Used 2005 Nissan Maxima Sedan Consumer Reviews
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Transmission problems
I bought a new 2005 Nissan Maxima and recently I have had some transmission issues. The gears have been sticking and slipping and so I took it to the dealership and was informed that I need a new transmission and that my warranty expired 890 miles before I took it in (my warranty on the transmission was until the car reached 60,000 miles). The dealership then informed me that it would cost $5300 to replace this. I did some research on the internet and found out that I am no the only person with this issue, and I also noticed that it is a widespread issue for the model year I have.
Avoid this 2005 Maxima
I have bought all new cars Malibu(150k), Camry(225K) & donated both cars while running good. Then I bought new Toyota sienna ( 252K & running good), I decided to buy new & different car & I bought brand new design Maxima "Nissan's Flagship Car" with so much hope. It ran good for 2 yrs & then started breaking down. Dealer fixed whatever was under warranty. After all warranties expired major things started breaking. I replaced all Camshaft sensors. A/C was fixed twice still leaking. Struts and tie-rods were replaced. Within last year timing chain guides & transmission broke, estimate ~$7000. Now I was told it leaks oil. Haven't decide whether to repair/resale. I still love to buy new Nissan.
- 3.5 SL SedanMSRP: $4,995202 mi away
- 3.5 SE SedanMSRP: $4,495409 mi away
- 3.5 SL SedanMSRP: $4,495456 mi away
Good car for Transmission Repair Shops
Add me to the list of people with a Nissan Maxima and a bad transmission. Mine had only 52,000 miles when the thing started slipping and lurching in the low gears. A trip to my local transmission specialist confirms the worst, at a cost of $3100 to $4000 to repair.
Only buy if it's a steal!!!
The car itself has been good to me for the three years I've owned it until recently. The transmission is garbage. Just like everyone else my Maxima bumps, randomly shifts, accelerates, and downshifts hard when stopping. Sometimes it won't even downshift when I stop it will stay in 3rd gear. Only 70k on the car. This car has been serviced on time by Nissan the entire three years I've owned it so it has been taken care of. It's just a known defect with these cars. I thought I bought a Nissan not a Dodge! $4500 to repair the transmission. Who's going to pay that much for a car that is 6 years old? I'm looking to trade it in and leave Nissan alone because they won't stand by their products!
Love it, BUT.......
I bought my 2005 Nissan Maxima SL with about 71000 miles on it, i now have 123000 on it. I LOVE the car and how it drives and looks. It has plenty of power. But, my transmission is slowly dieing on me. This is a common problem with these cars. I read the other day that, with these cars you have to change the transmission oil every 30,000 miles for it to last. I haven't decieded if i am going to get ride of it yet, or just replace the transmission. If i decide just to replace the transmission, i will make sure to change the transmission oil every 30,000 miles, if not earlier. I truely love everthing about this car.
Not so happy
Bought it new and love the power. Sometimes it's fun to drive--too bad it's not on the road enough to have tons of fun driving it. Have had issues with the rotors/shaking in the back end, and issues with a creaking sound which has yet to be repaired after the 3rd attempt. Not to mention the two recalls......just hard to have fun owning a car with so many issues. I'm disappointed to say the least with Nissan's performance on this one!
fast fun family ride
We bought our Maxima used and got a great deal on it. It was super reliable, super fast and had plenty of space. This car was an awesome drive. The exterior design was great in its day but aged quickly I feel like. The dash design was stupid. The fake suede material on the dash didn't fool anyone into luxury. The rest of the car was great. We had no problem squeezing 29-30 mpg out on the highway after being told by the dealership it would never happen.
Nissan family
This is our families 3rd Nissan and we couldn't have asked for a better car. As long as you do regular maintenance these cars will drive forever. We currently have 181K miles on it and it's still running strong.
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Cam Crank Sensors 200K+miles 2005 Nissan Max
I purchased my 2005 with 13K miles - not perfect on the maintenance, but I do take care of it. This car has surpassed 200K miles (do a lot of driving). Problem with transmission and dash warnings with TCS with car stalling not shifting into gear. Transmission shop wanted 3800.00 :-(. Got second opinion and got computer analysis. Spent $160.00 on sensors and hubby did the work. Hubby automatic Hero Status :-). Car runs like a baby again. Thank you YouTube.
