1998 Nissan Altima

Routine

Owners filed 123 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the airbags. It has been recalled 4 times.

Not among the Nissan Altima years to avoid. Which Nissan Altima years to avoid →

When it fails
020k40k60k90k120k200k
94,000 milesMedian miles at failure

29 complaints record an odometer reading. Failures cluster around 120,000–150,000 miles.

Most common 1998 Nissan Altima problems

15 of the 123 complaints (12%) are about the airbags.

ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Air Bags › Frontal · airbags9
904
Tires7
000
Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine › Gasoline · engine4
000
Electrical System › 12v/24v/48v Battery4
001
Electrical System4
000
Air Bags · airbags4
201
Visibility › Windshield3
000
Suspension › Front › Springs › Coil Springs3
000
Suspension3
000
Structure › Body › Door · body and frame3
000

4 safety recalls

Part 573 reports
Suspension10E002000
Filed Feb 11, 201012,657 vehiclesRide Control, LLC

Defect. RIDE CONTROL IS RECALLING CERTAIN FRONT STRUT MOUNTS BRANDED AS GABRIEL RIDE CONTROL OR ARVINMERITOR, P/NOS. 142435, 142193, 142305, 142303, SOLD AS REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT FOR THE VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. THE AFFECTED FRONT STRUT MOUNTS DID NOT CONTAIN A WELD JOINT BETWEEN THE BEARING HOUSING AND THE RATE PLATE.

Risk. THE ABSENCE OF THE WELD CAN ALLOW THE STRUT TO COME OUT OF ITS MOUNTING POSITION UNDER CERTAIN EXTREME DRIVING CONDITIONS WHICH COULD CAUSE DAMAGE TO SURROUNDING VEHICLE COMPONENTS INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy. RIDE CONTROL WILL NOTIFY OWNERS OF RECORD AND REPLACE THE AFFECTED PARTS FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 15, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT RIDE CONTROL AT 1-248-458-1396.

Exterior Lighting › Headlights09E025000
Filed May 11, 200942,540 vehiclesDope, Inc.

Defect. DOPE, INC. IS RECALLING 42,540 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.

Risk. DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy. DOPE, INC. WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 28, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DOPE, INC. AT 1-626-272-1798.

Exterior Lighting09E012000
Filed Apr 7, 200916,270 vehiclesSabersport

Defect. SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.

Risk. DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy. SABERSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 11, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SABERSPORT AT 1-909-598-7589.

Exterior Lighting06E026000
Filed Mar 23, 200661,944 vehiclesPro-A Motors, Inc.

Defect. CERTAIN PRO-A MOTORS CORNER LAMPS, TURN SIGNALS, AND HEADLIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.

Risk. WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.

Remedy. PRO-A MOTORS WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER TO REPURCHASE THE LAMPS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 3, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT PRO-A MOTORS AT 323-838-2988.

All 4 campaigns on file, newest first.

What owners reported

Newest filings
Service BrakesCrash1 injured
Filed Nov 28, 2017180,000 milesNJ

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 NISSAN ALTIMA. UPON STARTING THE VEHICLE AND SHIFTING FROM PARK TO DRIVE, THE VEHICLE INADVERTENTLY ACCELERATED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED, BUT FAILED TO ENGAGE AS IT TRAVELED TO THE FLOOR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE STOPPED ONCE IT CRASHED INTO THE NEIGHBOR'S PARKED VEHICLE. BOTH THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED A CUT TO THE LEFT HAND THAT WAS BLEEDING, BUT DID NOT REQUIRE MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO PINE BELT NISSAN OF TOMS RIVER (229-245 NJ-37, TOMS RIVER, NJ 08753 (732) 349-3030) FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THEY WOULD SEND A FIELD INSPECTOR TO INSPECT THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 180,000.

Air Bags
Filed Nov 16, 2017WA

I RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE IN THE MAIL

Visibility/Wiper
Filed May 4, 2016NC

DRIVING IN SEMI HEAVY RAIN. VEHICLE IN MOTION WHILE TURNING ONTO A STREET, WIPERS WERE AT MEDIUM TO HIGH SPEED. DRIVERS WIPER STOPPED IN MID-STROKE; PASSENGER WIPER RAN OVER DRIVER WIPER. HAVE TAKEN TO SEE PROBLEM: NEEDING COMPLETE WIPER LINKAGE & SET UP.

