Photo: IFCAR / Public domain / Wikimedia Commons
2005 Nissan Maxima: common problems and reliability
One of the worst Maxima years.
One of the Nissan Maxima years to avoid. All Maxima years
948 owner complaints, most about power train. 2 recalls.
Should I buy a 2005 Maxima?The 2005 Nissan Maxima has 948 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 2 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are power train and engine.
Safety record for the 2005 model year
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2005 Nissan Maxima vehicles (US, public record).
The Year Score compares this year with other Maxima years only. How we score it
Is 2005 a good year for the Maxima?
Across the 28 Maxima model years we track, complaint volume runs from 1 (2023) to 1,426 (2004). With 948 complaints, the 2005 Maxima sits above the model's median of 112.
These are raw NHTSA complaint totals, not adjusted for how many cars sold or how long each model year has been on the road. Older and higher-selling years accumulate more complaints.
Where owners report problems
Recalls affecting the 2005 Maxima
seats:front assembly:power adjust
Campaign 05V512000ON 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.
child seat:latch strap
Campaign 05V338000CERTAIN 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.
What owners say across generations
Sentiment is sharply divided by generation, with a clear consensus that reliability and owner satisfaction declined significantly after the early 2000s.
Owner insights cover all generations of the Maxima. See the full Maxima owner picture and every model year.
Typical used price
Used Maxima listings typically run $13,900–$20,796 across 2014 to 2023 model years.
Other Maxima model years
Compare every Maxima year side by side to see how 2005 ranks against the rest.
Compare the Maxima against its rivals
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