4th Generation Maxima (1995-1999) Visit the 4th Generation forum to ask specific questions or find out more about the 4th Generation Maxima.
View Poll Results: Do you have major problems with your max?
I have no serious problems
55.27%
Engine problems (ie; head gasket, rear main seal, pinging...)
16.71%
Tranny problems (ie; slipping, leaks...)
19.79%
Other major problems (ie; suspension/front end, electrical shorts...)
22.37%
Multiple Choice Poll. Voters: 389. You may not vote on this poll

Do you have major problems with your car?

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Old 04-24-2007, 12:08 PM
  #1  
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Do you have major problems with your car?

Lets see how our 4th gen maxes have held up through the years. Vote only if you have serious problems with the car. We don't care if your defroster light is not working, or your spark plugs need to be changed. If you have NO problems that means nothing is leaking and tranny is not slipping (both auto and 5spd).

EDIT: Read post #43 (the reason i created this poll) its an article that may interest you...
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Old 04-24-2007, 12:09 PM
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No poll...
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Old 04-24-2007, 12:13 PM
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well since there is no poll...my 98 se 5 speed with 251k has 0 problems and runs perfect...also never had a problem ever and im on the original factory clutch.
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Old 04-24-2007, 12:22 PM
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I have had a leaky left transmission seal (5-speed) for about 3 years, but am getting it replaced in 2 days for Cdn$50. I have the part.

The seal is leaking more recently and I had to get the transaxle topped up on the weekend to the tune of 1.5 litres (capacity 4.5 litres).

I have owned the car since new and have had virtually nothing go wrong with the car, although it has less than 68k mostly highway miles on it.

To date:

1. replaced an 02 sensor on warranty about 10 years ago
2. replaced both rear calipers as right rear was frozen because I hadn't used the parking brake for about 5 year (my stupidity).
3. replaced oil pressure sender
4. replaced EGR control solenoid a few months ago.

The original spark plugs were only replaced a month ago and I still have the original front brake pads.

Standard maintenance issues have been addressed: battery, muffler, PCV valve, belts, flush PS, radiator and brakes, recharge AC.

Following the tranny seal replacement, there are no further maintenance issues to address sfor the foreseeable future (touch wood).
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Old 04-24-2007, 12:44 PM
  #5  
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no problems here just a dead battery once which i replaced hehe
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Old 04-24-2007, 02:51 PM
  #6  
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Several o2 sensors, a knock sensor, ignition coil, one tranny.....all before the magical 30k mark....

I still having a crazy starting issue, which I would post a question about, but I need more posts...

I guess being registered here for 3 years isn't enough.
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Old 04-24-2007, 02:57 PM
  #7  
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132k miles and no problems I haven't caused.
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Old 04-24-2007, 02:58 PM
  #8  
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I got a couple little things, but nothing serious. I got to change my front brake pads and there is a check engine light on but the guy before me rode with that for four years.
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Old 04-24-2007, 03:30 PM
  #9  
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93,645 miles nothing wrong. great thread.
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Old 04-24-2007, 03:34 PM
  #10  
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head gasket issue.... sucks big time... decided to just replace the whole motor with one that has 60k miles.... the hell with it... I think my car buddies (non nissan owners) are idiots... one says its better to overhaul and build the original engine (drives a 03 SS with all SLP parts), the other one says he doesnt really know... so I'm just going with what I want to do...

my old car had 198,000 miles (95 auto)... only issue i ever had with it was a starter issue.....and thats cause I drove it like I stole it.

oh wait I forgot about the alternator... crapped out on me...
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Old 04-24-2007, 03:48 PM
  #11  
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I had to replace the alternator 3 months after I got the car (2001), and last year I had to replace the auto tranny (but I think someone ragged it out before me I only have 85,000 miles) o-yea and a knock sensor... But thats it
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Old 04-24-2007, 03:54 PM
  #12  
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Teh only problems to date are: alty, starter, axles, & control arms.

Other than that, it's a champ...124k
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Old 04-24-2007, 04:07 PM
  #13  
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I bought mine used and have some pretty bad rust issues, but no issues so far with the drivetrain.
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Old 04-24-2007, 04:16 PM
  #14  
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Burning oil, most likely caused by reving up to 8k.
Three bad o2 sensors.
Intermitent problem with speed sensor.
Bad EGR solenoid valve.
One stud on muffler broke so BIG exhaust leak.

I think those are all my current problems right now.
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Old 04-24-2007, 04:28 PM
  #15  
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Hmmm.. Radiator, Starter, & Alternator (dealing with the alty right now hehe)... And a Slipping auto all at < 94k
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Old 04-24-2007, 04:50 PM
  #16  
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O2 sensors, 2 starters*, A/C recharge, water pump, belts, shocks, fuel filter, fuel filler neck, I have a knock sensor too lazy to attempt install. I guess you could say regular maintenance items for a car with 133k. Exhuast starting to create problems from the cat, so Im looking to piece together an upgraded low budget system y pipe back.