Suspension
Filed Apr 3, 2016142,400 milesNJ

IT HAPPENED AGAIN ON MY DRIVE TO COOPER HOSPITAL, THE CAR VEERS ALL OVER THE ROAD, IT IS NOT A STEERING PROBLEM, IT IS UNDERNEATH THE CAR.....PLEASE HELP ME, I WILL GET KILLED IN THIS CAR......IT SEEMS TO WANT TO JUMP TO THE LEFT OR RIGHT WHEN EVER IT FEELS LIKE IT, NO MATTER THE SPEED. OF COURSE IT IS MORE DISTURBING WHEN ONE IS DRIVING ON A MAJOR ROAD LIKE 676.

Suspension
Filed Mar 26, 2016143,000 milesNJ

MY CAR WAS ALL OVER THE ROAD WHILE DRIVING AT 55, 60 MPH. IT DOES IT AT SLOWER SPEEDS TOO BUT WE WERE ALMOST KILLED THIS TIME. IT SEEMS TO WANT TO GO TO THE LEFT OR RIGHT WHEN EVER IT FEELS LIKE IT. I JUST BOUGHT IT FROM A PRIVATE PERSON NOT TOO LONG AGO.

Tires
Filed May 8, 2013187,000 milesIN

I WAS DRIVING MY 98 NISSAN ALTIMA THROUGH A RESIDENTIAL NEIGHBORHOOD WHEN THE SIDE WALL OF MY DOUGLAS PERFORMANCE TIRE BLEW OUT DOT #PJAE1YLR0712. I PUT THE DONUT ON MY CAR AND TOOK THE TIRE BACK TO WALMART. IN SPEAKING TO THE SALES PERSON HE SAID THAT THE TIRES WERE NOT WORN DOWN ENOUGH TO BE CONSIDERED A MANUFACTURES DEFECT. SO THE HAD NO WARRANTY, THESE TIRES WILL ONLY BE 7 MONTHS OLD ON MAY,9,2013. THEY REFUSED TO HONOR THEIR WARRANTY BECAUSE I DIDN'T BUY THEIR ROAD HAZARD WARRANTY AT AN ADDITIONAL $10 PER TIRE. THESE TIRES WERE PURCHASED ON 9/9/12 I STILL HAVE THE ORIGINAL RECEIPT THEY ARE 95/65R15. *TR

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Mar 12, 2013179,000 milesLA

TRIED TO FILL GAS TANK, ONLY ACCEPT SMALL AMOUNT BEFORE SPILLING ON GROUND. CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. *TR

Power Train
Filed Mar 7, 2013179,000 milesLA

GAS GOES IN VERY SLOWLY WHEN ADDED TO VEHICLE, THEN THERE IS AN OVERFLOW FROM BACK OF PUMP BEFORE THE TANK IS FILLED. I WAS TOLD I HAVE PROBLEM WITH EVAPORATIVE EMISSION CONTROL SYSTEM VENT CONTROL CIRCUIT. *TR

Suspension
Filed Jan 18, 2013168,000 milesMD

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 50 MPH, THE VEHICLE EXHIBITED AN UNUSUAL GRINDING NOISE AS THE VEHICLE ABNORMALLY VEERED TO THE RIGHT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR A DIAGNOSTIC TESTING, WHO ADVISED THAT THE STRUT WELD BECAME DISLODGED FROM THE MOUNTING. THE CONTACT WAS ADVISED THAT THE SWAY BAR, BUSHINGS, MOUNTS AND THE STRUT ASSEMBLY NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 10E002000 (SUSPENSION). THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 168,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 169,500.

Visibility
Filed Jul 20, 2010135,000 milesCA

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 NISSAN ALTIMA. WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DRIVER SIDE SUN VISOR HAD FALLEN DOWN AND BLOCKED THE CONTACTS VIEW. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE SUN VISOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 135000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 147000.

