Three problems related to transmission not engage have 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.
Automatic transmission:1) when you shift from park to drive the car does not engage at first then suddenly engages and accelerates very quickly. 2) hard jerking shifting from 1st to 2nd and from 2nd to 1st. 3) when DE-accelerating from a higher gear transmission disengages then engages hard. 4) the car intermittently does this going a day or two performing normally.
Noticed that transmission was not engaging between first and second gear. When it did engage there was a very strong foward surge. This became very serious when stopped at busy intersection and would proceed to cross intersection the car would surge forward. When driving on freeway and attempting to pass slower cars the same strong forward surge would occur. I returned the car to our local Nissan dealer and was told that the motor mounts needed to be replaced at a cost of $800. 00. They felt that would cure the problem. It did not! I signed on to the internet and discovered countless of the other 2005 Nissan Maxima owners with the very same complaint. I contacted Nissan north America about the surge and they were not intrested. My wife drives the Maxima most of the time and is afraid that will cause a serious or fatal accident. No one has been injured or killed as far as I know. Not yet!! I strongly believe that NHTSA should be concerned and have this car recalled for repairs. Thank you for your prompt attention and concern.
Accelerating from a stop the transmission will violently jerk when shifting from first to second gear. In addition, slowing the vehicle down to a stop the transmission jerks violently changing gears from first to second. Shifting from park to drive the transmission will not engage immediately and after approximately 7 to 10 seconds the vehicle lunges as the transmission finally engages. The problems occur after the vehicle has been driven for several miles and the engine is warm. This problem presented itself just after 60,000 miles. Searching the internet reveals hundreds of other owners experiencing the same hazardous problem.