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!
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turbobink
Posts: 20
Joined: Fri May 09, 2008 4:54 pm
Car: 99.5 SE L

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99.5 SE L - purchased new in MAR 1999.

Currently ODO reads 93,640.7 mi.

Brake pads @ ~ 48,000 mi.

Coil packs (6) @ 60,000 mi. (as part of 60K service)

EGR system cleaning @ 60,000 mi. (as part of 60K service)

E-fan assembly @ ~ 77,000 mi.

Starter @ ~ 85,000 mi.

Rear Main Seal (RMS) @ 93, 640.7 mi.

Cam position sensor 'O' ring @ 93,520 mi.

A/C currently non-operational. Diagnosis is pending.

Bose CD player currently non-operational.

Valve cover gaskets are currently seeping.



guitarpro_1st
Posts: 14
Joined: Sat May 24, 2008 3:24 pm
Car: 92 Nissan Maxima

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own a 92 maxima gxe and an se and love them both havnt had major problems with them yet and the se has 362k and the gxe has 210k

Maximus7
Posts: 2
Joined: Mon Jun 02, 2008 7:41 pm
Car: 01 Maxima SE

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I'v got an 01 Max SE with 94,000 miles that I have had for 4 years. Other than routine maintenance, I have replaced an O2 sensor, the MAF sensor (my bad; didn't clean the K&N for a long time), the speed sensor, and had the upper tie rod ends replaced all within the last 3 weeks. I love my car and it rides and runs like new.

If anybody is looking for new tires, I bought a set of Yokohama S-Drives from Tire Rack about 12,000 miles ago and they are the best tires I have owned (better that Michelin, Kuhmo, and Goodyear to name a few). Thanks for looking and I'll post more later.


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

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Are there upper and lower tie-rod ends?

There's a reason "powertrain sensors" are a whole separate category on the survey...

Maximus7
Posts: 2
Joined: Mon Jun 02, 2008 7:41 pm
Car: 01 Maxima SE

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I believe there is only 1 set of tie rod ends but don't quote me on that. I know that the dealer said I needed to replace my lower control arms, but my mechanic said that was a bunch of s**t, they were fine. Beware dealer's "advice" on repairs. I have found that having a trustworthy mechanic will save you thousands of dollars over the years. Unfortunately, I'm not educated enough about car repair to do much on my car myself. That would be the bomb.....

mkaresh
Posts: 1038
Joined: Fri Dec 01, 2006 3:45 am
Car: 2003 Mazda Protege5
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I was just teasing you. There should be only one set, so no "upper" and "lower."

With suspensions, wear is somewhat subjective. And shops looking to earn a buck will err on the side of caution.

gumgraff
Posts: 3
Joined: Tue Jun 03, 2008 1:54 pm
Car: 97 Maxima SE

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New to the forum, but happy to brag about my 97 Maxima SE. 160,000 miles. One starter, one clutch (5 speed) 2 sets of brake shoes and tires. Did replace the struts, but don't think they really needed replacing

joeltender
Posts: 4
Joined: Sun May 25, 2008 11:47 am
Car: 03 titanium ed 6spd

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New here, got a 97 se 5spd, bought it at 190000km (canadian miles)Currently has 237xxxkm, replaced alternator, axle seal, rims&rubber and routine crap.

Great car.would buy again, as long as it's stick

thomasz
Posts: 9
Joined: Thu Apr 24, 2008 8:11 pm
Contact:

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Thanks for your advertising about Nissan Maxima

reknab
Posts: 10
Joined: Tue Jun 10, 2008 7:35 pm
Car: 1986 Maxima SE, 2001 Maxima 25th Anniversary

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I have an '86 Maxima with 225k miles. I have had it parked for because the power steering line popped a leak. I had not started the engine for 6 months. Second tap on the ignition switch and it was going. The thing is immortal.

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RemdA
Posts: 5
Joined: Thu Jul 03, 2008 1:35 pm
Car: Nissan Maxima SE 2000 Manual V6 3.0L
Contact:

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Maxima 2000 5spd 112k-miles:

i just bought it... clutch is dead...all the rest is brand new.thank you.

