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Problems with 2005 Nissan Maxima POWER TRAIN

On average, the 2005 Nissan Maxima starts to “feel” problems with the POWER TRAIN and its various aspects after 96 740 miles.

Components Affected by POWER TRAIN Issues

We have classified the 465 complaints from 2005 Nissan Maxima about POWER TRAIN into the following categories.

AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION 306 MANUAL TRANSMISSION 6 AXLE ASSEMBLY 1

Recently reported POWER TRAIN problems on 2005 Nissan Maxima

When i am at a stop and get ready to accelerate the car jerks and sometime does not want to move ....or moves slowly and the engine begins to rev up. it also has issues with stalling and downshifting when driving. *js

I had bought a 2005 nissan maxima within a month it started jerking really bad between first and second shift. getting off the freeway and coming to a stop it started jerking really bad it seemed like i had been hit from my back bumper, but it just the shift gear problem. it was really scary especially having my two year old son in the car. i took my car to the mechanic multiple times but they didn't seem to know what the problem was so i looked it up online and there were numerous complaints with the same problem i was having. my maxima now has 75000 miles and does not fall under warranty i am afraid that they are going to charge me $3000 for a problem that alot of nissans seem to have and should have been recalled. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2005 nissan maxima. the contact stated that the vehicle would lunge abnormally when shifting gears. the vehicle was taken to the dealer where the contact was awaiting diagnosis of the failure. the manufacturer was not contacted. the failure mileage was 80,000 and the current mileage was 88,000.

The transmission on my 2005 nissan/maxima is hard shifting when engine/transmissionis is hot, delaying take off and kicking extremely bad when picking up speed and the automatic transmission shifts gears. two motor mount are already broken as a result of this problem. nissan dealer recommended replace transmission. a transmission specialized shop inspected and tested the transmission for second opinion and did no find problem in the transmission, other than 2 bad sensors. sensors was replaced and 6 months later the problem started again. *interior sunvisor lightning cover broken in both sides, driver's and passenger. *cd player not working, not playing. *original chrome wheels are corroded, breaking the seal on two of the tires causing pressure to lower and makes tire go flat in less than a week, if not attended soon.

Tl* the contact owns a 2005 nissan maxima. the contact attempted to accelerate from a complete stop but the vehicle would not accelerate. the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for diagnostic testing where the mechanic advised the contact that the transmission would have to be replaced. the vehicle was not repaired. the approximate failure mileage was 99,200.

Tl* the contact owns a 2005 nissan maxima. the contact stated that while driving 15 mph, the vehicle began to jerk, lunge and slammed into gear. the failure recurred numerous times, typically in the lower gears. the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic at least five times but the cause of the failure was not determined. the manufacturer was not notified. the vehicle was not repaired. the failure and current mileage was 88,000.

Tl* the contact owns a 2005 nissan maxima. the contact was driving approximately 30 mph when the transmission began to slip out of gear. the failure recurred whenever the vehicle was in operation. the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who stated the transmission would need to be replaced. the vehicle had not been repaired. the manufacturer was not notified of the recurring failure. the approximate failure mileage was 100,000. ...updated 08-03-12 *bf

Tl* the contact owns a 2005 nissan maxima. the contact stated the transmission failed and would not engage in gear. the contact stated whenever he put the vehicle in gear it would jerk and exhibit a clunking noise. in addition, it would take a while to go into gear. the vehicle was not taken to the dealer. the manufacturer was not notified. the vin was unavailable. the failure mileage was 85,000 and the current mileage was 92,000.

Tl* the contact owns a 2005 nissan maxima. the contact stated that while driving at various speeds and attempting to accelerate, the vehicle would jerk forward. the failure recurred intermittently. the manufacturer was made aware of the failure. the vehicle was not repaired. the vin was not available. the approximate failure mileage was 85,000.

Tl* the contact owns a 2005 nissan maxima. the contact stated that while driving approximately 20 mph, the vehicle lost acceleration power. the contact continuously depressed the accelerator then the vehicle suddenly lunged forward. the contact stated the vehicle jerked and surged constantly when the temperature was warm. the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic three different times for diagnostic testing. the mechanic replaced the transmission sensor and performed a transmission flush. the failure continued after the repair. the vehicle was not repaired. the approximate failure mileage was 90,000.