Fuel System, Gasoline
Filed May 16, 2010LA

VERY HARD TO PUT GASOLINE IN CAR. IT SPITS BACK OUT AT YOU. YOU HAVE TO PUMP THE GAS IN VERY SLOW. I'VE NOTICE 2 DIFFERENT PLACES WHERE IT MENTIONS, TROUBLE PUTTING GAS IN THESE CARS. BULLETIN DATE: FEB 1998 DIAGNOSTIC PROCEDURE FOR SLOW FUEL FILL. BULLETIN DATE: MAR 2000 INFORMATION ON DIAGNOSTIC PROCEDURE FOR SLOW FUEL FILL. [XXX] INFO REMOVED FROM MY INSURANCE CO. PROGRESSIVE WEBSITE[XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

Service Brakes, ElectricCrash
Filed Dec 8, 2009147,769 milesMS

IT WAS A RAINY DAY AND I WAS FOLLOWING TRAFFIC, I WAS GOING ABOUT 30MPH WHEN I HAD TO TAKE A CURVE. I 'GENTLY' HIT BRAKES TO SLOW FOR THE CURVE WHEN MY BRAKES LOCKED UP SENDING ME STRAIGHT INTO ONCOMING TRAFFIC WHERE I HIT A HUMMER H3. LUCKILY NEITHER OF US WERE GOING THAT FAST THROUGH THE CURVE SO LITTLE DAMAGE WAS DONE. BUT THIS WASN'T THE FIRST TIME THE BREAKS HAD LOCKED UP ON A SLIPPERY SURFACE, YET IT DOESN'T OCCUR VERY OFTEN, INFACT THE ABS HAD CHECK OUT OK A MONTH PRIOR. BUT STILL I THOUGHT ABS WAS INVENTED TO STOP THAT FROM HAPPENING AND YET I KNOW THE BREAKS LOCK UP WHEN THEY SHOULDN'T HAVE. *TR

Service Brakes, Hydraulic
Filed Nov 13, 2009150,000 milesCA

1. WAS DRIVING SOUTH ON HWY 101 IN CALIFORNIA AT 60 MPH. 2. BRAKES FAILED TO SLOW CAR DOWN, ONLY RELEASED AN ODOR AS THE PADS APPEARED TO BE SMOLDERING. ACCELERATOR APPEARED TO BE FROZEN AND FOR A COUPLE MINUTES ACTUALLY ACCELERATED. 3. APPLIED BRAKES REPEATEDLY, PULLED ON HAND BRAKE, PRESSED ON CRUISE CONTROL ON OFF SWITCH, PRESSED ON CRUISE CONTROL CANCEL AND SET SWITCHES. UP UNTIL THEN THE CRUISE CONTROL WAS NOT WORKING AT ALL ANYWAY. BUT, IT APPEARED THAT CRUISE CONTROL WAS ON AND NON-RESPONDING TO THE BRAKES. WENT PAST EXIT AND CONTINUED DOWN HIGHWAY TOWARD GILROY, CA WITH NO ABILITY TO STOP VEHICLE. AFTER APPROXIMATELY 10 MILES, CAR BEGAN TO SLOW DOWN BY ITSELF AND I EXITED. WHILE DRIVING ON A CITY STREET, ON THE SAME DAY, THE INCIDENT OCCURRED AGAIN WHILE TRAVELING 30 MPH. I WAS ABLE TO FORCE THE TRANSMISSION INTO NEUTRAL AND STOP IN THE RIGHT LANE OF TRAFFIC BY PULLING FORCEFULLY ON THE EMERGENCY BRAKE. AT THE AUTO SHOP, I WAS SHOWN COMPLETELY DISINTEGRATED BRAKEPAD ON THE LEFT AND A PAPER THIN BRAKEPAD ON THE RIGHT. BOTH ROTORS WERE 80% COVERED WITH LARGE BLACK BLOTCHES. BRAKES AND ROTORS WERE REPLACED ONE WEEK LATER. *TR

Structure › Frame and Members
Filed Apr 4, 2008140,000 milesOH

EXTENSIVE RUST THROUGH OF LOWER RADIATOR SUPPORT BRACKET CAUSED THE RADIATOR TO DROP DOWN, DAMAGING COOLANT AND A/C LINES. REQUIRED REPLACEMENT OF SUPPORT, RELATED SUPPORT BRACKETS, AND REPAIR TO A/C SYSTEM. *TR

Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery
Filed Feb 8, 2007NY

GAS SPILLS BACK OUT OF TANK WHEN PUTTING GAS IN TANK. HAVE TO FILL TANK VERY SLOWLY. WAS TOLD THAT THE EVAPORATOR CONTROL VALVE IS PROBLEMATIC IN ALTIMA FROM 1997. THIS HAS RESULTED IN THE ENGINE LIGHT COMING ON. *JB

Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine
Filed Dec 15, 2006124,666 milesAZ

