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!
FutureFanatic1985
Posts: 2
Joined: Tue Jul 03, 2012 8:04 am
Car: 2011 Nissan Murano
Location: Kansas City, Missouri

Post

Loving this thread- just wanted to pop in and say that I think the reliability information is great. This is something I'm going to bookmark for later.


raaschmn
Posts: 1
Joined: Thu Aug 30, 2012 7:16 am
Car: 2000 Nissan Maxima SE

Post

Just found your site. I have had 3 Maximas "92 146K miles (My favorite... the original 4 door sports car), '96 187K and 2000 217k and counting. The 2000 SE just got rearended and I am bummed because I was going to make it my first car to reach 300K. The maxima line has been great to us, usual amount of replacement and maintenance work. All needed front suspension and lots of brakes but the clutches, transmissions and motors are almost flawless. But I am not complaining, except about the 84 year old lady that creamed me. The car is still driveable so I may buy it back and use it through the winter if the wife approves. Not sure of the next move as the newer body style hasn't really appealed to me. But it has been a great run of Maximas!

edognight
Posts: 4
Joined: Thu Dec 13, 2012 1:08 pm
Car: 2001 Infiniti i30

Post

150K miles. I have had nothing but problems with this car, 2001 infiniti i30. It is rusting away, has had three starters and four or five alternators. Right now it will not start at all, and I have no idea. No major mechanical issues.

I will say it has a marvelous engine, and decent gas mileage, but lots and lots of problems.

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 to include owner experiences through September 30, 2012.

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

2011: 16, better than average, small sample size

2010: 40, about average

2009: 41, about average

2004: 61, about average, small sample size

2003: 61, about average

2002: 97, worse than average

2001: 83, better than average

2000: 114, worse than average

1999: 98, about average, very small sample size

1998: 45, better than average, small sample size

1997: 122, worse than average, small sample size

1996: 107, about average, very small sample size

The small sample sizes could explain some or even much of the variation among the older model years.

We'll have further updates in February and May. We'd love to provide more precise stats and fully cover more model years--just a matter of getting more owners involved!

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

Nissan Maxima reliability ratings and comparisons

sirrascal
Posts: 1
Joined: Sun Feb 17, 2013 8:32 pm
Car: 2009 Nissan Maxima

Post

Just obtained our 2nd Maxima (2009). Thought we would join in on the fun! :dblthumb:

sueyklang
Posts: 2
Joined: Thu Mar 07, 2013 8:28 pm
Car: 2001 nissan maxima gle

Post

Just bought my first maxima found this figured i would sign up..2001 Nissan Maxima GLE, 149,000 miles and yes it was bought used it did come with some problems but im hoping i can fix them, one problem is i have to fix the IAC and most likely the ECM not sure yet on that and my other only problem is the front passenger window doesnt work at all but a new motor and switch but still didnt work so im hoping that i can find an answer here on how to fix it..

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 to include owner experiences through December 31, 2012.

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

2011: 14, low, small sample size

2010: 41, moderate

2009: 37, low

2006: 35, low, very small sample size

2005: 92, high, very small sample size, likely inaccurate

2004: 66, moderate, small sample size

2003: 57, low

2002: 83, moderate

2001: 67, low

2000: 116, high

1999: 89, moderate, very small sample size

1998: 48, low, small sample size

The small sample sizes could explain some or even much of the variation among the affected model years.

Thank you, once again, to this forum and everyone who has been helping. We'll have further updates in May and August. The more owners participate, the more comprehensive and precise these will be.