Other than that I would say 4 yrs I ve had it, its needed less work than my wife's "Brand new 05 w/18k" Dodge Grand Caravan.

*never again will I buy cheap wholesale parts, no warranty no returns. Clevelanders dont buy World Auto Parts.
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Old 04-24-2007, 05:57 PM
  #17  
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No major problems but a bunch of small, annoying problems including...

Airbag light
Exhaust rattle/leak
Fuel pressure issue
Smelly HVAC
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Old 04-24-2007, 06:47 PM
  #18  
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Bonka- have you tried spraying an anti-germ/anti-fungal, like lysol in the cowl area and running the system at highway speeds? I do this every few months and it keeps things fresh.

I have done things like axles/balljoints/wheel bearing/rear calipers and preventative work but the car would have still driven. Never had any starting problems or major leaks.
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Old 04-24-2007, 08:14 PM
  #19  
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If there was a major problem, I wouldn't be driving it. Tranny did fail on me, and it's replaced. So should I vote tranny problem, or no problem?
Jae
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Old 04-24-2007, 08:16 PM
  #20  
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yes vote for tranny cause u DID have a major problem with it

so far it seems that if u DO have a major problem then its most likely to be the tranny, interesting, lets continue...
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Old 04-24-2007, 10:55 PM
  #21  
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starter, both cv shafts, radiater, exhaust, tranny leak, ac charge, all struts
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Old 04-24-2007, 10:56 PM
  #22  
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Originally Posted by Fr33way™
Bonka- have you tried spraying an anti-germ/anti-fungal, like lysol in the cowl area and running the system at highway speeds? I do this every few months and it keeps things fresh.
Yep. Recently did my second application. Musty smell comes back when switching from A/C to regular fan. Goes away after a couple of minutes. Probably need something stronger or a few more applications of Lysol. Strange I've never had this problem with other cars :/
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Old 04-24-2007, 11:43 PM
  #23  
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list too long too put in here. you'd be reading for 10 minutes if i did. what is this whining noise i hear at start?? i recently did the egr tube and now after i drive it and let it sit for awhile and go to start it up again it goes wrrrrrrrrrragghhhhhh, car still starts and runs fine. starter, alternator, fuel pump??? sorry, should've done seperate thread. too lazy and its 2:48 am. thanks in advance>>>>>
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Old 04-25-2007, 04:25 AM
  #24  
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I bought my 98 GXE last Nov, with about 120k miles. It had torn axle boots and they were very rusty, so I put in new axles and got computerized alignment. Changed oil and air filter. On a 400mile round trip I got 27mpg, mostly highway in Nova Scotia. Highway a lot like Blue Ridge Highway or Pa Interstate. I plan to change gas filter and plugs soon, but seems pretty good, runs great. Body in v-good shape, a couple of bubbles around wheel wells.
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Old 04-25-2007, 04:39 AM
  #25  
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Engine went at 150k. I am third owner so I don't know its history prior to that, but I have replaced knock sensor twice (new engine's went too), o2 sensors, exhaust rusted out, axles, and the rear calipers seized up. I have a CEL for manufacturer control air fuel metering, and a new maf didn't cure it so I'm a little discouraged about tracking it down. Runs fine, idles fine.. oh well.
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Old 04-25-2007, 05:44 AM
  #26  
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Originally Posted by 97Max4Me
I still having a crazy starting issue, which I would post a question about, but I need more posts...
http://forums.maxima.org/showthread.php?t=516911

Reading > you
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Old 04-25-2007, 06:38 AM
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I bought my Max in June 2004 with 73k. I just rolled over 146k this morning on my way to work (108 miles/day round trip, 5 days a week).

I've had a bunch of little problems (and still do), but overall nothing major has failed me knock on wood! Probably my biggest annoyance was replacing the rear calipers twice. One of the OEM's froze, so I went against my better judgment and just replaced that one - on the test drive the other OEM froze. Replaced that one, and had to replace it AGAIN a few days later because it was defective (pouring brake fluid out).

Other than that it's just been starter, brakes, and the like. I've broken some stuff myself but I don't count that. haha
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Old 04-25-2007, 08:47 AM
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the only thing wrong that happen to mine is that the serpentine belt broke and alty went out at once
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Old 04-25-2007, 09:23 AM
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Originally Posted by nearthisbridge
I bought my Max in June 2004 with 73k. I just rolled over 146k this morning on my way to work (108 miles/day round trip, 5 days a week).
I never once liked a car in red but I like yours. It's very rare. I only seen 3 Maximas in red so far on the road.

My car has 185k miles. Had the starter replaced. Regular wear and tear like drive shafts, brake rotors and pads I don't count. The transmission slipped 2 days ago but it was low on fluid and now it's fine. The radiator has a hole in it and it sprays out coolant all over the engine bay if it's full but I'm welding that this weekend and cleaning the engine bay and changing the fuel filter. I think I made the hole in the radiator since it moves back and forth and I ****ed around with that.

