Four problems related to ignition coils failure have been reported for the 2004 Nissan Maxima. The most recently reported issues are listed below. Please also check out the statistics and reliability analysis of the 2004 Nissan Maxima based on all problems reported for the 2004 Maxima.
The car started shaking and would not accelerate, the service engine soon light was now displayed. Need to get off the road and have it towed. The ground wire was broken off the transmission and caused the computer to short out as well as all of the six ignition coils as too much voltage was sent to the coils. Nissan knows about the problem but did not issue any recall. This can also cause a fire in the car if the wires heat up and catch the evap system; therefore I would recommend issuing a recall of this problem.
For the 4th time in 35,000 miles the car began to misfire, run rough and lose power. Since we have experienced this before we quickly pulled over and had it towed to a mechanic. The mechanic told us that the same parts failed that failed the last three times. These consist of ignition coils (plural). Changing these fixed the problem for 5 weeks where the problem happened again although more catastrophic. Grounding cables ($2250, six coils ($1,100), and then whatever else (ecm is expected and maybe cylinder sensors). Doing internet research has resulted that this is a known problem for the 2004 line that Nissan has refused to compensate owners for.
I purchased a 2004 Nissan Maxima, on February 27 2007 with only 24,000 miles. Three months later, the vehicle started to fail. I notice some jerking when I slowed down and then hit the gas, as well as a metal rattling noise (when I give it gas). I took it to the dealer which they stated that they didn't feel it jerk and they didn't hear the rattling noise. The noise has become worse. Now a year later the engine light came on and my car wouldn't start. I took the car to the shop where they diagnose that my ignition coil went bad. (had to replace all six) cost $1000. To this point the car still remains in the shop due to ignition coil. Finally, the rotor went bad which had to be replaced for the amt $380. I have done some research on this vehicle where there have been numerous complaints. I highly believe that an investigation should be place to get this on the recall list.
I have had numerous ignition coils replaced over the course of the last 16 months. Several times incurring weeks without the vehicle. There have been several electrical problems resulting in part replacement and the engine catching on fire. Nissan corporate sent technicians to research the issue and had to replace the engine as a result of the fire, saying fortunately I stopped the vehicle before the fire got out of control. Under the hood was charred and melted plastic and oil. Since having the engine replaced, I have gone 9 months and have the same problems with coil failures and replacement. I am perusing lemon law action at this time but need to see what else can be done. I am at the point where I have no confidence in the vehicle and everytime I smell something out of the ordinary, I fear that I will see more smoke and another fire. The technician said the ground wire from the battery was shorting out against the body of the engine and transmission. The wire that was replace 9 months ago was replaced again two weeks ago for corroding completely through and making contact with the engine again.