Pre-purchase inspection checklist — 2004 Nissan Maxima
The 2004 Nissan Maxima presents some concerns, notably with power train issues leading among owner complaints. Other potential issues relate to tires and suspension. A limited number of recalls focus on seat wiring and sunroof glass quality. Buyers should check these areas carefully, keeping in mind that not every Maxima will exhibit these problems.
NHTSA data on file today
The 2004 Nissan Maxima has 2 NHTSA recall campaigns and 1,426 owner complaints on file as of . Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.
Recall campaigns on file
- NHTSA #05V512000 DRIVER SEAT POWER LUMBAR SUPPORT SWITCH NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #04V326000 NISSAN/SKYVIEW ROOF NHTSA notice
Most-cited components in owner complaints
- Power Train 934 complaints
- Tires 148 complaints
- Suspension 102 complaints
- Engine and Engine Cooling 70 complaints
- Service Brakes, Hydraulic 61 complaints
- Electrical System 56 complaints
Of the 1,426 complaints on file, 33 report a crash and 16 a fire; across all 1,426 complaints, owners report 30 injuries and 2 deaths (owner-reported, not verified by NHTSA).
Known issues to inspect
Transmission failure
How to check: Look for delayed shifting and strange noises during gear changes.
Suspension noise or failure
How to check: Inspect for unusual noises or rattling over bumps.
Engine cooling problems
How to check: Check for overheating or coolant leaks during inspection.
Brake system issues
How to check: Look for unusual resistance or noise in the brake pedal.
Electrical system failures
How to check: Test all electrical features for functionality.
Test-drive walkthrough
- 01
Cold start
What to check: Listen for unusual engine noises.
Red flag: Loud knocking or ticking sounds
- 02
First minute idling
What to check: Observe for any dashboard warning lights.
Red flag: Persistent or flashing warning lights
- 03
City driving
What to check: Monitor the transmission for smooth shifting.
Red flag: Hard or delayed shifts
- 04
Highway acceleration
What to check: Check for smooth, uninterrupted acceleration.
Red flag: Hesitation or stuttering at speed
- 05
Braking test
What to check: Feel for smooth brake pedal operation.
Red flag: Grinding noises or pedal vibration
- 06
Cornering
What to check: Listen for suspension noises on turns.
Red flag: Clunking or rattling sounds
- 07
Final idle
What to check: Watch the temperature gauge for overheating.
Red flag: Temperature rising into red zone
Questions for the seller
Use this exact phrasing.
- Has the transmission been replaced?
- Any suspension work recently done?
- Is there a history of overheating?
- Have the recalls been addressed?
- Are all electrical features working?
Documents to request
Don't sign anything until you have these.
- Service history
- Recall repair records
- Title and registration
- Accident history report
- Warranty information
Generated by gpt-4o on from the NHTSA recall campaigns and owner-complaint counts on file for the 2004 Nissan Maxima at the time. AI output can be wrong; confirm anything you find with a mechanic.
Next step
Looking at a specific 2004 Nissan Maxima? Check the actual car
This checklist covers the model. From your free try.vin dashboard you can go further — paste the seller's listing for a deal score, or drop their photos for an AI condition report.