general problems of the 2004 Nissan Maxima

Me and my boyfriend were sold this car for 2500 and the car needed a new battery, a new converter . Once I brought those items and put them in the car started having compression problems to the point it has a slow take off , cannot go up hills , and we have to shift gears just for it to move . . This car was sold to us like this and we almost fell off a cliff because of the compression problem and not being able to go up any hills . . The people who sold us the car said they will not fix the problem or refund our money .

During driving its jerking and bumping shows "service engine" alert. Mechanic verified and he said may be transmission have issue.

1 cove court.

The transmission in this car gets very jerky and causes either delayed or unexpected acceleration which is very hazardous while driving in high traffic areas. From what I've read, this is a common problem for this vehicle.

I was driving on the interstate and I was going about 60mph then all of a suddon the car stalls out I have no control over the vehicle I come within seconds of being reended I'm in the middle lane so I have to figure out how to merge over but guess what I can't because the car is stalled out so I put caution lights on and it takes about twins before the car will even start back up and when it does its geared up to what sounds like a fith gear and it barley takes off I'm talking my foot to the floor and it's taking off at 2mph come on now, so call for help get my car towed check engine light said it was crankshaft position sensor had it replaced check engine light went off came and picked up my car had to drive that day 45mins from where I lived and about e0mins into the trip bam it stalls again at 60mph same senary after the car cools down it starts back up just fine but after 30mins of a constant drive it stalls out and I'm stuck in 5th gear . . . . Please help.

While picking my new, used Maxima 2004 from dealer, pulling out of the lot and waiting for clearance to get on highway, I proceeded to turn onto hw & it stalled & alternator light came on & "check engine" it hasn't shut off yet, I felt like I was in a horrible nightmare. . I thought I was going to get hit because cars were coming, I quickly put hazards on, and put it in neutral and tried to start it, it was trying to turn over as I was pumping the gas pedal like a jack hammer, I finally floored it & it started not without whiplash to my neck, my chest hit the steering wheel because it jerked sooooo hard into gear !!!. I put it in drive and was so nervous because cars were honking & swearing at me. . . I was totally shocked and greatly disappointed that I almost caused multiple car collision. I called mgr at dealership when I got home & he said " just call service and make an appt. I said I just left your lot w/new plates and told him what had just happened, he said " I have nothing to do w/service, so call them in the a. M. & make an appt. " didnt even apologize. I got anxiety because I'm 47 yrs old and had quite a few cars and I know when a car jerks, goes from drive to 5th gear with powerful jerking motion all the time, skipping & stalling while in drive, most likely a bad transmission, its obviously not safe to drive, I just bought it 9/18/14 & I cant drive it, it won't pass inspection in 7 days. Check engine light still on, looks like 7 days is not happening my appt is 9/25/14 supposed to be under warranty. Instead of being excited about car I'm so angry & I feel like once they had my money, they could care less about me or my family or drivers on road. Thankfully no-one got hurt, its been parked since 9/21/14, they said they did 21 pt insp, yaa right !! sure they did, how can they knowingly let me drive off lot. . With no regard for public safety. Is this legal ??.

Vehicle speeds up and slows down without warning . It has a hard kick from reverse to drive. Slips while driving at low speeds.

The vehichle jerks when I am going from park to reverse, from reverse to drive, or from park to drive. It will randomly jerk while I am driving. Sometimes while driving, the vehichle will not accelerate. I am scared to pull out into traffic because I never know when it will stall!.

When ever I shift to reverse the car pauses and then jerks. I took it to the shop and had new motor mount put in to solve the problem. For a few days you could barely feel the jerking when switching to reverse. Literally by the next week it was bad all over again and the jerking returned. Also, sometimes when I am driving I can feel the car, to my knowledge, switching gears. For example, this morning I was driving to work and going only around 25mph and as I started to accelerate the car jerked and slowed down for about 5 seconds before it returned to my normal speed. Thirdly, the power locks are not consistent. When I lock my doors with the automatic lock on the keys or even by pressing the power locks on the door handle it will only lock the front right passanger and the back left passenger door. This can be very frustrating as I have left my car doors unlocked unknowingly.

The car is jerking/bucking violently when shifting from reverse into drive and again when shifting into first and second gears. It is also jerking when downshifting from second to first gear. At first, the shifting problem was an occasional occurrence, however, it has progressively gotten worse. Now it is almost constant. After researching this problem, I have found that hundreds and hundreds of '04-05 Maxima owners are experiencing the exact same problems. This is quite obviously a Nissan manufacturing defect that should be corrected by Nissan corp.

The transmission slips frequently, often hesitation when switching from park/reverse/drive and when switching from 1st to 2nd or 2nd to 3rd. The slip often results in lack of power to the wheels and then a sudden jerk when it does finally kick in. It can be very dangerous when you pull into traffic and expect the vehicle to accelerate normally and instead get stuck between gears. Should be a recall on this transmission since it is apparent from online research that this is a very common occurrence.

