Nissan Maxima reliability (Please sign up if you're new)

The club for Nissan Maxima and Infiniti I30 / I35 owners, and the official home of Maxima Club of America!
jglawrence
Posts: 2
Joined: Sat Dec 19, 2009 4:21 pm
Car: 2002 Infiniti I35

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Joined, I35 02 with bearing replacement at 125k miles (front wheels)


mkaresh
Posts: 1038
Joined: Fri Dec 01, 2006 3:45 am
Car: 2003 Mazda Protege5
Contact:

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We have updated results for the Maxima and I30/I35 to include owner experiences through September 30, 2009. In terms of successful repair trips per 100 cars per year:

2009: 45, about average but not far from "better than average"

2004: 53, better than average

2003: 93, about average

2002: 50, better than average

2001: 137, about average

2000: 93, better than average

1998: 94, better than average

1997: 104, better than average

1996: 170, about average

Small sample sizes except for 1998 and 2000.

A big thanks once again to everyone who has been helping. We'll have further updates in February and May. With more participants, we could provide more precise information and cover all model years.

Nissan Maxima reliability comparisons

jb07max
Posts: 4
Joined: Tue Feb 16, 2010 3:00 pm
Car: 07 Nissan Maxima SL

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Hi All,I will be picking up my 2007 Maxima mid day today....I was psyched to find this site and look forward to learning more about my new ride and hope to someday contribute to the site. Newbie with Nissan...Any thoughts.

mkaresh
Posts: 1038
Joined: Fri Dec 01, 2006 3:45 am
Car: 2003 Mazda Protege5
Contact:

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We have updated results for the Maxima and I30/I35 to include owner experiences through December 31, 2009. In terms of repair trips per 100 cars per year:

2009: 32

2004: 48, small sample

2003: 112, small sample

2002: 125

2001: 116

2000: 113

1998: 96

1997: 98, small sample

1996: 142

The 1997 and 2000-2002 are about average, the others are better than average.

A big thank you, once again, to everyone who has been helping. We'll have further updates in May and August. With more participants, we could provide more precise information and cover all model years.

Nissan Maxima reliability comparisons

User avatar
The Siath
Posts: 82
Joined: Wed Nov 15, 2006 10:47 pm
Car: 99 Nissan Maxima, Arctic Pearl White, VQ30de, 5MT.

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I've a 99 Nissan Maxima SE, Arctic Pearl White, 3.0, 5 Speed, I've only had a few weeks now, I know from records found in glove box that the last things replaced on the car was the battery over two years ago, battery is under 5 year warranty. Hmm, I'll be changing the brakes in a few weeks on the fronts, and I'll be checking to see if there are any other problems in that area, most likely won't be, but always good to check.

maximaSP33D
Posts: 4
Joined: Sat May 01, 2010 1:20 pm
Car: 2004 maxima se 6speed
Location: Charleston, SC

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new to site and just bought my 2004 maxima se 6speed. 114k miles runs great it was well taken care of. and gets regular maintance and has preformance upgrades in the future. will keep you posted.

mkaresh
Posts: 1038
Joined: Fri Dec 01, 2006 3:45 am
Car: 2003 Mazda Protege5
Contact:

Post

We have updated results for the Maxima and I30/I35 to include owner experiences through March 31, 2010. In terms of repair trips per 100 cars per year:

2009: 30

2004: 46, small sample

2003: 118

2002: 114

2001: 109

2000: 145

1999: 157, small sample

1998: 127

1997: 121, small sample

1996: 129

1995 137, small sample

As more owners participate, the results are becoming more consistent from model year to model year.

The 1999 is worse than average (but based on a small sample), the 2004 and 2009 are better than average, and the others are all about average.

A big thank you, once again, to AZhitman, this forum, and everyone who has been helping. We'll have further updates in August and November. With more participants, we could provide more precise information and cover all model years.

Nissan Maxima reliability comparisons

pwr14
Posts: 2
Joined: Thu Sep 04, 2008 12:36 pm
Car: 2001 Infiniti I30

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2001 Infiniti I30 - Only problem was the cat in the front y pipe and O2 sensor. The parts and labor was free from the
Infiniti dealer because car had less than 80,000 miles and less than 8 years old. Federal law I believe. The car at the time had 69500 miles and was 7 years old. I expect the previous owner used regular gas , common mode of failure for emissions problems. I use BK44 fuel injector gas additive and it works wonders. I haven't had to get a new rear bank cat, but i think it's on the verge at 90,000 miles.