Great Car, doesn't feel 10 years old
Great combination of sport and luxury. We purchased this car used in 2007 with 14k miles. It now has 160k. I have had my share of fun in the car with great acceleration, suspension, and steering. It also gets close to 30 mpg on the highway. The car doesn't look like its from 2005, the dash was far ahead of its time. The only issue we have had is the transmission started to go around 120k miles and have since had it replaced for a pretty penny. Other than that there have only been relatively in expensive repairs and minor rust ( but that is expected in the northeast). Great car for a mix of sportiness, luxury, and even decent fuel economy!
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Our Maxima has been AWESOME!
It is sad to see all the issues some are having with their Maxima's. Ours has been problem free and we hope this continues. If the new one wasn't so expensive we would look at upgrading. Great car, and a great value.
The Four-Door Sports Car
This car has a bit of an acquired taste. It isn't very pretty when you first look at it, with its big shiny braces, and enormous wheels. It almost seems obnoxious, this one. The end is rather fat, the front is awful to look at, but there is something about this car that keeps you hooked. The inside is nothing to brag about, but what's under the hood, that's a whole different story.
RECALL
Don't buy this car, I have experienced one problem after another from the transmission failing in 2 years from the catalytic converter and solenoid failing at 5. That is over $8,000 in repairs. Do your homework on the Maxima years 2004-06 (mine is a 2005). There is a class action lawsuit against Nissan. Beware, this is an absolute lemon!
Nissan needs to be shut down
First please sign my petition we can complain all day online on blogs but unless something is done or someone dies nothing will be done. The car exterior design is great and fuel economy is great the rest of the car. Disappointing. I have everything from transmission engine and electrical issues. I have less than 60,000+ on it and started having issues after 30,000. I have taken the car to the dealer nothing was done contacted Nissan nothing was done. Nissan needs to pay for what their customers are going through. I recently had an accident do to the transmission jerking basically out of gear and I ran up on a curb that cost me $2000 in damages.
Maxima Relief
My 2005 Maxima is a lemon just like all other 2005 Maxima's. When your left speakers blow out(hit the side of the center console until they work again.) The transmission slips horribly. I have dealt with this for 2 years. I have finally found out what it is and no matter how bad, this should always fix it(there is a green module or sensor behind the throttle body. It is hidden towards the back against the firewall. Play with this, it should start to improve immediately do it everytime you turn the car on) I have been doing it for 2 weeks and am satisfied. Those of you who do not have maximas, DO NOT BUY NISSAN. The styling is nice but the problems are infinite. The car is only good for 1 year
Not a good buy!
I bought this car at about 20,000 miles and it was fine at first. But then started having problems and had to have the transmission replaced at about 70,000 miles, good thing I had extended warranty otherwise I'd be in the hole for about $5,000+! What a rip! So I took it in for an oil change and apparently it now has something cracked that leads to the transmission. SO OVER IT!
Worse vehicle I have ever purchased...
This car has been nothing but problems since I purchased. Mainly the transmission. Shoddy build from the start. Defective valve body used in this year model causes the transmission to falter and high cost to repair. Manufacturer will not repair or recall. Trusted the name Nissan but now will never again buy a car from this manufacturer
Great Car Lots of Repairs for me
I bought this car in 2012 as a going to college car. I paid $8,000 for the car and added on the Nissan Warranty. This is my 4th year with the car and I bought it with 140,000 miles it currently has 191,000 miles. So far the repairs I've had to put in it are ridiculous! I've had to replace both CV Axels, AC Compressor, Power Steering Pump, Power Steering Valve, Alternator, Lifters and Pulleys in the engine, Drivers Window (motor and regulator) and I'm sure there are other things that just aren't coming to mind right now. The total cost of all of this is well over $6,000. To replace the drivers window alone was $400. I've also had to buy 8 tires in the time frame I've owned it which a single tire costs between $175-$200. Its an expensive car to own but the luxury and amenities it offers are great! I love my car but it seems that once it hit 160,000 miles it started falling apart. Also DO NOT PURCHASE THE WARRANTY!! They replaced my AC Compressor and a pulley and told me they were done paying for things on my car because that expense was more than the original cost of the warranty. Other than the problems its had its been a very reliable car for me. I absolutely love it but don't fool yourself the parts for this car are EXPENSIVE!
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mone pit
This has been the best and worst I have ever owned. The car handles great. Gets 30 mpg at 70mph. Wasnt expensive. Beautiful to look at. But it has been the most un reliable piece I have ever had the displease of owning. Bought the car with 100k. Two weeks after buying it transmision rebuild($4400). Then broke the cv joints because the transmission stressed them slamming into gear before the rebuild. Them a complete suspension rebuild. Now it need timing chain guides. Memory seats never worked. I have had over $8000 in repairs to this car and now..... The transmission is goin out again at 160k. Cant wait to get me an american car. FIrst and last Jap car I will own.