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Ricky429
Posts: 3
Joined: Wed Jul 09, 2008 1:48 pm
Car: 1996 Nissan Maxima SE 5spd

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96 5spd maxx 175,xxx mi all i did was change the clutch :Exedy, intake filter:K&N, and spark plugs NGK G-power.... She runs like a champ

sliveslar
Posts: 2
Joined: Mon Jul 21, 2008 11:03 am
Car: 2004 Nissan Maxima

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I am currently on my fourth Maxima. Obviously, I have gotten excellent service from the first three. In total, I have owned Maximas for 20 consecutive years.

My first was a 1982 Diesel. I bought the car with approximately 80 K. At about 170K, it was so rusty that it was no longer worth repairing. I never had any major problems with the car other than the rust. I think that was common on cars of that era. The car was extremely reliable, except that it was hard to start in cold weather (not unusual for older diesels). As I recall, it only stranded me once when the clutch failed. The biggest repair that I can recall was that the rack and pinion needed to be replaced. This was a result of not replacing torn boots. My second was a 1987 wagon. I bought the car with approximately 85K. I kept that car until around 175K, at which point I sold it. It was still running strong, but it needed too many little things. The only problem with that car was that it had a very clunky transmission. I had the fluid changed regularly, and just learned to live with the clunks. It only left me stranded once, when the alternator failed.

My third was a 1997 GLE. I bought the car off lease with around 30K. I kept that car until around 137K, at which point it was totaled. I was rear- ended while waiting at a light, and the car sustained a bent frame. The crumple zone worked as it should, and everyone walked away with only whiplash (which was to be expected). The car was drivable after the accident, but my insurance co declared it a total loss the day after the accident. This car also had a clunky transmission. The only significant work was to replace the starter and a rear caliper.

My current car is a 2004 SE. I bought it with only 12K, and it currently has 38K. This car is a delight to drive, and I hope to have it for many years. So far, the car has had a couple of recalls -- one for the lower frame, which rusted prematurely, and the other for tires made in China.

My overall experience is that I have never had any major system failure and never had any fluid leaks. I never replaced any part of the drive train on any car. I service my cars regularly, and don't drive them too hard. As a result, they have been extremely reliable and safe.

EGMaxmachine
Posts: 2
Joined: Tue Jul 29, 2008 2:16 pm
Car: 1991 Maxima GXE

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I have owned my 91 Maxima GXE since purchasing it new in July of 1991. Currently reaching the 90k mark. I always kept another car for work. Only 3 things that bugged it, the Bose radio,the rear driverside window lift broke, and just a bit of rust starting to show in the right rear wheel well by the mud guard. Only 1 recall, but it did not apply to my car. Though this was my first Maxima, my brother owned a 85 Maxima Wagon, 90 and 95 model years automatic sedans. All were very reliable as well.

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Dracolove
Posts: 61
Joined: Mon Jul 30, 2007 8:42 pm
Car: 95 Nissan Maxima
Contact:

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Ive got a 95 maxima about 500 miles from 200k and ive got only a small valve cover gasket leak and i use Royal purple synthetic oil!

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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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Welcome to all the new members!
sliveslar wrote:I am currently on my fourth Maxima. Obviously, I have gotten excellent service from the first three. In total, I have owned Maximas for 20 consecutive years.

My first was a 1982 Diesel.
Very cool. I'd love to have one of those today!

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sotobean23
Posts: 3
Joined: Thu Aug 28, 2008 12:22 pm
Car: 2000 Nissan Maxima

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What's up y'all

Just got a 2000 Maxima, 75250 miles. Car is in great shape...doesn't shake, smooth ride...hoping it last me a while. BTW, it's my first car.

Peace Soto

mkaresh
Posts: 1038
Joined: Fri Dec 01, 2006 3:45 am
Car: 2003 Mazda Protege5
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We did post results for the 1998, 2000, and 2001 recently. The repair rate for the 2000 appears worse than average, the other two about average. But the sample sizes are too small for precise results, and so these results are asterisked.

It does appear that once these cars get over 100,000 miles they start to require "more attention." But that's likely true with many cars.

With more participants, we can cover more model years and provide more precise results.

Vehicle reliability research

HeidiW
Posts: 1
Joined: Wed Sep 03, 2008 4:44 am
Car: 1999 Maxima

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I have a 1999 Maxima GLE that has 227K miles on it! Other than the usual repairs and upkeep -- no problems what so ever!