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

Nissan Maxima reliability ratings and comparisons

User avatar
Elusivemax93
Posts: 118
Joined: Mon Oct 03, 2011 12:51 pm
Car: 1993 Nissan Maxima SE TK3 VE30DE-5 speed
Location: oklahoma City, OK
Contact:

Post

i have owned 5 maximas years 1989, 992,2 1993,and 1994. All maintained but one. Parts car for body pieces. First one to own was a 1993 Maxima SE automatic. Great car purchased in 2001 had for 3 years transmission went out replaced same problem decided to change from Automatic transmissions to Standard. !989 Maxima SE 5 speed. 125k miles ran great no problems from it from transmission or engine. Rubber shifter support bushing broke and replace factory clutch that is really it aside from basic routine maintenance. 1993 Nissan Maxima SE 5 speed got at 173,000 or so miles but owner before had problems with engine which was swapped so my project car learning to fix my car during college for automotive technology. Great car to learn on if your into alot of wiring and complicated parts lol. 1994 Maxima SE automatic purchased from a mechanic/friend for body parts and suspension. 1992 Maxima SE 5 speed 2nd owner aside from the damage caused by the previous owner to the exterior and him replacing a clutch he thought he burnt. Only thing I have replaced bad was the CV Axles he broke that he thought was a clutch. Currently own the 92 and 93 SE 5 speeds. 93 has turned into a project car of my choice to build up and upgrade. Any car as long as it was maintained to the needed things run good and long.

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

Post

We've updated our reliability stats for the Maxima to include owner experiences through March 31, 2013.

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

2011 Maxima: 22, low, small sample size
2010 Maxima: 56, moderate
2009 Maxima: 52, moderate
2006 Maxima: 35, low, very small sample size
2005 Maxima: 99, high, very small sample size
2004 Maxima: 101, high, very small sample size
2003 Maxima: 52, low
2002 Maxima: 105, moderate
2001 Maxima: 85, low
2000 Maxima: 128, high
1999 Maxima: 85, low, small sample size
1998 Maxima: 50, low, small sample size
1997 Maxima: 168, high, small sample size

We'll have further updates in August and in November.

For the details, including the descriptions of reported repairs, and to sign up to help improve this information:

Nissan Maxima reliability ratings and comparisons

4lFoote
Posts: 3
Joined: Mon Aug 05, 2013 6:05 pm
Car: 2006 Nissan Maxima

Post

2006 Maxima SL... Brake pads seem to last only about 25-30,000 miles until flutter sets in. Rotor turns then give another 25-30,000 until you repeat it again with new rotors and pads. No unscheduled maintenance until 99,000 miles when a a front wheel bearing went bad. Then, at 107,000 a rear brake caliper froze. I'm currently at 108,000 and running.

Can anyone say if the navigation hack for 2009 Maxima's applies to 2006 models - color coding of wires, etc?

rraannjjeett1720
Posts: 1
Joined: Fri Aug 09, 2013 10:44 am

Post

Hi
this site is best for filling your requirenment.
But currently i am unable to give your answere.
Sorry.
--------
Top Ten classified website

actionashley
Posts: 1
Joined: Wed Sep 04, 2013 10:46 am
Car: 2007 Maxima

Post

Just bought used 2007 maxima with 80K miles. Registered it on true delta.

First Nissan. Hoping for a 200K

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

Post

We've updated our reliability stats for the Maxima to include owner experiences through June 30, 2013.

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

2011 Maxima: 23, low, small sample size
2010 Maxima: 48, moderate
2009 Maxima: 56, moderate
2006 Maxima: 49, low, very small sample size
2005 Maxima: 89, high, very small sample size
2004 Maxima: 92, moderate, very small sample size
2003 Maxima: 40, low
2002 Maxima: 79, low
2001 Maxima: 94, moderate
2000 Maxima: 120, high
1999 Maxima: 68, low, very small sample size
1998 Maxima: 53, low, small sample size

We'll have further updates in November and February.

To view competitors' scores and descriptions of reported repairs, and to sign up to help:

Nissan Maxima reliability ratings and comparisons

tml2340
Posts: 6
Joined: Sat Nov 23, 2013 7:06 pm
Car: 03 Infiniti QX4; 95 Miata M Edtn, 96 Miata M Edtn, 96 Miata, 01 Miata, 95 Maxima GLE, 95 Maxima GXE
Location: Indy

Post

Two (2) 1995 Maximas - GLE and GXE. GLE with 200,000 miles, bought in '08 with 115K miles. Have only replaced water pump and fuel injectors (6) and regular maintenance (brake pads, oil, etc). GXE with 115K miles, bought in '11 with 94K. Have only done oil changes and brake pads. Both cars have been uber-reliable.

