RoadVitals

2001 Nissan Altima Problems

Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
159
Latest Oct 2, 2019
Components namedHow many of our component categories appear on at least one report for this model year. One report can name several.
17
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
24

What this page shows

Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2001 Nissan Altima, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

Reports by component

Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category

  • Engine6634.2%
  • Suspension2010.4%
  • Airbags157.8%
  • Brakes73.6%
  • Fuel system73.6%
  • Seat belts63.1%
  • Tires & wheels52.6%
  • Other / unspecified52.6%
  • Transmission52.6%
  • Steering52.6%
  • Body & structure42.1%
  • Interior & seats31.6%
  • Heating & air conditioning21.0%
  • Powertrain (other)10.5%

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Each component in detail

What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words

Engine

Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.

66
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS A LOUD NOISE UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE AND IT SWAYED WHILE BEING DRIVEN, ESPECIALLY AROUND A CURVE. THERE WAS ALSO A BURNING ODOR COMING FROM THE VENTS INSIDE THE VEHICLE. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 200,000.

NHTSA ID 11265716 · filed Oct 2, 2019

I HAVE BEEN READING COMPLAINT SECTION MY CAR DOES THE SAME THING STARTING THE ENGINE IT STARTS TO SHAKE AND SPUTTER . SOME TIMES I CAN GIVE IT MORE GAS AND IT MAY STOP OR WHAT I HAVE BEEN DOING WHEN IT DOES IT AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT I PUT IT IN PARK AND STEP ON THE GAS PEDDLE, THIS USUALE STOPS THE PROBLEM. IT ONLY HAPPENS EVERY FEW MONTHS OR SO. I THOUGHT THAT IT WAS BECAUSE THE ENGINE WAS COLD, BUT NOT THE CASE . IT HAS BEEN DOING IT FOR A FEW YEARS NOW. I HAVE LOW MILES ON IT ABOUT 77,5000. I SEE SOME PEOPLE THINK IT IS A INTAKE MANIFOLD GASKET PROBLEM AND I HAVE THE SAME ISSURE

NHTSA ID 11056330 · filed Dec 25, 2017
All 66 reports naming engine

Suspension

Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.

20
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS A LOUD NOISE UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE AND IT SWAYED WHILE BEING DRIVEN, ESPECIALLY AROUND A CURVE. THERE WAS ALSO A BURNING ODOR COMING FROM THE VENTS INSIDE THE VEHICLE. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 200,000.

NHTSA ID 11265716 · filed Oct 2, 2019

THE SUSPENSION ON MY 2001 NISSAN ALTIMA IS VERY LOW LOUD NOISE. THE CAR RATTLES AND SHAKE IN THE REAR SUSPENSION

NHTSA ID 11265531 · filed Oct 2, 2019
All 20 reports naming suspension

Electrical

Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.

18
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE FAILURE RECURRED NUMEROUS TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE CRANKSHAFT, CATALYTIC CONVERTERS, EMISSIONS CONTROL, AND SENSORS FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 50,000.

NHTSA ID 10956037 · filed Feb 21, 2017

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH, THE GAUGES ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL FAILED AND RESET TO ZERO. THE VEHICLE WAS SHUTDOWN AND RESTARTED AND THE GAUGES RETURNED TO NORMAL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 103,255.

NHTSA ID 10492083 · filed Jan 10, 2013
All 18 reports naming electrical

Airbags

Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.

