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2005 Nissan Maxima

Factory specifications, fluid capacities, torque values, EPA fuel economy and the federal safety record for the 2005 Maxima.

Body PASSENGER CARTransmission Automatic (S5)

The 2005 Nissan Maxima is a midsize passenger car built on Nissan’s contemporary platform and equipped with a 4.4‑quart oil capacity, 5W‑30 API‑rated engine that pairs with an S5 automatic transmission, delivering EPA ratings of 18 mpg city, 26 mpg highway and a combined 21 mpg. While the model registers 948 owner‑reported complaints—most frequently centered on the power‑train—and has been subject to two recalls, it follows the 2004 peak year of 1,425 complaints and sits well above the 2015 low of a single complaint in the model’s 1990‑2023 reliability record. This positioning indicates that the 2005 Maxima, though not the most problematic, occupies a middle ground in the model’s overall durability trend, offering a relatively moderate reliability profile for researchers to consider.

Model year2023 2022 2021 2020 2019 2018 2017 2016 2005

Quick specs

Fluid capacities, tune-up values and fuel economy at a glance.

Engine oil capacity4.4 qtOEM · verified

Engine oil type5W-30 APIOEM · verified

Lug nut torque72-87 ft-lbsOEM · verified

EPA fuel economy18/26/21 mpgEPA · verified

Fitment & sizes

Replacement part sizes and factory part numbers — battery, bulbs, filters and belts.

From the factory this vehicle uses a BCI 24F · 550 CCA battery, OE oil filter 1520865F0E. Note the factory battery is now discontinued — plan on a superseded or quality aftermarket equivalent, which the part pages below list where known. Each part links to every other vehicle that shares it, so a part you already stock may fit more of your fleet than you'd expect.

Battery groupBCI 24F · 550 CCAOEM · verified

Tire sizeP245-45VR18OEM · verified

OE service part numbers OEM · verified

Engine oil filter	1520865F0E
Engine air filter	165460Z000
Spark plug	224015M016 alt 224015M014
Battery	244109B900 discontinued
Front wiper blades	28890ZD80A alt 288903Z600
Serpentine belt	119508J100 alt 119207Y000
Thermostat	13050ZA000 alt 212008J10B
Cabin air filter	27277VP01A

Full specifications

Engine, drivetrain, dimensions and economy.

Engine & drivetrain NHTSA vPIC

Transmission

Automatic (S5)

Dimensions & weight NHTSA vPIC

Overall length	193.7 in
Overall width	70.5 in
Overall height	57.1 in
Wheelbase	111.8 in
Curb weight	3463 lb
Track (front / rear)	61.4 / 61.4 in
Weight distribution (front / rear)	61/39

Ratings & economy EPA / vPIC

EPA city / highway / combined	18 / 26 / 21 mpg
Drivetrain	Front-Wheel Drive
Passenger volume	104 cu ft
Cargo volume	16 cu ft
Recommended fuel	Regular Gasoline

Performance & power Independent road tests

0–60 mph, quarter-mile, horsepower and torque from independent road tests.

Independent road tests for the Maxima of this era, listed by trim and engine — this page spans more than one engine, so no single horsepower figure is shown.

6.1 sec0–60 mph (tested)quickest 6.10 sec — 2005 3.5 SE

Year	Trim / engine	0–60	¼ mile	HP	Drivetrain
2005	3.5 SE 3.5L V6	6.10 sec	14.90 sec	265 hp	FWD
2004	3.5 SE 3.5L V6	6.30 sec	14.77 sec	265 hp	FWD
2004	3.5 SE 3.5L V6	6.40 sec	15.00 sec	265 hp	FWD
2004	3.5 SE 3.5L V6	6.60 sec	14.91 sec	265 hp	FWD

Service quick specs OEM factory data

Capacities, torques and tune-up values from the factory service manual.

This engine holds 4.4 qt of 5W-30 API engine oil, DOT 3 brake fluid. Torque lug nuts to 72-87 ft-lbs, the oil drain plug to 29.0 ft-lbs. The firing order is 1-2-3-4-5-6. Note the cylinder-head bolts finish on a torque angle (torque-to-yield) — they stretch permanently and should be replaced, not reused, during any head service.