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

Post

We've updated our reliability stats for the Maxima to include owner experiences through September 30, 2013.

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

2011 Maxima: 31, low, small sample size
2010 Maxima: 62, moderate
2009 Maxima: 59, moderate, small sample size
2006 Maxima: 55, moderate, very small sample size
2004 Maxima: 106, high, very small sample size
2003 Maxima: 51, low
2002 Maxima: 84, low
2001 Maxima: 89, moderate
2000 Maxima: 107, moderate
1999 Maxima: 73, low, very small sample size
1998 Maxima: 73, low, small sample size

We'll have further updates later this month and in May. The more owners participate, the more comprehensive and precise these will be.

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

Nissan Maxima reliability ratings and comparisons

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

Post

We've updated our reliability stats for the Maxima to include owner experiences through December 31, 2013.

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

2011 Maxima: 30, low, small sample size
2010 Maxima: 46, moderate
2009 Maxima: 56, moderate
2006 Maxima: 49, low, very small sample size
2003 Maxima: 74, moderate
2002 Maxima: 83, moderate
2001 Maxima: 89, moderate
2000 Maxima: 101, moderate
1999 Maxima: 88, moderate, very small sample size

We'll have further updates in May and in August. The more owners participate, the more comprehensive and precise these will be.

To see the repairs behind these stats, and to sign up to help improve this information:

Nissan Maxima reliability ratings and comparisons

magnamagus
Posts: 9
Joined: Sun Dec 25, 2011 6:20 pm
Car: 2010 Nissan Maxima

Post

CVT Nissan 2010 Maxima Problems & Issues ----These are recorded problems with Nissan's New CVT Transmission on Nissan Maxima 2010 - Sport Edition 300 horse power. The CVT exhibits Lost of power, Engine High RPM, Loud Whining Noise, and CVT gets stuck in 6th Gear (won't down shift) in Manual and drive mode. The car will not accelerate and gives a P1778 Code. This only occurs on long drives over hilly roads on 75 MPH Highways up gradual elevation hill climb. The problem has been getting progressively worst and did not occur when the car was new. This CVT transmission sucks. I took it to three dealerships and they gave me a hard time since the problem doesn't not occur on flat ground, City driving, and the Trouble Code P1778 eventually is cleared from the computer on its own. I WAS TOLD NOTHING IS WRONG. The problem with NIssan's CVT transmission persists and as I mentions is getting progressively worst. I had to stop once making this long 90 mile trip (at 45k miles), then i had to stop twice (at 70k miles), and last time i had to stop 3 times to let the CVT rest. The issue does not occur going down elevation. The CVT fluid has been changed at 40,000 miles and all other maintenance is done routinely. UPDATE: MY 2010 NISSAN MAXIMA CVT WAS FINALLY DIAGNOSED WITH "CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ON". THE ERROR CODE 1778 &. FOUR OTHER CODES WERE PULLED IN TOTAL. THE OVERALL DIAGNOSIS IS "COMPLETE CVT TRANSMISSION FAILURE". THE RECOMMENDED ACTION IS REPLACEMENT OF THE ENTIRE VALVE BODY (SOLENOIDS) WHICH CHANGE THE GEARS AND REPROGRAMMING OF THE CVT COMPUTER. I WAS TOLD ITS BETTER TO CHANGE THE WHOLE TRANSMISSION AT COST OF $5,500.00 DOLLARS. I HAVE CONTACTED NISSAN CONSUMER AFFAIRS. THIS PROBLEM CODE OCCURRED AT 44K MILES, 65K MILES, AND 94K MILES. EACH TIME IT WAS UNDIAGNOSABLE SINCE THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT DID NOT STAY ON - IT TURNED ITSELF OFF. I WAS ABLE TO GET THIS DIAGNOSED WITH A CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ON AT 124,000 MILES. I CONTACTED NISSAN CONSUMER AFFAIRS AND SPOKE WITH MEGAN, JUANITA AND THEN Callia from the executive branch (so she says - she sounded like a telephone representative). All of these nissan reps have no knowledge of nissan engines or cvt's and they refused to to believe that the dealers refused to acknowledge the problem exists, even despite the TSB's, Warranty Extension, and my numerous calls over the past two years to Nissan Consumer Affairs. All in all they did not even acknowledge the ongoing issues with the CVT. These Nissan dealers, Nissan service departments, and Nissan Consumer Affairs are crooks --- I would advise to not buy cars from these people. Get a Honda, Acura, or other reliable vehicle. If you do have to buy a Nissan beware that they will try to rip you off at every diagnosis and decision point on their part. I am very sorry to say. I used to think Nissan was a good company.

