ABS/VDC CAN DIAGNOSIS INFORMATION This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2005 Nissan Maxima brakes problems
severe 18 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $450 · see brakes across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
18
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$450
1crash
1injury
When does it fail?
Of the 18 brakes complaints filed for the 2005 Nissan Maxima, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 75,000-100,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
Among the 7 model years of Nissan Maxima in our records for brakes problems, this one ranks #2 by owner-complaint volume.
No new NHTSA brakes complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 15 years — the issue may be aging out of the active population.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering brakes on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
SERVICE INFORMATION This bulletin has compiled Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS) and Low Tire Pressure Warning System (LTPWS) information for: - Basic diagnosing of TPMS/LTPWS systems - Radio frequency interference causing a "No Data" (C1708, C1709, C1710, C1711) condition - Sensor leaks - Moving TPMS/LTPWS wheel assemblies from one vehicle to another and TPMS/LTPWS sensor registration - Air pressure changes with altitude and ambient temperatures - Aftermarket tire sealers - Aftermarket wheels - Inflating/deflating tires with TPMS/LTPWS sensors See this bulletin for further detail.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗SERVICE INFORMATION - This bulletin is to assist you in responding to customer questions about brake operation, and provides diagnostic and repair information for each item listed, if any should occur. - Most brake incidents fall into the following categories: a. Brake Noise: A squeak, squeal, clunk, or groan that occurs when the brakes are applied or released. b. Brake Judder: A vibration that can be felt in the vehicle, steering wheel or brake pedal when the brakes are applied. c. Pedal Feel: The effort needed to operate the brakes is too high or too low. SERVICE PROCEDURE 1. Verify the condition by road testing the vehicle with the customer. 2. Determine the specific brake incident based
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗If YOU CONFIRM: A vehicle needs to have the brake rotors resurfaced (front or rear). ACTION: Use the ProCut PFM Series on-car brake lathe to perform brake rotor resurfacing and follow the tips listed in this bulletin. - The ProCut PFM Series brake lathe has been chosen as the approved tool for rotor resurfacing. - The ProCut PFM Series brake lathe can be ordered from TECH-MATE at 1-800-662-2001. - ProCut technical support or service can be obtained by calling 1-800-543-6618. NOTE: Brake rotors may need to be resurfaced during routine brake repair or for brake "judder" incidents. - Brake judder: A brake pedal pulsation and/or steering wheel shimmy when braking that occurs when there is too mu
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗ABS ACTIVATES WITH NORMAL BRAKING / ABS WARNING LAMP IS ON. UPDATED 08-13-07.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Owners describe two main brake problems on the 2005 Maxima. The first is spontaneous ABS activation during normal driving—the system engages and pumps without the driver pressing the brake pedal, causing jerking, increased stopping distance, and pedal fade. No warning lights appear in some cases; in others, the ABS light illuminates. This happens intermittently on dry pavement at speeds between 20 and 55 mph.
The second is ABS system failure triggered by corrosion and water accumulation in the wheel hub assembly and around ABS sensors, especially the rear sensors. Salt and moisture from road conditions cause rust that disables the ABS motor, sensor, and actuator. When this occurs, drivers report grinding noises during braking, jerking, longer stopping distances, and illumination of ABS, traction control, and vehicle dynamic control warning lights. Nissan published TSB NTB07-016(B) documenting the problem and suggesting fixes like subframe grinding and part replacement. Owners also report one incident of complete brake pedal failure—the pedal wouldn't depress at all—during a parking maneuver at low speed. One owner describes pedal-to-accelerator spacing and pedal travel design allowing inadvertent acceleration while braking.
Repairs typically involve replacing rear ABS sensors, wheel hub assemblies, and sometimes the ABS actuator. One owner cites costs exceeding $2,000; another reports $534 for drilling holes to drain water. Dealers acknowledge the problem as common but many owners say Nissan refuses to cover repairs or issue recalls.
