Model year guide

2004 Nissan Maxima

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 2004 Nissan Maxima is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 256 on record.

2004 Nissan Maxima — representative photo
Representative photo · via Wikimedia Commons

2004 Nissan Maxima at a glance

Safety recalls2
Owner complaints1,425
Combined21 mpg
Typical price$3,188

Free: specs, open recalls for that exact car, build sheet and fair price.

2004 Nissan Maxima recalls 2

Seats:front Assembly:power Adjust NHTSA Campaign #05V512000 · 07/11/2005

ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH THE DRIVER PREFERRED PACKAGE, THE WIRE HARNESS FROM THE DRIVER'S SEAT POWER LUMBAR SUPPORT SWITCH MAY BE ROUTED INCORRECTLY AND COULD BE PINCHED UNDER THE DRIVER SEAT.

Fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE WIRE HARNESS AND ROUTE IT CORRECTLY. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JANUARY 16, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT NISSAN AT 1-800-647-7261.

Visibility:sun/moon Roof Assembly NHTSA Campaign #04V326000 · 07/07/2004

ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH SKYVIEW ROOFS, THE GLASS FOR THE ROOF MAY NOT HAVE BEEN QUENCHED PROPERLY AFTER THE FORMING PROCESS, RESULTING IN TEMPER IMBALANCE.

Fix: DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND REPLACE THE GLASS IN THE SKYVIEW ROOF. THE RECALL BEGAN ON SEPTEMBER 7, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT NISSAN AT 1-800-647-7261.

Source: U.S. NHTSA. A recall applies to a model year, but only a VIN check shows whether a specific car has had the repair done.

2004 Nissan Maxima common problems

The most-reported problem areas from 1,425 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.

Power Train
Drive through every gear: watch for slipping, hard or delayed shifts, and shudder. Check for transmission/driveline leaks and noises.
Electrical System
Test every electrical feature: windows, locks, infotainment, charging and all lights. Watch for flickering, dead accessories or warning lights.
Engine
Listen for knocks or ticking, check for leaks and blue/white exhaust smoke, and make sure it doesn't overheat. No check-engine light should be on.
Structure
Inspect for rust, fresh undercoating, mismatched paint, uneven panel gaps and any sign of prior collision or frame repair.
Visibility
Test wipers, washers, defrosters and all mirrors. Check the windshield for cracks and any camera/sensor for fogging or faults.
Seats
Have a trusted mechanic inspect this system as part of a pre-purchase inspection.

2004 Nissan Maxima safety ratings

Frontal crash★★★★★
Side crash★★★★★

Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (NCAP), tested as the 2004 Nissan Maxima 4-DR. w/SAB. Ratings can differ by body style and drivetrain.

2004 Nissan Maxima MPG & running costs

Combined21 mpg
City18 mpg
Highway26 mpg
Est. annual fuel cost$2,950

Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov, averaged across trims.

What's a 2004 Nissan Maxima worth?

Low
$1,600
Typical price
$3,188
High
$5,000

From 255 comparable 2004 Nissan Maxima listings.

Estimated 5-year cost to own

A rough guide to what running a 2004 Nissan Maxima costs over five years and 75,000 miles.

Fuel (5 yrs)$14,750
Depreciation (5 yrs)$2,100
Total$16,850
Per mile$0.22

How this is estimated: fuel is the U.S. EPA annual cost at 15,000 miles a year. Depreciation compares today's typical asking price for this model year ($3,188) with the same model 5 model-years older ($1,083), from CarLogs listing data. Not included: insurance, maintenance, repairs, taxes, registration and finance costs. Treat it as a comparison guide, not a quote.

2004 Nissan Maxima trims & engines on record

Trims
3.5 SL · 5DR GS / 4DR GLS
Engines
3.5L 6-cyl · 1.6L

2004 Nissan Maxima vehicles on record

2004 Nissan Maxima 2004 Nissan Maxima 3.5 SL1N4BA41E34C837827 2004 Nissan Maxima 2004 Nissan Maxima 3.5 SL1N4BA41EX4C911714 2004 Nissan Maxima 2004 Nissan Maxima 3.5 SL1N4BA41E04C825151 2004 Nissan Maxima 2004 Nissan Maxima 3.5 SL1N4BA41E54C817076 2004 Nissan Maxima 2004 Nissan Maxima 3.5 SL1N4BA41E24C830707 2004 Nissan Maxima 2004 Nissan Maxima 3.5 SL1N4BA41E94C832597 2004 Nissan Maxima 2004 Nissan Maxima 3.5 SL1N4BA41E14C808116 2004 Nissan Maxima 2004 Nissan Maxima 3.5 SL1N4BA41E14C813526 2004 Nissan Maxima 2004 Nissan Maxima 3.5 SL1N4BA41E74C812915 2004 Nissan Maxima 2004 Nissan Maxima 3.5 SL1N4BA41E14C838345 2004 Nissan Maxima 3.5 SL1N4BA41E54C816221 2004 Nissan Maxima 3.5 SL1N4BA41E44C878984 2004 Nissan Maxima 2004 Nissan Maxima 3.5 SL1N4BA41E74C887789 2004 Nissan Maxima 2004 Nissan Maxima 3.5 SL1N4BA41E44C923034 2004 Nissan Maxima 2004 Nissan Maxima 3.5 SL1N4BA41E24C853534 2004 Nissan Maxima 2004 Nissan Maxima 3.5 SL1N4BA41E94C888068 2004 Nissan Maxima 2004 Nissan Maxima 3.5 SL1N4BA41E94C805545 2004 Nissan Maxima 2004 Nissan Maxima 3.5 SL1N4BA41EX4C913446 2004 Nissan Maxima 2004 Nissan Maxima 3.5 SL1N4BA41E74C877943 2004 Nissan Maxima 2004 Nissan Maxima 3.5 SL1N4BA41E04C897466 2004 Nissan Maxima 2004 Nissan Maxima 3.5 SL1N4BA41E44C875437 2004 Nissan Maxima 2004 Nissan Maxima 3.5 SL1N4BA41E94C851232 2004 Nissan Maxima 3.5 SL1N4BA41E94C916628 2004 Nissan Maxima 2004 Nissan Maxima 3.5 SL1N4BA41E64C904663

Other Nissan Maxima model years

2021 2020 2019 2018 2017 2016 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2003 2002 2001 2000 1999 1998 1997 1996 1995 1994 1993 1992 1991

2004 Nissan Maxima — frequently asked questions

Does the 2004 Nissan Maxima have any safety recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 safety recalls for the 2004 Nissan Maxima. Recall repairs are free at any franchised dealer. Whether a specific car still has one open depends on its VIN.

What are the most common problems with the 2004 Nissan Maxima?

Based on 1,425 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are power train, electrical system, engine.

What is the 2004 Nissan Maxima safety rating?

NHTSA gives the 2004 Nissan Maxima crash-test ratings of frontal 5★, side 4★ (out of 5; this model year pre-dates NHTSA's overall score).

What gas mileage does the 2004 Nissan Maxima get?

The U.S. EPA rates the 2004 Nissan Maxima at about 21 mpg combined (18 city / 26 highway).

How much is a 2004 Nissan Maxima worth?

Comparable 2004 Nissan Maxima listings run roughly $1,600–$5,000, typically around $3,188 (from 255 vehicles).

Sources: NHTSA (recalls, complaints, crash tests), U.S. EPA (fuel economy). Vehicle data only — CarLogs never shows owner information.