2004 Nissan Maxima: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 2004 Nissan Maxima: 2 recalls, 1426 owner complaints and up to 21 mpg combined.
Recalls
2 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Visibility (wipers, glass) Vehicle recall #04V326000 · 2004 · 32,100 vehicles
What's wrong: On certain passenger vehicles equipped with skyview roofs, the glass for the roof May not have been quenched properly after the forming process, resulting in temper imbalance.
Why it matters: This could create excessive internal stress in the glass and eventually cause the glass to shatter, creating a risk of injury.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the glass in the skyview roof. The recall began on September 7, 2004. Owners should contact Nissan at 1-800-647-7261.
Seats Vehicle recall #05V512000 · 2005 · 102,551 vehicles
What's wrong: On certain passenger vehicles equipped with the driver preferred package, the wire harness from the driver's seat power lumbar support switch May be routed incorrectly and could be pinched under the driver seat.
Why it matters: A pinched harness, in combination with driving vibration, May result in a short circuit in the harness that could lead to a fire in the seat.
The fix: Dealers will replace the wire harness and route it correctly. The recall began on January 16, 2006.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 16 mention a fire, 30 injuries and 2 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Transmission & drivetrain (934): the most common themes are hard / delayed shifting (791), stalls / loses power (78), noise or vibration (70).
- Tires (141): the most common themes are tire tread / blowout (135).
- Suspension (102): the most common themes are noise or vibration (49), steering problems (31).
- Engine & cooling (70): the most common themes are noise or vibration (15), stalls / loses power (14).
The 2004 Nissan Maxima has 1426 owner complaints, ranking #1 of 34 Maxima model years for complaints (7.5× the average Maxima year). Complaints peaked in 2009 (242 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 5 years old, at a median of 80,000 miles. Neighboring years: 2003 (206 complaints, 3 recalls), 2005 (948 complaints, 2 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 L 6-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 18 | 25 | 21 | Regular |
| 3.5 L 6-cyl | Manual 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 18 | 27 | 21 | Regular |
| 3.5 L 6-cyl | Automatic (S5) | Front-Wheel Drive | 18 | 26 | 21 | Regular |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 2004 Nissan Maxima.
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Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
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FAQ
Does the 2004 Nissan Maxima have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 2 vehicle recalls for the 2004 Nissan Maxima. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 2004 Nissan Maxima problems?
Owners have filed 1426 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are transmission & drivetrain (934), tires (141), suspension (102).
What gas mileage does the 2004 Nissan Maxima get?
EPA ratings run up to 21 mpg combined (3.5 L, Automatic 4-spd), across 3 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 2004 Nissan Maxima repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.