My car starting jerking between 2nd and 3rd gears. I made an appt with my local Nissan dealer for a few days later and within those few days it progressed to severe bucking between gears and I no longer felt it was safe to drive, luckily the dealer isn't far from my house. I was told my transmission needed to be replaced and 3 engine mounts were cracked. Total cost $5200. I wasn't able to come up…
2005 Nissan Maxima engine problems
moderate 53 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $3,100 · see engine across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
53
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$3,100
1crash
When does it fail?
Of the 53 engine complaints filed for the 2005 Nissan Maxima, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 50,000-75,000 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
Of the 10 model years of Nissan Maxima we track for engine problems, this one carries the most owner complaints on file — 53.
Owners have filed 53 engine complaints with NHTSA against this vehicle, but no formal recall covers the issue — the federal record reflects what manufacturers have admitted, not everything owners are reporting.
The failure pattern owners describe
Buyer takeaway: The 2005 Nissan Maxima is plagued by early transmission failure with violent jerking and hard shifts—typically costing $3,200–$5,200 to replace around 60,000–90,000 miles—and by premature timing chain tensioner wear requiring $1,500–$2,800 engine-out repairs. Nissan has not issued recalls for either issue and refuses warranty coverage, making this a risky used purchase.
Owners of the 2005 Nissan Maxima describe two major, systemic defects. First, the automatic transmission jerks violently when shifting, especially between 1st–2nd and 2nd–3rd gears and when engaging from Neutral to Drive or Reverse. The engine RPMs spike abnormally, the transmission slips out of gear causing the engine to rev freely, then slams back in with a loud clunk. This happens repeatedly, creates a burned-oil smell, and worsens over time. It typically appears around 60,000–90,000 miles but sometimes within weeks of ownership. Transmission replacement runs $3,200–$5,200. Second, timing chain tensioners made of plastic fail prematurely around 50,000–100,000 miles, producing a whining or grinding noise. If they fail completely, the engine stalls without warning. Replacement requires removing the engine and costs $1,500–$2,800. Owners also report cracked engine mounts, crankshaft sensor failures causing engine stalls mid-drive, and early throttle or catalytic converter problems. One owner's engine threw a rod at fewer than 10,000 miles. Nissan dealers acknowledge these as "known problems" and some mechanics report seeing them repeatedly, yet Nissan refuses recalls and provides no warranty coverage beyond the initial period. Multiple owners report attempted repairs (fluid flushes, mount replacements) that only masked symptoms temporarily.
Same Nissan Maxima engine reports on nearby years: 2006 · 2007
Failure modes owners describe
Timing Chain and Tensioner Failure
Timing chain tensioners made of cheap plastic wear out prematurely, causing whining or grinding noise from the engine. Dealers recommend replacement, which requires removing the engine. Failure is common after 50,000–100,000 miles. If tensioners fail completely, the engine stops immediately and requires towing. Secondary timing chain guides also break. Owners report this as a known manufacturing defect affecting 2004–2008 models.
When: 50,000–100,000 miles, sometimes sooner
Symptoms owners cite: Whining noise from engine; Grinding or metal-on-metal sound from engine; Engine may stall without warning if failure is complete
Repairs/costs cited: Timing chain and tensioner replacement typically costs $1,500–$2,800; requires engine removal. Part itself is inexpensive (~$50) but labor is high. One owner paid $2,800.93.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Nissan issued Technical Service Bulletin but not a recall. Nissan USA informed owners they have no responsibility once warranty expires. Owners report dealer techs acknowledge it as a 'known problem' but Nissan refuses to cover repairs.
Transmission Jerking, Slipping, and Hard Shifting
Automatic transmission jerks violently when shifting, especially between 1st–2nd and 2nd–3rd gears, and when shifting from Neutral to Drive/Reverse. Engine RPMs spike abnormally during shifts. Transmission slips out of gear during driving, then slams back in with a loud clunk. Burned transmission fluid and electrical smell reported. Jerking is dangerous, nearly causing accidents. Problem is common across 2004–2006 models and worsens over time.
When: Typically 60,000–90,000 miles; some within weeks of purchase
Symptoms owners cite: Hard jerking between 1st and 2nd gear; Hard jerking between 2nd and 3rd gear; Jerking when shifting from Neutral to Drive or Reverse; Transmission slips out of gear, engine revs, then slams back in; Engine RPMs jump to 4–5k then hesitate; Delayed engagement (5–10 seconds) when putting car in gear; Loud clunking or banging noise during shifts; Burned oil or electrical smell after slipping; Hesitation and loss of acceleration
Repairs/costs cited: Transmission replacement costs $3,200–$5,200. Some owners had fluid flushed and engine mounts replaced first, which temporarily masked symptoms but did not solve the problem. One owner paid $5,200 for transmission replacement and cracked engine mount repairs. Burned transmission fluid evident at failure.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Nissan refuses to issue recall. Dealers acknowledge it as a 'known problem' with this model year and tell some owners Nissan is replacing transmissions on 2007 models but not earlier ones. Some dealers perform transmission fluid flush at no charge or low cost. Nissan consumer affairs stated they are 'not willing to help in any way.' No warranty coverage reported after 36,000–65,000 miles.
