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 ↗2006 Nissan Maxima brakes problems
moderate 50 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $450 · see brakes across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
50
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$450
When does it fail?
Of the 50 brakes complaints filed for the 2006 Nissan Maxima, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 25,000-50,000 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 7 model years of Nissan Maxima we track for brakes problems, this one carries the most owner complaints on file — 50.
Owners have filed 50 brakes 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.
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
The 2006 Maxima ABS system fails due to moisture trapping in the rear wheel hubs, causing corrosion of sensors and actuators. Owners report the ABS engaging without warning on dry pavement, producing grinding, clanking, or thumping sounds and severely compromising stopping distance—a serious safety issue. Many describe the brake pedal pulsing erratically or sinking toward the floor when the ABS activates.
Nissan issued Technical Service Bulletin NTB07-016B (July 2007) and issued a March 2007 bulletin for actuator replacement, but never recalled the vehicle. The fix involves cleaning the hub cavity, drilling a drainage hole, and replacing corroded sensors—typically costing $350–$975 for sensors alone. However, the ABS actuator often fails anyway, requiring an additional $1,300–$2,500 repair. Multiple owners report the system failing again within 6–14 months of repair. Nissan has refused warranty coverage out of the 36,000-mile window and denied responsibility despite dealership technicians confirming they perform these repairs "on all of them." Service bulletins exist, yet owners foot the bill for a known design flaw.
Same Nissan Maxima brakes reports on nearby years: 2005 · 2007
Failure modes owners describe
ABS Unwanted Activation / False Triggering
ABS system engages on dry pavement during normal braking or even without braking, producing grinding, clunking, thumping, or clanging noises. Brake pedal pulses; braking distance compromised. Issue occurs regardless of road conditions or speed.
When: Across mileage range from ~26,000 to ~90,000 miles; reported throughout vehicle ownership
Symptoms owners cite: ABS engages on dry pavement without justification; Grinding, clanking, clunking, thumping, or humming noises under braking; Brake pedal pulses or vibrates when ABS activates; Severely compromised braking distance; ABS warning light illuminates; Traction control and slip lights engage
Codes mentioned: C1110, No codes stored in some cases
Repairs/costs cited: Rear ABS sensor replacement typically $350–$975. Rear wheel hub replacement/cleaning also performed. TSB procedure involves drilling drainage holes in rear hubs to prevent moisture recurrence.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Technical Service Bulletin NTB07-016B issued (July 2007) for moisture/corrosion mitigation. Nissan issued TSB to dealers but did not recall vehicle. Nissan customer service refused reimbursement and denied responsibility out of warranty.
ABS Actuator Failure
ABS actuator/module fails, rendering ABS, traction control, and electronic brake force distribution inactive. Typically follows sensor replacement failure or occurs independently. Brake pedal may sink toward floor; brakes grab and release continuously.
When: Often after sensor repair attempts fail; reported at ~40,000–~70,000 miles; some repeated failures within months of prior repair
Symptoms owners cite: ABS, traction control, slip, and brake warning lights illuminate simultaneously; Brake pedal sinks to floor or feels very soft with extended travel; Brakes grab and release continuously; Loud crunch noise when braking; Extended stopping time; severely delayed braking response; ABS pump motor runs continuously even when parked
Codes mentioned:
Repairs/costs cited: ABS actuator/motor module replacement quoted at $1,300–$2,500 depending on shop and year of work. Often requires knuckle modification per service bulletin. Multiple owners faced repeat failures within 1–2 years after initial repair, requiring re-replacement of sensors, hubs, and actuator.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Nissan issued TSB (March 16, 2007) for actuator and knuckle modification procedure. No recall issued. Nissan refused to pay for out-of-warranty repairs and denied design-flaw responsibility. One owner reported dealer acknowledged they routinely see this problem and said customers often have to return for actuator replacement after sensor repair.