I was driving in 40's and suddenly my transmission gets stuck. it wont go down or up.and sudddenly when it does it gives me a huge jerk. this can be a dangerous problem which can cause serious accidents. looking at all the forums in the internet seems like almost all the nissan users of (2004 to 2006) are facing the same problem. there has to some kind of recall that all these customers have to get. *tr

I am told that i am experiencing problems with my transmission and engine. after careful research, and two mechanic opinions it has been told to me that nissan knew that they had problems with this model of maxima and has not owned up to this problem. neither have they recalled or trying right their wrong. these items are the life of the car. i have also checked the reviews on edmunds.com and there are several owners of this same car that have had the same issues and complaints. i would like to know what measures can be taken against nissan for them own up to these defective components. it will hurt them in the long run if they do not. i will certainly make sure that the world knows about this and do not even attempt to purchase a nissan. i only wish i had done this before i purchased this car. *tr

A couple of months ago, my 2005 nissan maxima began having transmission problems. when beginning to drive, the vehicle will jerk when it reaches 2 and 3 rpms and rev the engine. before it resumes "normal" drive, it will jerk again and make a loud clunking noise. this also happens when attempting to put the car into reverse. i was told today by the local nissan dealership that the transmission must be replaced costing approximately $3300.00! the dealership never informed me of these issues, even after a transmission flush and a courtesy check when i first brought the car to them several weeks ago. i am shocked and disturbed after reading how many other nissan maxima owners are having the exact same problem i am having. how many complaints must there be for a resolution if each person is having the same problem?! *tr

I bought my nissan maxima about 2years ago. my dad had bought me a 1999 maxima during my high school years and it never gave me problems. it ran awesome so that's why i ended up buying my 1st maxima and very disappointed. i took it to a transmission specialist because after the transmission would be hot i was having problems. it seemed after coming down speed it would slip and trying to accelerate after breaking for example: if a car infront of me would brake to turn and i would brake and then accelerate the car seems to not know what to do and it gets stuck and doesn't want to accelerate followed by a hard jerk that feels like someone just hit my back bumper. it's so unsafe driving i've had almost been in car accidents because it won't accelerate and almost got hit. it's so frustrating dealing with this car issue especially after just buying it and still making car payments and not being able to drive it. i will never buy nissan again!! my mom bought a 2011 nissan versa and are looking into trading it in for another make for the fear that it will have issues too!! this should be a recall. i can't afford to pay $3000-4000 on a rebuild transmission!!!!! *tr

Bought car brand new 9/2005. car was serviced multiple times and even a nissan engineer tested steering and suspension. when speed is at 60 mpr, steering wheel shakes. new tires were put on by dealership several times, also. engineer stated that car was supposed to do that. well now my car's transmission is acting up. please note that steering wheel still shakes, too. i did a google search and see that numerous people are having the same issue. this car has to be a lemon. i will be contacting nissan north america to file a complaint also and request that they repair my car. *tr

Bought car brand new 9/2005. car was serviced multiple times and even a nissan engineer tested steering and suspension. when speed is at 60 mpr, steering wheel shakes. new tires were put on by dealership several times, also. engineer stated that car was supposed to do that. well now my car's transmission is acting up. please note that steering wheel still shakes, too. i did a google search and see that numerous people are having the same issue. this car has to be a lemon. i will be contacting nissan north america to file a complaint also and request that they repair my car. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2005 nissan maxima. the contact stated that the vehicle would stall between shifting gears. the contact called the dealer regarding the failure and was advised by the dealer that the transmission needed to be replaced. the vehicle was not repaired. the failure mileage was 110,000.

I drive a 2005 nissian maxima and about 5 months ago my car started jerking and hard shifts and then not shifting at all. i have only had this car for about 4 years and when i purchased it i was under the impression it was a good car. i have treat this car like a baby. now i have it in the shop and i'm look at a $3,000 dollar bill to have my car repaired. i'm making a car payment on something i can't even drive. spoke with the dealership and nissian and they say it's nothing they can do. it no longer under warranty. so i'm stuck. i have seen were nissian has had a lot of problems with the 04-05 transmissions and has done nothing about it. *js

