestly say that my 05 Maxima SE is the best one that I've owned so far and the most fun to drive too. Most of my other cars were not made as well except for the Honda. So you need to look at the big picture and you need to put things in to their proper perspective.
The point is: The car saved me from serious injury...not even whip lash! The air bags went off and that was the last thing the car did to make sure I was safe. Any other car and I'm sure I would have had serious injuries...After that the insurance company bought me a 04 SL which was a total lemon....I even had a new tranny replaced after only 15K kilometers which is under 10K miles! The car was in the shop every two weeks with another problem....suspension, exhaust, electric windows, stereo, etc etc etc. it was so bad that I was going to invoke the lemon law in Canada, then I went to my stealership and said this is it or that's the end. They worked out a deal with Nissan Canada and bought the car back from me and placed in a new 05 (Second production run) Although I still have some suspension issues (3 years later) I live with it and get them fixed now and then. Even got the extended warranty which I later found out (fine print) does not cover the suspension). Will I change from Nissan? Not if I can help it! Why? Because Nissan and my stealership stand behing the product and help me out when I need it. And because I know that they are safe vehicles. Believe me, I have friends with Hondas, Mazda's, Acura's Mercedes, American cars etc. I used to own an '91 Accord EX-R and a 1996 Mazda 626, 1988 Ford Probe LX, 1995 and 1997 VW Golf GTI, and several American company cars. And I can honestly say that my 05 Maxima SE is the best one that I've owned so far and the most fun to drive too. Most of my other cars were not made as well except for the Honda. So you need to look at the big picture and you need to put things in to their proper perspective.
10-31-2007, 09:56 AM
#6
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: Florida
Posts: 607
I used to have an 02 Maxima GLE that was scraped due to an accident....I was hit by a 70 year old man that was driving drunk back from a xmas party and had fallen asleep at the wheel. He was speeding and went right through a red light a 2 in the morning, in Dec 03. He even had an older invalid sitting next to him in the passenger seat (he hit his head in the window as there was no air bag for him) Unforturnatly due to a comedy of errors on the part of our finest (Montreal Police) a breathalyzer was never administered and instead they ended up going to the hospital...oh and did I mention that he could only walk with a cane and that with lots of difficulty....how could his foot react to an emergency situation? He was driving an Acura EL which is only sold in Canada from what I understand. The EL is a dressed up Civic. After hitting my much larger car (2002 Maxima GLE) and spinning it around 180 degrees he went over a curb and smashed his car on to the side of a building. Lucky for him the building had a faceted corner instead of a regular corner or they would have wedged in to the building!
The point is: The car saved me from serious injury...not even whip lash! The air bags went off and that was the last thing the car did to make sure I was safe. Any other car and I'm sure I would have had serious injuries...After that the insurance company bought me a 04 SL which was a total lemon....I even had a new tranny replaced after only 15K kilometers which is under 10K miles! The car was in the shop every two weeks with another problem....suspension, exhaust, electric windows, stereo, etc etc etc. it was so bad that I was going to invoke the lemon law in Canada, then I went to my stealership and said this is it or that's the end. They worked out a deal with Nissan Canada and bought the car back from me and placed in a new 05 (Second production run) Although I still have some suspension issues (3 years later) I live with it and get them fixed now and then. Even got the extended warranty which I later found out (fine print) does not cover the suspension). Will I change from Nissan? Not if I can help it! Why? Because Nissan and my stealership stand behing the product and help me out when I need it. And because I know that they are safe vehicles. Believe me, I have friends with Hondas, Mazda's, Acura's Mercedes, American cars etc. I used to own an '91 Accord EX-R and a 1996 Mazda 626, 1988 Ford Probe LX, 1995 and 1997 VW Golf GTI, and several American company cars. And I can honestly say that my 05 Maxima SE is the best one that I've owned so far and the most fun to drive too. Most of my other cars were not made as well except for the Honda. So you need to look at the big picture and you need to put things in to their proper perspective.