http://youtu.be/pd9zdcU9eYM
http://youtu.be/8V9lhh8Kros
http://youtu.be/bTKFBfWjlSg

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

Post

Our reliability stats for the Maxima now include owner experiences through March 31, 2014, making them nearly a year ahead of other sources.

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

2011 Maxima: 45, moderate, small sample size
2010 Maxima: 40, moderate, small sample size
2009 Maxima: 53, moderate
2006 Maxima: 60, moderate, very small sample size
2004 Maxima: 79, moderate, very small sample size
2003 Maxima: 74, low
2002 Maxima: 82, moderate
2001 Maxima: 94, moderate
2000 Maxima: 80, low
1999 Maxima: 76, low, very small sample size

Thank you, once again, everyone who has been helping. Next update in August.

For a deeper dive, including the stats for other cars and repair descriptions, and to sign up to help improve this information:

Nissan Maxima reliability ratings and comparisons

Terrigno
Posts: 1
Joined: Wed Jul 30, 2014 3:13 am
Car: 2011 Nissan Maxima SV Sport
1995 Infiniti G20

Post

2011 Maxima SV SPORT HERE! My 4th Maxima! :D

1100russ
Posts: 4
Joined: Sat Aug 09, 2014 7:47 am
Car: 2002 I35

Post

Signed up. Just got 2002 I35 in June. Had to put a cam position sensor in it right away (bank a). Probably why PO got rid of it. 160,000 but it runs and looks great! :bigthumb:

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

Post

Thanks. Doesn't seem like a big enough deal to sell a car, unless they wanted a new one anyway. Or thought the problem was more serious.

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

Post

We've updated our reliability stats for the Maxima to include owner experiences through June 30, 2014 (making them about 14 months ahead of some others).

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

2011 Maxima: 44, moderate, small sample size
2010 Maxima: 54, moderate, small sample size
2009 Maxima: 56, moderate
2006 Maxima: 85, moderate, very small sample size
2003 Maxima: 87, moderate
2002 Maxima: 90, moderate
2001 Maxima: 119, high
2000 Maxima: 79, low
1999 Maxima: 103, moderate, very small sample size

Next updates in November and in February. The more owners participate, the more comprehensive and precise these will be.

For repair descriptions, the stats of other cars, and to sign up to help improve this information:

Nissan Maxima reliability ratings and comparisons

Pollomaxima
Posts: 1
Joined: Tue Nov 04, 2014 2:18 pm
Car: 2003 nissan maxima gle

Post

I have a 2003 nissan maxima it has 172000 miles as i was changing my spark plugs i notice that one of the had oil.... Do i need to worry about my heads... Or what do i need to do...

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

Post

I'm not sure about the Maxima, but the G35 and Z have a common problem with leaking valve cover seals. The oil leaks from these into the spark plug wells. Possibly the problem with your car?

pops289
Posts: 1
Joined: Mon Dec 22, 2014 11:25 am
Car: 2002 Maxima SE

Post

2002 Maxima SE, owned since 2003, now has 102K miles.

Replaced O2 sensor.

Replaced both tie rod ends. This was rather curious to both me and the shop, but the car became extremely difficult to drive.

Replaced all four wheels - they wouldn't hold air for even a week.

Replaced mass airflow sensor 4 times (!!!!). There's a common theme to MAF failure on this car. It's an automatic, and using the throttle to get it to downshift creates some kind of nasty turbulence in the intake that snaps the MAF heated wire or something. I avoid this scenario by downshifting manually instead of using my foot. (I've never like mashing the throttle anyway - it never does what I want it to do). The first two times required towing, then Nissan came out with a firmware upgrade that puts the car into limp-home mode on a MAF failure instead of just disabling the throttle. I replaced it once myself, but it was a hassle because the parts company sent a GM part that I had to return to get the correct part while the car sat in the driveway.

