I just bought my 14 Maxima a week ago and I have a strange noise only when I first start the car and then drive maybe a 1/4 to 1/2 mile and I never hear it again while I'm driving. It's a loud bang noise coming from the rear. After the doors automatically lock, I go about 1/4 mile and hear this. It's like something is activating very loudly. I only have 260 miles on it and of course I'll take it back to the dealer. Any clue as to what this is? Thanks

 

Wow. No idea. Sounds strange.

 

It's the trunk monkey, loud when you first get the car but the noise will diminish after a while.

 

Check the trunk for a couple 12" sub woofers lol. That does sound strange and a tough one to diagnose without hearing it. Maybe see if you can post a video??

 

Well I'll be damned!..I opened the trunk and there was a monkey sleeping next to a couple of empty 12" sub wrappers!!

 

Set your monkey free!

 

This thread is funny! lmao...but OP are you sure its not the ABS system performing its self-test? Sounds like it to me from your description.

 

The ABS test could very well be the noise I'm hearing. I've also been hearing a "hollow clunking" sound in the rear when going slow. Even going over the raised "lip" of my garage floor makes a rumbling sound. Went back to the dealer this morning and they found a defective right rear Strut. He said it was really moving around back there, hardly any gas pressure at all. They ordered the Strut and I'm going back tomorrow morning. We'll see if that's the problem. I had exactly 400 miles on the car when I brought it in. I don't know what to think...I'm getting "vertical" miles on it already!!

 

ABS test happens less than 500 feet after starting the car going forward, not 1/4 mile like OP described

 

well you dont have to worry unless youre going to go pass that 36K mark in under three years. The bumper to bumper warranty should cover you.

 

You're right but It's just the inconvenience of return trips and also the waiting. I also have breakdown insurance with Geico with a $250 ded until 7 years or 100K after the warranty expires.

 

Install a straight pipe in lieu of the resonator and problem solved.

 

Just returned from dealer..the Strut has been changed and all is well now.
Service Manager said the loud bang is caused by the ABS test. Actually it's not as loud as now.