15
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

SOME DRIVER HAD AN ACCIDENT, DUE TO A DUI, AND HIS CAR WAS STRADDLED ACROSS THE LEFT LANE AND I HIT IT AS I CAME AROUND THE BEND AT APPR. 11:30 P.M. IN A DARK SECTION OF THE HIGHWAY. MY CAR SUFFERED SEVERE FRONT END DAMAGE AND I AND MY SON WAS JERKED, BUT WE WERE BOTH WEARING OUR SEATBELTS. MY AIRBAG DID NOT DEPLOY AND MY ANTI-LOCK BRAKES LOCKED UP. WE WERE NEARLY WIPED OUT ON THE FREEWAY. THOUGH MY LOCKED UP BRAKES CAUSED ME NOT TO BE ABLE TO GET IN THE NEXT LANE, THUS HITTING THE CAR, IF I HAD MADE IT TO THE LANE TO THE RIGHT OF ME, I WOULD NOT BE HERE TO TELL YOU ABOUT IT, TRUST ME. THOUGH THIS HAPPENED NEARLY 9 YEARS AGO, IT STILL HAPPENED AND I STILL HAVE MY NISSAN. MY SON AND I COULD HAVE BEEN KILLED DUE TO THE BRAKES LOCKING AND THE AIRBAG NOT DEPLOYING. ALSO, MY EXTERIOR LIGHTS ALWAYS GO OUT, WAY MORE THAN THEY SHOULD AND THEY WERE POORLY DESIGNED. THE WINDOWS DON'T ALWAYS GO UP OR DOWN EITHER.

NHTSA ID 10717615 · filed May 21, 2015

THE VEHICLE REAR ENDED SOMEONE'S VAN WHILE ONLY GOING 15-20 MPH. THE AIRBAG DEPLOYED AND THEN EXPLODED; CAUSING 2ND & 3RD DEGREE BURNS THROUGHOUT MY UPPER BODY. SMALL PIECES OF DEBRIS WERE ALSO REMOVED FROM BRUISES I SUSTAINED THROUGHOUT MY UPPER BODY. I BROKE/FRACTURED MY RIBS, DISLOCATED MY KNEE AND MY PELVIC BONE WAS SHATTERED. THE AIRBAG MALFUNCTIONED AND THE AUTO BODY IN CHARGE OF REPAIRS FOR THIS CAR "CONVENIENTLY" MISPLACED THE AIRBAGS AFTER BEING ASKED SPECIFICALLY TO LEAVE THE AIRBAGS IN THE TRUNK OF THE VEHICLE......UPDATED 11-24/14 *BF

NHTSA ID 10654531 · filed Nov 12, 2014
All 15 reports naming airbags

Visibility

Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.

13
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

THE WINDOW REGULATOR FAILED ON A CAR THAT WAS TRANSFERRED FROM A NON-"HOT" STATE, NEW YORK, TO A "HOT" STATE, FLORIDA. THE REGULATOR FAILED AFTER ONLY TWO MONTHS OF HOT WEATHER. THE REGULATORS WHERE NOT REPLACED IN INITIAL SERVICE CAMPAIGN WHICH HAS NOW EXPIRED. NISSAN REFUSES TO ACKNOWLEDGE THAT THERE WAS A CAMPAIGN TO REPLACE REGULATORS AS IT WAS NOT A FULL RECALL ON ALL CARS. THIS ISSUE DOES NOT ONLY AFFECT HOT WEATHER STATES AS YEARS OF SUMMERS IN OTHER STATES CAN STILL WEAR DOWN AND DAMAGE REGULATORS IF THIS FAILURE WAS SO QUICK TO HAPPEN AFTER MOVE. *TR

NHTSA ID 10466874 · filed Jul 21, 2012

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 NISSAN ALTIMA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH IN SNOWY CONDITIONS, THE DRIVER SIDE WINDSHIELD WIPER LINKAGE FELL OFF. THE CONTACT CONTINUED DRIVING AND LATER REPLACED THE LINK ASSEMBLY. THE A FILURE OCCURRED AGAIN ON THE SAME SIDE. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED AGAIN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 117,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE IS 128,000. UPDATED 03/16/11 *BF UPDATED 09/19/11

NHTSA ID 10379986 · filed Feb 2, 2011
All 13 reports naming visibility

Driver assistance

Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.

11
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

THE SUSPENSION ON MY 2001 NISSAN ALTIMA IS VERY LOW LOUD NOISE. THE CAR RATTLES AND SHAKE IN THE REAR SUSPENSION

NHTSA ID 11265531 · filed Oct 2, 2019

WHILE DRIVING, THE VEHICLE STOPPED IN HEAVY TRAFFIC WITH THE ENGINE STILL RUNNING AND WITHOUT ANY WARNING, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED. CONSUMER ENGAGED FROM DRIVE TO NEUTRAL. *AK *JB

NHTSA ID 10050547 · filed Feb 19, 2004
All 11 reports naming driver assistance

Brakes

Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.