After stopping at traffic signal, the car doesn't move and starts jerking when shifting between gears. 2 months back the gear wouldn't shift from 5th, took to dealer they replaced a bad sensor and now it jerks and doesn't move when shifting gears.

Driving on the freeway at about 60 mph I noticed the engine light turned on and the cars power was gone. I continued to step on the gas but still no power at all. The transmission was stuck on 5th gear. Once I came to a complete stop and I press on the gas the engine just revs up with very little power. I take it to the dealership for them to confirm I needed a new transmission. I didn't want to pay $3,000 at a Nissan dealership so I decided to take it to my local mechanic in which he said he's worked on Maximas before with the same problem. He said the issue is in the valve body (part of the transmission) so he replaced it. I got the car back after a $1,500 bill and everything was working just fine. Until today 6-18-14, approximately two years from the first incident. Once again my transmission is stuck on 5th gear. Prior to this there was some jerking from 3-4 gear and a hard jerk from p to r. Here I am now facing another bill. This could of easily caused an accident and after numerous reports from other drivers Nissan needs to address this issue!.

Vehicle was purchased used, at first the vehicle jerked abruptly from 1st to 2nd, after driving it for a few miles it seems like its not gearing properly, now the vehicle starts jerking as soon as I start driving jerking from 1st, 2nd to 3rd, after 30 miles the vehicle drives ok. Also there's been times when the accelerator pedal is pressed and the vehicle fails to accelerate. Vehicle also jerks when changing to reverse. I took the vehicle to different mechanics and was advised that the transmission needs to be replaced, the cost could be about 4,000 to 5,000 which is about what the vehicle is worth. This should be taken care of by Nissan, there are many complaints about the same problem its obviously a manufacture problem and owner shouldn't be responsible for replacements costs.

On Feb 8, 2012, as I was accelerating to get on the highway, my car started jerking as though it was not getting gas, then it stalled out on me. I restarted the car with no trouble, started to push on the gas pedal, my car started jerking and stalled out again. Very scary, thank goodness, I was just entering the highway and able to get to side of road. My husband used plug-in reader to determine what was wrong with engine, it reads bank one-crankshaft sensor. We had just replaced this sensor in Dec 2011, my car was acting up, but not stalling out on me. So now we know we have an issue with this sensor working properly. Looked up on the internet and found out that indeed there is a recall for this sensor on 2003 Maximas for doing the exact same thing, jerking and stalling out. I called a Nissan service dealer and was told that my VIN was not covered under that recall. I am now driving my husbands truck instead of my car because I am terrified of this sensor going out again while I am going 65 mph and it stalling out on me.

Transmission jerk.

Problems with shifting gears with my 2004 Nissan Maxima from 1st to 2nd gear. When placed in reverse it jerks, took it to the mechanic and he even told me Nissan is failing to report these same issues with the transmission. $4000 in repairs plus. Car still in shop.

We were driving home last night and the car hard shifted down from third to first on it's own. It was such a violent downshift the car actually turned off. We were nearly rear-ended and had to pull off to the side of the road. I got home and looked it up online and it appears to be a known issue with this car but there are no recalls. I took it in today and spent over $1000 but the check engine lights came on during the ride home and it is hard shifting again.

I have done some research and found that numerous people have experienced a problem with this model's transmission, to the point where Nissan has issued a TSB. I have repeatedly been operating in traffic when the vehicle's acceleration pauses, the rpm shoots way up, the drops down after a few seconds, and then the transmission re-engages in a jerking fashion. This is a considerable problem given my operation in and around a major metropolitan area with significant traffic. Sudden unexpected changes in velocity, and failure to maintain velocity, is an accident waiting to happen.

I had gears banging and jerking from p-r, p-d, d-r, 2-3, 3-4, 4-3 and 3-2. Also when driving under 25mph, if I let off the gas to slow down, then accelerate, the rpms jump almost to redline, then the gear catches and rockets the car forward! very dangerous! also while driving I came to a stop at a red light, when the light turned green I pressed the gas pedal to find the car would accelerate very slowly. I shifted to manual mode to find the transmission was stuck in 5th gear. I pulled over, turned car off, restarted minutes later and it was fine. The next day I get in my car to find I had reverse, but its stuck in 5th gear again when shifted to d/manual. I have been without a car for 1 year and 6 months now because of this. Nissan knows about this defect, but will not admit it because they are making so much money selling $5,000 transmissions and $1,500 valve bodies. Not to mention labor fees and all the small parts to people trying to fix this themselves. Nissan made 8 different versions of this valvebody trying to get it right, but finally gave up and just put a cvt tranny in the 09' and newer Maximas. Leaving the 6th gen owners to fend for ourselves. I spent $15,000 on my Maxima, now I have to spend $5,000 every 2 years just to keep it? that's not right. Nissan you have lost my love and respect. Your about to lose me as a customer. You should show your loyal customers some real loyalty and recall the aw55-50/51sn re5f22a transmissions. Not only because this is your fault, but also because there are children that ride in these cars and its only a matter of time before someone is killed. Do you want a child's blood on your hands Nissan? man up and take responsibilty before that happens and maybe you'll save your company.

