Nissan · Known Issues

2008 Nissan Maxima Problems: 4 Known Issues

2008 model year · NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports · Updated November 2026

According to Au7o's research across NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports, the 2008 Nissan Maxima has 4 documented known issues. None of the listed issues is rated critical; this is not a complete reliability assessment. Across all issues with published estimates, repair costs range from $150 to $1,500. DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.

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All 4 Known Issues

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On the 2004-2014 Nissan Maxima VQ35DE, the VQ35DE engine in the 6th and 7th generation Maxima is prone to ignition coil failure. Coils typically fail one at a time, causing misfires on the affected cylinder. The rear bank (cylinders 1, 3, 5) coils fail more frequently due to heat soak from the firewall proximity. Coil failure is especially common after 60,000-80,000 miles and is one of the most reported Maxima issues.

This issue also affects: Infiniti FX35, Infiniti G35, Infiniti G37

Common Symptoms

Engine misfire and rough idle
Check engine light flashing
Loss of power and hesitation
Rough acceleration
Increased fuel consumption

How to Fix

Replace failed ignition coil(s). It is recommended to replace all 6 coils at the same time along with spark plugs to prevent repeat failures. OEM Nissan coils cost $40-60 each; quality aftermarket (Hitachi, Denso) $25-40 each. Total parts for all 6: $150-360. Labor: $150-300 (rear bank is harder to access). DIY-friendly on front bank.

What you need to fix it

Only diagnosis- and fitment-reviewed repair parts are linked here.

Genuine Nissan 2004-2008 ignition coil 22448-8J11C
Use only 2004-2008 Maxima and confirm VIN/supersession; sold individually.
NissanPartsDeal
Genuine Nissan 2009-2014 ignition coil 22448-JA11C
Use only 2009-2014 Maxima and confirm VIN/supersession; sold individually.
NissanPartsDeal
Genuine Nissan spark plug 22401-5M014 / NGK PLFR4A-11
Confirm VIN, production date, heat range and required quantity; do not substitute across every 2004-2008 car by year alone.
NissanPartsDeal
Genuine Nissan spark plug 22401-ZE01B / NGK PLFR5A-11
Confirm VIN, production date, heat range and unusual package quantity before ordering; engine requires six plugs, not ten.
NissanPartsDeal
Genuine Nissan 2009-2014 spark plug 22401-EW61C / NGK PLFR4A-11
Use only after confirming 2009-2014 Maxima, VIN, installed plug and seller package quantity; engine requires six.
NissanPartsDeal

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases; other part links may also earn au7o a commission. Confirm fitment by VIN before buying.

Typical repair cost:$150 - $600

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Community Reported

High ConfidenceReviewed Oct 27, 2026

On the 2004-2008 Nissan Maxima, the 2004-2008 Nissan Maxima (6th generation, A34) develops power steering fluid leaks from the steering rack seals, high-pressure hoses, and pump seals. The rack and pinion seals deteriorate from heat cycling and age, causing fluid seepage that progressively worsens. As fluid level drops, the power steering pump whines, groans, and eventually fails from running dry. Leaking power steering fluid can contact hot exhaust components, creating a fire hazard. Loss of power assist makes the vehicle difficult to steer, especially at low speeds and during parking maneuvers.

Common Symptoms

Power steering fluid spots under vehicle
Whining or groaning noise when turning the steering wheel
Heavy or stiff steering, especially at low speeds
Power steering fluid level dropping between checks
Screeching noise from power steering pump
Burning fluid smell from under hood

How to Fix

Find where the fluid is coming from before you replace anything. Clean the area, top up the reservoir with the fluid Nissan specifies, and check again after a short drive. There are three likely sources: the steering rack seals, the high-pressure hose, and the pump seals. Check the high-pressure hose along its length and at the banjo fitting where it bolts to the pump, which is sealed with two copper washers. Then check the pump and the steering rack. A pump that whines or groans is often running low on fluid, so fix the leak and refill before you decide the pump has failed. If the high-pressure hose is leaking, Nissan bulletin NTB12-029 (March 22, 2012, covers the 2004-2008 Maxima A34) applies. It says the replacement hose for this car, part 49720-7Y00B, now comes without the power steering pressure sensor. The shop should move your existing sensor to the new hose with a new O-ring (49345-6N200) and tighten it to 19.6 N-m (14.5 ft-lb). They should always fit two new copper washers at the pump (49726-Y0100). They should not replace the other hoses as a set unless those are leaking too. The sensor itself should be replaced only if it is faulty. If the leak is at the rack seals or the pump, that part has to be repaired or replaced. Coverage: NTB12-029 is a service-part change notice, not a recall or warranty extension. Run your VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup to check for open recalls. Until the repair is done, keep the fluid topped up. Running the pump low on fluid can damage it, and fluid leaking onto hot exhaust parts is a fire risk, so fix it promptly.

What you need to fix it

Only diagnosis- and fitment-reviewed repair parts are linked here.

