Engine
2.4L 4-cyl
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.
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
Years between the model year and the owner's reported failure date. Based on 91 of 106 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.
Air bags
42 complaint records29 crash reports
"DRIVER MADE A SHARP TURN HITTING CURB, RESULTING IN FALSE DEPLOYMENT OF PASSENGER'S AIRBAG, CAUSING LOST OF VISION IN THE LEFT EYE...."- 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 →
Engine & cooling
14 complaint records
"OIL LEAKS PROFUSELY OUT THESE SEALS AND SOILS ALL GROUNDS THE VEHICLE THREADS OVER. VERY COMMON IN THE FIRST GENERATION ALTIMA. VERY EXPENSIVE TO MAINTAIN OIL LEVEL AND TO FIX LEAK. *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 engine & cooling parts in the directory →
Electrical system
14 complaint records1 fire report
"BAD DISTRIBUTOR, PART NOT AVAILABLE IN AN AREA POPULATION OF OVER 5 MILLION, VEHICLE OUT OF SERVICE 14 DAYS AWAITING PARTS. *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 electrical system 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.
| Investigation | Status | Component | Subject |
|---|---|---|---|
| EA01015 opened Aug 2001 | closed Apr 2003 | Air Bags | PASSENGER AIR BAG-RELATED FACIAL/EYE INJ - led to recall 03V150000 BY LETTER DATEDAPRIL 11, 2003, NISSAN NOTIFIED NHTSAIT WILL CONDUCT A CAMPAIGN TO REPLACE THE PASSENGER AIR BAG MODULE WITH A DEPOWERED AIR BAG MODULE IN MODEL YEAR 1994 - EARLY 1995 (BUILT PRIOR TO MARCH 2, 1995) NISSAN ALTIMA VEHICLES. |
| PE01008 opened Mar 2001 | closed Aug 2001 | Air Bags | PASSENGER AIR BAG-RELATED EYE INJURIES |
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.
| Campaign | Component | Summary | Remedy |
|---|---|---|---|
| 03V150000 | Air Bags | NISSAN IS RECALLING MY 1994 AND EARLY 1995 ALTIMA VEHICLES FOLLOWING REPORTS THAT PASSENGER AIR BAG DEPLOYMENTS IN THESE VEHICLES HAD CAUSED A NUMBER OF MODERATE-TO-SEVERE EYE INJURIES. | Normally free |
| 94V035000 | Vehicle Speed Control | ENGINE 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.
| Recall | System | Units (CA) | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2003118 2003-04-30 | Airbag | 11,743 | Nissan has initiated the following action on certain Altima's. The passenger side air bag will be replaced with a depowered one in order to reduce the risk of facial and eye injuries allegedly caused by the airbag being too powerful while... |
| 1994035 1994-02-18 | Engine | 12,634 | ENGINE 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.
| Bulletin | Type | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| NTB08-097L Sep 2023 | Steering | DIAGNOSIS 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 System | 12 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 System | SILICONE-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 System | VEHICLE 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 System | INTELLIGENT 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 34 more bulletins
| Bulletin | Type | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| NTB09-081J Feb 2023 | Visibility | WINDSHIELD CRACKING This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin. | |
| NTB13-028H Feb 2023 | Visibility | REMOVING 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 | Steering | DIAGNOSIS 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 | Wheels | WHEEL 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 | Suspension | STRUT 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 | Suspension | STRUT AND SHOCK ABSORBER REPLACEMENT GUIDELINES This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin. | |
| NTB-08-055-A Jan 2014 | Air Bags | NISSAN: SRS PRECAUTIONS DURING SERVICE;IMPROPER MAINTENANCE, INCLUDING INCORRECT REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION OF THE SRS, CAN LEAD TO A SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH CAUSED BY UNINTENTIONAL ACTIVATION OF THE SRS ON ALL NISSAN MODELS WITH THE SRS SYSTEMS. *PE UPDATED 2/21/14. *PE | |