7
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

THE SUSPENSION ON MY 2001 NISSAN ALTIMA IS VERY LOW LOUD NOISE. THE CAR RATTLES AND SHAKE IN THE REAR SUSPENSION

NHTSA ID 11265531 · filed Oct 2, 2019

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 NISSAN ALTIMA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH, THE CONTACT RELEASED THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL AND THE VEHICLE CAME TO A COMPLETE STOP WITHOUT THE BRAKE PEDAL BEING DEPRESSED. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A CERTIFIED MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE BRAKE AXLE AND SWAY WELDINGS FAILED, AND THE LOWER CONTROL ARM FRACTURED. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER WHO INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE VEHICLE'S REPAIRS WERE NOT COVERED UNDER WARRANTY. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 187,000. UPDATED 01/06/2017*CT *TR

NHTSA ID 10910259 · filed Sep 28, 2016

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Fuel system

Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.

7
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

ROUGH IDLING AND VIBRATIONS IN THE ENGINE STARTED IN 2006 AT 102,000 MILES. SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT TURNS ON. THEN, A FEW WEEKS LATER THE ENGINE LIGHT STAYED ON. WENT TO NUMEROUS MECHANICS WHO COULDN'T FIGURE OUT THE PROBLEM. DROVE THE CAR LIKE THIS FOR THE LAST 3 YEARS TRYING TO FIGURE OUT THE PROBLEM! ENGINE NOW BUCKS AND STALLS OUT. THE ONLY WAY TO SIT AT A STOP SIGN OR RED LIGHT WITHOUT YOUR CAR STALLING IS TO PUT YOUR FOOT ON THE GAS AND BRAKE AT THE SAME TIME! YOU HOPE AND PRAY YOU DON'T RUN INTO THE CAR IN FRONT OF YOU! I'VE HAD THIS PROBLEM FOR ALMOST 3 YEARS! NOW, THERE IS POPPING NOISES COMING FROM THE ENGINE. YOU CAN PUSH THE GAS PEDAL TO THE FLOOR AND THE CAR WON'T MOVE! AFTER A WHILE THE CAR WILL TAKE OFF! TRY GETTING ONTO THE HIGHWAY WITH THIS ISSUE!! AFTER REPLACING SPARK PLUGS, DISTRIBUTOR CAPS, HARNESSES, FUEL INJECTORS, FUEL FILTERS, O-RINGS, ETC. WE FINALLY FIGURED OUT IT WAS THE INTAKE MANIFOLD GASKET! A CHEAP PART TO BUY BUT EXTREMELY EXPENSIVE TO FIX! OVER THE LAST THREE YEARS I HAVE SPENT OVER $4,000 TO ACTUALLY FIX MY CAR! THIS IS ABSOLUTELY RIDICULOUS! AFTER SEARCHING THE INTERNET TO SEE IF ANYONE ELSE WAS HAVING A PROBLEM, I FOUND 110 COMPLAINTS ABOUT THE SAME ISSUE! EVERY SINGLE PERSON HAD THE SAME PROBLEMS WITH THE 2000-2001 NISSAN ALTIMA!! PLEASE RECALL THIS ITEM! I WOULD HATE TO SEE SOMEONE BECOME SERIOUSLY INJURED OR KILLED BECAUSE OF NISSAN!! A SIMPLE RECALL TO REPLACE A $10.00 PART TO SAVE A LIFE...... OR A LAWSUIT AND A LOST LIFE! THIS SHOULD BE A NO BRAINER!! A RECALL OR A CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT.....NISSAN SHOULD HURRY UP AND TAKE THEIR PICK!!! I WILL NOT BUY ANOTHER NISSAN!! *TR