So far so good
I've had the car for almost three years. We bought it with 29,000 miles and thus far all has gone well. Gets scary reading the other reviews. Don't like turning radius. All else has been fine.
2005 Maxima
Really luxurious for a 13 year old car as it has leather interior, heated seats and steering, a sunroof, and Bose speakers. It has many problems with acceleration and the A/C. It’s burns through oil. Over all I would say the car has held up pretty well.
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My opinion of this vehicle.
This car handles well on the road in all types of weather. Both the exterior and interior look nice; the interior has some nice features to it. It has good gas mileage. I get between 25 and 27 miles per gallon when I drive this car. There is plenty of room for items in the trunk, and it has a good size consoul. Overall, this is a nice car for the money.
At 150k and still going strong...
Bought my 2005 new and have had very few problems. Check engine light recently came on but mechanic told me it's a misfire and will likely be fixed with a tuneup...which the car has never had, ashamed to say. Have never owned a car this long...nor wanted to. But looking to hand it down to my son
LOVE IT!
Got it brand new in 05, it runs great extremely quick and very fast and the handling is awesome. Had to replace the struts once but was under warranty so there was no problem there. there is a lot of room in the back and front seats so you can fit 5 people easily even with the front seats all the way back. i would recommend the NISMo air intake adds about 15HP and you can really feel the difference. AWESOME car!
I love it
The car was bought brand new and I have not had many problems with it, the struts had to be replaced once but that was under warranty so there was no problem there. Other than that the car runs perfect except for a rattling type noise that I think might be the timing chain but that's only heard at really low speeds when the engine is straining to go up a hill, I had it looked at and replaced but it makes the same noise. The car has around 61k on it and runs like its brand new. It is very very fast and really quick, it handles exceptionally well and it drives like a sports car I absolutely love it and have fun every time I drive it. I would recommend this car to anyone. P. S get the nismo intake.
Horrible!!
All i have to say is when i bought the car at 70,000 miles right away my transmission started slipping, kicking, jerking. my a/c compressor went out. my Stock chrome rims started to peel. my suspension in the rear is starting to sag.. Please do not buy this car. unless you really like it and have lots of money for repair.
My 2005 Pearl-Xima
Well my last review was in November 2010, and I must say my car is doing great. Even though it is 6 years old, I still get plenty of compliments. The ride quality, performance, and basic usability in this car has been awesome. I get about 24.7 MPG, on premium fuel, in mixed driving. City is about 19-23 MPG, and 30-33 MPG on the highway. As for the transmission, now that I've realized, I should have checked the transmission oil often than rely on the manufactures recommendation. It's been over a year since the rebuilt, and she is still shifting smoothly. I do the oil change myself, and ONLY use Nissan's K-Matic Oil. Do it yourself, it's MUCH cheaper than having the dealer do it for you.
Don't buy a Maxima!
Like many others, my 2005 Nissan Maxima jerks when I put it into drive or reverse! There is a 3 second delay then it jerks. It happens when I am sitting at a light or have my car running then I put the car in drive from 1st, 2nd and 3rd gear. When I am driving it's so bad I cannot sip my coffee. Feels as though the engine is going to fall out! Nissan refuses to recall this issue and fix the problem. After reading many complaints, I guess I should feel a little fortunate that this has happened to me at 120,000 miles instead of the average 80,000. I would not recommend this car at all to anyone!!!
Nissan sucks
Spoke to Nissan and they won't give me the time of day to help replace my transmission. It's been replaced once already and they won't listen. Besides the transmission, the lumbar system which was recalled is broken again, the fog lights have been replaced at least 6 times. Nissan has the worst customer service at their HQ. I wouldn't buy another Nissan. They don't care about their customers, so why should I patronize them by purchasing another vehicle from them. They really suck.
IM OVER IT!!!
I bought this car used with bout 60,000 miles on it. Ive had for about 3 years and im now at 124,000 miles. I loved this car at first, but now, i don't even like driving the car because of the AWFUL transmission! It's so bad! I will NOT replace the transmission! I have been driving with it jerking and hesitating for about 5 months and i am trading it in this weekend! I have been looking at the 2008-2010 Honda Accords and that is probably what i am gonna end up getting. This car is just a head ache now! I have had two previous maxima's and they were GREAT! I wish i never would have gotten ride of my 2003 maxima.
