1993 Nissan Altima

122 federal complaints (150 component records) · 1 recall campaigns on file · 1 federal investigation · 42 service bulletins · 1 Canadian recall
See all 34 model years of the Nissan Altima →
Engine
2.4L 4-cyl
Fuel
Regular
Drive
FWD
EPA economy
18 city / 26 hwy
Federal complaints
122
Recall campaigns
1
Specifications show one example EPA configuration for this model year; other engines, drivetrains, and trims exist and the records below cover all of them.
How to read this file. Complaint records are unverified owner submissions to the federal safety agency. Counts are raw, not adjusted for sales volume or vehicle age. Recall campaigns apply to the model; only a VIN check shows whether this car is affected or repaired. Parts shown are named by an editorial note or listed as a search directory; none is a diagnosis. Full methodology.

Fault profile

Complaint-component records on this vehicle, grouped by family. A complaint naming two systems counts once in each.

Speed control
36
Air bags
21
Seat belts
20
Engine & cooling
18
Glass & wipers
9
Electrical system
9
Fuel system
8
Brakes
8
Complaints are owner-reported and not verified by the agency.

When it fails

The timing of this vehicle's reported failures, from the complaint file itself. A cluster tells you what to expect and when; it is shaped by reporting behavior as well as by the vehicle.

Vehicle age when the failure occurred

0 years old: 1 complaints01 years old: 4 complaints2 years old: 20 complaints3 years old: 12 complaints4 years old: 7 complaints5 years old: 14 complaints56 years old: 6 complaints7 years old: 11 complaints8 years old: 8 complaints9 years old: 5 complaints10 years old: 1 complaints1011 years old: 1 complaints12 years old: 5 complaints13 years old: 1 complaints14 years old: 0 complaints15 years old: 2 complaints1516 years old: 0 complaints17 years old: 1 complaints18 years old: 0 complaints19 years old: 0 complaints20+ years old: 3 complaints20+
Years between the model year and the owner's reported failure date. Based on 102 of 122 complaints with a usable failure date.

Known issues

The component families with the most complaint records against this vehicle. Counts, crash and fire figures belong to the whole family, not to any single named issue. Parts listed are related system parts, not a diagnosis.

Speed control

36 complaint records3 crash reports
"WHILE DRIVING GAS PEDAL DROPPED TO FLOOR. DRIVER MADE IT TO A DEALER, DEALER STATED THROTTLE LINKAGE WAS DEFECTIVE. *AK..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse speed control parts in the directory →

Air bags

21 complaint records15 crash reports
"WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE, WHILE AT COMPLETE STOP WITH NO IMPACT INVOLVED, THE DRIVER'S SIDE AIRBAG DEPLOYED WITHOUT WARNING. *AK..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse air bags parts in the directory →

Seat belts

20 complaint records6 crash reports
"IN A REAR END ACCIDENT DRIVERS SEAT BELT JAMMED AND EMERGENCY RELEASE BUTTON WOULD NOT WORK, DRIVER WAS UNABLE TO GET OUT. TT..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse seat belts parts in the directory →

Federal defect investigations

Formal investigations opened by the federal safety agency into this vehicle. An investigation is the step between a complaint pattern and a recall; not every one results in one.

InvestigationStatusComponentSubject
PE94035
opened Apr 1994
closed Aug 1994Seat BeltsSEAT BELT LOCK-UP
There is no summary currently available

Recall campaigns

Safety-recall remedies are normally provided at no charge. Under US federal law the mandatory free remedy applies when the vehicle was no more than 15 years old at the time the defect was determined; manufacturers often cover older vehicles voluntarily. Canadian rules differ. Confirm eligibility with the manufacturer using the VIN. Each campaign number links to the federal record.

CampaignComponentSummaryRemedy
94V035000Vehicle Speed ControlENGINE MOVEMENT CAN BE TRANSMITTED TO THE AIRFLOW METER/FILTER HOUSING AND SUPPORT BRACKET, WHICH IS MOUNTED IN THE ENGINE AIR DUCT, CAUSING THE THROTTLE CABLE HOUSING TO PULL OUT OF THE CABLE GUIDE.Normally free

Transport Canada recalls

Recalls issued under Canadian law for this model year, from Transport Canada's Vehicle Recalls Database. Matched by model name, so a Canadian-market variant may appear here that was sold under another name in the US. Units are Canadian vehicles affected.

RecallSystemUnits (CA)Summary
1994035
1994-02-18
Engine12,634ENGINE MOVEMENT MAY RESULT IN THE THROTTLE CABLE HOUSING BEING PULLED OUT OF THE CABLE GUIDE. THIS COULD PREVENT THE THROTTLE FROM RETURNING TO THE IDLE POSITION WHEN THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL IS RELEASED RESULTING IN THE POSSIBILITY OF A...