NHTSA ID 10267910 · filed May 7, 2009

I HAVE NISSAN ALTIMA GXE MODEL 2001. AFTER A THOROUGH RESEARCH ON THE WEB, I FIND THAT "INTAKE MANIFOLD GASKET LEAK" IS A COMMON PROBLEM IN NISSAN ALTIMA. IT COST BETWEEN $700 - $1200 (THOUGH PART IS FOR $15-$30 ONLY). WITH THIS PROBLEM, CAR START SHAKING VIOLENTLY WHEN YOU STOP AT LIGHT. SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT FEQUENTLY LIGHTS UP. CAR STALLS ABRUPTLY IN THE LIGHT. ON A HIGH WAY DRIVE, CAR CAN STALL ANYTIME WHICH IS A GREAT HAZARD, ESPECIALLY WHEN YOU TRAVEL WITH A KID OR AN OLD AGE PEOPLE. NISSAN SHOULD HELP OWNERS FIX THIS AND SHOULD IMMEDIATELY RECALL THIS CARS WITH THIS KIND OF FAULTY PARTS. *TR

NHTSA ID 10248052 · filed Nov 9, 2008

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Seat belts

Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.

6
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

RECLINED FRONT PASSENGER SEATS MAKE SEATBELT INEFFECTIVE. INADEQUATE WARNING TO PASSENGERS. WARNINGS LISTED IN OWNER'S MANUEL ONLY. NEED WARNING IN SIGHT OF PASSENGER. THIS IS A PROBLEM WITH MOST CARS, NOT ONE PARTICULAR MANUFACTURER. *TR

NHTSA ID 10336713 · filed Jun 16, 2010

I WAS TRAVELING AT ABOUT 15-20 MILES AN HOUR IN MY 2001 NISSAN ALTIMA GXE LE. A TRUCK CUT ME OFF AND I WAS FORCED TO SLAM ON MY BRAKES. IN TURN MY CAR SLAMMED INTO THE TRUCK IN FRONT OF ME. MY SEAT BELT DID NOT LOCK AND MY AIRBAG DID NOT DEPLOY. MY BRAKES LOCKED UP AND MY HEAD BOUNCED OF MY STEERING WHEEL. I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW WHY MY SEAT BELT DID NOT LOCK AND WHY MY AIRBAG DID NOT DEPLOY. MY CAR HAS BEEN TOTALED OUT BY MY INSURANCE COMPANY AS A TOTAL LOSS. AS FAR AS CORRECTIVE ACTION NONE WAS TAKEN AS THE CAR IS DESTROYED. *JB

NHTSA ID 10150524 · filed Feb 17, 2006

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Tires & wheels

Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.

5
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE VEHICLE HAS FIRESTONE FIREHAWK GTX-02, SIZE P205/55R16 TIRES. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SIDEWALLS WERE CRACKED AND SEPARATING FROM THE TIRES AND THE BELTS WERE ALSO BECOMING LOOSE. HE FURTHER STATED THAT THE TIRES WERE VIBRATING, MAKING NOISE, AND AIR KEPT LEAKING OUT OF THEM. ALL FOUR TIRES HAD TO BE REPLACED. FIRESTONE STATED THAT THEY SHOULD HAVE REPLACED THE TIRES, NOT HIM. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 38,620 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 37,000. UPDATED 01-14-08. *KB UPDATED 12/12/07. *JB

NHTSA ID 10203532 · filed Sep 20, 2007

ON 9/17/03 I HAD FOUR P205/60R15 UNIROYAL TOUR TR TIRES PLACED ON MY 2001 NISSAN ALTIMA. WITHIN ONE WEEK TWO WERE REPLACED BECAUSE OF VIBRATION. @ TWO WEEKS AGO I HAD THE TIRES ROTATED. THE REAR TIRES WERE PLACED ON THE FRONT. IMMEDIATELY VIBRATION AND PULLING TO THE RIGHT WAS NOTICED. AGAIN TWO NEW TIRES WERE PLACED ON THE VEHICLE. AGAIN THE PULL TO THE RIGHT. THE FRONT TIRES WERE MOVED TO OPPOSITE SIDES AND THE PULL WAS TO THE LEFT. A NEW TIRE WAS PLACED ON THE VEHICLE AND IT STILLS PULL TO THE LEFT. THE CAR IS IN ALIGNMENT. I WOULD THINK THERE IS A DEFECT IN THESE TIRES. I HAVE NOTIFIED UNIROYAL OF THE SAME BY EMAIL. *JB

NHTSA ID 10063819 · filed Mar 24, 2004

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Other / unspecified

Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.