pwr14
Posts: 2
Joined: Thu Sep 04, 2008 12:36 pm
Car: 2001 Infiniti I30

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Oh, And I forgot, the a/c doesn't stay charged, my mechanic thinks the expansion valve is in question, will have to get it to the nissan dealer to check it out, it stays charged about 4 months, this time he put dye in the freon

nissandiesel
Posts: 1
Joined: Fri Apr 23, 2010 7:16 am

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I have a 1982 Nissan Maxima Diesel 367k and running strong just have done normal maintainance Alternator,radiator cv shafts transmission bearings ... Its been an awesome car Does not use any oil between 4k oil changes synthetic 5w 40

User avatar
MinisterofDOOM
Moderator
Posts: 34350
Joined: Wed May 19, 2004 5:51 pm
Car: 1962 Corvair Monza
1961 Corvair Lakewood
1997 Pathfinder XE
2005 Lincoln LS8
Former:
1995 Q45t
1993 Maxima GXE
1995 Ranger XL 2.3
1984 Coupe DeVille
Location: The middle of nowhere.

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Very cool. I'd love a diesel Max.

3430willow
Posts: 11
Joined: Sat Aug 07, 2010 7:14 pm
Car: 2000 nissan maxima

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I just enrolled. I have a 2000 Nissan Maxima w/ 113,000 miles. I have replaced the obvious--wipers, bulbs. I have also replaced the ignition coils, spark plugs, brakes, starter & MAF sensor. I have oil in one of my coil chambers now, so I am about to replace something else as soon as I know for sure what.

mkaresh
Posts: 1038
Joined: Fri Dec 01, 2006 3:45 am
Car: 2003 Mazda Protege5
Contact:

Post

We have updated results for the Maxima and I30/I35 to include owner experiences through June 30, 2010.

Other sources of car reliability information won't cover the more recent months until the summer or even fall of next year.

Repair frequencies, in terms of repair trips per 100 cars per year:

2010: 14, better than average, small sample size

2009: 19, better than average

2004: 54, better than average, very small sample size

2003: 143, worse than average

2002: 150, worse than average

2001: 110, about average

2000: 144, about average

1999: 149, about average

1998: 125, about average

1997: 98, better than average

1996: 87, better than average

1995 116, better than average, small sample size

One factor I haven't decided how to account for: with older cars people start living with minor problems rather than fixing them. This likely explains the lower numbers for hte 1995-1997.

It's not clear why the 2002 and 2003 are as high as they are.

Thank you, once again, to this forum and everyone who has been helping. We'll have further updates in November and February. With more participants, we could provide more precise information and cover all model years.

To see how competitors compare, and to sign up to help:

Nissan Maxima reliability comparisons

maximamaxima
Posts: 2
Joined: Wed Jan 05, 2011 10:57 pm
Car: 1998 maxima 5speed

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98 maxima
145k miles .. i enjoy driving alot car runs great
i think i hear the clutch throwout bearings going but thats cause of me mistreating it :)

Im looking for info on vq35 swap or Turbo'ing this motor

and i am looking to buy 2011 stock 18's possibly 19's anyone kno if they fit?

mkaresh
Posts: 1038
Joined: Fri Dec 01, 2006 3:45 am
Car: 2003 Mazda Protege5
Contact:

Post

We have updated results for the Maxima and I30/I35 to include owner experiences through September 30, 2010. Other sources of car reliability information won't cover the months since April until the summer or even fall of next year.

Repair frequencies, in terms of repair trips per 100 cars per year:

2010: 34, better than average, small sample size

2009: 18, better than average

2004: 64, better than average, very small sample size

2003: 91, about average

2002: 152, worse than average

2001: 104, about average

2000: 126, about average

1999: 133, about average

1998: 93, better than average

1997: 87, better than average

1996: 85, better than average

1995 121, about average, very small sample size

One factor I haven't decided how to account for: with older cars people start living with minor problems rather than fixing them. This likely explains the lower numbers for hte 1995-1998.

It's not clear why the 2002 is so high, possibly a fluke.

Thank you, once again, to AZhitman, this forum, and everyone who has been helping. We'll have further updates in February and May. With more participants, we could provide more precise information and cover all model years.

To see how competitors compare, and to sign up to help:

Nissan Maxima reliability ratings and comparisons

rayraybone
Posts: 2
Joined: Mon Feb 14, 2011 6:17 pm
Car: 1997 I30t (296,000 miles...)
2003 I35 (considering)

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1997 I30t with 295,000... 2 alternators, 1 starter, crankshaft position sensor, tires, brakes, rotors, and maintenance stuff... best car EVER :dblthumb: it has been leaking oil for years, and the struts are shot (living with it)

mkaresh
Posts: 1038
Joined: Fri Dec 01, 2006 3:45 am
Car: 2003 Mazda Protege5
Contact:

Post

We have updated results for the Maxima and I30/I35 to include owner experiences through December 31, 2010. Other sources of car reliability information won't cover the months since April until the summer or even fall of this year.