DURING CROSS-COUNTRY TRIP, VEHICLE BEGAN EMITTING METALLIC WHINING NOISE AND CLICKING IN ENGINE COMPARTMENT, NOT AUDIBLE FROM PASSENGER COMPARTMENT. WHEN I RETURNED HOME, I PERFORMED REGULAR TUNE-UP MAINTENANCE, CHECKED MY VALVE CLEARANCES AND TIMING ADJUSTMENTS. SHORTLY AFTER I STARTED MY VEHICLE AGAIN, MY LOWER TIMING CHAIN SNAPPED. AFTER A LENGTHY DISASSEMBLY, I DISCOVERED THAT A PIECE OF BLACK PLASTIC FROM A CHAIN GUIDE HAD BROKEN AWAY AND FUSED WITH THE CHAIN, CAUSING IT TO SEIZE AND BREAK. ALSO, THE LOWER CHAIN TENSIONER HAD BEEN COMPLETELY EATEN THROUGH BY THE CHAIN (NOT AS A RESULT OF POOR SERVICING; I CHANGED MY OIL EVERY 3000 MILES AND CHECKED/TOPPED IT OFF EVERY 2 WEEKS) THE INCIDENT CAUSED $600 IN PARTS DAMAGE, AND COULD EASILY HAVE COST $1500 IN LABOR AT A MECHANIC OR DEALERSHIP. THE CHAIN BREAKAGE DESTROYED MY OIL PUMP, CRANKSHAFT SPROCKET, LOWER CHAIN COVER, LOWER CHAIN TENSIONER, GUIDE (BEYOND ORIGINAL BREAKAGE) AND OIL PAN BAFFLE / SUMP TUBE. SINCE NISSAN HAD INITIATED A "TSB" BEFORE I EVER PURCHASED MY ALTIMA, NO COMPENSATION WAS EVEN CONSIDERED. OBVIOUSLY THE TSB PROCESS DOES NOT INCLUDE CHECKING VEHICLES AS THEY ARE BROUGHT IN FOR MAINTENANCE, AS I HAD REGULARLY HAD MY CAR SERVICED BY THE DEALERSHIP FOR A FULL YEAR POST-PURCHASE. I REPLACED THE DEFECTIVE CHAIN GUIDE WITH THE UPGRADED NISSAN COMPONENT, A METAL-BACKED GUIDE TRACK, AND SHALL SOON INSPECT MY TIMING AGAIN TO ENSURE THAT THE REPAIRS PERFORMED INDEED CORRECTED THE PROBLEM. TWO RECOMMENDATIONS: FI

Seat Belts › Front › Anchorage
Filed Sep 20, 2006FL

THIS IS A CONCERN ISSUE...THE ADJUSTABLE SHOULDER BELT ANCHOR PROTRUDES FROM SIDE POST 1" AT MY HEIGHT SEAT ADJUSTMENT IT PLACES MY HEAD ALONGSIDE THIS ANCHOR POST. ON A SIDE IMPACT (WITH NO SIDE BAGS AVAILABLE ON THIS MODEL YEAR) COULDN'T THIS CAUSE SEVERE (UNNECESSARILY) HEAD INJURY ?*JB

Child Seat › Handle (infant)
Filed Jun 19, 200693,000 milesNJ

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE THE CHILD SAFETY SEAT WAS SECURED IN THE VEHICLE, THERE WERE TWO SCREWS THAT FELL OUT OF THE HANDLE INTO THE SEAT. THE SCREWS WERE FROM THE CHILD SAFETY SEAT HANDLE. THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO REINSERT THE SCREWS BACK INTO THE HANDLE HOWEVER THE SCREW HOLES WERE STRIPPED OUT. THE MANUFACTURER HAS NOT BEEN ALERTED. THE CHILD SEAT IS A DORAL JUVENILE GROUP, EDDIE BAUER, MODEL NUMBER 22-630-BAL AND THE DATE OF MANUFACTURE IS 09/13/05. *AK

Fuel System, Gasoline › Storage › Tank Assembly
Filed Aug 24, 2005PA

1998 NISSAN ALTIMA DEVELOPED PROBLEMS WITH THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED, PROBLEMS WITH THE GAS TANK, AND THE OXYGEN SENSOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED.*MR WHEN THE CONSUMER ATTEMPTED TO FILL THE TANK, GAS WOULD SPILL OUT. *JB

Electrical System › Alternator/Generator/RegulatorFire
Filed Jun 21, 200567,200 milesIN

