One problem related to brakes failed has been reported for the 2005 Nissan Maxima. The most recently reported issues are listed below. Please also check out the statistics and reliability analysis of the 2005 Nissan Maxima based on all problems reported for the 2005 Maxima.
We purchased a new 2005 Nissan Maxima in July 05. From day one, we noticed an engine surge when down-shifting gears, start from a stop and when placed in reverse. We attributed this to being a sportier car than we were used to. However, on Nov. 9, as my wife was turning into a parking space in a parking deck, the brakes failed to engage. Specifically, she had just leveled-off from the up-ramp of the deck, made a left-turn into a parking space, pressed the brake pedal and - nothing. The pedal would not depress. Because the car was naturally slowing down from the up-ramp, the down-shifting of gears caused the car to stall, then surge, just as it has done before. B/c the brake pedal didn't depress, the brakes didn't engage, thus the car rolled into the boundary wall of the parking deck. When we notified the dealer, they said that it wasn't their problem and to call Nissan. I called 1-800-Nissan-1, and spoke with an attendant on 11/10. A tech visit was schedule for 12/5. On 12/12, Nissan called to report that they couldn't find a defect. When I inquired as to the specifics of the "investigation," I was told that they were "professionals, and checked whatever they thought was necessary. " when I pressured for specifics, they couldn't provide any. This purchase was intended to provide my wife and unborn child a safe and dependable mode of transportation, but if the brakes don't work and no one can find a problem, how safe and dependable is it? b/c we couldn't drive the car due to the accident and mechanical issues, we were without the use of the car for 34 calendar days, and for 29 business days. The cost of the repair is $2000+. This is an outrage that a $30k car develops an engine/transmission problem from purchase (assuming it is a problem) and then develops a brake malfunction within the first 4 months of purchase. Completely asinine.