5
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

SECOND TIME MANIFOLD GASKET PROBLEM HAS OCCURRED ON MY 2001 NISSAN ALTIMA. IT HAS A ROUGH IDLES WHEN STOPPED AT LIGHTS, IN GEAR, NEUTRAL OR IN PARK. NISSAN NEED TO BE ACCOUNTABLE FOR THIS WIDESPREAD PROBLEM. BOTH INSTANCES HAVE INCLUDED THE ENGINE STALLING IN THE MIDDLE OF TRAFFIC. *TR

NHTSA ID 10295361 · filed Dec 11, 2009

BACK REAR WINDOW REGULATORS NOT FUNCTIONING. *TR

NHTSA ID 10266850 · filed Apr 27, 2009

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Transmission

Reports naming the automatic or manual transmission, including shifting behaviour, shudder, slipping and transmission control modules.

5
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

MY 2001 NISSAN ALTIMA, WITH APPROX 89000 MILES, HAS STARTED EXPERIENCING ENGINE FAILURE AT CRUISING SPEEDS (50-70 MPH) ON THE FREEWAY. IT IS INTERMITTENT WITH NO APPARENT WARNING. FIRST, ALL GUAGES, INCLUDING GAS, TEMPERATURE, RPM AND ODOMETER, FALL TO ZERO. THE CAR JERKS AS IF DOWNSHIFTED, AND SLOWS DRASTICALLY, AND THE GAS PEDAL DOES NOT ACCELERATE THE CAR. IT HAS HAPPENED 7-8 TIMES IN THE PAST FEW WEEKS. THE RADIO DISPLAY LIGHT ALSO BLANKS OUT, NOT SURE IF THIS IS RELATED OR A SEPARATE PROBLEM.*AK

NHTSA ID 10045461 · filed Nov 4, 2003

THE AUTOMOBILE ACCELERATED WHILE THE CONSUMER'S FOOT WAS ON THE BRAKE. THE CONSUMER TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER/MECHANIC THREE TIMES AND BECAUSE THE VEHICLE DID NOT DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM, THE MECHANIC WAS UNABLE TO FIND OUT WHAT WAS HAPPENING WITH THE AUTOMOBILE. THE THIRD TIME HE JUST LEFT THE VEHICLE WITH MECHANIC/DEALER SO THAT THEY MAY DRIVE THE AUTOMOBILE TO SEE IF THE PROBLEM RESURFACED. *AK THE VEHICLE WAS SHIFTED INTO DRIVE BUT WENT INTO REVERSE. *SCC *JB

NHTSA ID 10033773 · filed Sep 12, 2003

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Steering

Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.

5
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

I WAS DRIVING FROM WORK WHEN I HEARD A CRANKING/SQUEALING SOUND COMING FROM THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE, I STOPPED AND CHECKED COULD NOT FIND ANYTHING, BUT NOTICED THAT ANYTIME I STEPPED ON THE BRAKES/MAKE A TURN THE SOUND WILL COME ON, TOOK IT TO A MECHANIC WHO TOLD ME IT WAS THE MOTOR MOUNT AND ALSO THAT THE BRAKES WERE BEEN AFFECTED AND I COULD NOT DRIVE MORE THAN A CERTAIN MILE ON THE HIGHWAY. ALSO THE ENGINE LIGHT KEEPS COMING ON MY DASHBOARD, AFTER SEVERAL REPAIRS TO WHATEVER THE PROBLEM WAS, IT;S STILL ON, NOW NO ONE CAN TELL IF IT IS RELATED TO THE ISSUE CAR HAD OR NOT, THE HEADLIGHTS ON THE CAR HARDLY COME ON PROPERLY, EVEN IF I PUT THEM ON FULL LIGHT, IT'S STILL LOOKS DIM AND I CAN SEE WITH THEM AT NIGHT WHEN AM DRIVING, THE HEAT SUDDENLY COMES ON EVEN WITHOUT TURNING IT ON, AM REALLY SCARED NOW CAUSE I DON'T WANT TO GET IN AN ACCIDENT. NISSAN NEEDS TO DO SOMETHING ABOUT ALL THIS COMPLAINTS ESPECIALLY WITH SUCH HIGH RECALLS . *TR