AFTER ARRIVING HOME SAFELY FROM A LONG HIGHWAY DRIVE (7 HRS), OUR CAR SAT FOR ABOUT 5 HOURS. WHEN I STARTED THE CAR, I SMELLED SMOKE AND HEARD A UNUSUAL RUBBING NOISE UNDER THE HOOD. AFTER POPPING THE HOOD, I SAW SMOKE POURING OUT OF THE ALTERNATOR. I TURNED OFF THE ENGINE, WENT INSIDE TO GET A FIRE EXTINGUISHER. THE FIRE WAS STILL BURNING, BUT SEEMED TO BE INSIDE THE ALTERNATOR. I EXTINGUISHED IT AND HOPEFULLY SAVED SERIOUS ENGINE DAMAGE. THE CAR WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER, AND IS AWAITING SERVICE NOW.

Electrical System › WiringFire
Filed Feb 9, 2005120,000 milesFL

VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE AFTER IT HAD BEEN PARKED FOR MORE THAN 8 HOURS. OWNER CONTACTED THE MANUFACTURER AND NOTHING WAS DONE. *AK

Electrical System
Filed Oct 10, 200470,000 milesCA

THE CAR WAS IDLE AT A RED LIGHT WHEN IT SHUT DOWN COMPLETELY (ENGINE, RADIO, LIGHTS, ETC). IT WOULD NOT START AGAIN. I GOT A JUMP AND IT STARTED. THE NEXT DAY IT STARTED FINE. I LET IT IDLE FOR ABOUT 15 MINUTES AND IT WAS OKAY. I DROVE IT FOR A FEW MINUTES AND IT DIED AGAIN. I HAD IT TOWED TO A REPAIR SHOP. NONE OF THE DIAGNOSTIC TESTS SHOWED ANYTHING WRONG (BATTERY, ALTERNATOR, ETC. WERE OKAY). THEY DROVE IT AND IT DID NOT DIE AGAIN. I TOOK IT TO A NISSAN DEALER AND THEY CANNOT FIND ANY PROBLEMS EITHER. *NM

Electrical System
Filed Aug 31, 2004IL

WHILE APPLYING THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL VEHICLE FAILED TO ACCELERATE. CONSUMER WAS ABLE TO MAINTAIN CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE, AND PULLED OVER. VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION, AND MECHANIC DETERMINED THAT COMPUTER NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. *AK

Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Hoses, Lines/Piping, and Fittings
Filed Aug 27, 2004MA

CONSUMER SMELLED FUEL WHILE DRIVING. HE EXAMINED FUEL SYSTEM UNDERNEATH AND THE FUEL TANK, AND NOTICED THE ENTRY POINT WHERE THE GAS WENT INTO THE VEHICLE BROKE. *AK

Fuel System, Gasoline › Storage › Tank Assembly › Filler Pipe and Cap
Filed Aug 3, 200468,450 milesNJ

WHENEVER I TRY TO FILL MY GAS TANK, THE FUEL BACKS UP AFTER FILLING 2-3 GALLONS AND SPILLS OUT. THIS IS THE 2ND SUMMER SEASON I AM HAVING THIS PROBLEM. LAST SUMMER MY MECHANIC SAID THE TANK APPEARED FINE. I HAVE TO FILL THE TANK VERY SLOWLY AND I OFTEN STILL EXPERIENCE THIS BACKSPLASH OF FUEL. THIS HAPPENS 70% OF THE TIME.*AK

Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine › Gasoline › Belts and Associated Pulleys
Filed May 12, 2004NC

CONSUMER'S DAUGHTER EXPERIENCED NUMEROUS PROBLEMS WITH VEHICLE. IT INTERMITTENTLY STALLED. DEALER HAD VEHICLE ON 3 DIFFERENT DIAGNOSTIC MACHINES, AND IT JUST SHOWED THAT #4 CYLINDER NEEDED SERVICING. CONSUMER STATED THAT THIS HAD BEEN CHECKED A NUMBER OF TIMES AND STILL NOT REPAIRED.*AK

Fuel System, Other › Fuel Injection System
Filed Mar 19, 2004VA

I CAN'T FILL GAS INTO MY GAS TANK AT ONCE. THE GAS SPITS OUT. IT TAKES ABOUT 15 MINUTES TO FILL IT UP.*AK

Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Jan 15, 200493,000 milesFL

OIL SLUDGE IN ENGINE.