Lubricants & capacities

Automatic Transmission Fluid	Nissan Matic-K
Automatic Transmission Fluid Capacity	7.7
Brake Fluid	DOT 3
Engine Oil	5W-30 · API
Engine Oil Capacity	4.4 qt
Manual Transmission Fluid	75W-85 · GL-4
Manual Transmission Fluid Capacity	4.6
Power Steering Fluid	ATF

Engine torques

Engine Flywheel Bolts	65 ft-lbs
Exhaust Manifold to Cylinder Head Bolts	21-24 ft-lbs
Engine Oil Pan Drain Plug	29.0 ft-lbs
Oil Pump to Cylinder BLock Bolts/Studs	5 ft-lbs

Chassis torques

Lug Nuts	72-87 ft-lbs
Front Wheel Hub	217 ft-lbs

Ignition

Cylinder Firing Order	1-2-3-4-5-6
Curb Idle Speed (No Load)	650 rpm
Curb Idle Speed Variance (No Load)	50 rpm
Spark Plug Manufacturer	NGK
Spark Plug Gap	0.039-0.043 in
Spark Plug Torque	14-22 ft-lbs
Ignition Timing	15, Not adjustable degrees
Ignition Timing Acceptable Variance	5 degrees

Battery & A/C

Refrigerant	R134a
Refrigerant Capacity	1.15-1.27 lbs
Oil Group	PAG
Oil Type	46
Oil Capacity	5.03 oz
Standard BCI Group Number	24F
Standard BCI Cranking Performance	550 cca

Service checks

Regulated Fuel System Pressure (Without Vacuum)	51.0 psi
Regulated Fuel System Pressure (With Vacuum)	51.0 psi
Injector Primary Resistance	11.1-14.5 ohms
Engine Oil Pressure	14 psi @ Idle, 43 psi @ 2000 rpm psi
Intake Valve Lash	0.012-0.016 in
Exhaust Valve Lash	0.012-0.017 in

Brakes

Torque Caliper to Bracket	17-22 ft-lbs / 28-35 ft-lbs
Torque to Knuckle	101-129 ft-lbs / 116-144 ft-lbs
Minimum Pad Thickness	Front: 0.079; Rear: 0.039 in
Rotor Max Parallel Variation	0.0006 in
Rotor Runout Limit	0.0028 in
Rotor Nominal Thickness From	1.102 in / 0.35 in
Rotor Nominal Thickness To	1.102 in / 0.35 in
Rotor Minimum Machining	1.024 in / 0.31 in

Multi-step torque procedures OEM · verified

Camshaft Bearing/Carrier Cap Bolts or Studs — tightening sequence 1 stages

1.4 ft. lbs., Step 2: 4.3 ft. lbs., Step 3: 7.0

1.4 ft. lbs

Connecting Rod (Large End) Bearings — tightening sequence 1 stages

14-15 ft. lbs., Step 2: 95

14–15 ft. lbs

Crankshaft Pulley and/or Damper Bolts — tightening sequence 1 stages

29-36 ft. lbs., step 2: 60

29–36 ft. lbs

Cylinder Head — tightening sequence 5 stages

1	72 ft. lbs.	72 ft. lbs
2	loosen all bolts
3	26-32 ft. lbs.	26–32 ft. lbs
4	90-95 degrees	90–95 degrees
5	90-95 degrees	90–95 degrees

Intake Manifold to Engine Bolts — tightening sequence 1 stages

4-7 ft. lbs., step 2: 20-23 ft. lbs., step 3: 20-23

4–7 ft. lbs

Main Bearings — tightening sequence 1 stages

24-28 ft. lbs., Step 2: 95

24–28 ft. lbs

Factory maintenance schedule OEM · verified

Normal service, condensed from the factory interval matrix.

Under the factory schedule, replace the engine oil and filter every 7,500 mi; spark plugs at 105,000 mi; coolant every 60,000 mi. The big-interval services (every 60,000 mi for coolant, and the transmission fluid) are the ones owners most often skip — on a lower-mileage example, assume the original fluids are still in it and check them first.

Every 7,500 mi	Engine Oil (drain & refill) · Engine Oil Filter (replace) · Tire & Wheel Assembly (rotate)
Every 15,000 mi	Accessory Drive Belt (inspect) · Axle Shaft Oil Seal (inspect) · Brake Line (inspect) · Brake Linings (inspect) · Brake Rotor (inspect) · CV Joint Boot (inspect)
Every 30,000 mi	Engine Air Filter Element (replace) · Engine Coolant System (leak inspection) · Exhaust System (Complete) (inspect) · Fuel Evaporative Emission Control System (inspect) · Fuel Evaporative Emission Control System Lines (inspect) · Fuel Line (inspect)
At 60,000 mi	Accessory Drive Belt (inspect) · Engine Coolant System (leak inspection)
Every 60,000 mi	Engine Coolant System (drain, flush & refill)
At 105,000 mi	Spark Plugs (replace)

Reliability & federal safety record

Owner-reported issues, recalls, investigations and service bulletins on record with NHTSA — an unfiltered look at what owners actually experience.