Transmission failed at 49000 miles on a new preowned vehicle purchased one month earlier. drove the car for almost one year to the date, and now experiencing transmission problems again. dealer suggest new transmission. this will make three transmissions for a car with only 75000 miles.....not to mention two cracked engine mounts, front suspension work and needs a new timing belt all within 1 year of owning. this is suppose to be a pre-certified car!!! *tr

When my nissan shifts from first to second the engine races and no increase in speed. when it shifts from third to fourth gear there is a hard shift and jerking. when you come to a complete stop the car will not shift and the engine just races. *tr

I have a 2005 nissan maxima which has transmission problems. about 2 years ago i began experiencing jerking. i took car the dealer no codes came up at time and when they drove it at that time it drove fine. continue to have issues and went back now to find out i need a new valve body. unfortunately the valve body has cause extensive damage to the transmission so i now need to have transmission replaced. per parts specialist and service advisor at nissan they are aware of the issue with the valve body with the 2005 nissan maxima however nissan corporate has not yet recalled it yet. shame on you nissan 3,800 to replace the transmission, i don't think so. no more nissan for me. nissan really need to own up to this issue. its all over the internet. please recall issue. signed dissatisfied nissan owner *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2005 nissan maxima. the contact stated the vehicle would shift gears violently. the dealer diagnosed that the vehicle needed a new transmission. the manufacturer was notified, but denied any assistance with repairing the defect. the vehicle was repaired, but the defect recurred. the failure and current mileage was 50,000.

Engine would rev high then bang into gear. took to aamco/ dealer neither could duplicate. dealer changed trans fluid. this helped for 5 days. @104,000 miles trans is slipping aggressively and banging into gear. *tr

At 72k my auto transmission is failing, jerking, bucking and slipping. i've found a service bulletin about this issue and see literally thousands of maxima owners in the same boat, right around the same mileage. my car isn't in warranty and i will be going this weekend to have this problem confirmed. it appears there is a defect in this year car transmission, but nissan will not "man up". i have read some complaints where customers have gotten nissan to pay for their transmission repair..doesn't that indicate some "guilt"? i have no idea how i will replace my transmission, im a single parent, fighting to keep my house and help my daughter thru college. this needs an investigation and possible recall. i read one account where a woman's transmission went out on a busy road and her 2 small children were in the car. *tr

My 2005 nissan maxima has 115000 miles and has started showing signs of what may be serious transmission problems. 1. takes about 5 seconds to click into gear after the shift lever is put in "d" 2. very hard jerky shifts between 1st to 2nd and 2nd to 1st and accompanied by loud clunking noise. 3. transmission slips out of gear during regular driving allowing the engine to rev freely then jerking back into gear with a loud clunk. the is followed by a burnt oil / electrical type smell that gets inside the car and evident outside after stopping. *tr

Severe transmission shifting issues, on moderate mileage. there are several complaints on nissan help.com. nissan isn't trying to do anything to help it's customers please look into this, please issue a recall on the 04 05 models of the maxima. this is a urgent plea for help. thank you!!!!!!!!!! *tr

While traveling at highway speeds the transmission (automatic) abruptly changed gears into neutral for several seconds and then abruptly went back into gear. this rapid transition between powered and unpowered condition caused the front wheel drive car to swerve abruptly from torque steer.subsequent to this initial event the transmission continued to change gears into and out of drive or fail to engage gears as it changes between gears. on taking this to the dealer they stated the controller needed to be updated and performed this service. approximately one week after this service the transmission again started randomly changing from a powered condition to neutral at highway and other speeds. the car is currently undrivable due to the torque steer caused by the abrupt changes in the transmission making it unsafe to travel at other then slow speeds. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2005 nissan maxima. while driving 25 mph, the contact noticed that the vehicle would jerk forward and if driven over 25 mph the vehicle would not shift into the next gear. the vehicle was taken to a local mechanic, where the contact was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced. no repairs had been performed on the vehicle. the failure mileage was 55,000 and the current mileage was 75,000.