Same Nissan Maxima brakes reports on nearby years: 2006 · 2007
Failure modes owners describe
Spontaneous ABS activation during normal driving
ABS motor engages and pumps unprompted while driving on dry level pavement at speeds 20–55 mph, without brake pedal application. Causes vehicle jerking, pedal fade, extended stopping distance, and rolling through stop signs.
When: Intermittent; occurs between 20–55 mph on dry asphalt
Symptoms owners cite: ABS motor engages unprompted; Pedal fade and flutter; Extended stopping distance; Vehicle jerking and strange handling; Rolling through stop signs; No warning light in some cases
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer suggested ABS sensor replacement; one independent mechanic identified faulty computer chip. No repairs documented.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer characterized as common and suggested sensor replacement at owner expense. TSB NTB07-016(B) documents design defect and correction procedures including subframe grinding and part replacement.
ABS system failure due to corrosion and water intrusion
Water from roads accumulates in wheel hub assembly and around ABS sensors, causing excessive rust and corrosion. Corroded ABS sensors and/or actuator fail, disabling ABS, traction control, and vehicle dynamic control systems. Subframe rust linked to design defect promoting corrosion.
When: Occurs by 40,000–83,000 miles; recurs after repair within 3–6 months to 2 years
Symptoms owners cite: ABS light, traction control light, vehicle dynamic control light illuminate; Grinding noise during braking; ABS jerking and extended stopping distance; Slip and VDC OFF lights on dashboard; Compromised steering and accident avoidance capability
Repairs/costs cited: Rear wheel hub assembly replacement ($444.10 per side documented), rear ABS wheel sensors ($627.20 per side documented), ABS actuator assembly ($1,306.51 documented), drilling holes to drain water ($534.34 in one case). Repairs recur; one owner reports four occurrences.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: TSB NTB07-016(B) issued by Nissan as of March 16, 2007, detailing the design defect and correction procedures. Nissan refuses to cover repairs or recall vehicles. Warranty coverage expires before failures occur.
Complete brake pedal failure
Brake pedal fails to depress entirely, preventing brake engagement. Occurs during low-speed maneuvers. Cause not determined by dealer inspection.
When: November 2005, at 4 months ownership; mileage not stated
Symptoms owners cite: Brake pedal does not depress; No brake engagement when pedal pressed; Vehicle uncontrolled descent/collision
Repairs/costs cited: Cost quoted as $2,000+; vehicle repairs not completed during investigation period.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Nissan investigation on 12/5 and 12/12/2005 found no defect. Dealer initially denied responsibility. Investigation specifics not provided.
Brake pedal design interference with accelerator pedal
Brake pedal can travel below accelerator pedal level due to excessive pedal travel and insufficient spacing between pedals. When depressing brake, driver may simultaneously contact accelerator, causing unintended acceleration during parking.
When: Noted as design feature during parking maneuver
Symptoms owners cite: Brake pedal can depress below accelerator pedal level; Inadvertent accelerator engagement while braking; Vehicle collision into parking median
Repairs/costs cited: Bumper and front skirt damage from collision. No repair note for pedal design.
Synthesized from 18 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 1 most recent
Failure in ABS, TCS, slip. Warning lights show after the occurring sound of grinding in the brakes. This is my second maxima, 2005 se and sl models have problems. Both cars have different odometer, one is below 100k and one is higher. This is ridiculous for a 30+k car. *tr
Had brakes trouble with your 2005 Nissan Maxima?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the brakes problem on the 2005 Nissan Maxima?
It's a meaningful issue. 18 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $450.
At what mileage does the brakes typically fail?
Across the 17 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most brakes failures cluster between 40,000 and 92,000 miles, with the median around 70,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 40,000; a quarter make it past 92,000. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $450 for brakes repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to brakes?
No active recalls currently cover brakes issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2005/Nissan/Maxima.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.