Never buy a Nissan
I bought the sixth generation 2005 Maxima when it was abt 49k miles. At abt 70k miles I starting experiencing transmission problems. shifting from park to drive, it jerks and it is really bad when the engine is warm. from drive to reverse or reverse to drive it does the same thing. The engine slips and the RPM races to 5 or 6 when you accelerate without any pick up. When I contacted Nissan they told me there is nothing they can do about it. Thousands of sixth generation maxima owners are having the same problem but nissan will not own up to their defect and recall and fix the problem. I am going back to TOYOTA. always faithful. NEVER AGAIN IN MY LIFE WILL I BUY A NISSAN PRODUCT.
Awful
my 3rd Maxima I have owned and by far the absolute worst!! I have spent well over $8,000 on mechanical repairs (not maintenance) and it still has under 80k miles on it. Transmission valve body, both catalytic converters, both primary and secondary timing chains tensioners and guides, multiple sensors, 4 sets of headlights (considered maintenance if it were only 2, but 4 sets!!) I wish I still had my 96 which my neighbor still drives w/ 250k+ miles with minor repairs and maintenance.
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Yeah I said it. Transmission shifting from drive feels like someone's rear ending you at 35 mph. I've owned 3 Nissans, but you can believe ill never own one or recommend one to anybody. I cant believe they don't do something about this. Just shows how greedy the company is. Well how ever we do this lets make then fix it before someone gets hurt.
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Could be better
The car is sexy and fun to drive.I had a Altima before for about 10yr. Needless to say i was a lot younger and crazier. I figured if after 180,000 mil the car was still kicking strong with all those doughnuts and corner to corner races, i'd stick with Nissan. I'm a lot older and wiser now so no more doughnuts. I like the acceleration on the car , the second glances one get's from people when passing by or just standing still.The alloy wheels and tires holds well when corning. Over all i feel good about the car for the money i spent. However if when i'm ready for another car if certain things aren't changed i think i'd go to toyota (lexus)
Very unhappy
I have had my maxima for quite some time now and I'm just experiencing the problems. I now have to replace my transmission, which seems to be a common problem with this car. And the transmission is very expensive. We are trying to find a cheaper route than the 4,000 price the transmission company is charging. But before the transmission I didn't have any problems. I think its quite unfair that EVERYONE is having the same problem with their car. That means its a problem in the manufacturing of this vehicle..And to think I was going to consider getting another maxima! I dont think so! not a good buy!
Be aware
My Maxima started having major electrical problems at 5500 miles. The seat and steering wheel move on their own when using the unlock button on the remote control on a random basis when the remote is assigned to one of the memory positions. Nissan claims that this is normal since 3 brand new Maximas on the dealership's lot do this too. The exterior mirrors move out of position on their own while the vehicle is in operation and occassionally when the remote is used. This vehicle is in violation of my state's lemon law, the Magnuson Moss Warranty Act and US Commercial Code, legal action is currently being taken against Nissan.
Maxima SE Fully Loaded
This is the best performance sedan to buy. The 5-speed auto is great and the 6-speed is awesome. The engine growl sounds sweet during its breath-taking accelerations. It has plenty of features not known to this class. For example, a heated steering wheel. This car is great!
Great Performer
Bought car new in '05, SE model. 5 sp. Auto-completely loaded. 4 Yrs later now I have 50k miles. Right off the top I have to say the acceleration is very impressive-WOW! Starts strong off the line and keeps pulling & pulling & pulling. Great Torque, & little torque steer. A couple things though. I have the sun roof in it and it developed some squeaks after about 4 mos; took into the dealer 4X, they never could figure it out. They thought it was the headliner and installed a new one but still has the squeaks, I am certain its the sunroof. Finally gave up on that. Has 18" wheels, handles wonderful, All power equipment still working fine. Has developed a couple other squeaks-annoying.
Disappointed
I purchased my 2005 Nissan Maxima with 13 miles on it. It has a very sporty look to it however, I don't like the fact that when you get into it you have to be very careful not to bump your head as you enter the car because it sits low. When you pay good money for a car the chrome should not tarnish from washing the car. I experience a groan and/or moan sound when I make a left turn with the steering wheel and have no idea what that is. Of course everytime I take it in they say they do not hear it. I would not recommend a Nissan to anybody and I will never purchase a Nissan again. The sad part is that I owned an Nissan Exteria and it made the same groan noise when turning.
