Brake Antilock Wheel Speed Sensor problems of the 2006 Nissan Maxima

I was driving my car at 40 mph in light rain. As I approached a red light, I lightly got on the brakes. Immediately, the abs kicked in. The amount of braking force was well below the margin where abs should kick in. Thinking it was a onetime deal, I drove cautiously and tried braking again. This abs again kicked in immediately. The abs kicking in did lengthen the stopping distance as I was not applying the brakes hard enough to effectively slow down. On the next attempt, acceleration, traction control kicked in upon acceleration, causing the car to shake violently. My car was taken to the shop where the right rear wheel speed sensor had build up on it. Checking forums about my car, this was a common occurrence and seems to be a design flaw. Under different circumstances, a collision could have resulted due to the issue. Nissan has a service bulletin for this issue, but in my eyes, this issue is should be a investigated further as control of vehicle speed is compromised.

My anti-lock brake system kept activating on dry pavement. I was past my warranty so I took it to my mechanic. They indicated that the left rear wheel speed sensor needed replaced ($350). We replaced it, then 14 months later it started again. This time it was the right rear wheel speed sensor ($350). My mechanic replaced it and a couple of weeks later the anti-lock brake pumped started running non-stop. Even when in park. The mechanic then stated the anti-lock brake controller needed replaced ($1300). Now it has been 10 months and it's starting again. If I drive on dry pavement the anti-lock brakes kick in non-stop. There obviously is a design malfunction somewhere in the anti-lock brake system.

The contact owns a 2006 Nissan Maxima. While driving approximately 30 mph on normal road conditions and applying pressure to the brake pedal the vehicle began to shake violently. The failure occurred whenever the vehicle was in operation. The failure was contributed to a manufacturer's design flaw within the brake system. The rear passenger wheel speed sensor was replaced. The repair cost was $540. 63. The failure mileage was 42,020. Updated 02/13/10 updated 02/16/10 updated 2/17/10 updated 02/19/10. Updated 08/26/10.

The contact owns a 2006 Nissan Maxima. The contact stated that the abs activates on its own. He took the vehicle to a dealer and they stated that dirt enters through the speed sensor and causes the failure. The contact would be responsible for the repairs since the warranty was expired. The manufacturer did not assist. The vehicle has not been repaired. The failure mileage was 37,000 and current mileage was 39,000. The consumer was informed the sensor failure caused the pump motor and actuator relay to fail. The consumer stated he dismantled the abs in order to drive the vehicle properly. Updated 07/08/09.