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Expensive Nissan Maxima repairs by problem area

Engine (38%)

Transmission and Drivetrain (16%)

Brakes and Traction Control (6%)

Suspension and Steering (24%)

Electrical and Air Conditioning (12%)

Paint, Rust, Leaks, Rattles, and Trim (3%)

Other (2%)

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Chart based on 178 repairs.

See TSBs and recalls for the Nissan Maxima.

Nissan Maxima repair cost distribution

$2500+ (18%)

$1000 - $2499 (82%)

$500 - $999 (0%)

$100 - $499 (0%)

< $100 (0%)

Worried about potential repair costs? An extended warranty can provide peace of mind.

Chart based on 118 repair trips. The repair cost chart excludes repairs made under warranty, do-it-yourself repairs, and repair trips that include maintenance.

39000 mi

US $1200

All 4 tires replaced including alignment and balancing. Trim piece came loose and had to be replaced.

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133000 mi

US $1000

Hole in exhaust pipe from rust. Had to replace both mufflers as well.

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43400 mi C $600	Car was purchased pre-owned, parking brake did not work when purchased. Repaired.
67580 mi C $1220	Left rear wheel bearing was noisy, both rear wheel bearings replaced. Clunking sound from rear of car when going over speed bumps, sway bar links replaced.

78000 mi US $550	Passenger-side, rear bearing became noisy.
90000 mi US $950	A dead battery on a hot day had me bring to shop, expecting a simple replacement. Dealer diagnosed a bad diode (of three?) in alterator leading to OV and liekly premature failure for new battery. Learned that in order to repalce alternator it is required to remove AC compressor (!!!!). Online research showed this to be true, so went ahead with whole package. The dealer has treated me will in past, so am choosing to not doubt diagnosis.
100000 mi US $500	Noisy Left Front Wheel bearing.
106000 mi US $1100	Failed Power STeering Pump. COld weatehr suspected
112000 mi US $500	My car is a wheel bearing lemon

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73160 mi C $1200	Front bearings were replaced, both wheels. Repaired both front wheel bearings.
103540 mi C $540	Brake pads

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91000 mi US $2200	Clunking noise coming from front end. Replaced both front strut assemblies, both sway bar end links, both lower control arms and a front end alignment
128000 mi US $750	Torn boot on driver’s side axel
130000 mi US $300	Replaced rear pads and rotors

90300 mi US $550	Controller to lock drive side door stopped working. could not open or close door lock with key fob.
168000 mi US $2000	Replaced alternator
185000 mi US $2000	Cam sensors replaced Engine light went off to alert of failure

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121520 mi C $400	Change plugs, fix leaky rear valve cover. Reduced leak, but still there.
124000 mi C $138	CVT loud whine. 400km ext. warr left,off to dealer. 1st tech says alternator??? (back2schooltime) 3 more techs check vehicle. Service manager & techs now say engine oil filter. Oil+ Nissan filter, whine completely gone. Next full CVT flush
144460 mi C $1573	Replace timing chains, guides, tensioners, sprockets, waterpump

67700 mi US $600	Oil pan gasket was leaking along with the oil cooler. Also, air filter, cabin filters and alignment was performed.
81700 mi US $1100	ABS Sensors and Actuator replaced because they were no longer functioning Timing chains were rattling

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43000 mi US $2550	Several problems: Needed rebuilt transmission @ 40,000 miles. Paid for by Nissan under original warranty. Front end needed rebuilding: wheel bearing, tie rods $2250.00 paid for by extended warranty. Gear shift interlock had to be replaced.
43700 mi US $200	Sunroof would not slide back

73000 mi

US $3000

Transmission shifted hard

62000 mi

US $4000

Front Motor mounts replaced at 62,500 miles and transmission problems all in one week. Out of warranty - took problem up with Nissan and they could not care less. Have owned Nissans for 20 years but will never buy again.

40000 mi US $375	Goodyear tyre blew up due to some damage on the inner wall. After couple of weeks of argument with Goodyear, dealer never accepted to replace, so paid for the replacement. 2005 models had a recall on tyres.
48000 mi US $275	Back Brake sensor died. Had to replace it. Cost - $275.
94000 mi US $500	Under side of the driver side carriage rusted. Replace it with new sheet metal. All of a sudden, come this spring, heat goes up in NJ for a week, my Maxima stops to blow cool air. It is not blowing hot air either. AC vent is throwing somewhat cooler air compared to 87Deg outside.
95200 mi US $100	AC was out of charge. After recharging, it seems to be OK, not need to see if it can hold up until next summer.
102000 mi US $1200	Struts were rumbling. When opened for repair it was found that Wheel bearing, Tie rod ends, Torsion bars were damaged. Initial estimate of $200 for labor (I had purchased Struts), finally went to $1200 including all of the above.
104000 mi US $350	Ac stopped working and O-ring on the compressor was replaced to engage the belt drive with the compressor.
108000 mi US $1900	Timing guide was worn out causing lot of. Chain noise.