My clutch pedal keeps getting stuck (on the floor without any retraction) while at a complete stop or when I am driving. Often times when I am driving I would have to shift gears to accommodate speed but cannot and would have to signal hazards to aware other drivers of emergency and cannot proceed with driving due to complications of my clutch pedal not functioning properly . I have tried trouble shooting problem but problem seems to keep coming back. I have looked up the problem in the forums and various Nissan Maxima owners with six speed manual transmissions are having the same problem. . . This problem has been a real safety issue for me with two kids and I the driver not being able to control my vehicle is not only dangerous but frightening, I some times am stuck in traffic and when the traffic starts moving I cannot and other drivers harass and threaten me. . It takes time for the pedal to retract sometimes hours. At times when moving steadily in motion the pedal gets stuck and cannot get out of gear and have to force the shifter out on neutral to roll with friction leaving me with little or no time to react leaving me vulnerable and in danger of getting in an accident having me move to the emergency lane. . Please consider my complaint not for my benefit but for the benefit of other citizens and commuters. . 2004 Nissan Maxima owner.

Unsafe start. Engine will hesitate before going into gear at the same time will initiate high rpm's on it's own causing a unsafe start in crosswalks, driveways and public streets. The engine/transmission will engage in high rpm's on its in multiple gears before moving forward causing sudden jerks and fast starts. Transmission has a hard transition from gears causing a vibration throughout the car when changing gears. The Nissan north America corporation was notified in writing of this problem in 2012.

I bought a brand new Nissan Maxima 2004. After driving for 5 years, it has given nothing but headache and stress. It would not accelerate or would be jerking/shaking after stepping on the accelerator. While driving in the freeway, my car would slow down and couldn't drive pass 20 mile per hour, then engine died. I had replaced catalytic converter ,sensors, mufflers,brakes. And the problems still haven't resolved. As of today, I don't have a car, it is at the dealer for diagnostic.

2004 Nissan Maxima with manual transmission. Without warning, pedal goes to the floor and stays there causing a serious traffic hazard. Nissan says nothing wrong with it.

I bought a 2004 Nissan Maxima in 2003 right after the redesign,and every since I have had it little things start going wrong. At 39,000 miles major things start going wrong now at 54,000 miles I have no abs braking system,and other things seems to start acting up. I have tried asking Nissan for help but they told me to get lost. I wish the TSB would look out for the consumers and get them some relief. I guess the only thing we as consumer can do is get a lawyer and sue under the lemon law and I know you don't need any money to retain an attorney. I know that 928 complaints that some thing is wrong with the product,and I am sure that the courts will agree with me. I had high hopes for Nissan cars but now if you try to give me one I would try and have you committed. I will never buy another Nissan ever.

The transmission in my car is slipping. When I am trying to take off many times the acceleration is decreased dramatically and puts my family in danger of having a terrible accident. The gears are hard to switch and it makes a loud noise when this happens. Sometimes while driving it starts jerking as if it will cut off. The dealer claims to not have many issues with this problem but my online research shows me that the transmission is the source of most of the problems on this make and model car.

The contact owns a 2004 Nissan Maxima. While driving approximately 100 mph, the vehicle drove off a hill, struck a stop sign, made 360 degree turns into an intersection, and crashed through a brick wall and a chain fence before landing in someone's home. Two occupants were killed, including the driver. The contact stated that the driver of the vehicle was always very cautious when driving and would have obeyed the speed limit. Through online research, the contact found several complaints for her make and model vehicle, including unexpected aceleration and brake failure. The manufacturer was not notified. A police report was filed. The VIN and mileages were unknown.

The contact owns a 2004 Nissan Maxima. The contact stated that at low speeds, she experienced unintended vehicle acceleration. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the transmission was flushed; however, the repair did not remedy the failure. The failure mileage was 75000 and the current mileage was 107000. Updated 3/12/10 the consumer stated the transmission would get stuck in gear when trying to resume speed after stopping and dropping 10-20 mph slower. When the accelerator was applied, the transmission idled, but the vehicle staggered in 1st gear. Updated 05/10/jb.

Changes speed at any time up or down unsafe to drive Nissan needs to recall to correct the problem.

The car surges forward on it's on without applying the accelerator. I've documented the spike up to 6000(rpms). The situation has gotten to the point were my wife will not drive the vehicle. The car has been to the dealership on numerous occasions. I have taken it to five different Nissan dealerships, but they can not seem to find what the problem is.

My car suddenly surged forward while parking (my foot was on the brake). The car struck a high curb backed up by a berm which brought it to a stop. I banked my head on the windshield (airbag did not deploy). Air dam was torn off. No other obvious damage. The car has not yet been inspected by dealer.

The speedometer malfunctioned. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who ordered the electronic section of the dashboard. The order was put in June of 2003, but the parts did not arrive.