Tl* the contact owns a 2005 nissan maxima. the contact stated that after shifting gears while driving 25 mph, the vehicle would jerk violently and suddenly accelerated. the vehicle was not taken to the dealer. the manufacturer was made aware of the failure who did not offer any assistance. the vehicle was not repaired. the failure and the current mileage was 102,000. *kb

I am currently the original owner of a 2005 nissan maxima. much to my total shock and dismay, i recently had to replace the automatic transmission at only 98,700 miles. several weeks ago, the vehicle began to sporadically jerk harshly when advancing to first gear between 20-25 mph. this started to happen more and more frequently and at times the vehicle would hesitate right before jerking into first gear and then quickly thrust forward with revved up rpms. needless to say, i felt extremely unsafe driving the vehicle. i took my car to the service department of the nissan dealership where i purchased the vehicle. the service manager informed me that this was an increasingly common problem with 2004 & 2005 model year maximas. he said that the only remedy was to replace the transmission at a cost of approximately $4,000! i took my car to a transmission repair shop for a second opinion and was told the same thing. the mechanic confirmed that this is a major issue with maximas manufactured in those model years. i ended up taking my car back to the dealership and had them replace the transmission. i have researched this issue and have found that there are numerous complaints on various internet sites by owners of 2004 & 2005 maximas who have experienced the exact same problem with their transmission. it's clearly apparent that there is a major defect with the transmissions that were installed in 2004 & 2005 maximas. i have taken very good care of my vehicle and have kept up with regular scheduled maintenance intervals. there is no way that i should have had to replace the transmission at that mileage if it was not defective. i beseech you to recall all 2004 & 2005 maximas and fix this dangerous problem before it causes severe accidents if there have not already been. *kb

Tl* the contact owns a 2005 nissan maxima. while driving approximately 20 mph, the transmission failed to shift properly with extreme hesitation. the failure recurred intermittently. the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who informed the contact that the valve body and solenoid would need to be replaced within the transmission. the manufacturer was not made aware of the defect. the vehicle was repaired. the approximate failure mileage was 95,000.

My transmission is badly jerking and scared to drive. gear shiftting is not properly operating. *kb

I own a 2005 nissan maxima sl. at about 65000 miles i started to experience problems with my transmission. when changing the gear from park to drive the car would violently kick back and forth. the same would occur when ever the car transitioned between the 5 gears. i have researched this transmission problem online and have also surveyed many local mechanics. i have learned that this is a recurring problem with the 2005 year model. on websites such as "safecar.gov" there are over 300 complaints reported about the same exact issue. i took the car to my local nissan dealer and they suggested that i contact nissan headquarters to help find a solution. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2005 nissan maxima. the contact was driving approximately 25 mph when there was an abnormal increase in engine rpms and the vehicle began to decelerate and accelerate independently. the failure recurred intermittently. the vehicle was not taken to the dealer for diagnostics but was not repaired. the approximate failure mileage was 88,000. updated 12/12/11*lj updated 12/13/11

Tl* the contact owns a 2005 nissan maxima. the contact stated that the vehicle would jerk abnormally when accelerating from a complete stop. the failure would become more severe when the engine had been running for a prolonged period of time. the vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer but they were unable to diagnose the failure. the vehicle was not repaired. the manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. the failure mileage was 91,000. the vin was unavailable.

Tl* the contact owns a 2005 nissan maxima. the contact stated that the vehicle began to jerk when shifting gears. the failure occurred while driving at various speeds. the failure was not diagnosed nor was the vehicle repaired. the manufacturer was made aware of the failure and offered no assistance. the failure mileage was 71,000.

Transmission jerks when stopping and starting.....speed decreases......jerks when changing gears

Tl* the contact owns a 2005 nissan maxima xl. the contact was driving 35 mph when the vehicle stalled. the contact mentioned prior to the failure that the vehicle began to shift forcefully while accelerating in reverse. the vehicle was taken to the dealer for diagnostic testing. the manufacturer was notified. the vehicle was repaired. the failure and current miles were 99,150. updated 11/01/11*lj updated 02/06/12

Tl* the contact owns a 2005 nissan maxima. the contact stated that when driving 25 mph and above, the transmission would downshift and perform erratically. the vehicle was taken to a transmission repair shop where he was advised that the valve body needed to be repaired. the dealer was notified and advised that they would need to perform a diagnostic test before determining the failure and attempting any repairs. the manufacturer was notified who recommended that the vehicle be taken to an authorized dealer for diagnosis and repairs. the failure mileage was 85,848. kmj

The transmission violently shifts up and down causing the car to jerk forward when at speeds ranging from 20-40, slowing down or accelerating up almost causing an accident. as well as slipping out of gear around 35-45 mph revving the engine then slamming into gear causing temporary loss of control. this is an extreme safety hazzard. nissan maxima problem yet nissan won't help, please help myself and other nissan owners before someone dies in an accident from a surging/slipping transmission. i just want this problem to go away. *tr

The transmission on this car has failed for a third time. the first time it was at ~ 60,000 miles, again at 75,000 miles, and now at 83,000 miles. luckily, i was local and not on the interstate or downtown dallas. after reading all the customer complaints online it's disappointing that this transmission has not been recalled or nissan hasn't stood behind it's product.