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108000 mi US $1165	Passenger side was flickering, replaced both HIDs myself ($80 ea). Needed to remove front fascia to access headlamp assemblies to change bulbs. Changed fogs and turn signals while I had them off. Both pre-catalytic converters were replaced. Front one was mostly plugged, rear one still looked okay. Neither had begun to disintegrate.
131400 mi US $800	Replaced all timing chain guides and main tensioner (main guide and tensioner had failed, as is common on the 04+ FWD VQ35DEs. :(). Replaced water pump while the timing cover was off. Replaced all three engine mounts--front and rear "torque mounts" were completely shot, (rubber destroyed) permitting excessive engine movement. Side engine mount was worn, but still functioning nicely.
141000 mi US $800	Replaced struts on all 4 corners, all spring perches/rests. Shock absorbers were completely toast in the rear and mostly dead at the front. Springs should be okay for another 140,000 miles. Handling is now sublime! Replaced both rear wheel hubs. Bearings were fine, rust had accumulated in the hubs causing ABS wheel speed sensor failure. (Expensive, ouch). Sensors are useless now, must be replaced at a later date. Drilled larger drain holes per TSB. ABS sensors were detecting erratic wheel speeds, causing ABS to kick on in dry conditions at light braking levels. Super dangerous. Hubs had rusty sludge inside, ruined ABS sensors. Known problem, Nissan has TSB. Cut fuse to disable.
148000 mi US $2000	Replaced catalytic converters and O2 sensors to fix a P0420 failure in the pre-cat.
150000 mi US $600	ABS actuator failed, attempted fixes made by replacing both rear ABS sensors.
153000 mi US $800	ABS actuator failed in October of 2014, this was the final attempted fix--replaced one of the replacement wheel hubs that had a bad "tone ring" preventing the wheel's replacement ABS sensor from working.

174000 mi US $1000	Ac compressor clutch seized Clutch master cylinder leaked replaced both master and slave
187000 mi US $800	Timing chain and guide replacement

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95000 mi

US $1600

ABS Modulator replaced Left rear wheel bearing replaced, spacer replaced.

136000 mi

US $1500

front air dam spoiler keeps falling off

US $4000

Slipping Transmission

64600 mi US $1000	This year/model are notorious for trans problems. Slam shift issue caused by a faulty (factory) valve body. Fix is found by replacing valve body with an aftermarket version.
70000 mi US $500	Stuck caliper caused damage to one rear rotor. Had to replace caliper, pads and rotor.

79000 mi US $330	Replaced both headlights for a 2005 nissan maxima. The bulb was a projection bulb costing $115 apiece. Took 1 hour of labor at $120/h.
109000 mi US $1500	Wheel bearing, knuckle, and spindle were rusted and had to be replaced.

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75000 mi US $500	Replaced struts. Replaced front axle boot due to leakage of right boot, rotors were resurfaced.
86000 mi US $477	Service engine soon sensors needed replacement.
107000 mi US $600	IVT Solenoid - 2 "Check engine light" came on and prompted these changes.
111000 mi US $1300	The car was making a loud noise during driving. Upon inspection at the repair shop, it was found to need, 2 motor mounts, NS new drive axle.
118000 mi US $900	The air vent motors were replaced.
119000 mi US $800	Brakes, and rotors Repaired a hose.

180000 mi

US $1000

There was a problem with the variable valve timing sensor and it needed to be replaced. Spark plugs also replaced, oil change. Leaky radiator hose.

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161820 mi C $275	Replace catalytic converter sensors.
169260 mi C $2200	We had 2 CV axles replaced at a cost of $2200.00 with NAPA parts at the dealer.
172360 mi C $1400	Replaced timing chain
198400 mi C $1200	Replaced timing chain.

159000 mi US $1800	tie-rod ends and ball joints worn out
166000 mi US $350	Strut mount bolt broke causing tire to fall to ground pulling axle out .
154500 mi US $344	Right front wheel would pull sharply to the right intermittently. Replaced ball joint. Oil leak

22000 mi US $300	front strut broken, and warranty ended two weeks before. Nissan agreed to reimburse cost.
38000 mi US $350	Low pressure air conditioning hose needed replacing due to leak in hose.
42000 mi US $640	motor mounts had failed and needed replacing
43500 mi US $650	Dealer replaced both engine mounts
66000 mi US $900	right front strut worn out- replaced both struts
76000 mi US $1300	Timing chain was rubbing on guides. Dealer suggested replacing guides, and at the same time the timing chain. Kept car for 3 days, but gave me a new loaner. Repair successful and completely satisfactory.

260000 mi US $812	CV shaft replaced, right side passenger. Battery and brake lights came on.
266000 mi US $1700	ABS control system was replaced.