The point is: The car saved me from serious injury...not even whip lash! The air bags went off and that was the last thing the car did to make sure I was safe. Any other car and I'm sure I would have had serious injuries...After that the insurance company bought me a 04 SL which was a total lemon....I even had a new tranny replaced after only 15K kilometers which is under 10K miles! The car was in the shop every two weeks with another problem....suspension, exhaust, electric windows, stereo, etc etc etc. it was so bad that I was going to invoke the lemon law in Canada, then I went to my stealership and said this is it or that's the end. They worked out a deal with Nissan Canada and bought the car back from me and placed in a new 05 (Second production run) Although I still have some suspension issues (3 years later) I live with it and get them fixed now and then. Even got the extended warranty which I later found out (fine print) does not cover the suspension). Will I change from Nissan? Not if I can help it! Why? Because Nissan and my stealership stand behing the product and help me out when I need it. And because I know that they are safe vehicles. Believe me, I have friends with Hondas, Mazda's, Acura's Mercedes, American cars etc. I used to own an '91 Accord EX-R and a 1996 Mazda 626, 1988 Ford Probe LX, 1995 and 1997 VW Golf GTI, and several American company cars. And I can honestly say that my 05 Maxima SE is the best one that I've owned so far and the most fun to drive too. Most of my other cars were not made as well except for the Honda. So you need to look at the big picture and you need to put things in to their proper perspective.
I am surprised that the extended warranty does not cover suspension. Are you talking about the Nissan Gold Preferred? Did you purchase that within the first 12 months/12,000 miles of your maxima?
10-31-2007, 10:23 AM
#8
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10-31-2007, 10:33 AM
#9
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Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: Florida
Posts: 607
10-31-2007, 06:55 PM
#11
Donating Maxima.org Member
Join Date: Jan 2006
Posts: 103
My 04 SE is at 70k and have only done routine maintenance (new tires, oil change, etc). No problems here. Best car I have ever owned. I had an 86 maxima for my first car, which was great. My grandpa had a 90, and then a 97, and then a 2003. All awesome, reliable cars. You would have a hard time convincing me to hate Nissan after all of our good experiences...
11-01-2007, 09:09 AM
#16
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2007
Posts: 480
1: my right window sometimes when i pull it down wont go back up, i checked with nissan, but they cant find the issue
2: my fog lights dont come on. i mean they do but only 20% of the time.
3: My cd changer was acting up for a little while
4: rattleing noise from the break light thing when stero is on.
and a couple more that i cant remember
11-01-2007, 11:18 AM
#17
11-01-2007, 02:03 PM
#18
Banned
Join Date: Feb 2005
Posts: 4,269
My car had #2, and I know of one other guy on here also with the ABS problem. This is the worst one because of the exhorbitant costs of fixing it, I received goodwill from the dealer fortunately to cover it in spite of being out of warrently.
Everybody has #3 and most have #5, as did I. I dont think the hard shifting is a big deal personally, its just when its cold.
Everybody has #3 and most have #5, as did I. I dont think the hard shifting is a big deal personally, its just when its cold.
11-02-2007, 12:24 PM
#20
Nations 1st 6th Gen Turbo
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Join Date: May 2005
Location: Displaced New Yorker in Southern, MD
Posts: 10,202
Keep in mind many of your issues have been documented here. The 04' was plagued with problems such as struts, tires etc. I am glad I have an 05' because 70k miles and not one problem. I just did the brakes(Could have let them go longer) and the tires still are going strong(only replacing them because I drive x country in the winter) With proper maintainence my car will last a long time. I wouldn't abandon Nissan just yet.
11-02-2007, 01:22 PM
#21
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: Colorado Springs, Colorado
Posts: 1,994
I don't have the shifting complaints of Auto-Trannie owners. I can shift my 6-speed as hard or as softly as I choose.
The only complaint I have is that the rear wheels don't want to stay alligned. I was getting an allignment once a year (June), but will likely go to twice a year -- given the cost of replacement tires.
As for the high mileage on some 04s -- I like driving my Max on the highway and take it rather than the airplane to both Chicago and SC. Flying is no longer fun, but driving my Max still is !
Last edited by SilverMax_04; 11-02-2007 at 01:26 PM.
11-04-2007, 08:47 AM
#22
Junior Member
Join Date: Aug 2007
Posts: 22
04 Maxima SE
Bought used at 64K. Now 72K.
I have one problem/concern.
On cold days when I start the car the radio says its on, but there's no sound (regardless of volume level :P). When I turn it off, it says the CD player is on - again no sound.