Air Bags › FrontalCrash1 injured
Filed Dec 9, 2003146,200 milesSC

MY CAR WAS STRUCK BY ANOTHER DRIVER WHILE CROSSING AN INTERSECTION. MY BUMPER AND HEADLIGHTS WERE BOTH TORN FROM THE CAR, BUT THE AIRBAG IN MY NISSAN ALTIMA GXE (98) DID NOT DEPLOY. I WAS TREATED AT AN URGENT CARE CENTER FOR NECK, BACK AND ARM PAIN THAT DAY.*AK

Fuel System, Gasoline
Filed Nov 18, 200373,990 milesMD

SERVICE ENGINE SOON LIGHT CAME ON DUE TO SENSORS IN GAS TANK. I WAS UNABLE TO PUT GAS IN THE TANK BECAUSE IT WOULD SPIT BACK OUT. WHEN IT WAS TAKEN IN FOR SERVICE I WAS TOLD THAT THIS WAS A VERY COMMON PROBLEM AND THAT ONE PART ALONE WAS $300. *LA

Air BagsCrash1 injured
Filed Nov 6, 2003FL

HI! I GOT IN A SMALL ACCIDENT. NOTHING EVEN HAPPENED TO THE CAR, IT HAS NO DENTS AT ALL. IT WAS A CRASH AT LOW SPEED THE AIRBAGS GOT ACTIVATED ANYWAYS WHICH WOULD BE OK IF THE FOLLOWING DIDNT OCCUR. I HAD MY SEAT BELT ON. MY FRIEND WAS DRIVING MY CAR AND I WAS IN THE PASSENGER SIDE. ALL I RECALL IS THE AIRBAG RELEASING AND SOON AFTER HAVING INTENSIVE BLEEDING ALL AROUND MY FACE. I WAS TAKEN IMMEDIATLY TO A HOSPITAL AND HAD TO GET 8 STICHES IN MY EYELID OF MY LEFT EYE. ALSO I GOT SEVERAL SCARS IN MY CHEEKS AND FOREHEADS. THE AIRBAG SEEMED TO HAVE BURNED RIGHT THREW MY SKIN, ALSO TEARING MY EYE LID AREA. I HAVE LOST 5 VISION IN MY LEFT EYE. AND HAVE A CUT IN MY CORNEA, AND RETINA. I USE TO HAVE 20/20 VISION AND NOW HAVE 15/20. I ALSO HAVE SEVERAL SCARS TILL TODAYS DATE WHICH ARE NOTICIBLE. MY EYE DOCTOR TOLD ME MY LEFT EYE PUPIL WILL REMAIN LARGE MOST CERTAINLY FOR THE REST OF MY LIFE. THERE FOR I HAVE A NORMAL PUPIL AND A LARGE ONE WHICH WAS CAUSED BY THE ACCIDENT. THE AIRBAG DAMAGED MY FACE VERY MUCH. I AM A 19 YEAR OLD TEEN WITH PERMANENT WOUNDS BECAUSE OF THE FORCE OF AN AIRBAG WHICH WASNT EVEN NECESSARY FOR IT WASNT A BIG CRASH. NOTHING HAPPENED TO NEITHER CAR. EVERYTHING JUST HAPPENED TO ME. *AK

Suspension › Front › Springs › Coil Springs
Filed Nov 4, 2003PA

PROBLEMS WITH FRONT COIL SPRINGS ON 1998 NISSAN ALTIMA.*MR (NAR) THE VEHICLE FRONT COIL SPRING BROKE WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED. *NM

Fuel System, Other › Delivery › Fuel Pump
Filed Oct 30, 2003NJ

WHILE ATTEMPTING TO FILL THE GAS TANK THE AUTOMATED PUMP WILL STOP. WHEN THE ATTENDANT DOES IT MANUALLY GAS WILL SHOOT OUT ALL OVER, CREATING A FIRE HAZARD. AS THE GAS IS PUT IN SLOWLY BY THE ATTENDANT THE HOSE LEADING FROM THE PUMP TO MY GAS TANK VIBRATES VIOLENTLY. *LA

