FaultScore report
Owners have filed 150 complaints about the 1993 Nissan Altima with NHTSA between 1995 and 2017. The largest single group is the acceleration & cruise control. Across this model's run it ranks 28 of 33 worst.
FaultScore 38/100
Higher is worse. Measured against the other years of the Nissan Altima.
How this is worked out150
Complaints
25
Crashes reported
3
Fires reported
18
Injuries reported
122,000 mi
Median mileage at failure
Half of reported failures happened before this
7%
Failed under 36,000 miles
Inside a typical bumper-to-bumper warranty
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
Click any bar to open that year's report.
Every complaint is filed against a part. Follow any row for the complaints about that part alone.
1 crashes, 0 fires · median 69,878 mi
0 crashes, 1 fires
0 crashes, 2 fires · median 130,000 mi
Median failure at 106,000 miles
Median failure at 110,700 miles
Median failure at 205,000 miles
NHTSA files every complaint against a named sub-assembly, not just a system. This is the difference between knowing it was "the engine" and knowing which part of it — the list to hand a mechanic.
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all complaints include one.
The agency crash-tested this model year itself. These are its own photographs and star ratings.
These stars come from the pre-2011 crash test programme. NHTSA rebuilt the programme for the 2011 model year and states that ratings either side of that change are not comparable — so do not read these against a 2011-or-newer car's stars.
| Configuration | Overall | Front | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1993 Nissan Altima 4-DR. | — | — | — | — |
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single owner can see from inside their own car.
An investigation is the step before a recall: the agency has seen enough complaints to look into a pattern itself. An open one means it thinks something may be wrong and nothing has been fixed yet.
SEAT BELT LOCK-UP
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
SUSPENSION
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.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
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.
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. THIS MAY PREVENT THE THROTTLE FROM RETURNING TO THE IDLE POSITION WHEN THE GAS PEDAL IS RELEASED.
Risk: IF THIS WERE TO OCCUR WHILE THE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION, LOSS OF THROTTLE CONTROL COULD RESULT IN AN ACCIDENT.
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not always mirror the American ones.
Engine
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 VEHICLE CRASH. CORRECTION: THROTTLE CABLE HOUSING WILL BE REPOSITIONED TO PROVIDE SLACK FOR ENGINE MOVEMENT. THROTTLE CABLE ASSEMBLY WILL BE REPLACED IF NECESSARY.
Recalls cover specific build ranges, so check your own vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or, in Canada, Transport Canada.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1993 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED UNINTENDED ACCELERATION WHEN SHIFTED INTO REVERSE. DUE TO THE FAILURE, THE VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A REAR END COLLISION. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE FAILURE OCCURRED WITHOUT WARNING. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THERE WAS ONE INJURY THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE CONTACT SUFFERED FROM HEAD, ARM, SHOULDER, AND LEG INJURIES; HOWEVER, THE SPECIFIC DIAGNOSIS WAS NOT DISCLOSED. THE CONTACT REFERENCED NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 94V035000 (VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL), BUT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 168,000.
NHTSA complaint #10948617 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 70 MPH ON THE HIGHWAY UNDER NORMAL ROAD CONDITIONS, THE THROTTLE GEAR INCREASED DRAMATICALLY ALMOST RESULTING IN AN ACCIDENT CAUSING MINOR INJURIES TO THE DRIVER. THERE WAS NO PRIOR WARNINGS AND THE BRAKES WERE INOPERATIVE. THE VEHICLE'S THROTTLE WAS PERMANENTLY STUCK ON HIGH. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND DENIED ANY RECALLS ON THE VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, WHO DETERMINED THAT THE THROTTLE BODY CABLES AND ASSEMBLY NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. NO REPAIRS HAVE BEEN MADE. UPDATED 11/9/2006 - THE CONSUMER BELIEVES THIS FAILUERE WAS RELATED TO RECALL 94V035000. THE RECALL INDICATED THAT 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. THIS MAY PREVENT THE THROTTLE FROM RETURNING TO THE IDLE POSITION WHEN THE GAS PEDAL IS RELEASED. THE MMANUFACTURER DENIED AND RESPONSIBILITY.
