Maxima (A34)
Reliability Score
Complaints by Engine Code
VQ35DE
3.5L 6-cylView details
Complaint Breakdown
Nissan Maxima Unidentified Engine
View details
Complaint Breakdown
Show 1 additional engine variant with limited data
VQ30
3.0L 6-cylView details
Complaint Breakdown
Owner Complaints by System
Complaints owners filed with NHTSA about the Nissan Maxima, counted across every engine. A complaint can name more than one system.
What to check on a used 2004-2008 Nissan Maxima
On a used 2004-2008 Nissan Maxima, the systems with the most NHTSA owner complaints are the transmission and drivetrain (2,113), the engine (320) and the wheels and tires (206). Each one has an inspection step below, with counts as of 2026-10-12. A complaint is an owner report, not a confirmed defect, and counts rise with sales.
- Accelerate gently through every gear, then once at full throttle. Shift into Reverse and back to Drive.Costly repair. NHTSA has 2,113 owner complaints on the 2004-2008 Nissan Maxima about the transmission and drivetrain.
- Start the engine cold and listen for the first 30 seconds, then again at idle once it is warm.Costly repair. NHTSA has 320 owner complaints on the 2004-2008 Nissan Maxima about the engine.
- Measure the tread on all four tires, read the date codes and look at each wheel.Safety. NHTSA has 206 owner complaints on the 2004-2008 Nissan Maxima about the wheels and tires.
- On an empty road, brake firmly from 40 mph with a light grip on the wheel.Safety. NHTSA has 186 owner complaints on the 2004-2008 Nissan Maxima about the brakes.
- Open and close every door, the hood and the trunk or hatch. Check the latches, the seals and the gaps between panels.Minor. NHTSA has 170 owner complaints on the 2004-2008 Nissan Maxima about the body and structure.
Recalls (5)
CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AN 'INTELLIGENT KEY' FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 114, "THEFT PROTECTION." DURING AN INSPECTION OF SOME VEHICLES AT THE ASSEMBLY PLANT, IT WAS FOUND THAT THE STEERING WHEEL WAS LOCKED WITH THE IGNITION KNOB IN THE "OFF" POSITION BUT THE VEHICLE TRANSMISSION NOT BEING IN THE "PARK" POSITION.
ON CERTAIN VEHICLES, THE REAR SUBFRAME MAY HAVE BEEN MANUFACTURED INCORRECTLY, WHICH COULD RESULT IN A CRACK IN A BRACKET WHICH HOLDS PART OF THE REAR SUSPENSION.
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.
CERTAIN VEHICLES FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 225, "CHILD RESTRAINT ANCHORAGE SYSTEMS." THE LOWER ANCHORAGE BRACKETS IN THE REAR SEATS DO NOT MEET THE LOCATION REQUIREMENT IN THIS STANDARD. THIS MAY CAUSE DIFFICULTY IN ATTACHING SOME CHILD SEATS TO THESE BRACKETS.
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.
All Generations
Alternatives in Full-Size Sedan
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common 2004-2008 Nissan Maxima complaints?
Owners have filed 3,136 complaints with NHTSA about the 2004-2008 Nissan Maxima. The systems they name most often are the transmission, the engine and the wheels and tires.
Is the 2004-2008 Nissan Maxima a good used car?
That depends on the model year, the mileage and the maintenance history of the car in front of you. Owners have filed 3,136 complaints with NHTSA about the 2004-2008 Nissan Maxima. Check which systems they name most often and whether a recall is still open on that car.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2004-2008 Nissan Maxima have?
NHTSA has 3,136 owner complaints on file for the 2004-2008 Nissan Maxima as of the latest data pull. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect, and counts rise with sales.
What recalls affect the 2004-2008 Nissan Maxima?
NHTSA lists 5 recalls covering some 2004-2008 Nissan Maxima vehicles. Which ones apply depends on the VIN: enter it at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see the open campaigns on a specific car.
What should I check before buying a used Nissan Maxima?
Run the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and confirm every open recall has been done. Look hardest at the transmission, the engine and the wheels and tires, the systems owners complain about most. Ask for maintenance records, have an independent mechanic inspect the car and run a vehicle history report for prior accidents and title issues.
Does the Maxima have NHTSA crash test ratings?
NHTSA has not published crash test ratings for the 2004-2008 Nissan Maxima. Not all vehicles are tested each year. For the latest NHTSA safety information, visit nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Data from NHTSA federal complaints database. 3,136 complaints analyzed. Data confidence: high. Last updated: 2026-10-12.