171000 mi US $300	Replaced master cylinder soft brake pedal
205400 mi US $1100	replaced the valve body in the transmission
214000 mi US $300	replaced passenger window motor and regulator

79388 mi US $2195	Have had a rattling noise since 35,000 miles (Nissan dealers have proved unhelpful). Upon removing the cover to replace the main tensioner, it was determined that an internal gasket had failed thus restricting oil flow. Inner timing cover was replaced.
109000 mi US $400	Replaced two wheel bearings, one front, one rear, and repaired a minor oil leak. Engine oil cooler cracked and leaking. Replaced.

60000 mi US $6000	Completely replaced transmission due to faulty transmission for this year and model.
91000 mi US $2300	replaced actuator in driver control panel. Front struts
91000 mi US $2100	Motor for front driver window failing Oil leak power steering leak and parts worn

139000 mi

US $2100

Oil leaks all over! And power steering hose busted.

123000 mi US $1400	rt rear wheel bearing
140000 mi US $130	recharged air conditioning. Included dye in coolant to help ID the slow leak.
157000 mi US $135	Replaced motor, window front left door. Window slow & stalled. First try dismantled and lubed window track. Improved, but motor died 3 days later. Time to repair 20 min research, 20 min to lube, 1.5 hr get parts with 20 min install motor.

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98000 mi US $150	replaced radiator fan
103000 mi US $150	Replaced radiator due to a leak.
107000 mi US $500	replaced wheel bearing
109000 mi US $1800	replaced 4 struts replaced alternator
114000 mi US $1200	Replaced driver side wheel bearing both lower control arms replaced

111000 mi US $500	Catalyst back muffler
112000 mi US $1200	New struts at all four corners, new lower control arms, all installed.
114000 mi US $2500	oil pan and filter o ring replaced ECM reprogram per hesitation TSB
118000 mi US $1900	Front Radiator support rusted out high pressure fuel pump hoses plus new engine mounts
121000 mi US $800	Crankshaft pulley and idler pulley replacement.

110300 mi US $600	Car was jerking when getting on/off the gas, and making a clunking noise when going over bumps. Engine subframe/radiator support rusted through. Mechanic cut away rusted bits and welded new steel in. Car was jerking when getting on/off the gas, and making a clunking noise when going over bumps. Engine subframe/radiator support rusted through. Mechanic cut away rusted bits and welded new steel in.
117000 mi US $850	Right tie rod replaced Sway bar end links replaced Right control arm replaced
123000 mi US $270	SRS light on dashboard started flashing. Entered diagnostics mode, and got one long flash followed by 6 short flashes. Looked up code and it indicates a problem with the front crash zone sensor. Wiring harness checked, sensor replaced.
123000 mi US $1000	Front left brake caliper seized. Mechanic was able to rebuild, charged 1 hour of labor. Muffler rusted out, needed to be replaced. Heat shield loose and rattling.

213000 mi US $1340	Replace ABS sensor
214400 mi US $245	Replace L/F axle seal
218000 mi US $450	Replace radiator, cap and coolant

147000 mi

US $1100

right control arm rnsuspension replaced, front brake pads

44640 mi

C $1500

Extensive brake work, including calipers.

90000 mi US $900	Replaced the Map Sensor
115000 mi US $2000	Replaced Clutch and Fly Wheel
125000 mi US $500	Replaced Mass Airflow Sensor

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127300 mi

US $1200

Electronic motor mount malfunctioned and sent a surge of electricity to the computer and fried it. The car was still running but smelled like something was in fire.

124000 mi C $1300	required and overdue maintenance, fixed a leak in cooling system.
125240 mi C $500	O2 sensor replaced
132460 mi C $400	replaced tierod end.

111000 mi

US $1800

NOTICED ANTIFREEZE LEAKING FROM ENGINE, HOSES INTACT. REAR HUB BEARING VERY NOISY. FRONT BRAKES SQUEALING UPON STOPPING. replaced broken throttle mechanism, replaced water pump, replaced rear driver side hub bearing, front brake pads & turned rotors

69440 mi C $8780	check engine light on - coil saturated with oil - cylinder not firing- replaced valve covers and all 6 sparkplugs
70060 mi C $1035	replaced all 6 coils

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117000 mi

US $2200

Transmission started slipping on all gears and needed replacement. First major issue I've ever had with this car.