NHTSA ID 10659601 · filed Nov 19, 2014

WHILE STOPPED AT A TRAFFIC SIGNAL THE ENGINES RPM WOULD FALL BELOW 500 AND AT TIMES WOULD STALL THE ENGINE MAKING ME VULNERABLE TO A COLLISION. IT GOT SO BAD MY DAUGHTER WOULD NOT DRIVE THE VEHICLE. I TOOK THE CAR TO SEVERAL MECHANICS OVER THE COURSE OF A YEAR AND NO ONE COULD FIX THE PROBLEM TUNE UPS AND SUCH DID NOT FIX THE PROBLEM, I SPENT HUNDREDS OF DOLLARS TRYING TO ELIMINATE THE PROBLEM TO NO AVAIL. I FINALLY TOOK IT TO A MECHANIC WITH A SMOKE MACHINE AND HE FOUND THE INTAKE MANIFOLD HAD A LEAK AND THAT WAS THE PROBLEM COST $850.00 PLUS TAX. I RESEARCHED INTAKE MANIFOLD VACUUM LEAK ON THE 2001 NISSAN ALTIMA AND FOUND THAT THERE WERE HUNDREDS OF NISSAN OWNERS WITH THE SAME VACUUM LEAK! SEVERAL OF THE NISSAN OWNERS HAD TO MAKE THE REPAIR MORE THAN ONCE, SOME PEOPLE SPENT HUNDREDS OF DOLLARS ON VARIOUS FIXES THAT DID NOT WORK, I WAS TOLD BY ONE MECHANIC THAT IT WAS THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER LUCKILY I DID NOT GO FOR IT. I BELIEVE IT IS A SAFETY DEFECT BECAUSE WHEN THE CAR STALLS IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD UNEXPECTEDLY IT LEAVES YOU WIDE OPEN FOR A CRASH OR WORSE!! I THINK NISSAN, NORTH AMERICA SHOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE REPAIR, IT SEEMS TO BE A DEFECTIVE INTAKE MANIFOLD GASKET OR POOR ENGINE DESIGN WHICH CAUSE'S THE GASKET TO FAIL- IT MAY ALSO BE TOO CLOSE TO A HEAT SOURCE (THE EXHAUST MANIFOLD) CAUSING THE GASKET TO FAIL. I THINK IT IS UNFAIR TO THE CONSUMER TO PAY FOR THIS REPAIR BECAUSE IT HAPPENS TO SO MANY NISSAN'S. *TR

NHTSA ID 10594404 · filed May 27, 2014

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Body & structure

Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.

4
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

(1)HEAVY RAINS DURING THE LAST WEEK IN OCT0BER 2204. (2)STRUCTURAL FAILURE OF TRUNK LID CAUSING WATER TO LEAK INTO TRUCK DURING HEAVY RAIN. (3)SECOND OCCURRENCE. REPAIR SERVICE SCHEDULE FOR NOVEMBER 1, 2004. ORIGINAL FAILURE AND LEAK REPAIR OCCURRED FEBRUARY.2003 (REPLACED WEATHER STRIPPING). *AK

NHTSA ID 10097956 · filed Oct 28, 2004

TRUNK LID NOT SEALING, CAUSING WATER TO LEAK INTO TRUCK AND COLLECT IN SPARE TIRE WELL

NHTSA ID 10005841 · filed Feb 14, 2003

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Interior & seats

Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.