My transmission has been acting up and completely went out. this is not my first nissan but it will be my last unless they issue a recall. *tr

Very hard jerky shifts between 1st to 2nd and 2nd to 1st and accompanied by loud clunking noise. transmission slips out of gear during regular driving allowing the engine to rev freely then jerking back into gear with a loud clunk. the is followed by a burnt oil / electrical type smell that gets inside the car and evident outside after stopping. sometimes i go for days with no symptoms at all and other times it may happen a dozen times in a day. i took it in to the dealer and none of the problems showed up for them but they noted that the engine mounts were broken but that would not cause these symptoms. they suggested a new transmission and motor mounts for $4,000. i drive mainly on the freeways in southern california and have maintained and babied this car since it was new. this is my first nissan and i have loved this car until these symptoms. please suggest what course of action should be taken to correct this and restore my faith in nissan. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2005 nissan maxima. the contact stated that the vehicle jerked while changing gears. the vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer where they were unable to diagnose the failure. the vehicle was not repaired. the manufacturer was made aware of the failure and offered no assistance. the failure mileage was 96,000.

Vehicle jumps violently when changing between 1st, 2nd & 3rd gears. if the engine is cool then the vehicle does not jump but once the engine is warmed up, the car is just constantly jerking. if i change gears from d to r, it takes around 5 seconds before vehicle actually kicks into gear and it jerks so hard to the point where it just make a loud noise. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2005 nissan maxima. the contact stated the vehicle would jerk when shifting from first to second gear. the vehicle would also jerk while driving at various speeds. the vehicle was not taken to the dealer to have the failure diagnosed or repaired. the manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. the failure mileage was 68,000.

Tl* the contact owns a 2005 nissan maxima. the contact stated that the transmission was slipping. the contact took the vehicle to the dealer where the dealer advised that the transmission was malfunctioning and would need to be replaced. the contact called the manufacturer regarding the transmission and they stated that they would not provide any assistance with repairing the vehicle. the failure mileage was 114,120.

Purchased a 2005 nissan maxima used with around 46k miles on it. i have loved the car up until it recently hit 65k miles and has started jerking while shifting, also putting into drive or reverse from park will be delayed. it jerked so hard the other day that it caused the check engine soon light to come on. took to a local mechanic that has been doing oil changes, a/c repair, minor maintenance...they said that my transmission was shot, i needed 3 engine new engine mounts from the jerking, and engine sensor needed to be replaced. they suggested i take to the nissan dealer. i took in and they called me the next day and said they could not duplicate any issues with the vehicle, and that the check engine light was not on. they are sweeping this well known transmission problem under the rug, but something needs to be done here, and a recall should be a must with over 300 plus complaints just here alone documented for this same issue on the same make and model!!! nissan needs to step up before someone gets injured. *tr

2005 nissan maxima like thousands of others has been shifting violently between gears causing dangerous driving conditions. sometimes the car rpms will jump to 7500 before catching the gear and jerk to the car almost out of control. this needs to be fixed. it's ridiculous that almost all 2004-2008 maximas have this problem and nissan has corrected it but instead charge 3500+ for a new transmission. i'm so done with nissan. this will be the last one i purchase! *tr

2005 nissan maxima transmission problem - my car began making a very loud knocking sound when i would shift from park to drive or reverse. it doesn't do it all the time, but it is doing it more frequently now. in addition my transmission has begun to slip while driving. i googled 2005 nissan maxima issues and to my surprise there are countless complaints about transmission issues with the nissan maxima. i am scheduled to bring my car to a mechanic tomorrow morning, but i feel like i know what the problem is after reading all the complaints. it appears i will need a new transmission. my car has under 100k miles and is taken care of very well. i purchased the car new in december of 2004. *tr

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