In fact, I was just involved in a major rear end collision (mostly becasue the exhaust got crumpled, puncturing the floorboard) the insurance company wanted to total it -- I negotiated for more $$ based on blue book value and had it repaired because I know there's still alot of life left in it.

P.S. The Lexus ES 350 that hit me suffered 4 times as much damage!

bigdaddydog21
Posts: 18
Joined: Fri Sep 05, 2008 6:16 am
Car: 91 nissan maxima

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91 max pearl white 200,666 mile runs great

Brewbr
Posts: 1
Joined: Tue Sep 16, 2008 7:30 am
Car: 2000 Maxima GLE

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I have a 2000 GLE with 169,700 miles on it now. It's been a pretty good car up until about a year ago and now I'm having some major problems. I just recently replaced the water pump (Major PITA) ! I've replaced the rotors and pads twice and the CV axles once in the last year and I still have a steering vibration @ around 60-65 mph, and a pretty violent steering vibration when braking from 50 mph and up. The higher the speed the more violent the vibration (felt through the steering wheel). Last but not least, I can hear a dull knocking sound from under the right front floor area of the car, normally when driving @ slower speeds and hitting normal bumps and cracks in the road........That's my two cents!

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hustlingtech
Posts: 7
Joined: Sun Sep 21, 2008 9:35 am
Car: 96 maxima,04 altima,97 sentra,97 hardbody

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i own four nissans.a 96 maxima,2004 altima,97 sentra,and a 97 pickup.I ha ven`t had any major problems,just maintainace.the most things I`ve had to replace are oil pan gaskets on the maxima and sentra,and I had to replace a few sensors,like the crank sensor,knock sensor,and coolant temp sensor on the maxima,oh did I mention the engine has 240,000 miles,and the engine is in great shape.I am I certified auto technican,and I maintance my own cars.iv`e known others that don`t take care of there cars and one thing brakes down after the next

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hustlingtech
Posts: 7
Joined: Sun Sep 21, 2008 9:35 am
Car: 96 maxima,04 altima,97 sentra,97 hardbody

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i`m a auto tech and I bet you need to replace your lower control arm,or just the lower ball joint.they sell it together,because its easier to replace,you have to press out the old ball joint,witch takes longer.I had to replace mine and a lot of maximas its very common

CT_Maxima
Posts: 15
Joined: Thu Oct 09, 2008 7:48 am

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I think this thread is about a prospective study, i.e. going forward in time.

However, I can attest to 18 years of ownership of a 3rd generation Maxima. Not trouble free, but much better than the domestic junk.

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zacj3
Posts: 20
Joined: Wed Oct 15, 2008 5:43 am
Car: 1997 Nissan Maxima
Contact:

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I got a 97 with 122,000 and it still runs great, minor engine work like replacing gaskets but nothing big.

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SunnyTk
Posts: 60
Joined: Sun Feb 03, 2008 2:46 pm
Car: 2003 Nissan Pathfinder
Location: Toronto, Canada

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I have a 96 max with 325,000km! still runs smooth, little start up trouble here and there...

03maroon
Posts: 4
Joined: Sat Jun 28, 2008 5:09 pm
Car: 2003 Nissan Maxima SE

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I have an 03 Maxima SE. Bought it with 18K miles, now have 80K miles. Only problem so far is my clutch went out....today actually! But, other than that, amazing car!

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jspagna1
Posts: 3
Joined: Sun May 04, 2008 3:55 am
Car: Pathfinder

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Have owned 2 Maximas, a 1992 SE new & sold with 126,000 miles no problems. Girl down the street bought it and still has it. Bought a 2003 SE new and now has 58,000 miles. Replaced alternator and rear brake calipers. Other than that no problems. Love Nissans

joeltender
Posts: 4
Joined: Sun May 25, 2008 11:47 am
Car: 03 titanium ed 6spd

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Got rid of 97 se, with 155000 milesspent repair money on 03 tit ed 6spd, great car with 99000 miles.Awesome car, only problem is that i wish I had made this decision earlier.

chudu
Posts: 1
Joined: Thu Nov 20, 2008 6:29 am

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Don't know if you are still looking for reliability information on the Maxima but here goes. My 2000 Nissan Maxima (bought new) has 211,000 miles on it and so far, I have only had to replace an O2 sensor twice. That's it. It's the most amazing car ever.


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