Moisture/Corrosion in Rear Wheel Hub Assembly
Weep hole or drainage channel in rear hub becomes plugged or insufficient, allowing moisture and road salt to accumulate inside hub cavity. Corrosion builds up around ABS sensor ring and wheel bearing, causing false sensor signals and component degradation.
When: Occurs across entire mileage range; more common in winter/salt conditions; reported from ~26,000 miles onward
Symptoms owners cite: Grinding noise when braking; ABS activates without cause; Debris accumulation inside hub cavity; Sensor corrosion visible on inspection; Left rear wheel bearing corrosion severe enough to require replacement; False speed-sensor signals triggering ABS
Codes mentioned:
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer/mechanic must clean out rear hub cavity and install drainage hole (drilling procedure) to allow moisture escape. Replacement of corroded ABS sensors ($350–$900 per owner reports). New sensor cap and hub assembly may be required. Dealer modifications include knuckle drilling per TSB. Some owners report dealerships running out of parts due to high volume of this repair.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: TSB issued addressing drainage modification. Nissan acknowledged design flaw to some customers but refused warranty coverage out of 36,000-mile window. Service techs confirmed to multiple owners that 'all of them' (2004-up Maximas) require this repair, yet no recall issued.
Brake Pedal Soft / Extended Travel
Brake pedal becomes spongy with excessive travel distance, requiring hard pressure to achieve adequate braking. Occurs alongside ABS sensor/hub corrosion issues.
When: Reported at low mileage (~27,000 miles); coincides with ABS sensor failures
Symptoms owners cite: Brake pedal feels very soft/spongy; Brake pedal travel much longer than normal; Requires increased pressure to brake; Car slows reluctantly despite firm pedal pressure
Codes mentioned:
Repairs/costs cited: Rear hub and sensor replacement addressed underlying ABS issue; pedal firmness restored after proper repairs.
Repeated ABS Failures After Repair
Multiple owners report ABS system re-failing shortly after sensor and/or hub repairs, requiring return visits and further costly repairs. Pattern suggests underlying design flaw not resolved by current repair procedures.
When: Recurring within 6–14 months of prior repair; one owner experienced 5 failures over 11 months
Symptoms owners cite: ABS re-engages after sensor replacement; Grinding noise returns; Same failure mode repeats despite sensor/hub service; Actuator fails after sensor repair, requiring additional $1,300–$2,500 outlay; New parts corrode rapidly, requiring re-replacement
Codes mentioned:
Repairs/costs cited: One owner reported replacing left rear sensor ($350), then right rear sensor ($350) 14 months later, then actuator ($1,300); problem returned within 10 months. Another replaced hubs/sensors (Aug 2009), then sensors/hubs/actuator again (2011). Third owner replaced actuator, rear sensor, and hub in 2009–2010, then had to repeat entire repair in 2010.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Nissan refused responsibility citing lack of recall and expiration of warranty. One owner reported being told 'there are technical bulletins for fixing engines but that means nothing' when asking why no recall was issued.
Synthesized from 50 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 2 most recent
I felt ABS system actuating via pumping sensation in my brake pedal while I was driving on dry pavement. It performed worse when going uphill, at low speeds and on flat surfaces. Error codes were generated and "dummy" lights went on. The braking was not very effective as a result of the ABS kicking in erroneously. Thankfully I was keeping a safe following distance and was able to brake with some…
From nov 2009 to jan 2010, I replaced the actuator, rear wheel sensor, hub and components. Now, the dealership states that I will have to replace all of that again (dec 2010). A part that was replaced last year rusted causing "rust intrusion" and Nissan does not consider that part to be defective (even though that same part is less that a year old). So in less than a year, I have spent $4000…
Had brakes trouble with your 2006 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 2006 Nissan Maxima?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 50 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $450 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the brakes typically fail?
Across the 43 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most brakes failures cluster between 44,000 and 85,000 miles, with the median around 60,885. A quarter of owners report trouble before 44,000; a quarter make it past 85,000. 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/2006/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.