Latches/Locks/Linkages
Filed Oct 23, 200343,000 milesKY

POWER LOCKS GO ON AND OFF REPEATEDLY, MAKING ALL KINDS OF RACKET AND BUZZING SOUNDS, EVEN WHEN CAR IS TURNED OFF!! HAVE TO PLAY WITH KEY AND LOCKS TO GET INTO THE CAR... FUEL DOOR OPENS ON OWN REPEATEDLY, WON'T STAY SHUT. BRAKES MAKE A DEEP GROWLING SOUND WHEN GENTLY PRESSING THE BRAKE PEDAL. CAR HAS 40,000 MILES ON IT...I HAVE AN APPOINTMENT ON 11/4/03 TO GET THIS REPAIRED..I SHUDDER AT WHAT THIS WILL COST...ANY ADVICE PLEASE EMAIL ME [email protected]. *LA

Air Bags › FrontalCrash
Filed Oct 1, 200366,000 milesNH

WHILE DRIVING AT 40/45 MPH VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A FRONTAL COLLISION. UPON IMPACT, AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. *AK

Fuel System, Gasoline › Storage › Tank Assembly › Mounting
Filed Jul 8, 2003RI

CONSUMER NOTICE WHILE FILLING VEHICLE WITH FUEL, AND WITHOUT ANY INDICATION, FUEL SPRAYED BACK OUT. DEALER HAS BEEN CONTACTED. *AK

Air Bags › Frontal › Sensor/Control Module
Filed Jun 26, 2003TX

AIR BAG LIGHT SYSTEM CONTINUALLY APPEARED ON THE DASHBOARD. DEALER STATED THAT SENSOR WENT OUT.*AK

Fuel System, Gasoline › Storage › Tank Assembly
Filed Jun 25, 200357,000 milesNJ

I CANNOT FILL GAS INTO MY GAS TANK. THE GAS TANK ALSO SPLURTS OUT GAS WHENEVER THIS IS ATTEMPTED CREATING A SERIOUS FIRE HAZARD. *NLM

Electrical System › Wiring
Filed May 6, 200386,000 milesMN

JULY OF 2002 (DAYS BEFORE MY VACATION) MY ALTIMA WOULD NOT START. I WAS UNDER AN THIRD PARTY SERVICE AGREEMENT AND WAS TOWED 25 MILES FROM WORK TO THE SELLING DEALERSHIP. IT WAS DETERMINED THAT WIRES IN/ AROUND THE FUEL PUMP HAD BEEN SEVERELY DAMAGED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED, THE DAMAGE TO THE WIRES CAUSED EXCESSIVE STRAIN ON THE FUEL PUMP, IN TURN THE FUEL PUMP ALSO HAD FAILED. NOT ALL OF THE REPAIRS WERE COVERED COMPONENTS. THE EXACT SAME FAILURE OCCURRED AGAIN IN OCTOBER 2002, HOWEVER THE WARRANTY HAD EXPIRED AND ALL COSTS WERE NOW MY RESPONSIBILITY IN FULL. NOW, MAY 2003 THE EXACT FAILURE AGAIN HAS OCCURRED. EACH FAILURE HAS CARRIED A MINIMUM SHOP CHARGE OF APPROX $475.00 FOR PARTS AND LABOR, NOT TO MENTION THE SEVERAL TIMES I HAVE NEEDED A TOW. NO FAILURE CODES ARE ACTIVATED WHEN THE VEHICLE IS HOOKED UP TO A DIAGNOSTICS COMPUTER. EACH DEALER HAS HAD A HARD TIME TROUBLESHOOTING THE PROBLEM AS THE CAR USUALLY IS TOWED AND WILL STARTS THE NEXT DAY. HOWEVER AFTER LEAVING THE DEALERSHIP THE VEHICLE WILL FAIL AGAIN WITHIN 24 HOURS, RESULTING IN ANOTHER TOW. DEALERSHIPS ARE NOT PLEASED THAT THEY HAVE TO GET INTO THE CAR AND TROUBLESHOOT RATHER THAN USING THE DIAGNOSTIC COMPUTER. *NLM

Suspension › Front › Springs › Coil Springs
Filed Apr 25, 200394,000 milesMI

DRIVER SIDE FRONT SPRING BROKE AND CAUSED A FLAT TIRE. SPRING HAD TO BE REPLACED. *JB

Latches/Locks/Linkages › Hood › Latch
Filed Apr 23, 2003FL

AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN FROM THE DEALER THE HOOD FLEW OPEN. *NLM