| NTB08055C Jan 2014 | Equipment | SERVICE 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 | Wheels | Nissan 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 | Steering | 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. | |
| NTB04094A Jul 2013 | Steering | 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. | |
| NTB-13-038 Apr 2013 | Latches/Locks/Linkages | NISSAN: LOCK/UNLOCK REQUEST BUTTON ON OUTSIDE HANDLE DOES NOT RESPOND. *JS | |
| NTB99001A Mar 2013 | Suspension | SERVICE 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 | Tires | NISSAN: 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 | Equipment | NISSAN: 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 System | NISSAN: 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 | |
| 03028A May 2003 | Air Bags | VOLUNTARY SERVICE CAMPAIGN TO REPLACE THE PASSENGER AIR BAG. REVISED VERSION. *TT | |
| 03028 Apr 2003 | Air Bags | VOLUNTARY SERVICE CAMPAIGN TO REPLACE THE PASSENGER AIR BAG. *TT | |
| NTB99005A Jun 1999 | Service Brakes | KEY VALUE BRAKE PAD SERVICE INFORMATION. *TT | |
| NTB99005 Mar 1999 | Service Brakes | SERVICE INFORMATION ON KEY VALUE BRAKE PADS. *TT | |
| NTB98061 Jul 1998 | Air Bags | INFORMATION REGARDING INSTRUMENT PANEL INSPECTION AFTER PASSENGER AIR BAG ACTIVATION. *TT | |
| NTB98055 Jul 1998 | Engine And Engine Cooling | SOME VEHICLES BUILT BEFORE 1N4DL01D0WC150648 MAY EXHIBIT EXCESSIVE TIMING CHAIN NOISE. *YC | |
| NTB98036 May 1998 | Visibility | HVAC BLOWER MOTOR NOISE. *YC | |
| NTB98033 Apr 1998 | Engine And Engine Cooling | EXPERIENCING A OIL LEAK AT FRONT OF ENGINE. *YC | |
| NTB97007A Jan 1998 | Equipment | VEHICLES BUILT BEFORE 1N4BU31D - VC138483 MAY EXPERIENCE POOR AIR CONDITIONING (A/C) PERFORMANCE. *YC | |
| 97111598012A Nov 1997 | Wheels | SERVICE INFORMATION REGARDING REAR WHEEL ARCH CORROSION REPAIR. *YC | |
| NTB021 Mar 1997 | Structure | REAR DOOR PARTITION SEAL. *JD | |
| NTB97007 Jan 1997 | Equipment | POOR AIR CONDITIONING (A/C) PERFORMANCE- LOW PRESSURE GOES INTO VACUUM. *JD | |
| NTB97002 Jan 1997 | Air Bags | REPLACEMENT BRACKETS FOR THE 1994-97 ALTIMA PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG MODULE ARE NOW AVAILABLE THROUGH THE NISSAN PARTS SYSTEM. *JD | |
| NTB95058A Jul 1995 | Engine And Engine Cooling | ALTIMA 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 Cooling | FRONT OIL COVER LEAK. *TW | |
| FC0009755 Oct 1994 | Electrical System | DASH HARNESS BEHIND GLOVE BOX BRACKET THAT ATTACHES TO EVAPORATOR CAN BE PINCHED BETWEEN EVAPORATOR AND ENGINE WALL CAUSING FUSES TO BLOW. *TW | |
| FC0009790 Oct 1994 | Power Train | AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION SLIPPING. *TW | |
| FC0009750 Oct 1994 | Structure | ERRATIC POWER WINDOW OPERATION. *TW |
Before you buy this vehicle
A test-drive checklist generated from this vehicle's own complaint and recall record.
- 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.
- Cold-start it yourself and listen for the first thirty seconds.Knocking, ticking that fades as it warms, or blue or white smoke on startup are the sounds of this vehicle's engine cluster. Check the oil level and the coolant color, and ask whether the engine or its head gaskets have ever been out.
- Sit in it with the engine off and test everything that has a switch.Windows, locks, lights, the cluster, the radio. Electrical faults are this vehicle's story and the hardest to see on a drive: an intermittent no-start waits for the second week of ownership. Ask for the battery's age and whether any control module has been replaced.
- Run the VIN against open recalls before you negotiate.This vehicle has 2 recall campaigns 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.
- 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 →