Engine Mounts Cracking and Breaking
Engine mounts crack or break, often multiple mounts on the same vehicle. Fractured mounts are discovered during routine inspections or when diagnosing transmission issues. Broken mounts contribute to or exacerbate transmission jerking. One owner replaced engine mounts four times by 88,000 miles.
When: As early as 65,000–90,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Excessive engine vibration or movement felt in cabin; Jerking sensation (often mistaken for transmission issue until mounts diagnosed)
Repairs/costs cited: Engine mount replacement cost not explicitly stated in most complaints, but repairs range from several hundred to over $1,000 for multiple mounts. One owner replaced mounts four times; another had 3 cracked mounts requiring replacement costing portion of a $5,200 repair bill.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No manufacturer response documented in narratives regarding engine mount defects.
Engine Knock Sensor Harness Damage and Misfire
Engine knock sensor harness can be damaged (one case: rodent damage), triggering misfire condition. Misfire causes transmission to buck, stop shifting, lose acceleration, and shift suddenly, creating dangerous driving conditions. Dealer initially could not diagnose until owner agreed to pay for diagnostic computer test. Master mechanic confirmed the harness fault.
When: Can occur early in ownership if harness is damaged
Symptoms owners cite: Engine misfire; Transmission bucking; Transmission stops shifting; Loss of acceleration; Sudden gear changes; Transmission does not shift
Codes mentioned: Misfire code
Repairs/costs cited: Harness replacement was owner's expense; no cost stated. Master mechanic reported seeing this problem many times.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer initially ignored the problem, claiming they could not duplicate it until owner demanded paid diagnostic testing. Manufacturer refused to take responsibility despite the defect creating unsafe driving conditions.
Throttle Body Failure
Throttle body can fail early in the vehicle's life, requiring replacement shortly after purchase.
When: Less than one year, fewer than 10,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Throttle went out
Repairs/costs cited: One owner had throttle replaced within months of purchasing new car.
Rod Knock and Engine Failure
Engine throws a rod, requiring complete engine replacement. Occurred on a vehicle with fewer than 10,000 miles, less than one year old.
When: Less than 10,000 miles, less than one year old
Symptoms owners cite: Engine knocking or rattling noise
Repairs/costs cited: Entire engine replacement required; vehicle out of service 2–3 weeks.
Crankshaft Position Sensor Failure
Crank sensor fails, causing engine to lose all power and shut off while driving. One case: vehicle shut down in the middle of an intersection. Another case: engine stalled at highway speed (80 mph) without warning. Sensor reset by mechanic temporarily restored function.
When: 50,000–102,000+ miles
Symptoms owners cite: Check Engine light illuminates; Engine loses all power and shuts off without warning; Engine difficult to start after sitting for prolonged period; Slip light illuminates
Codes mentioned: Crank position sensor failure code
Repairs/costs cited: One mechanic reset the sensor; no permanent repair cost stated. Another owner reported vehicle not inspected after code was identified.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Nissan dealer stated vehicle VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign ID 03V455000 (Engine and Engine Cooling), so they would not cover the repair.
IPDM (Integrated Power Distribution Module) Defect
IPDM module is defective, causing vehicle to crank but not start. Vehicle shut down in the middle of an intersection. Owner reports major design flaw in having no auxiliary power or warning when module fails. Part was on back order.
When: Timing not specified
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle cranks but will not start; Vehicle stalls while driving
Repairs/costs cited: Part on back order; repair cost not specified.
Catalytic Converter and Heat Shield Rattle
Catalytic converter cracks and heat shield rattles. Converter replacement recommended by dealer.
When: 75,000 miles reported
Symptoms owners cite: Rattle noise; Cracked catalytic converter
Repairs/costs cited: Catalytic converter replacement cost $1,200.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Nissan dealer would not consider the problem a defect or cover under warranty.
Unintended Acceleration and Transmission Surge
Vehicle experiences forceful, unintended acceleration when pressure is applied to accelerator pedal, especially during shifts in 1st, 2nd, and 3rd gears. One owner reported the transmission jerking so hard it felt like being hit from behind by an 18-ton semi-trailer. Another reported transmission lunging forward violently when shifting.
When: At various mileages; one case at 61,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Unintended forceful acceleration; Violent transmission jerking; Extreme hard jerking between gears
Repairs/costs cited: Transmission replacement recommended; one owner had accident due to the shifting problem.
Synthesized from 53 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 2 most recent
It has been proven and reported many times on the internet of the poor design of the secondary timing chains, tensioners, and guides for this particular model of Nissan. Owners of these vehicles have had to pay huge repair bills due to the defective timing chain tensioners that were placed in this vehicle when it was manufactured. They wear out prematurely and the engine has to be taken out of…
Had engine 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 engine problem on the 2005 Nissan Maxima?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 53 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $3,100 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the engine typically fail?
Across the 42 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most engine failures cluster between 65,000 and 98,000 miles, with the median around 84,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 65,000; a quarter make it past 98,000. 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 $3,100 for engine 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 engine?
No active recalls currently cover engine 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.