3
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

DRIVER'S SIDE POWER SEAT WILL MOVE UPRIGHT BUT IT WILL NOT RECLINE BACK. EVERY ONCE IN A WHILE IT WILL RECLINE BACKWARD WHICH MAKES ME BELIEVE THERE IS A SHORT IN IT. NISSAN SAYS MY EXTENDED WARRANTY DOES NOT COVER THE POWER SEAT MECHANISM AND THEY ESTIMATED THAT IT WOULD COST $2,000 TO REPAIR. *JB

NHTSA ID 10164367 · filed Aug 3, 2006

WHILE DRIVING THE GAUGES SUDDENLY STOP WORKING, THE RADIO STILL WORKS BUT ALL THE GAUGES IN THE INSTRUMENT PANEL GO TO ZERO. ONE TIME THE ENGINE APPEARED TO STOP BUT TURNED BACK ON. THIS HAS HAPPENED ON FIVE OCCASIONS. I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER (REGAL NISSAN) BUT THERE WERE NO ERROR CODES SO THEY COULD NOT FIND A PROBLEM. THEY DID A TUNE UP (REPLACED THE SPARK PLUGS, PLUG WIRES, DISTRIBUTOR AND CAP) BUT THE GAUGES HAVE SHUT OFF TWICE SINCE THE TURN UP. THE DEALER SAID THAT UNLESS THERE IS AN ERROR CODE, THEY COULD NOT HELP ME. THE GAUGES SHUT DOWN FOR FIVE MINUTES OR SO, USUALLY THE CAR STILL RUNS. AFTER TURNING THE CAR OFF AND ON AGAIN, THE GAUGES WORK. *NM

NHTSA ID 10147286 · filed Jan 9, 2006

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Heating & air conditioning

Reports naming the heating, ventilation and air-conditioning system.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

WHEN USING THE AIR CONDITIIONING UNIT IN THE 2001 NISSAN ALTIMA, THERE IS A BUZZING OR WHIRRING NOISE DURING OPERATION. VEHICLE NOISE IS ANNOYING. I FEEL THE VALUE OF THE VEHICLE IS GREATLY DIMINISHED AS A RESULT OF THE NOISE AND WILL MAKE IT DIFFICULT TO SELL THE VEHICLE AS A RESULT OF THE IMPROPERLY FUNCTIONING A/C. UNDER WARRANTY, I HAVE TAKEN THE VEHICLE BACK NUMEROUS TIMES. THE FIRST TIME, THE DEALER REPLACED A CLUTCH BEARING, THIS DID NOT FIX THE PROBLEM. THE NEXT TIME, THE DEALER REPLACED THE CONDENSING UNIT AND EXPANSION VALVE TO ATTEMPT TO REPAIR THE NOISE. THE NEXT COUPLE OF TIMES THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER AND WAS TOLD THAT A REQUEST OF NISSAN USA WAS MADE TO SEND A FACTORY TECH OUT TO FIND A SOLUTION. NISSAN REFUSES TO SEND ANYONE OUT TO LOOK AT THE VEHICLE. NISSAN WANTED THE DEALER TO FIND A SIMILAR VEHICLE TO COMPARE THE NOISE, THEY HAVE NOT BEEN ABLE TO FIND A COMPARABLE VEHICLE TO DO THAT CHECK. IT HAS BEEN ALMOST A YEAR SINCE MY ORIGINAL COMPLAINT AND THIS HAS NOT BEEN REMEDIED. I AM FED UP WITH NISSAN NOT TAKING CARE OF MY SITUATION.*AK

NHTSA ID 10105718 · filed Jan 4, 2005

WATER LEAKS INSIDE THE TRUNK WHEN IT RAINS. *YH

NHTSA ID 785765 · filed Nov 1, 2001

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Powertrain (other)

Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

AT 70MPH CAR GIVES A BIG JOLT AND WITH NO WARNING, TRANSMISSION DROPS FROM FOURTH GEAR, ENGINE REVS TO 6500 RPM (ENGINE IN RED LINE AT 6300), CAR PULLS SHARPLY TO RIGHT. ANOTHER HEAVY JOLT, AND ENGINE REVS DROP TO NORMAL AND TRANSMISSION GOES BACK TO FOURTH GEAR.

NHTSA ID 9005329 · filed Jan 17, 2002

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.

Elsewhere on this vehicle

Data sources

Data on this page last refreshed .