I currently have a nasty creak in the front suspension when steering is at lock and the car is on an incline. I'm not sure if I should be worried about it.

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

Post

We've updated our reliability stats for the Maxima to include owner experiences through September 30, 2014.

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

2012 Maxima: 28, low, small sample size
2011 Maxima: 22, low, small sample size
2010 Maxima: 37, low, very small sample size
2009 Maxima: 54, moderate
2006 Maxima: 122, high, very small sample size
2004 Maxima: 70, low, very small sample size
2003 Maxima: 68, low
2002 Maxima: 76, low
2001 Maxima: 95, moderate
2000 Maxima: 71, low
1999 Maxima: 138, high, very small sample size

Additional participants always helpful (especially if you see "small sample size" next to the year, or no stat at all).

To view the repairs behind these numbers, check the stats for other cars, and sign up to help improve this information (next update in February):

Nissan Maxima reliability ratings and comparisons

User avatar
TheDonOfPensacola
Posts: 7
Joined: Wed Dec 31, 2008 7:21 am
Car: 2014 Infiniti Q50 Premium
2007 Nissan Maxima SE
Location: Pensacola, FL

Post

07 Maxima (Purchased 06/2009 - 21k Miles )
45k miles - A/C low pressure hose replaced
47k miles - Electric cooling fan assembly replaced
56k miles - LF wheel bearing replaced

Lunar
Posts: 4
Joined: Tue Mar 24, 2015 9:46 pm
Car: 1989 nissan maxima

Post

I have a 1989 nissan maxima. it runs well. Has a slight miss( i think timing belt need changed) and the manual transmission need some work(an input bearing makes noise), but it runs great and still gets up and goes. it has 199XXX miles on it and im thinking about doing and engine and tranny swap soon.

[email protected]
Posts: 1
Joined: Sat Apr 04, 2015 7:22 am
Car: 1999 Maxima

Post

Here's my two cents worth. I just signed on board with this site and also the reliability site. My current Maxima is a 1999 model with the automatic transmission. It's my second Maxima, the first one was totally destroyed in a some what spectacular crash(not my fault). I was so impressed by the structural integrity which allowed me to survive and walk away from the accident that a second Maxima was a no brainer purchase.Both cars were and are highly reliable in the extreme. Things replaced always have had higher miles than would be gotten with other brand vehicles.In the past four years things replaced have been tires,brakes,suspension parts and pieces,alternator,and battery.I'm now looking to replace the spark plugs in the next month or so.I was hoping to keep this car for as long as possible but given Ohio's salted winter roads getting another year is my best hope.The rear fenders are both being eaten away by salt and rust and the lower sills are showing signs of rust too.The car has 219 plus thousand miles on it and the engine and transmission are going strong, I use synthetic oil in both the engine and transmission and am a big believer in synthetics.Not just Maxima's but all Japanese vehicles go the distance,I've owned Toyota's,Honda, and Mazda.In the long run any of these cars are cost effective in owner-ship.I've owned a few domestic brands which while being good looking, nice to drive cars have all bitten me at some time with an un-expected large cost for a repair or replacement.I hope this helps the information being gathered on this site..."Boomer"... :)

User avatar
AZhitman
Administrator
Posts: 71061
Joined: Mon Apr 29, 2002 2:04 am
Car: 58 L210, 63 Bluebird RHD, 64 NL320, 65 SPL310, 66 411 RHD, 67 WRL411, 68 510 SR20, 75 280Z RB25, 77 620 SR20, 79 B310, 90 S13, 92 SE-R, 92 Silvia Qs, 98 S14.
Location: Surprise, Arizona
Contact:

Post

Welcome aboard Boomer!

Hope you'll pop in on the Maxima forum and share some of your experiences with the other Max owners here. :)


Return to “Maxima Forum & I30 / I35 Forum”