Suspension › Front › Springs › Coil Springs
Filed Apr 21, 2003PA

THE COIL SPRING BROKE. THE EXTENDED WARRANTY DIDN'T COVER THE REPAIRS. MR *PH *JB

Electrical System
Filed Apr 6, 200355,000 milesOR

SEVERAL TIMES THE VEHICLE WOULDN'T START, I HAD TO HAVE IT JUMP STARTED. USUALLY HAPPENED AFTER IT HAD BEEN DRIVEN FOR A SHORT TIME, STOPPED AND THEN TRIED TO RESTART. ONE TIME IT WOULDN'T START EVEN WITH A JUMP. BATTERY WAS REPLACED AND IT CONTINUED TO HAPPEN. DEALERSHIP COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. ALL READINGS FOR BATTERY AND ALTERNATOR CAME BACK NORMAL.*JB

Visibility › Windshield Wiper/Washer › Linkages
Filed Mar 7, 200371,223 milesNY

WINDSHIELD WIPER CONTROL ASSEMBLY FELL APART ON THE DRIVERS SIDE. THE ONLY WIPER THAT WORKS IS PASSENGER SIDE NOW. IT WAS SNOWING HARD AND ALMOST CAUSED A ACCIDENT ON I81 IN SYRACUSE. I REMOVED ASSEMBLY AND INSPECTED IT. WHICH LOOKS LIKE THE CAUSE WAS LACK OF GREASE IN THE BALL AND SOCKET JOINT OF CONTROL LINKAGE.*JB

Suspension › Front › Springs › Torsion BarCrash
Filed Feb 11, 200333,500 milesIL

THE SWAY BAR AND CRUISE CONTROL NEEDED TO BE REPLACED.*JB*TS

Air BagsCrash
Filed Jan 23, 200370,000 milesCA

WHILE DRIVING AT 30/35 MPH ,VEHICLE WAS IN A FRONTAL COLLISION, AND NONE OF THE AIRBAGS DEPLOYED UPON IMPACT. VEHICLE WAS TOTALED. TS

Air Bags › Frontal › Driver Side › Inflator Module
Filed Jan 7, 2003MD

CONSUMER WAS IN HEAD ON COLLISION AND THE AIR BAGS DIDN'T DEPLOY UPON COLLISION. TS

Fuel System, Gasoline › Storage › Tank Assembly
Filed Sep 18, 2002FL

WHEN PUTTING GAS IN THE TANK IT SPLASHES BACK OUT OF TANK. *AK *NLM

Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine › Gasoline
Filed Aug 27, 2002OH

VEHICLE HAS NO POWER WHEN DRIVING, CANNOT ACCELERATE CORRECTLY OR SPEED UP WHEN CONSUMER WANTS TO. CONTACTED THREE DEALERSHIPS,AND ALL THREE THEY COULD NOT FIND CAUSE OF PROBLEM.*AK

Electrical System › Horn
Filed Jul 24, 2002NY

HORN IS SO LOW, IF ANOTHER DRIVER HAS WINDOW UP, CONSUMER WON'T BE ABLE TO HERE THE HORN. ALMOST CAUSED SEVERAL ACCIDENTS.DEALER CONTACTED.*AK

Complaints 1-50 of 123, newest first, reproduced as filed.

Across model years

Worst on record: 2013
YearComplaintsRecallsFiresDeathsAssessment
20261000Routine
20257200Routine
202441110Routine
202330010Routine
202231010Routine
202171210Routine
2020161651Fatalities reported
2019234750Above average
2018226200Above average
2017393370Above average
2016555431Fatalities reported
20159551050Above average
20141,114881Fatalities reported
20132,3141291Fatalities reported
2012426420Above average
2011242150Above average
2010381390Above average
20091,547482Fatalities reported
20081,0314132Fatalities reported
20074713222Fatalities reported
20068244140Above average
20051,0912180Above average
2004276530Above average
200388310132Fatalities reported
20021,04712280High concern
2001159224Fatalities reported
2000160250Routine
199987430Routine
1998 — this page123420Routine
1997108350Routine
199692250Routine
1995180570Routine
1994106420Routine
1993122330Routine

Compare every Altima year →

Reading this record

No unusual pattern of severe incidents in the complaint record.

Complaint counts track how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road as much as they track quality. A common model from 2013 has had a decade to accumulate reports; a rare one from last year has not. The signal worth weighing is in the severity columns, in whether the same component keeps appearing, and in whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.

Recall repairs are free for as long as the recall stands. Check whether a specific car still has open work at NHTSA's VIN lookup.

Most recent recall on file: Feb 11, 2010. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.