Service bulletins and warranty extensions

Manufacturer communications to dealers on file with the federal agency: repair instructions, service campaigns, and warranty extensions. A warranty extension means the manufacturer may pay for a repair the recall table does not cover.

BulletinTypeComponentSummary
NTB08-097L
Sep 2023
SteeringDIAGNOSIS OF VEHICLE PULL (DRIFT) AND/OR STEERING WHEEL OFF-CENTER This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
NTB23-049
Jun 2023
Electrical System12 VOLT BATTERY TESTING FOR IN-SERVICE VEHICLES SERVICE INFORMATION The following Service Information lists NNA procedural recommendations for establishing good connections while performing 12V battery testing.
NTB23-053
Jun 2023
Electrical SystemSILICONE-BASED LUBRICANT OR GREASE CAN DAMAGE ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS SERVICE INFORMATION Do not apply Silicone-based lubricants or grease to, or around, any interior electrical components.
NTB13-107F
Apr 2023
Electrical SystemVEHICLE KEY NOT DETECTED / AUTHENTICATED, ENGINE WILL NOT START This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
NTB16-003C
Apr 2023
Electrical SystemINTELLIGENT KEY REPLACEMENT OR SWAPPING BETWEEN VEHICLES This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Discard all previous versions of this bulletin.
Show 37 more bulletins
BulletinTypeComponentSummary
NTB09-081J
Feb 2023
VisibilityWINDSHIELD CRACKING This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
NTB13-028H
Feb 2023
VisibilityREMOVING FOREIGN MATERIAL FROM THE WINDOW GLASS This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
NTB08-097K
Feb 2023
SteeringDIAGNOSIS OF VEHICLE PULL (DRIFT) AND/OR STEERING WHEEL OFF-CENTER This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
NTB10-126C
Feb 2023
WheelsWHEEL BEARING COLLISION DAMAGE This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
NTB99-001F
Dec 2021
SuspensionSTRUT AND SHOCK ABSORBER REPLACEMENT GUIDELINES This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
NTB99-001e
Feb 2021
SuspensionSTRUT AND SHOCK ABSORBER REPLACEMENT GUIDELINES This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
U3005 1991-93 Se
Jul 2020
Fuel SystemExpiration Notification – Fuel Pump Dealer Announcement ***** Campaign Summary***** In 1993, Nissan launched a Voluntary Service Campaign on certain 1991-1993 Model Year Nissan Sentra (B13) and 1993 Altima (U13) vehicles to inspect and, if necessary, replace the fuel pump.
93U3005a
Jun 2020
Fuel SystemVOLUNTARY SERVICE CAMPAIGN SENTRA (B13) AND ALTIMA (U13) FUEL PUMPS Service Campaign ID # 93-U3005 is no longer active.  Repair orders opened after this bulletin’s published date are no longer eligible for reimbursement under Campaign ID # 93-U3005.
NTB08055C
Jan 2014
Air BagsSERVICE INFORMATION Information necessary to service the Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) safely is included in the "RESTRAINTS" section of the Electronic Service Manual (ESM) for each vehicle.
NTB92123D
Aug 2013
WheelsNissan Original Equipment or Genuine Accessory Alloy wheels, along with their finish coating (clear, chrome, titanium, etc.), are specifically developed to achieve Nissan design and performance standards.
NTB00033E
Jul 2013
SteeringSERVICE 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.
NTB04094A
Jul 2013
WheelsIf 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.
NTB-13-038
Apr 2013
Latches/Locks/LinkagesNISSAN: LOCK/UNLOCK REQUEST BUTTON ON OUTSIDE HANDLE DOES NOT RESPOND. *JS
NTB99001A
Mar 2013
SuspensionSERVICE INFORMATION This bulletin provides information to identify: - A leaking strut or a shock absorber that qualifies for replacement under warranty.
NTB-09-101
Sep 2010
TiresNISSAN: TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING SYSTEM (TPMS) WARNING LIGHT ON/FLASHING. NO MODELS OR MODEL YEARS LISTED. *PE UPDATED ON 08-11-2011. *KB
NTB-09-129
Sep 2010
EquipmentNISSAN: VENT CONTROL VALVE REPLACEMENT. WHEN REPLACING THE EVAP CANISTER VENT CONTROL VALVE FOR REASON: USE THE ONE LISTED ON PAGE 2; FOR VENT CONTROL VALVE REPLACEMENT PROCEDURE, REFER TO THE APPROPRIATE SECTION OF THE ELECTRONIC SERVICE MANUALS (ESM; WHEN INSTALLING THE NEW...
NTB-09-030
Apr 2009
Electrical SystemNISSAN: THE 12 VOLT BATTERY IS AN IMPORTANT PART OF THE VEHICLE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM AND IS REQUIRED TO STAY CONNECTED WHEN THE ENGINE IS RUNNING. TO PREVENT DAMAGE TO VEHICLE ELECTRONIC COMPONENTS FOLLOW THE INSTRUCTIONS/CAUTIONS. NO MODEL YEARS LISTED. *PE
NTB99005A
Jun 1999
Service BrakesKEY VALUE BRAKE PAD SERVICE INFORMATION. *TT
NTB99005
Mar 1999
Service BrakesSERVICE INFORMATION ON KEY VALUE BRAKE PADS. *TT
NTB98055
Jul 1998
Engine And Engine CoolingSOME VEHICLES BUILT BEFORE 1N4DL01D0WC150648 MAY EXHIBIT EXCESSIVE TIMING CHAIN NOISE. *YC
NTB98036
May 1998
VisibilityHVAC BLOWER MOTOR NOISE. *YC
NTB98033
Apr 1998
Engine And Engine CoolingEXPERIENCING A OIL LEAK AT FRONT OF ENGINE. *YC
NTB97007A
Jan 1998
EquipmentVEHICLES BUILT BEFORE 1N4BU31D - VC138483 MAY EXPERIENCE POOR AIR CONDITIONING (A/C) PERFORMANCE. *YC
97111598012A
Nov 1997
WheelsSERVICE INFORMATION REGARDING REAR WHEEL ARCH CORROSION REPAIR. *YC
NTB021
Mar 1997
StructureREAR DOOR PARTITION SEAL. *JD
NTB97007
Jan 1997
EquipmentPOOR AIR CONDITIONING (A/C) PERFORMANCE- LOW PRESSURE GOES INTO VACUUM. *JD
NTB95058A
Jul 1995
Engine And Engine CoolingALTIMA EXHIBITS OIL LEAKAGE AT THE FRONT OF THE ENGINE, IT MAY BE CAUSED BY THE O-RING SEAL BETWEEN THE TIMING COVER AND THE BLOCK. *SD
NTB95058
Jun 1995
Engine And Engine CoolingFRONT OIL COVER LEAK. *TW
NTB94110
Dec 1994
Seat BeltsALTIMA SEAT BELT EXTENDERS. *TW
FC0009755
Oct 1994
Electrical SystemDASH HARNESS BEHIND GLOVE BOX BRACKET THAT ATTACHES TO EVAPORATOR CAN BE PINCHED BETWEEN EVAPORATOR AND ENGINE WALL CAUSING FUSES TO BLOW. *TW
FC0009875
Oct 1994
Vehicle Speed ControlTHE 3M K500 ADHESION PROMOTER NECESSARY FOR RECALL 94V-035 IS NO LONGER AVAILABLE THROUGH NISSAN TECH LINE AND MUST BE OBTAINED THROUGH THE LOCAL 3M REPRESENTATIVE. *TW
FC0009790
Oct 1994
Power TrainAUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION SLIPPING. *TW
FC0009750
Oct 1994
StructureERRATIC POWER WINDOW OPERATION. *TW
NTB93107
Jul 1993
Fuel SystemFUEL TANK DIFFICULT TO FILL; FUEL GUAGE INACCURATE. *TW
FC0008456
May 1993
Vehicle Speed ControlBUZZ NOISE COMING FROM DASH CAUSED BY CRUISE CONTROL. *TW
FC0008392
Apr 1993
Fuel SystemFUEL TANK IS DIFFICULT TO FILL ALL THE WAY. *TW
FC0008090
Feb 1993
Engine And Engine CoolingEXHAUST NOISE/RATTLE. *TW