Our Maxima
We are in the Real Estate business with the most plastic individuals around. They all drive $70,000 vehicles and above. I have driven in and driven Mercedes, BMW and Lexus and I have to say I like our car more. The Maxima is more comfortable and handles as well and we bought it in December and I still am not tired of the look. The cabin is so comfortable even when I am the passenger and even better behind the wheel.
The Nice Max
The Maxima is one of the hottest cars on the road.Although critics say that you pay a premium price w/o a premium name plate,who cares about a name plate.Part of my attraction to the car is that not many 3.5 SE are on the road. I would take this car over a 3 series BMW any day of the week.The Maxima is one of the best "values" currently on the market.The only other car I would choose over the Maxima would be the Acura TL, but at $10,000 more, there is hardly any comparison in price to value. The reliability is unbelievable.I would challenge any car, BMW, Benz, Lexus included to a durability and relibility test.If you want nameplate get a BMW or Benz, want value buy a Maxima!
Transmission Problem
I see there are a few bad reviews for transmission problems. Unfortunately I have the same problem with my Maxima. At about 60k it started having problems with tranny slipping. I believe Nissan should own up to their faulty transmission. I have lost faith in Nissan now. Good luck Nissan cause you'll need it.
DO NOT BUY
Everything was great til 50k miles. I'm at 62k now and within the past year I had the transmission replaced twice (common jerking problem between 1st and 2nd gear), the AC works whenever it feels like it, window defroster takes forever to defrost, Cd changer keeps skipping, the telescopic steering wheel is wobbling. Recently my ABS started to come on everytime I press the brakes, and the ABS pump stays on constantly. From the reviews I've read it looks like another $2000 job to fix... oh, and did I mention I need new motormounts? Yeah, I was told that happens when they replace your transmission... All these issues and no recalls, only service bulletins...
Bad Buy!
Even though this car looks like a best buy in terms of price (even the newer models), this car will rip you apart in maintenance cost. All parts are 3 times as expensive as other cars in the category. Annual maintenance is about $1200 up 60000 miles and there after just pray to god! Your maintenance cost may go even upto $3000 / year. I have a Honda Odyssey bought at the same time as that of Maxima, but in terms of maintenance Odyssey has no major maintenance needs. In all I would say Nissan NO GO!
A+++++
this car is awesome. buy it! great styling, very powerful, and fun to drive. great all around. lots of interior room, excellent air conditioner.. what more could you ask for?
This car turns heads...
I have an 04 Onxy Drivers preferred package SE. I love everything about it. I looked at an Audi, Lexus, Acura, etc. and this wins hands down. For the money it's one of the best cars on the road. I see myself driving this car for many, many years. They could have put a little more thought into some of the cheap plastic parts in the interior but the performance and styling more than make up for it. Overall grade - A+.
Best Maxima Ever
Absolutely the best Maxima Nissan has built! I have owned 10 Nissan/Datsuns, this being the 4th Max and I love it. It's got luxury, sport, speed, handling and style. I could afford the higher end nameplates (I looked at a Jag S- type & E-class Benz), but choose to stick with the Maxima. Not only did I save a little money, but in my opinion, got a better car. I will continue to buy Nissan (maybe Infiniti, too) for many years. I recommend Nissan to anyone who is in the market for a new or used vehicle.
Junk Car, Stay Away from Nissan.
Bought Brand new from dealership. Like interior and exterior but quality is bad. Coolant leaks cost $400 and Timing Chain also went bad $1500. A coworker had Frontier pick up also had the same problem. Google on Nissan cars and trucks with V6, it seems like common problem. Never heard timing chain replace before. Had 2004 Corolla with 162,000 miles and still running like brand new. Go with Toyota or Honda and forget nissan.
Same Problems
I have had this car for the past 5 years and its been very expensive. The same problems over and over again. The transmission gave up, the Ac doesn't work, timing belt has to be replaced. I am a teacher and I'm broke. I have to drive 40 miles every day hoping this car doesn't break on me. I replaced the transmission already but now there is another noise. I need a refund on this car. It is not good quality and its leaving a lot of us broke during these hard times.
Smooth, Muscular, Stylish Power
This car is an amazing value. Luxury features, powerful 265hp V6, smooth automatic transmission (which you can shift yourself if you like), a unique muscular look, huge 18" performance tires and wheels (I could go on and on about how cool this car is!) Compare it with a Toyota Avalon and see that you get more for a lot less money.