Turning that off and then on again solves the problem.
Any thoughts?
Has anyone else had this problem?
I've called Nissan but they keep giving me the run around. I have a 160K platinum plus warranty that says it covers just about everything (except wear and tear).
Bought used at 64K. Now 72K.
I have one problem/concern.
On cold days when I start the car the radio says its on, but there's no sound (regardless of volume level :P). When I turn it off, it says the CD player is on - again no sound.
Turning that off and then on again solves the problem.
Any thoughts?
Has anyone else had this problem?
I've called Nissan but they keep giving me the run around. I have a 160K platinum plus warranty that says it covers just about everything (except wear and tear).
11-04-2007, 09:20 AM
#23
04 se 6mt here bought with 64k miles..now have 87k..just had to replace rsa's (free) changed over to synthetic oil..one tranny fluid change to synthetic..only gripes i have is the bose radio cutting out and cd changer acting weird not wanting to read discs in slots 4 5 and 6 and wear on the steering wheel and handbrake leather. other than that..great car.
11-05-2007, 12:22 AM
#24
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: Colorado Springs, Colorado
Posts: 1,994
Not in my 04 with 66 K miles. I have never had a problem with the radio not working. On really cold days (like below Zero F), the CD player usually will not work until it warms up (from the heater being on). Because I normally park in my garage where the temperature never gets below 32 degrees F, I rarely have this CD-play problem. It only occurs when I have to park outside overnight and the temp falls to near zero.
11-05-2007, 07:02 AM
#25
NINE-time Maxima Owner
Join Date: Jan 2003
Location: Charlotte
Posts: 680
Considering that I just picked up Maxima #7 this past weekend (http://forums.maxima.org/showthread....73#post6045073), I certainly wouldn't be one to agree that there are issues that are endemic to Nissan or Maximas. I have lots of accumulated miles on 2nd, 4th, 5th & 6th gen Maximas and have changed one starter and one evaporator coil (and that was caused by an accumulation of leaves and gunk around the coil). That's it.
I'm not saying your car doesn't have issues or that you shouldn't be upset about them, but it is not the typical Maxima experience.
I'm not saying your car doesn't have issues or that you shouldn't be upset about them, but it is not the typical Maxima experience.
Last edited by jcalabria; 11-05-2007 at 07:15 AM.
11-06-2007, 07:25 AM
#26
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: May 2007
Posts: 46
04 Maxima SE, 65,000 miles...... Continued...... Some more problems ive just recently been noticing;
#6) a very high pitch rattle from the front of the dashboard near the defrost vents. Sounds like a Bee almost, but obviosly not. Something is loose.
#7) Stock infotainment center, no navigation, when driving i begin to get engine feedback in the radio, not all the time, just sometimes. Typically when the radio volume is very low the bleeping is always louder than the music, almost sounds like very fast morse-code.
#6) a very high pitch rattle from the front of the dashboard near the defrost vents. Sounds like a Bee almost, but obviosly not. Something is loose.
#7) Stock infotainment center, no navigation, when driving i begin to get engine feedback in the radio, not all the time, just sometimes. Typically when the radio volume is very low the bleeping is always louder than the music, almost sounds like very fast morse-code.
11-06-2007, 01:13 PM
#27
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: Colorado Springs, Colorado
Posts: 1,994
6) The only sound I get from that area of my Max is the sound of running water because there is some air in the cooling system, and at times you can hear the water running inside the heater behind the dash.
7) I hear the engine firing when I'm tuned to a very weak AM radio station. On stronger AM stations and on all of FM, this very slight noise is either overpowered or not there.
7) I hear the engine firing when I'm tuned to a very weak AM radio station. On stronger AM stations and on all of FM, this very slight noise is either overpowered or not there.
11-06-2007, 06:38 PM
#28
11-08-2007, 09:14 AM
#29
Newbie - Just Registered
Join Date: Jan 2007
Posts: 13
I've always wondered what that running water sound was when I started my car. I have it too only on startup and usually when I'm pulling out of my driveway.
The only problem I have now with mine is I hear a high pitched squealing noise from 70kmh to 110kmh sounds like the right front tire. No noises below or above those speeds, turning the wheels at those speeds does nothing to the sound. Someone mentioned it might be time for new brakes..or I'm thinkin wheel bearing. Any thoughts?