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164000 mi US $200	I replaced the rear sensor first alittle while ago because that went out and I knew that the other ones were going to go soon and a week before I was planning to replace them one went out and I just replaced both.
168000 mi US $215	starter motor stopped working when at work, but i was drivin to a parts store and replaced it in the Parking lot
187000 mi US $3103	Car was overheating and lacking power. They said it was a blown head gasket so they replaced the head gasket, the timing chain, the chain tensioner, and the radiator. they didnt charge for the radiator

135000 mi US $3100	Intake Valve Timing Control, Bank 1
135800 mi US $300	Blower motor and resistor

84620 mi US $640	Dealer replaced gas tank evaporator valve. Was setting off CEL.
85670 mi US $320	Dealer replaced thermostat. Car was not warming up properly.
94700 mi US $1100	Clutch, Flywheel, and Engine Mounts replaced due to wear. Replaced with Stage 2 clutch, aluminum flywheel, and urethane mounts. Labor was $450
96000 mi US $680	The rear valve cover gasket was leaking oil into the ignition coils and caused coil on cylinder #5 to fail. Rear valve cover gasket was replaced as well as ignition coil on cylinder #5. The spark plugs were also replaced at this time.
97300 mi US $240	Alternator was intermittently ceasing to function causing a sudden loss in power. Serpentine Belt replaced because of slippage. Alternator grounds and plug were corroded. Cleaned lubricated and reinstalled.
95300 mi US $250	Passanger rear caliper was sticking in freezing weather. Replaced and bled caliper.
108200 mi US $780	Throwout bearing failed making the car impossible to shift and making a loud squealing. Pressure plate was damaged. New sachs clutch kit installed. Car drives better much than with performance clutch.
114000 mi US $300	Replaced Front Rotors due to harsh vibration, rear rotors warped as well due to sticky calipers. Rear pads replaced at the same time. MAF Sensor
114000 mi US $400	Spark plugs fouled from driving with failed maf

76880 mi

$3500

transmision failed, transmission replaced with fairly used. but i was told that my fuel pump needs to be replaced becouse the engine goes off at times and sometime its takes time to start and when it does the transmision stays on fifth shift

110000 mi US $1900	Clutch disc and pressure plate failure including failure of throw-out bearing. Factory flywheel anti-slip disc damaged. Replaced clutch disc,pressure plate and flywheel with performance replacement parts. 2 worn engine mounts were replaced.
116100 mi US $150	High pressure power steering hose was replaced. Part was not oem nissan part. Steering pump unfortunately still buzzes but does not leak anymore. Recommendation made to use OEM part next time.

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158000 mi US $950	Front right wheel hub bearing was worn out. U-joint boot was discovered to be torn. Replaced wheel bearing, axle, and boot.
158000 mi US $118	HID headlight failed; replaced both with Philips HID bulbs.
158800 mi US $1475	Replaced all four shock/struts and aligned.
163000 mi US $113	Replaced intake air control valve to correct code P1800.
169000 mi US $161	Transmission shifts from 1 to 2 were sometimes very hard, and were getting worse. Had Valvoline do a complete transmission flush and the transmission works like new again.

107260 mi

C $2000

steering rack leaking and tie rod end and right lower ball joint

158720 mi C $165	Replacer lower oil pan
168640 mi C $2100	Had to replace the suspension system for the first time ever. Surprised original asted so long.

225000 mi

US $2000

Service Engine Soon light stays on. Engine stalls occasionally when at stop light/signs, even when driving (all dashboard lights flash) then shuts down (placing in neutral to re-start), pressing gas too quickly sometimes causes stall

104000 mi US $1709	Transmission slipage noticed, went to shop to get checked out. Had to rebuild automatic trans, slip between 2nd and 3rd gear.
108000 mi US $225	"evap sensor"(?) out had to be replaced

93200 mi US $600	Went in for brakes and found a bad strut
94000 mi US $600	Had radiator fluid changed, seem on radiator started leaking after flush.
112500 mi US $2000	Oil leaks.

130000 mi US $100	Mechanic noticed a radiator leak; replaced the radiator.
145000 mi US $490	Shaking when braking. Inner Tie Rods had play.
171000 mi US $1300	New catalytic converter, oil filter housing replacement, o2 sensor.

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82000 mi

US $800

Check Engine light came on - replaced MAF. 1 week later got CEL and that was for IACV. Replaced IACv and throttle idle was erratic and stayed about 2200rpm. Had to replace engine computer. Check Engine Light came on, diagnosed as O2 sensors in engine bay (left) and exhaust (post cat).

119000 mi

US $4500

Series of repair trips because car would not start then would stall when shift to park. Replaced idle control motor, wiring harness, main computer because wiring had shorted, and finally alternator and battery.