Repair frequencies, in terms of repair trips per 100 cars per year:

2010: 34, better than average

2009: 13, better than average

2004: 45, better than average, very small sample size

2003: 73, better than average, small sample size

2002: 102, about average

2001: 97, better than average

2000: 117, about average

1999: 118, about average

1998: 90, better than average

1997: 79, better than average

1996: 80, better than average

1995 85, better than average, very small sample size

One factor I haven't decided how to account for: with older cars people start living with minor problems rather than fixing them. This likely explains the lower numbers for hte 1995-1998.

Thank you, once again, to everyone who has been helping. We'll have further updates in May and August. With more participants, we could provide more precise information and cover all model years.

To see how competitors compare, and to sign up to help:

Nissan Maxima reliability ratings and comparisons

miket11
Posts: 45
Joined: Tue Apr 29, 2008 6:56 pm
Car: 2008, nissan, altima

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I have a 2004 Maxima SL, I bought it last year in August as a secondary car. Put about 10k miles in half a year now its around 85k. Running full synthetic and fueling up 91-93 gas. I got the car from a dealer, it was a trade in from someone. History shows that all maintenance were done at a dealership. From what I was told, they put new brakes on. so far Brakes been good. as far as suspension goes, I'd assume none of the shocks were changed. It feels kind of "loose", a little wobbly. its the only way i can explain it. the rubber boots for the shocks are all torn up. when the car catches a bump or a pot whole i get this squeaky sound as if the springs where change and the boot wasn't cut and it keeps getting in the way. so if this makes any sense, awesome. If not tell me, so i could explain better. Also I want to point out, if switched to manual the shifting has somewhat of a delay when i switch gears up, also can't shift down when ever wanted so it's not very convenient and cant shift up when wanted also not convenient.

neosmatrix
Posts: 1
Joined: Thu May 12, 2011 7:21 pm
Car: 1997 Maxima SE.

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Just joined, same screen name on Maxima.org.
I have a 97 Nissan Maxima SE auto (yuck on the auto) but thats what it is.
It is my AB car (Meaning point a to b)
I have about 220K on the clock.

I have lots of parts that are going to be going on it:
front quick strut set
drivers wheel bearing
drive belts
oil sending unit
rebuilding the power steering pump
inner/outer tie rods, control arms, ball joints sway bar end links.

I have done:
Rear quick struts
LED license plate light
fuel filter and pump
MAF and MAP sensors
Seafoamed
new gas cap
S

mkaresh
Posts: 1038
Joined: Fri Dec 01, 2006 3:45 am
Car: 2003 Mazda Protege5
Contact:

Post

We have updated our car reliability stats for the Maxima and I30/I35 to include owner experiences through March 31, 2011.

Repair frequencies, in terms of repair trips per 100 cars per year:

2010: 37, better than average

2009: 19, better than average

2004: 41, better than average, small sample size

2003: 63, better than average, small sample size

2002: 105, about average

2001: 97, better than average

2000: 109, about average

1999: 99, about average

1998: 93, better than average

1997: 102, about average

1996: 90, better than average

1995 110, about average, very small sample size

Unusually consistent from 1995 through 2002.

Thank you, once again, to everyone who has been helping. We'll have further updates in August and November. With more participants, we could provide more precise information and cover all model years.

To see how competitors compare, and to sign up to help improve this information:

Nissan Maxima reliability ratings and comparisons

hlsess
Posts: 12
Joined: Fri Aug 27, 2010 5:06 am

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Just bought a 2010 Maxima SV charcoal with tan interior- LOVE it and it is a great smooth ride!!!

mkaresh
Posts: 1038
Joined: Fri Dec 01, 2006 3:45 am
Car: 2003 Mazda Protege5
Contact:

Post

We have updated our car reliability stats for the Nissan Maxima and Infiniti I30/I35 to include owner experiences through June 30, 2011.

Repair frequencies, in terms of repair trips per 100 cars per year:

2010: 32, better than average

2009: 25, better than average

2004: 69, about average, small sample size

2003: 47, better than average, small sample size

2002: 105, about average

2001: 100, about average

2000: 144, about average

1999: 114, about average

1998: 117, about average

1997: 102, about average

1996: 110, about average, small sample size

1995 125, about average, very small sample size

Very consistent from 1995 through 2002.

We'll have further updates in November and February. With more participants, we could provide more precise information and cover all model years.