The only problem I have now with mine is I hear a high pitched squealing noise from 70kmh to 110kmh sounds like the right front tire. No noises below or above those speeds, turning the wheels at those speeds does nothing to the sound. Someone mentioned it might be time for new brakes..or I'm thinkin wheel bearing. Any thoughts?
11-08-2007, 11:57 AM
#30
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: Colorado Springs, Colorado
Posts: 1,994
The only problem I have now with mine is I hear a high pitched squealing noise from 70kmh to 110kmh sounds like the right front tire. No noises below or above those speeds, turning the wheels at those speeds does nothing to the sound. Someone mentioned it might be time for new brakes..or I'm thinkin wheel bearing. Any thoughts?
The first thing I would try is rotating the tires. Put the front on the back and the back on the front -- keeping the tires on the same side of the car they are now running. If this sound is coming from the right front tire, you will now hear it at the right rear.
You don't say how many miles (km) you have on your Max. If you are below about 100 K miles (about 155 K km), it would be very unusual (but not impossible) for the wheel bearing to be failing. I doubt if the sound comes from your brakes. Good luck finding the problem.
11-08-2007, 12:15 PM
#31
Newbie - Just Registered
Join Date: Jan 2007
Posts: 13
For those of us in the US who don't think in terms of kmh (kilometers per hour), the speeds you cite are between about 45 and 70 MPH.
The first thing I would try is rotating the tires. Put the front on the back and the back on the front -- keeping the tires on the same side of the car they are now running. If this sound is coming from the right front tire, you will now hear it at the right rear.
You don't say how many miles (km) you have on your Max. If you are below about 100 K miles (about 155 K km), it would be very unusual (but not impossible) for the wheel bearing to be failing. I doubt if the sound comes from your brakes. Good luck finding the problem.
The first thing I would try is rotating the tires. Put the front on the back and the back on the front -- keeping the tires on the same side of the car they are now running. If this sound is coming from the right front tire, you will now hear it at the right rear.
You don't say how many miles (km) you have on your Max. If you are below about 100 K miles (about 155 K km), it would be very unusual (but not impossible) for the wheel bearing to be failing. I doubt if the sound comes from your brakes. Good luck finding the problem.
11-08-2007, 12:34 PM
#32
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: Colorado Springs, Colorado
Posts: 1,994
You have a number of possible issues that you'll just have to eliminate one at a time.
11-08-2007, 01:03 PM
#33
Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: Pittsburgh, PA
Posts: 634
I've always wondered what that running water sound was when I started my car. I have it too only on startup and usually when I'm pulling out of my driveway.
The only problem I have now with mine is I hear a high pitched squealing noise from 70kmh to 110kmh sounds like the right front tire. No noises below or above those speeds, turning the wheels at those speeds does nothing to the sound. Someone mentioned it might be time for new brakes..or I'm thinkin wheel bearing. Any thoughts?
The only problem I have now with mine is I hear a high pitched squealing noise from 70kmh to 110kmh sounds like the right front tire. No noises below or above those speeds, turning the wheels at those speeds does nothing to the sound. Someone mentioned it might be time for new brakes..or I'm thinkin wheel bearing. Any thoughts?
Joshua
11-08-2007, 02:10 PM
#34
04 Maxima SE
Bought used at 64K. Now 72K.
I have one problem/concern.
On cold days when I start the car the radio says its on, but there's no sound (regardless of volume level :P). When I turn it off, it says the CD player is on - again no sound.
Turning that off and then on again solves the problem.
Any thoughts?
Has anyone else had this problem?
I've called Nissan but they keep giving me the run around. I have a 160K platinum plus warranty that says it covers just about everything (except wear and tear).
Bought used at 64K. Now 72K.
I have one problem/concern.
On cold days when I start the car the radio says its on, but there's no sound (regardless of volume level :P). When I turn it off, it says the CD player is on - again no sound.
Turning that off and then on again solves the problem.
Any thoughts?
Has anyone else had this problem?
I've called Nissan but they keep giving me the run around. I have a 160K platinum plus warranty that says it covers just about everything (except wear and tear).