98000 mi US $600	Head Gasket Leak and Power Steering Reservoir leak 3 sensors needed to be replaced Starter went out second time
98000 mi US $1500	Main engine seal leak Power Steering leak

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55800 mi C $230	Replaced failed alternator
58900 mi C $2700	Differential bearing failed, required new differential and other parts to be replaced.
65100 mi C $700	Driver side transmission leak at driver shaft. Replaced shaft, and seal and shimmed bearing.
71300 mi C $500	Replaced failed alternator, and tension pulley. Also cracked windshield replaced.
78400 mi C $500	Replaced suspension strut, and spark plugs
79440 mi C $120	Replaced starter motor and battery.
89900 mi C $600	Replace strut Replaced MAF sensor

86800 mi C $467	Left Front Lower Ball Joint/Control Arm worn - replaced. Driver's side power window switch intermittent operation. Requires new switch - $302+TAX. Decided not to repair.
92780 mi C $1000	alternator bracket broke - alternator stopped charging battery, and bounced around inside the engine compartment damaging other components. All damage repaired.

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139300 mi US $1145	Replaced radiator and two thermo heat sensors?-i think that what they were called
143000 mi US $525	i had the resonator, pipes and muffler replaced
146000 mi US $580	I had to replace the starter and the battery
148600 mi US $860	had to replace the tie rod ends on the left front and some other steering issues also the CV boot

166000 mi

US $1100

AC repair, about $600. Struts replaced, about $500.

103000 mi US $600	Replaced left front wheel bearing and hub assembly.
116000 mi US $315	replaced failed transmission revolution sensor
124000 mi US $375	Replaced leaking valve cover gaskets
133000 mi US $1100	replaced motor mounts
136300 mi US $885	code P1320 stored. Distributor signal interrupt. Replaced all 6 coil packs.
150000 mi US $140	replaced original radiator after it burst
166000 mi US $263	P0305 Cylinder 5 misfire; replaced #5 coil pack

171000 mi US $300	Control arm bushing needed to be replaces? Some kind of bushing involved in steering was cracked.
175000 mi US $1390	Replaced rear structs. Replaced lower control arm. Replaced sway bar link. Four wheel alignment.
183200 mi US $1100	Replaced both rear brake calipers. They were too rusted to keep on the car. Replaced starter which was failing intermittently.

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154000 mi

US $1200

The air intake valve failed and electronic control unit failed at the same time. I am installing a new intake valve and a rebuilt ECU.

77300 mi US $288	Exhaust system from catalytic converter back replaced with new pipes and muffler. Resonator eliminated. Repair made @ 74,329 mi on 5/29/11. Forgot to report.
88000 mi US $290	leaking hose from master cylinder to clutch slave cylinder replaced. Also found leaking seal on L. drive axle and that clutch master cylinder was also faulty. Delays because of ordering parts and issues w/bleeding system.
96000 mi US $500	made aware of cv joint problem by leak on boot on left drive shaft. I had right intermediate CV joint replaced as well as left one and the alternator which had failed
100000 mi US $2960	unresolved half shaft leak led to the ruin of the transmission. Transmission was totally rebuilt. Since it was a 5 speed manual they only had one person to work on the car and then on a part time basis,hence the long time in the shop
104500 mi US $450	Front bank catalytic converter had failed and was replaced
126700 mi US $450	All struts were shot and needed to be replaced.
127000 mi US $453	Left Fr caliper failed and damaged the rotor also. Both Fr rotors, pads and calipers were replaced. The rear brakes were also replaced (pads, calipers, rotor). Left Fr brake hose was also replaced and the brake lines were bled.
128243 mi US $485	idle air control valve failed preventing the car from idling; it would die if the engine wasn't kept above 1000 rpm.
130000 mi US $135	experiencing very poor performance from the engine above 3500 rpms and had coil packs replaced.

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167400 mi

C $1000

Replaced bearing Holes in exhaust MAP and O2 Replaced Ebrake Cable

41540 mi C $200	RR caliper - seized causing brake to drag and hub to overheat
44020 mi C $1070	Replaced struts, shocks, upper bearings
46180 mi C $318	Alternator failed and was replaced.
50840 mi C $1003	Had new exhaust system fabricated at hot rod shop. Considerably cheaper than Nissan OEM or aftermarket parts. Front exhaust tube assembly is $1200. Replacement cost of the full exhaust system would have been well over $2000 just for parts.
50840 mi C $325	Alternator replaced. Second time within one year.

165000 mi US $1050	Bank 2 catalytic converter below 50% efficiency. Mechanic said catalytic element was already dislodged.
170000 mi US $500	Started with P0505 (Intake Air Control Valve). After replacing, had high idle/surging problems. Took car to dealer who diagnosed faulty ECU and quoted $1,200. I took it to another mechanic who adjusted throttle which solved problem.
177000 mi US $180	Starter went bad. Warning light: oxygen sensor High Voltage (Bank 1, Sensor 2)

113300 mi US $1097	Replaced all six ignition coils. Also speedometer head unit was not registering speed or miles driven. It took 3 weeks to get repaired.
118000 mi US $250	starter went out. I replaced the starter.

