2005 Nissan Maxima Problems, Recalls & Reliability
Verdict
AvoidComplaint Index
100/100
#1 most-complained of 19 Maxima years
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
The 2005 Nissan Maxima has 948 owner complaints and 2 safety recalls on file with NHTSA. Its Complaint Index is 100 out of 100 — the highest of 19 Maxima model years (verdict: Avoid). The most reported problem area is transmission & powertrain (777 complaints, 82% of the total). Complaints report 16 crashes, 10 fires, and 29 injuries.
- Complaints
- 948
- Recalls
- 2
- Crashes / fires
- 16 / 10
- Injuries / deaths
- 29 / 0
- NHTSA overall rating
- Not rated
- EPA combined MPG
- 21
- 18 city / 26.5 hwy
Top 2005 Nissan Maxima problems
NHTSA owner complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Transmission & Powertrain777 (82%)
- Engine126 (13%)
- Structure & Body43 (5%)
- Electrical System41 (4%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires37 (4%)
- Other33 (3%)
- Brakes32 (3%)
- Steering17 (2%)
- Airbags9 (1%)
- Fuel System8 (1%)
2005 Nissan Maxima recalls
2 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.
- NHTSA 05V512000Nov 7, 2005Structure & Body102,551 vehicles
Seats:front assembly:power adjust
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.
Risk: A pinched harness, in combination with driving vibration, may result in a short circuit in the harness that could lead to a fire in the seat.
Remedy: 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.
- NHTSA 05V338000Jul 26, 2005Other90,016 vehicles
Child seat:latch strap
Certain vehicles fail to conform to the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 225, "child restraint anchorage systems." the lower anchorage brackets in the rear seats do not meet the location requirement in this standard. This may cause difficulty in attaching some child seats to these brackets.
Risk: If a child seat is not properly secured, there is an increased risk of injury to the seat occupant in the event of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the lower anchorage brackets with modified brackets to ensure that the standard is met. The recall began on august 28, 2006. The infiniti q45 model vehicles are being campaigned under a separate recall (please see 05v374000). Owners should contact nissan at 1-800-647-7261 or infiniti at 1-800-662-6200.
2005 Nissan Maxima fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 18 MPG
- Highway
- 26.5 MPG
- Combined
- 21 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $3,100
- 15,000 mi/yr
- Fuel
- Regular
- Current regular gas
- $4.32/gal
- national avg.
EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.
2005 compared with other Maxima years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2005 Nissan Maxima a reliable year?
- Judged by NHTSA owner complaints and recalls, the 2005 Nissan Maxima ranks worst among Maxima model years (Complaint Index 100/100, verdict: Avoid). It has 948 complaints and 2 recalls on file. This reflects reported safety-related problems, not an overall reliability rating.
- What are the most common problems with the 2005 Nissan Maxima?
- The most reported problem areas are transmission & powertrain (777 complaints), engine (126 complaints), and structure & body (43 complaints). The median mileage at the time of failure in complaints that report it is 85,000 miles.
- Does the 2005 Nissan Maxima have any recalls?
- Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns for the 2005 Nissan Maxima, most recently reported 2005, covering structure & body and other.
- What is the fuel economy of the 2005 Nissan Maxima?
- EPA rates the 2005 Nissan Maxima at 21 MPG combined (18 city / 26.5 highway), with an estimated annual fuel cost of $3,100. Where several configurations exist, the median is shown.