CARDONE remanufactured hydraulic rack and pinion 26-3014
Confirm VIN, ports, core and warranty before ordering.
Advance Auto Parts
Genuine Nissan lower power-steering return hose 49725-8J000
Confirm the highest wet point and VIN.
NissanPartsDeal
Genuine Nissan power steering fluid 999MP-AG000P
Verify service-manual capacity; this hydraulic system does not use later E-PSF.
NissanParts.cc

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases; other part links may also earn au7o a commission. Confirm fitment by VIN before buying.

Typical repair cost:$300 - $1,500

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Community Reported

Medium ConfidenceUpdated Nov 7, 2026

NHTSA Recalls1 recall

SUSPENSION

NISSAN IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2009 AND 2010 ALTIMA AND MAXIMA PASSENGER CARS. THE UPPER FRONT STRUT INSULATORS MAY HAVE BEEN MANUFACTURED OUT OF SPECIFICATION RESULTING IN A POTENTIAL FOR THE STRUT INSULATOR TO CRACK.

Campaign #09V35800016/09/2009

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common Nissan Maxima problems?

According to Au7o's research across NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports, the 2008 Nissan Maxima has 4 documented issues. Documented issues include: Power Steering Rack Seal Leak and Pump Failure, Ignition Coil Failure (VQ35DE), Valve Cover Gasket and Spark Plug Tube Seal Leak (Oil in Plug Wells, Rear Bank). None are rated critical, but regular maintenance is recommended.

Is the Nissan Maxima reliable?

The 2008 Nissan Maxima has 4 known issues compiled from NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports. None of the matching records is rated critical; this is not a complete reliability assessment. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.

How much does it cost to fix common Nissan Maxima problems?

Repair costs for known Nissan Maxima issues range from $150 to $1,500, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.

What is the 2004-2008 Nissan Maxima Power Steering Rack Seal Leak and Pump Failure?

The 2004-2008 Nissan Maxima (6th generation, A34) develops power steering fluid leaks from the steering rack seals, high-pressure hoses, and pump seals. The rack and pinion seals deteriorate from heat cycling and age, causing fluid seepage that progressively worsens. As fluid lev… Repairs typically run $300-$1,500. Severity: medium.

What is the 2004-2014 Nissan Maxima Ignition Coil Failure (VQ35DE)?

The VQ35DE engine in the 6th and 7th generation Maxima is prone to ignition coil failure. Coils typically fail one at a time, causing misfires on the affected cylinder. The rear bank (cylinders 1, 3, 5) coils fail more frequently due to heat soak from the firewall proximity. Coil… Repairs typically run $150-$600. Severity: medium.

What is the 2000-2008 Nissan Maxima Valve Cover Gasket and Spark Plug Tube Seal Leak (Oil in Plug Wells, Rear Bank)?

The molded rubber gasket and the integral spark plug tube seals in the VQ valve covers harden and take a compression set. The rear (firewall-side) cover fails first because it runs hotter and is the hardest to access. Oil weeps down the back of the block and burns off on the exha… Repairs typically run $250-$800. Severity: medium.

What is the 2004-2008 Nissan Maxima Bank 1 catalytic converter failure with P0420 (owner reports)?

Owners of sixth-generation Maximas report check-engine code P0420 traced to a failed bank 1 catalytic converter mounted at the exhaust manifold, which they replaced. It affects 2004-2008 Maximas (A34) with the 3.5L VQ35DE V6; the owner reports include a 2006 Maxima. Severity: medium.

Content on this page was compiled with AI assistance using NHTSA complaints, TSBs, owner reports, and public automotive data. While we strive for accuracy, this information may contain errors. Always verify repair procedures and specifications with your vehicle's service manual or a qualified mechanic.

2008 Nissan Maxima Problems: 4 Known Issues

All 4 Known Issues

2004-2014 Nissan Maxima: Ignition Coil Failure (VQ35DE)#

Common Symptoms

How to Fix

What you need to fix it

Research This Issue

2000-2008 Nissan Maxima: Valve Cover Gasket and Spark Plug Tube Seal Leak (Oil in Plug Wells, Rear Bank)#

Common Symptoms

How to Fix

Research This Issue

2004-2008 Nissan Maxima: Power Steering Rack Seal Leak and Pump Failure#

Common Symptoms

How to Fix

What you need to fix it

Research This Issue

2004-2008 Nissan Maxima: Bank 1 catalytic converter failure with P0420 (owner reports)#

Common Symptoms

How to Fix

Research This Issue

Other Nissan Models

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common Nissan Maxima problems?

Is the Nissan Maxima reliable?

How much does it cost to fix common Nissan Maxima problems?

What is the 2004-2008 Nissan Maxima Power Steering Rack Seal Leak and Pump Failure?

What is the 2004-2014 Nissan Maxima Ignition Coil Failure (VQ35DE)?

What is the 2000-2008 Nissan Maxima Valve Cover Gasket and Spark Plug Tube Seal Leak (Oil in Plug Wells, Rear Bank)?

What is the 2004-2008 Nissan Maxima Bank 1 catalytic converter failure with P0420 (owner reports)?