Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (battery, alternator, wiring, ignition, instrument cluster, infotainment).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2004 Nissan Maxima owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 Nissan Maxima. While the vehicle was being serviced by an independent mechanic, the wiring underneath the driver's seat caught fire. The fire department was not contacted. An auto technician extinguished the fire. There were no injuries. The independent mechanic stated that a wire burned through, which likely caused the fire. The contact was unsure of what repairs were needed. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was previously serviced per NHTSA campaign number: 05V512000 (seats). The contact spoke with tim dahle Nissan (4528 state st, murray, ut 84107) who stated that they could not assist and advised the contact to speak with the manufacturer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and stated that they were not liable since the vehicle was no longer under warranty. The approximate failure mileage was 175,000.
Engine recall I was driving my car and while I was driving the car caught on fire. I was on highway 62 east in minneapolis mn going the speed limit 60 miles and I look and seen smoke coming from hood and the back of my car from the tail pipes.
I bought a 2004 Nissan Maxima se a year and two months ago. It had 91,000 miles on it. The transmission started slamming gears a few months ago right around 100K miles. I had it looked at and no problem could be found. But then on 1/8/15 the transmission got stuck in 5th gear. It would go into park and reverse fine but in drive it went straight into 5th. I was able to get it to slowly drive to a friends house where I parked and left it over night and borrowed a vehicle from them. The next morning I came back cranked it and it was fine. So I drove it towards the repair shop. It dies as I pull in. They run a diagnostic and they say the cam sensor is bad. …
On October 5, 2016 my husband came home from pt and parked the car under our carport. When he got out of the car there was not signs of smoke or any warning lights on in the car. He came in the house and started to get dressed and about 10 minutes later our neighbor was knocking on the door" screaming your car is on fire". The fire department was called out to put out the fire and after it was out they found that the fire started in the engine and ruled it an electrical fire. I called nna and explained what happened, sent photos, the police report, and fire report and they stated that it would take 6 weeks for them to even decide if they would investigate and that they would not help with any fees to have the car preserved. …
I have had numerous ignition coils replaced over the course of the last 16 months. Several times incurring weeks without the vehicle. There have been several electrical problems resulting in part replacement and the engine catching on fire. Nissan corporate sent technicians to research the issue and had to replace the engine as a result of the fire, saying fortunately I stopped the vehicle before the fire got out of control. Under the hood was charred and melted plastic and oil. Since having the engine replaced, I have gone 9 months and have the same problems with coil failures and replacement. I am perusing lemon law action at this time but need to see what else can be done. I am at the point where I have no confidence in the vehicle and everytime I smell something out of the ordinary, I fear that I will see more smoke and another fire. …
I was driving to work July 3rd, 2013 around 7:00 am. I smelled smoke in my car so I pulled over, opened my hood and I didn't see anything. I got back in my car and continued to drive to work. I smelled smoke again, only this time to realize that my bottom was getting hot. I looked down to the right to see if my seat warmer was on and it wasn't. Then my seat began to move forward & backward by itself about 3 times. I turned back around to the front and there was a cloud of smoke in my face & flames at my feet. I quickly grabbed my phone and my ipad, released my seat belt, pulled up my emergency brake, opened the door and jumped out of my car falling onto the ground, jump up, and called 911. While waiting on the fire department & the police I stood there crying hysterically, terrified and watched my car go up in flames.
Tl contact owns a 2004 Nissan Maxima. Since the vehicle was purchased, the contact has experienced failures with the radio and headlights, the rotors were replaced three times, the front coil springs were replaced twice, and the battery wiring burned. Currently, the transmission pulls when the vehicle is accelerated. The vehicle will be taken to the dealer to diagnose the transmission failure. The manufacturer stated that no recalls were available for any of the failures. The current mileage was 49,000 and failure mileage was 26,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 Nissan Maxima. While driving approximately 65 MPH, the horn failed to sound when engaged. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the horn assembly and horn switch were both replaced. The manufacturer was not notified of the issue. The failure mileage was 146,089.
For starters I replaced the alternator then the battery and then the crankshaft senor and then dorman that is on the possessive side of the battery. And it doesn't want to start still. Now just maybe you can help me on this.
Problem 1 of 5: purchased 2004 Maxima brand new on 4/12/04. End of June, 2004, noticed temperature gauge pinned at hot. Also, sometimes when I reverse, my trunk pops open. Called Nissan to bring car in. Was not given appointment until 7/12/04. Of course, the wonderful mechanics at Nissan huntington could not experience the same problem and said my car was operating property at that time. Gave me my car back and was told the next time my car is pinned at hot, bring it right in. Then, a few weeks later, the thermostat was pinned at hot again. When I called Nissan the woman who answers the phone for service would not let me bring my car in despite what the mechanic told me a few weeks back. She would not give me an appointment until the following week. I told her that this could be a major engine problem and what if my car engine fails. She did not care. …
Electrical complaints in other Maxima years
Frequently asked questions
How common are electrical problems on the 2004 Nissan Maxima?
NHTSA has 56 complaints about the electrical system of the 2004 Nissan Maxima, 4% of the model year's 1,426 complaints. The component named most often is alternator/generator/regulator (3 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2004 Nissan Maxima electrical problems?
No. NHTSA lists no electrical system recall for the 2004 Nissan Maxima, though it has 2 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2004 Nissan Maxima electrical problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 80,000 miles, and 18% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 8 fires and 0 injuries to electrical system problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.