74000 mi US $1800	Hood struts gradually failed, and would not hold hood in up position. They were replaced with after markets struts by the dealer Power steering rack showed a sign of failure (leak), rubber bushings in front control arms were significantly cracked - not separate part - both front control arms & power steering rack replaced. Front alignment therefore needed.
81000 mi US $1117	Replaced all 4 original factory struts and strut bumpers.
89500 mi US $417	replace one motor mount (2nd replacement since vehicle new)
98000 mi US $1818	Engine control module and idle control system had to be replaced by dealer, as Nissan diagnostic tools and reprogramming were required.
101200 mi US $307	Radiator leaking & was replaced rear strut badly leaking hood struts not functional lower control arm bushings failed

107260 mi C $2700	ECU ICV idle control motor
146320 mi C $800	exhaust replaced which included Y pipe, Catalytic converter and resonator. Repaired joint in pipe between resonator and muffler. Muffler still ok.
147560 mi C $670	Front strut bar links replaced.Left side lower control arm including ball joint and inner tie rod replaced. 4 Wheel alignment completed.
166160 mi C $200	Radiator was leaking. Replaced radiator and both upper and lower rad hoses. Approx 2 hours Refilled with new anti freeze premixed 50 /50
171120 mi C $4500	Replaced front and rear struts for the first time.
172960 mi C $200	Replaced the front and rear motor mounts.
179800 mi C $550	Replace alternator and belt

151280 mi C $1000	Idle Air Controller Valve died, shorting out the ECM.
151900 mi C $236	Struts needed replacing
154160 mi C $170	Camshaft position sensor on Bank A
159960 mi C $100	Needed new CV axle Sway bar links needed replacing
167500 mi C $150	Radiator fan assembly replaced, both fans didn't work

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120000 mi

US $1000

Engine light code said catalytic converter. Repair shop said I needed the central converter. Cost $1000. Repaired. Two days later light came back on. New code has several versions (1 said O2 sensor, other front catalytic conver, other reset light)

75020 mi

C $1000

cloking sound coming off the front,,,,strut mount was dead.

161000 mi

US $1000

Alternator blew, 2nd one in two years. MANY other electrical problems over the last 2 years.

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174800 mi

US $1400

Synchros shot to hell. Frequently couldn't shift. Replaced with rebuilt transmission. Driver side cv axle broken. Mechanic replaced.

80600 mi C $375	starter failed...not uncommon for this car with similar mileage
94220 mi C $400	refrigerant recharge.
102300 mi C $400	Alternator stator seized - no warning light - which drained the battery. Both battery and alternator were replaced.
117180 mi C $1000	Tie rods, control arms, CV boot, alignment
118980 mi C $300	Leaking cluch master cylinder replaced.
117180 mi C $1400	clutch and hydraulics

153000 mi US $400	Replace hydraulic line between clutch master cylinder and clutch slave cylinder to fix leak. Replace fluid and bleed system. A/C system not blowing cold. System re-charged.
155000 mi US $400	Replace starter motor
158000 mi US $1500	Whining sound from engine, replaced A/C compressor. Air bag light on, replaced sensor in passenger side seatbelt. Also replaced alternator, since it was out.
159000 mi US $380	Replace radiator after top tank split
163000 mi US $150	Replace idler pulley on serpentine belt
165000 mi US $450	Replace evap canister due to emissions code.
180 mi US $700	Replace starter
182000 mi US $1070	Engine missing, CEL illuminated. Diagnosed as bad coil pack. Replaced 6 coil packs and spark plugs.

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144000 mi US $1000	ac compresser failed
163000 mi US $161	poor starting - ignition good, fuel regulator looked good. Mech found bulletin poor grounding cause hard interm. starting. updated grounding system. seems to have fixed it. 1.25 hrs (did not charge for all time spent investigating)

115000 mi US $370	Radiator developed leak.
139200 mi US $266	Replaced power window motor.
142000 mi US $650	Replaced AC compressor, drier, serpentine belt and other associated parts. Replaced CV joints (both sides). Replaced one front wheel bearing.
143000 mi US $480	Replaced front motor mount
145200 mi US $670	Harmonic balancer came apart.
151000 mi US $150	Leaky ps hose

108500 mi

C $1150

i have changed the drive axle

129000 mi US $750	Both axles were cracked, causing wear to tire tread unevenly on the inside. Both Axles were replaced.
122000 mi US $1200	there were several leaks around the engine and in the fuel pressure switch.
136000 mi US $110	sunroof popped open and had to be forced close manually by detaching the motor.

191000 mi US $100	Rear deck rattled with factory Bose sub woofer. Applied sound insulation to entire deck and sub woofer mounts as well as inside seat belt mounts.
217000 mi US $100	Starter replaced
220700 mi US $350	Both front struts and strut mounts and lower control arms replaced
223000 mi US $2800	Automatic transmission replaced with new one from Nissan, rear main seal replaced

206000 mi US $1300	Ball joint replacement; new tires
211000 mi US $1000	Automatic transmission went out at 211,000 miles. Started making noises - still shifts fine. Metal shavings were found in the transmission pan so I went ahead and replaced the transmission with a used unit.