The 2005 Nissan Maxima sits on a steep downward slope of complaints within its generation, recording 948 complaints—a notable drop from the 2004 peak of 1,425 but still far above the 576 in 2006 and 129 in 2007. Recalls held steady at 2 for both 2004 and 2005, while investigations fell to zero for the target year. The overwhelming majority of 2005 complaints, 654, are concentrated in the power train category, with an additional 16 crash-related and 10 fire-related complaints. This indicates that while the 2005 model year is not the most problematic of the generation, it still carries a significant burden of power train issues compared to later years. Given the trend of sharply declining complaints after 2005, a 2007 or 2008 Maxima would likely be a more reliable choice.

Open recalls

NHTSA campaigns

Service bulletins

Manufacturer communications

ODI investigations

Office of Defects Investigation

948

Owner complaints

16 involved a crash · 10 a fire

NHTSA crash-test rating federal NCAP · out of 5 stars

Rollover★★★★★

Owner complaints by model year NHTSA · this generation & adjacent

’90 ’91 ’92 ’93 ’94 ’95 ’96 ’97 ’98 ’99 ’00 ’01 ’02 ’03 ’04’05’06 ’07 ’08 ’09 ’10 ’11 ’12 ’13 ’14 ’15 ’16 ’17 ’18 ’19 ’20 ’21 ’22 ’23

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component

All 948 complaints on record, top 8 components.

Power Train654

Power Train,Engine29

Engine & Engine Cooling,Power Train20

Engine15

Structure15

Tires15

Engine & Engine Cooling13

Unknown Or Other12

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint database.

Recalls NHTSA · verified

Showing 2 of 2 campaigns on record for this vehicle.

05V512000Seats:Front Assembly:Power AdjustReported 07/11/2005

ON 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. Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE WIRE HARNESS AND ROUTE IT CORRECTLY. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JANUARY 16, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT NISSAN AT 1-800-647-7261.

05V338000Child Seat:Latch StrapReported 26/07/2005

CERTAIN 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… Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE LOWER ANCHORAGE BRACKETS WITH MODIFIED BRACKETS TO ENSURE THAT THE STANDARD IS MET. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 28, 2006. THE INFINITI Q45 MODEL VEHICLES…

Technical service bulletins NHTSA · verified

Showing 5 of 94 bulletins on record with NHTSA.

Bulletin	Date	Component	Summary
NTB09-131C	2026-04-13	Structure	CERTIFICATION LABEL AND VIN PLATE REPLACEMENT SERVICE INFORMATION Because of collision…
NTB09-131C	2026-04-13	Structure	CERTIFICATION LABEL AND VIN PLATE REPLACEMENT SERVICE INFORMATION Because of collision…
NTB13-107G	2024-05-20	Electrical System	VEHICLE KEY NOT DETECTED / AUTHENTICATED, ENGINE WILL NOT START This bulletin has been…
NTB13-027D	2024-05-20	Electrical System	CAN COMMUNICATION – NETWORK DIAGNOSTIC FLOW CHART This bulletin has been amended. See…
NTB10-066C	2024-05-20	Electrical System	CAN COMMUNICATION CODES – DIAGNOSTIC TIPS AND GUIDELINES This bulletin has been amended…

Common OBD-II trouble codes

The most common OBD-II codes for this vehicle's emissions system. These are standardized SAE J2012 definitions, not vehicle-specific fault reports.

P0420

Catalyst system efficiency below threshold — Bank 1

P0300

Random / multiple cylinder misfire detected

P0171

System too lean — Bank 1

P0455

Evaporative emission system leak detected — large leak

P0128

Coolant thermostat below regulating temperature

P0442

Evaporative emission system leak detected — small leak

VIN tools

Decode factory build data for a specific vehicle by VIN.

VIN

Decode a VIN to confirm the transmission and build data for a specific Maxima. OEM

Build data

Plant, GVWR class, engine and body data for any 17-character VIN.

Recalls

Check open recall campaigns against a specific vehicle by VIN.

Vehicles with shared specs

Find every vehicle that shares this one's battery, bulbs, oil capacity, platform or parts.

Group 24F battery Vehicles taking 4.4 qt Engine oil filter 1520865F0E Engine air filter 165460Z000 Spark plug 224015M016 Battery 244109B900

Reference guides

Cross-vehicle references for the kinds of data on this page.

Vehicle recalls & TSBs OBD-II trouble codes Torque specifications Maintenance schedules Fluid capacities & specs

Frequently asked

How much oil does the 2005 Maxima take?

4.4 qt of 5W-30 API, per the factory manual.

Does the 2005 Maxima have open recalls?

NHTSA lists 2 recall campaign(s) for this model year. Check your specific vehicle by VIN.

What gas mileage does the Maxima get?

EPA figures are 18 city / 26 highway / 21 combined mpg.