Things I need to do. Overhaul entire suspension. Replace valve cover gaskets. I need a new steering rack also. I want some new wheels too. Something wider caz the stock rims look like bicycle wheels.
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Old 04-25-2007, 09:26 AM
  #30  
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I've replaced the starter, alternator (just weeks after they announced the recall, fortunately), e-brake cables, one rear caliper, and a camshaft position sensor.

I've also needed to rebuild the tranny (manual tranny: diff carrier bearings) and replace the steering rack.

All said though, the total cost and reliability is quite good for a car with 165k in the salt belt.

Dave
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Old 04-25-2007, 10:32 AM
  #31  
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I only a few things, I put in a starter within the first year of ownership, two years ago I put in a rear valvle cover gasket. Aside from that, brake pads and oil, that's pretty much it. Normal maintenance I don't consider a problem.

Only now have I started having to fix things, inner tie rods, LCA's, etc..etc..
encompassed in this thread:http://forums.maxima.org/showthread.php?t=519282
I've put over 120k on my car, to put in $1000-1200 for having a car almost 7years, just isn't that bad to me. And I've raced it.....so...
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Old 04-25-2007, 10:34 AM
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Originally Posted by QBridge
I never once liked a car in red but I like yours. It's very rare. I only seen 3 Maximas in red so far on the road.

My car has 185k miles. Had the starter replaced. Regular wear and tear like drive shafts, brake rotors and pads I don't count. The transmission slipped 2 days ago but it was low on fluid and now it's fine. The radiator has a hole in it and it sprays out coolant all over the engine bay if it's full but I'm welding that this weekend and cleaning the engine bay and changing the fuel filter. I think I made the hole in the radiator since it moves back and forth and I ****ed around with that.

Things I need to do. Overhaul entire suspension. Replace valve cover gaskets. I need a new steering rack also. I want some new wheels too. Something wider caz the stock rims look like bicycle wheels.
Thanks! I kinda cheated though - it was Sunlit Sand when I bought it. Repainted it over this winter.

Suspension overhaul is on my list of things to do too. My AGX/Progress setup is doing just fine, just the strut mounts and all of my bushings seem to be disintegrating now. haha
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Old 04-25-2007, 10:49 AM
  #33  
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I only have suspension issues [stock] and in dire need of body work (stupid brother). Just haven't coughed up the money for the body work.
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Old 04-25-2007, 12:04 PM
  #34  
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Originally Posted by nearthisbridge
Thanks! I kinda cheated though - it was Sunlit Sand when I bought it. Repainted it over this winter.

Suspension overhaul is on my list of things to do too. My AGX/Progress setup is doing just fine, just the strut mounts and all of my bushings seem to be disintegrating now. haha
were'd you get the headlights, please don't tell me e-bay. i don't like buying shiz from there, do you have hids???
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Old 04-25-2007, 12:56 PM
  #35  
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Originally Posted by max ride 41
were'd you get the headlights, please don't tell me e-bay. i don't like buying shiz from there, do you have hids???
Are PMs deactivated again? No? Just checking.
They are from eBay. They are not HIDS, unless he converted them.
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Old 04-25-2007, 05:15 PM
  #36  
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Since 1999: 2 trannies, three starters, three alternators, one knock sensor, two O2 sensors, one axle and the worst of all one waterpump...yes the waterpump was my worst "replacing" nightmare.
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Old 04-25-2007, 06:07 PM
  #37  
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99 SE-L. Purchased with 96k back in Dec.2004, now it has 146k.

Replaced both axles, rear driver side brake caliper,all 4 rotors/pads, recharged AC, AC motor would only run on 4 (fixed myself, thanks Maxima.org lolz), Eng light goes and comes (02 sensor), replaced front windshield. That is pretty much it.

Should be replacing suspension soon with either K-Sports or D2's not sure yet.
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Old 04-26-2007, 05:06 AM
  #38  
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I put no problems but I forgot all the crap I went thru a year ago. Had to have my 5spd tranny rebuilt due to the bearing issue, water pump went bad, and my fuel pump relay went bad from getting soaked from outside water in the kick panel.
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Old 04-26-2007, 08:46 AM
  #39  
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Well I have 492k kms..that's almost 300k miles..so I've basically raplaced most of the common 4th gen parts that go bad. Right now my rear valve cover is leaking like a ****, I have to get that done somehow. All in all I bought the care used in '97 and the only disappointment was having to rebuild the 5-spd because of the infamous bearing issue.
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Old 04-26-2007, 09:03 AM
  #40  
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I have replaced the following:
1. Injectors
2. Heater Core
3. Alternator
4. Both axles (CV joints)
And I am currently having feul system problems....sputters but doesn't stall, white smoke coming out of exhaust, "service engine soon light on and off....starts flashing....fuel smell....running rich....need help.

By the way I am at 182K miles
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