Before you buy this vehicle

A test-drive checklist generated from this vehicle's own complaint and recall record.

  1. Test the throttle response and the cruise control on an open road.A surge, a hang in engine speed after lifting off, or cruise that will not set or cancel cleanly are the speed-control complaints on this vehicle.
  2. Watch the airbag warning light through a full key cycle.It should light on start and go out within seconds. A light that stays on, or never lights at all, means the system needs attention. Run the VIN for inflator recalls specifically.
  3. Pull and release every belt.A belt that retracts slowly or a buckle that will not latch matches this vehicle's seat-belt cluster.
  4. Run the VIN against open recalls before you negotiate.This vehicle has 1 recall campaign on file. An open recall needs VIN-specific confirmation. Many are quick, no-charge fixes and worth negotiating over; an unresolved do-not-drive advisory, or a remedy the manufacturer has not yet made available, should stop the purchase until it is resolved.
  5. Ask for the service history in writing, then read it against this page.The complaint families above are where owners of this vehicle report trouble. Repairs in exactly those systems are evidence the car had the problem; no such repairs could mean it never developed it, or that it was never fixed. The test-drive items above are how you tell those apart.

Parts search directory

The generic parts list for this vehicle has its own page: a search launcher for every system, filtered by fuel type and era but not by engine, trim, or brake type. It is not a diagnosis and not a fitment guarantee.

Open the parts directory for this Nissan Altima →