49800 mi US $500	Replaced all six ignition coils. Dealer refused to replace them under warranty, although this is a well-known problem with 5th-gen Maximas.
80200 mi US $661	Replaced the starter motor. Also replaced the MAF (Air Flow) sensor. This sensor has been bad for a while, perhaps from 72k miles or so ... (car would not idle when shifting into N while coasting to lights).
97210 mi US $349	The EGR pipe was replaced. It cracked under hard acceleration in a tight right-hand turn. I now suspect this was because the right engine mount was getting weak ....
106235 mi US $900	Replaced the leaking radiator. Since the car was already in the shop, had them also replace the brake pads (F+R) and AT fluid.
117000 mi US $1840	The problem: clunks from the front end, mainly passenger side. Solution: replaced front struts, control arms, wheel bearings, sway bar links, sway bar bushings, and axles/CVs. Car drives much better but some clunks persist.
117200 mi US $200	Another trip to solve the clunking from front passeneger side. Thanks to maxima.org, suspected the right engine mount. Replaced the mount and both belts (AC+PS). The car now drives like new! to eliminate a persistent clunk, replaced the passenger-side engine mount
126000 mi US $370	The Bose main unit (receiver/CD failed completely. The CD was broken for a while but now the unit lost power and all functions. I paid a local Audio shop to $370 to replace it with an Alpine receiver/amp/CD.
132000 mi US $2300	Both pre-cats had to be replaced because the CAT monitor were "incomplete" - this is a new law in California
134200 mi US $165	Replaced both rear struts. Did the work myself, parts cots was $165 from RockAuto.com.

140000 mi

US $2000

3rd gear was slipping. Needed to have transmission rebuilt.

172000 mi

US $1060

New strut & ball joint at driver side front. Front align and balance. Also, new flex pipe needed for pre-catalytic converter.

141000 mi US $240	One cylinder not working. Solenoid replaced. Radiator top cracked, promoted leaking when hot. Mechanic noticed while testing the car after repair of the first problem. Radiator top replaced.
149000 mi US $1306	Speed sensor. Thermostat. Shock absorbers.
161000 mi US $400	Check engine light turn on, diagnostic suggested replacement of oxygen sensor. Two were replaced. Computer reset, check engine back within a week. Shop claims that before re setting the computer indicated to replace the speed sensor.
163000 mi US $225	Second oxygen sensor replace, speed sensor also replace. Engine light turn off after resetting it and has not come back as of today. also seems to have corrected a problem with the transmission been idle.
169000 mi US $240	Front wheels suspension system components needed to be replaced car aligned.
172000 mi US $100	While driving the car, I sometimes felt it slide as when one speeds in a corner. The mechanic found the front passenger side ball joint was loose and needed replacement.
176000 mi US $135	Power steering fluid leaking. Found the a broken hose. Hose was replaced.
193000 mi US $210	Driver side front wheel bearing needed to be replace. Making bothersome noise at high speed.
197000 mi US $115	The AC cooling fan did not work.
200000 mi US $170	Radiator' plastic enclosure broke while on the highway, engine overheated. Radiator was not original but a replacement due to the original' enclosure also leaked but not as bad as the replacement.
213000 mi US $204	Car would hesitate when idle. Suspected the spark plugs needed replacement but after replacing them, the problem continued. Had to replace the ignition coil number 4 to fix the problem.

120000 mi US $140	Starter
128000 mi US $280	Alternator
13000 mi US $300	Brakes: pads, rotors, or drums, repair
140000 mi US $230	CV axles
146000 mi US $1700	Transmission started shifting weird, suddenly started grinding gears and smelling like burnt fluid. came to a stop in the middle of the road and had to be towed. Inside pieces of trans broke, would require complete rebuild.

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145000 mi

US $1200

Replaced catalytic converter.

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112000 mi

US $5000

Radiator Support Mount Rusted out- Needed to be replaced Front/Back Struts needed replacement CV Joint and CV axle New Muffler and exhaust pipe- Rusted out the old one Transmission Pan - replaced

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115000 mi US $2000	I have replaced both rear rotors and pads, also left rear caliper was seized and it was replaced. front stabilizer links were also replaced. the car was in frontal collision in december and the hood, front right fender, right headlight...
122000 mi US $550	All 4 shocks were replaced with all mountng hardware, also the fuel filter was replaced

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128000 mi US $2500	Bearing on gearbox to air conditioning from serpentine belt was failing (found ball bearings in garage, heard horrible grinding sound when car was running). Nissan design prevented repair without replacing air conditioning. INSANE Air conditioning/heating fan was failing. Replaced. Fog lamps - one casing broken, wanted $200+ to replace. Replaced light bulb in other casing, didn't work, wanted $90 diagnostic fee to troubleshoot, gave them the bulb back.
151000 mi US $500	Starter died. Replaced Starter. Also had large sections of clearcoat on the front left panel peel. Touched up, but almost immediately peeled off again.
144700 mi US $1500	Tie rod ends, struts, rods Engine mounts
173300 mi US $600	Radiator blew during drive home, replaced radiator, water pump, hoses, thermostat
187000 mi US $600	Fault code and flashing check engine light, car sputtered and struggled to maintain speed. Replaced #5 coil pack.

