2004 Nissan Altima

276 federal complaints (334 component records) · 1 recall campaigns on file · 88 service bulletins · 1 Canadian recall
See all 34 model years of the Nissan Altima →
Engine
2.5L 4-cyl
Fuel
Regular
Drive
FWD
EPA economy
20 city / 27 hwy
Federal complaints
276
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.

Engine & cooling
142
Body & structure
42
Electrical system
32
Power train
19
Brakes
13
Steering
11
Air bags
11
Suspension
10
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: 21 complaints01 years old: 10 complaints2 years old: 14 complaints3 years old: 45 complaints4 years old: 32 complaints5 years old: 25 complaints56 years old: 25 complaints7 years old: 21 complaints8 years old: 11 complaints9 years old: 17 complaints10 years old: 20 complaints1011 years old: 13 complaints12 years old: 10 complaints13 years old: 4 complaints14 years old: 4 complaints15 years old: 1 complaints1516 years old: 0 complaints17 years old: 0 complaints18 years old: 1 complaints19 years old: 2 complaints20+ years old: 0 complaints20+
Years between the model year and the owner's reported failure date. Based on 276 of 276 complaints with a usable failure date.

Odometer when the failure occurred

0,000 - 20,000 miles: 18 complaints020,000 - 40,000 miles: 10 complaints40,000 - 60,000 miles: 44 complaints40k60,000 - 80,000 miles: 49 complaints80,000 - 100,000 miles: 41 complaints80k100,000 - 120,000 miles: 25 complaints120,000 - 140,000 miles: 16 complaints120k140,000 - 160,000 miles: 8 complaints160,000 - 180,000 miles: 3 complaints160k180,000 - 200,000 miles: 1 complaints200,000+ miles: 7 complaints200k+
Owner-reported mileage at failure, in 20,000-mile bands. Based on 222 of 276 complaints reporting a plausible odometer (500 to 500,000 miles; unverified).

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.

Engine & cooling

142 complaint records1 fire report1 crash report
"CKP "CRANK POSITION SENSOR" TROUBLE CODE FOUND WHEN SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON. THIS LOOKS IDENTICAL TO ISSUE FOUND IN RECALL 06V242000. *TR..."- 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 →

Body & structure

42 complaint records
"FOUND OUT THAT THE SUB-FRAME ASSEMBLY PANELS (FRONT FLOOR PANELS) ARE ROTTING OUT. ISSUE IS IF THEY FAIL CARS TIRES WILL TILT IN AS THE SUSPENSION IS TIDE INTO THE FRONT FLOOR PANELS. *TR..."- 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 body & structure parts in the directory →

Electrical system

32 complaint records1 fire report3 crash reports
"DT*: THE CONSUMER STATED WHILE REPAIR WORK WAS PERFORMED ON THE MANIFOLD, THE DEALERSHIP DETERMINED THE CRANK POSITION SENSOR WAS DAMAGED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. *JB..."- 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 →

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
06V242000Engine And Engine CoolingON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A 2.5L ENGINE, THE CRANK ANGLE SENSOR IS AFFECTED BY TEMPERATURE VARIATIONS.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
2006161
2006-06-30
Engine26,234On certain vehicles equipped with a 2.5L engine, the crank angle sensor can malfunction causing the engine to stall.