To see how competitors compare, and to sign up to help improve this information:

Nissan Maxima reliability ratings and comparisons

User avatar
Bulbman
Posts: 13
Joined: Wed Sep 28, 2011 8:46 am
Car: 2000 I30
1995 Maxima

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Registered my 95 Maxima with over 211,000 miles. We have had this machine for 6 years with very little trouble. Runs great and encouraged me to get a 2000 I30 as a replacement.

jaxmax
Posts: 9
Joined: Thu Dec 10, 2009 6:15 am
Car: 2001 Maxima SE 5 spd

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114,530 as of 12/15/11.
Right front wheel bearing at 62,000.
Leaking clutch fluid tubing at 67,000.
Replaced starter at 104,000.
Replaced leaking radiator at 107,000

SugaMax05
Posts: 2
Joined: Fri Dec 23, 2011 12:50 am
Car: 2005 Nissan Maxima SL 3.5 Automatic

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2005 Nissan Maxima SL 3.5

21,170 est.

battery changed
driver side power window motor replaced
new f/r rotors
new f/r brakes
2 new v-belts
air conditioning motor (1)
4 new tires
basic maintenance - oil changes, fluids, alignment, tires rotated, etc.
Sometimes passenger lock sticks when using remote. Not worried about it getting fixed. Doesn't seem like a major problem.
Have to get the car checked, because it seems to buck when it it changing into 2nd gear. Hope no transmission problems, I heard for this year car that other owners are having.


I don't have the mileage when the repair work was done at this time because I am on holiday, but I do keep all my repair work together with the mileage associated with the repair. :)

This is my main, only car I drive.

mkaresh
Posts: 1038
Joined: Fri Dec 01, 2006 3:45 am
Car: 2003 Mazda Protege5
Contact:

Post

We have updated our reliability stats for the Maxima and I30/I35 (on our redesigned site) to include owner experiences through September 30, 2011.

Repair frequencies, in terms of repair trips per 100 cars per year:

2010: 31, better than average

2009: 29, better than average

2004: 75, better than average, small sample size

2003: 57, better than average, small sample size

2002: 119, about average

2001: 140, about average

2000: 151, about average

1999: 96, better than average, small sample size

1998: 128, about average

1997: 127, about average

1996: 97, better than average, small sample size - a single car short!

1995 143, about average, very small sample size

Very consistent from 1995 through 2002.

Thank you, once again, to AZhitman, this forum, and everyone who has been helping. We'll have further updates later this month and in May. With more participants, we could provide more precise information and cover all model years.

To see how competitors compare, and to sign up to help improve this information:

Nissan Maxima reliability ratings and comparisons

ofromda860
Posts: 5
Joined: Tue Feb 28, 2012 6:17 pm
Car: 2004 Infiniti g35 coupe
2015 Nissan Rogue
Location: Hartford, Ct
Contact:

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Hello all! Just bought my first Maxima today. It's a 2000 Maxima in Silver, auto with only 109,000 miles! It has a full Tsudo exhaust which the wife does not like at all, not too loud tho. Signed up already too!

mustangyoli
Posts: 2
Joined: Tue Mar 06, 2012 10:38 pm
Car: 1998 Nissan Maxima GLE

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I bought my 1998 Maxima from a family member in 2001 with 75K who did not treat the Max very good. It had an oil leak that I came to know as a very expensive repair so I held out as long as I could. In 2010 a friend and I had to take engine apart to replace an O ring. While in there we replaced the water pump, timing chain and guides, while under the car I saw the CV boot was torn on the drivers side and replaced the joint. The knock sensor light is the only annoying problem I have. Oh In 2009 I replaced the battery, starter and alternator at one time. Back to the engine light on...I replaced the knock sensor and it changed nothing. I then looked up the problem and found that it may be that the car needed octane. So I have been adding octane to my gas and the light went away and then I of couse I skipped it a few times and the light is back.uugh
Anyway she's got 197,500 and the second best car I have ever owned! The pick up and speed it awesome! :laugh:

mustangyoli
Posts: 2
Joined: Tue Mar 06, 2012 10:38 pm
Car: 1998 Nissan Maxima GLE

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I bought my 1998 Maxima from a family member in 2001 with 75K who did not treat the Max very good. It had an oil leak that I came to know as a very expensive repair so I held out as long as I could. In 2010 a friend and I had to take engine apart to replace an O ring. While in there we replaced the water pump, timing chain and guides, while under the car I saw the CV boot was torn on the drivers side and replaced the joint. The knock sensor light is the only annoying problem I have. Oh In 2009 I replaced the battery, starter and alternator at one time. Back to the engine light on...I replaced the knock sensor and it changed nothing. I then looked up the problem and found that it may be that the car needed octane. So I have been adding octane to my gas and the light went away and then I of couse I skipped it a few times and the light is back.uugh
Anyway she's got 197,500 and the second best car I have ever owned! The pick up and speed it awesome! :laugh:

bluemonkey101021
Posts: 7
Joined: Mon Apr 19, 2010 4:52 pm

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1999 Maxima GLE.

214,000 miles

1 of 6 ignition coils have gone bad. very tiny transmission fluid leak. No other issues.


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