101680 mi C $727	two front axles replaced. Had cracked boots. Replace both sway bar end links Replaced Axle assemblies(2)$379.55(parts) $281.47(labour)
106020 mi C $478	Replace alternator/water pump belt, power steering belt, O2 sensor B1s2
111600 mi C $330	ignition coils and spark plugs
114080 mi C $1040	Alternator(245) Battery(140) Harmonic balancery-crank shaft pully(225) Crankshaft seal(25) shop supplies(10) + GST,PST
117490 mi C $200	Champion Rem. Starter (3 year warranty)

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105000 mi

US $1350

ABS right front sensor replaced (ABS light had come on). Starter replaced (it had failed completely).

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154000 mi US $1700	They said they replaced the expansion valve (again-this time with a genuine Nissan part-at my insistence) and lowered the coolant charge to less than the maximum. It has worked properly and quietly since then.
169000 mi US $400	Engine skipping; took it in, but not bad enough to determine where problem existed. When it got worse, took it in and shop replaced 2 coil packs. Problem lessened, then worsened until exactly as bad as before.
175000 mi US $1900	Fuel injection system cleaned; spark plugs replaced. Valve gaskets replaced. Rack and pinion replaced.
175000 mi US $936	Same problem of engine skipping, especially while idling. Replaced all 6 ignition coil packs and problem has not reappeared so far.
182300 mi US $780	Replaced upper and lower oil pan gaskets. Replaced oxygen sensor. Replaced rear engine mount.
188000 mi US $370	Harmonic balancer and belts.

180000 mi

US $1000

rusted muffler was replaced. parts and labor about $1000

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88040 mi C $187	Needed new muffler
88660 mi C $1700	A/C not working
89900 mi C $290	O2 sensors replaced

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131000 mi

US $1500

shock absorbers, rebuild front end of the car

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178000 mi US $1500	Transmission needs rebuild, car sidelined for a year.
178300 mi US $1600	Manual transmission would no longer shift; had to rebuild the synchro's. Cost about $1500 total, but is now running like a champ again!
187500 mi US $430	Replaced alternator.

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126480 mi

C $1200

Alternator had to be replaced, as well, exhaust and catalytic converter was replaced not because it was malfunctioning, but because it was old and mechanic recommended replacement of parts.

62000 mi US $400	cat back exhaust installed due to corrosion, with one O2 sensor.
63000 mi US $1200	exhaust system rusted through, replaced all components from y-pipe back to cat replaced two more 02 sensors

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See TrueDelta's information for all Sedans

See TrueDelta's information for all Nissan models.

Expensive Nissan Maxima repairs by problem area

Nissan Maxima repair cost distribution

2017 Nissan Maxima 4dr Sedan

2014 Nissan Maxima 4dr Sedan

2012 Nissan Maxima 4dr Sedan

2011 Nissan Maxima 4dr Sedan

2009 Nissan Maxima 4dr Sedan

2007 Nissan Maxima 4dr Sedan

2006 Nissan Maxima 4dr Sedan

2005 Nissan Maxima 4dr Sedan

2005 Nissan Maxima 4dr Sedan

2004 Nissan Maxima 4dr Sedan

2004 Nissan Maxima 4dr Sedan

2003 Nissan Maxima 4dr Sedan

2003 Nissan Maxima 4dr Sedan

2002 Nissan Maxima

2002 Nissan Maxima 4dr Sedan

2002 Nissan Maxima 4dr Sedan

2001 Nissan Maxima

2001 Nissan Maxima 4dr Sedan

2001 Nissan Maxima 4dr Sedan

2001 Nissan Maxima 4dr Sedan

2001 Nissan Maxima 4dr Sedan

2000 Nissan Maxima

2000 Nissan Maxima 4dr Sedan

2000 Nissan Maxima 4dr Sedan

2000 Nissan Maxima 4-door

1999 Nissan Maxima

1999 Nissan Maxima 4-door

1999 Nissan Maxima 4-door

1998 Nissan Maxima

1998 Nissan Maxima 4-door

1998 Nissan Maxima 4-door

1996 Nissan Maxima

1995 Nissan Maxima 4-door

1995 Nissan Maxima 4-door

Nissan Maxima Expensive Problems