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
NTB09-131C
Apr 2026
StructureCERTIFICATION LABEL AND VIN PLATE REPLACEMENT SERVICE INFORMATION Because of collision damage or other vehicle repair, a replacement “Certification Label” or “VIN Plate/Label” may be needed. HINT: Certification Label = FMVSS (Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards) label.
NTB13-107G
May 2024
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.
NTB09-081K
Apr 2024
Visibility/WiperWINDSHIELD CRACKING This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
NTB13-028I
Apr 2024
Visibility/WiperREMOVING 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.
NTB17-019H
Apr 2024
Visibility/WiperWINDOW GLASS WARRANTY INFORMATION This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
Show 55 more bulletins
BulletinTypeComponentSummary
NTB22-095A
Nov 2023
StructureVOLUNTARY SERVICE CAMPAIGN 2002-2006 ALTIMA AND 2004-2008 MAXIMA; FLOOR PAN Voluntary Service Campaign ID # PC926 is no longer active.  Repair orders opened after this bulletin’s published date are no longer eligible for reimbursement under Campaign ID # PC926.
PC926 04-08 Maxi
Nov 2023
StructureExpiration Notification - Maxima/Altima Floor Pan ***** Dealer Announcement ***** On October 28, 2022, in connection with the court-approved settlement of class action litigation filed in Missouri, Nissan launched a Voluntary Service Campaign (VSC) on 36,858 specific model year...
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.
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
StructureREMOVING 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.
PC926 04-08 Maxi
Oct 2022
StructureMaxima/Altima Floor Pan Voluntary Service Campaign ***** Dealer Announcement ***** Nissan is conducting a Voluntary Service Campaign (VSC) on 36,858 specific model year 2002-2006 Nissan Altima and 2004-2008 Nissan Maxima vehicles due to possibility of moisture becoming trapped...
NTB22-095
Oct 2022
StructureVOLUNTARY SERVICE CAMPAIGN 2002-2006 ALTIMA AND 2004-2008 MAXIMA FLOOR PAN PC926 will expire on November 1, 2023.
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.
P5202 2004-05 Al
Jul 2020
Equipment Adaptive/MobilityExpiration Notification - 2.5 Liter Power Valve Dealer Announcement ***** Campaign Summary***** In 2005, Nissan launched a Voluntary Service Campaign on certain 2004 Model Year Nissan Sentra and 2004-2005 Model Year Nissan Altima vehicles equipped with 2.5 Liter engines to...
NTB05-058c
Jul 2020
Engine And Engine CoolingVOLUNTARY SERVICE CAMPAIGN QR25DE POWER VALVE Service Campaign ID # P5202 is no longer active.  Repair orders opened after this bulletin’s published date are no longer eligible for reimbursement under Campaign ID # P5202.  Discard all previous versions of NTB05-058.
NTB17-030a
Nov 2018
Fuel SystemNISSAN; FUEL TANK IS EXTREMELY DIFFICULT TO FILL This bulletin applies to Titan XD vehicles with a gas engine. The update below was sent out to Regions and Dealers in August of this year.
Revision 1-NEVAP
Nov 2018
EngineOBD II EVAP Tube Warranty Enhancement The update below was sent out to Regions and Dealers in August of this year. We are re-circulating this update to make regional and dealer personnel aware that we are re-notifying customers at this time.
NTB17-030a
Aug 2018
Fuel SystemNISSAN; FUEL TANK IS EXTREMELY DIFFICULT TO FILL This bulletin applies to Titan XD vehicles with a gas engine. This bulletin has been amended. Changes have been made throughout. It is necessary for you to read this revised procedure to properly perform this action.
NTB17-030
Mar 2017
Fuel SystemNISSAN; FUEL TANK IS SLOW OR DIFFICULT TO FILL IF YOU CONFIRM The fuel tank is slow or difficult to fill (filling nozzle shuts off before tank is full). IMPORTANT: Make sure this incident has been duplicated at a gas station by dealer service staff.
NTB09099A
Apr 2016
EquipmentIF YOU CONFIRM A refrigerant leak at a refrigerant pipe/hose joint location. ACTIONS 1. Inspect the metal surfaces of the pipe/hose joint for damage or contamination.
NTB09131B
Apr 2016
EquipmentSERVICE INFORMATION Because of collision damage or other vehicle repair, a replacement "Certification Label" or "VIN Plate / Label" may be needed. These items may be available from Nissan by request if certain criteria are met.
NTB13028A
Nov 2015
VisibilitySERVICE INFORMATION Windshield "foreign material" that is on the surface of the glass in some cases can be cleaned off with a very particular type and grade of steel wool.
NTB13088A
Sep 2015
Lane DepartureSERVICE INFORMATION This bulletin has compiled Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS) and Low Tire Pressure Warning System (LTPWS) information for: - Basic diagnosing of TPMS/LTPWS systems - Radio frequency interference causing a "No Data" (C1708, C1709, C1710, C1711) condition -...
P5216
Aug 2015
EquipmentTo ensure customer satisfaction, Nissan extended the warranty for cracking of the rear sub-frame due to corrosion to a total of 13 years with unlimited mileage on all model year 2002-2005 Nissan Altima and 2004-2005 Nissan Maxima vehicles.
NTB15059
Jul 2015
EquipmentSERVICE INFORMATION The Service Procedure provided in this bulletin is for the installation of Repair Plates on vehicles that have rust in the floor pan area. See this bulletin for further detail.
NTB00042D
Jan 2015
Back Over PreventionSERVICE INFORMATION Changes or modifications to the front seat assembly trim materials may affect the proper operation of the Front Seat-Mounted Side-Impact Supplemental Air Bags and Passenger Occupant Classification Sensor and could result in serious personal injury or death.
NTB-08-055-A
Jan 2014
Air BagsNISSAN: 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
EquipmentSERVICE 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.
NTB-03-074-C
Nov 2013
Exterior LightingNISSAN: EXTERIOR LAMP FOGGING. OCCASIONALLY WATER IS NOTICED IN THE EXTERIOR LAMPS. THIS IS GENERALLY NOT DUE TO A DEFECT. ALL CURRENT EXTERIOR LAMP ASSEMBLIES ARE VENTED TO THE ATMOSPHERE (NOT SEALED).
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.
NTB98018G
Jun 2013
Electrical SystemAs part of an enhanced emissions test for Inspection & Maintenance (I/M), some States may require the System Readiness Test (SRT) status be checked.
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.
P-5216
Jun 2012
SuspensionNISSAN: SEE DOCUMENT SEARCH BUTTON FOR OWNER LETTER. VOLUNTARY SERVICE CAMPAIGN REAR SUSPENSION MEMBER REPLACEMENT/ BUSHING REPLACEMENT AND SEALING. *JB UPDATED 6/12/12. *PE
NTB12-035
Apr 2012
Power TrainNISSAN: ECM REPLACEMENT PROCEDURES WITH CONSULT III PLUS. APPLIES TO ALL 2004 AND LATER (DOES NOT APPLY TO LEAF/EV) VEHICLES. *JS
NTB12-029
Mar 2012
SteeringNISSAN: ALTIMA, MAXIMA, QUEST; POWER STEERING HOSE SERVICE PART CHANGE. THE HOSE NOW COMES WITHOUT THE PRESSURE SENSOR. DO NOT DAMAGE THE PRESSURE SENSOR UPON REMOVAL OR INSTALLATION. IF ONLY THE PRESSURE SENSOR NEEDS TO BE REPLACED, DO NOT REPLACE ANY HOSES. *JS
NTB-11-080
Aug 2011
SuspensionNISSAN: AXLE BOLT AND TORQUE INFORMATION. *RM
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...
04049
Apr 2010
Electrical SystemTRAILER LIGHT WIRING. *MR UPDATED *EH UPDATED 09-12-07. *KB UPDATED 6/21/10. *PE
NTB-10-046
Mar 2010
Engine And Engine CoolingNISSAN: REVISED VQ35 ENGINE TIMING CHAIN PROCEDURES. REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION PROCEDURES FOR THE VQ35 ENGINE FRONT TIMING CHAIN CASE AND TIMING CHAINS (PRIMARY AND SECONDARY) HAVE BEE UPDATED TO NO LONGER REQUIRE REMOVAL OF ROCKER COVERS AND INTAKE COLLECTOR. *PE
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
NTB08-049
Apr 2008
Power TrainNISSAN; SPECIAL AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FLUID REQUIREMENT. 2004 TO CURRENT NISSAN VEHICLES. *NJ
NTB05-080A
Apr 2008
Engine And Engine CoolingAIRFLOWMETER SERVICE. *PE
07042
Jul 2007
Engine And Engine CoolingBUZZING/WHINING NOISE FROM TIMING CHAIN AREA. *KB
03030
Apr 2007
Exterior LightingEXTERIOR LAMP FOGGING. *KB
06075
Nov 2006
Electrical SystemDIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE (DTC) P0300, STORED AND IGNITION COILS BLISTERED. *KB
06009
Mar 2006
Engine And Engine CoolingMIL ON WITH DTC U1000 OR U1010 STORED IN ENGINE CONTROL UNIT. *TT
06029
Mar 2006
Engine And Engine CoolingENGINE OIL COOLER GASKET AVAILABLE. *TT
05114
Mar 2006
SuspensionVOLUNTARY SERVICE CAMPAIGN REAR SUSPENSION MEMBER REPLACEMENT/BUSHING REPLACEMENT AND SEALING. *AK
05114B
Mar 2006
SuspensionVOLUNTARY SERVICE CAMPAIGN REAR SUSPENSION MEMBER REPLACEMENT/BUSHING REPLACEMENT AND SEALING. *AK

Showing 60 of 88 distinct bulletins on file for this vehicle.

Before you buy this vehicle

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

  1. 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.
  2. Walk the body slowly in daylight.Panel gaps, rust at the rockers and wheel arches, and cracked trim are this vehicle's structure complaints. Open and close the liftgate or trunk and look at the latch area.
  3. 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.
  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 →