NHTSA complaint #10170995 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:ACCELERATOR PEDAL
WHILE PULLING VEHICLE INSIDE OF GARAGE IT SUDDENLY ACCELERATED, HIT THE GARAGE WALL, AND WENT THROUGH THE HOUSE. NO INJURIES OR FATALITIES REPORTED.
NHTSA complaint #10044395 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
AIR BAGS
1993 NISSAN ALTIMA WAS STRUCK WHILE PARKED. BODY SHOP & INSURANCE ESTIMATOR INDICATE VEHICLE THAT HIT THE PARKED ALTIMA WAS TRAVELING FASTER THAN 35 MPH. THE PASSIVE RESTRAINTS (SEATBELTS) FAILED TO LOCK IN PLACE, AND THE DRIVER-SIDE AIRBAG WAS NOT DEPLOYED. THE ALTIMA WAS STRUCK IN THE REAR, DRIVER-SIDE QUARTER PANEL/BUMPER - AREA SURROUNDING FUEL CAP. ODDLY ENOUGH, AFTER THE BODY WORK WAS COMPLETED, THE MERCURY SWITCH THAT IS DESIGNED TO LOCK THE PASSIVE RESTRAINTS IN PLACE DURING A CRASH HAD BEEN TRIPPED AND REQUIRED REPLACEMENT BY THE DEALER. WHEN THE PASSIVE RESTRAINT SENSOR WAS REPLACED BY THE DEALER UPON PICKING UP THE ALTIMA I NOTICED A RED AIRBAG LIGHT SOLIDLY ILLUMINATED ON THE DASH. WHEN I QUESTIONED THE DEALER ABOUT THIS CONDITION THAT DID NOT EXIST PRIOR TO THEIR REPLACEMENT OF THE PASSIVE RESTRAINT SENSOR IN THE TRUNK, THEY INVESTIGATED. THEY WERE ABLE TO MAKE THE LIGHT GO OFF, BUT INDICATED THAT THE "AIRBAG CONTROLLER CARD (ACC)" ESSENTIALLY A CIRCUIT BOARD WAS FAULTY - OR WOULD WORK INTERMITTENTLY UNLESS I REPLACED IT. THE MANAGER OF THE DEALERSHIP EXPLAINED THAT THE REASON IT WORKED INTERMITTENTLY WAS BECAUSE THE "ACC" WAS NOT SEALED AND AS A RESULT WAS PRONE TO TOTAL FAILURE ON A VERY HOT OR COLD DAY. THE MANAGER INDICATED FURTHER THAT WHEN HE HAD BEEN A MECHANIC HE HAD SEEN MANY ALTIMA'S, SENTRA'S AND A FEW OTHER MODELS THAT USED THE SAME VERSION "ACC" AND THAT NISSAN HAD BEEN REPLACING THEM ON A CASE-BY-CASE BASIS AT NO COST TO THE CONSUMER. HOWEVER, THEY CHOSE TO TELL ME THAT "NORMAL WEAR AND TEAR" WAS THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE, AND THAT THEY WOULD NOT COVER REPLACEMENT UNDER WARRANTY OR EVEN OUTSIDE WARRANTY DESPITE IT BEING A SAFETY ISSUE. NISSAN INDICATED THAT THERE WAS NO RECALL ON THIS PART, AND THEY HAD NO RECORD OF THIS PART HAVING A HISTORY OF FAILURE. I DON'T WANT TO FIND OUT IF MY AIRBAG IS GOING TO WORK OR NOT THE HARD WAY.
NHTSA complaint #10037008 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY
1993 NISSAN ALTIMA WAS STRUCK WHILE PARKED. BODY SHOP & INSURANCE ESTIMATOR INDICATE VEHICLE THAT HIT THE PARKED ALTIMA WAS TRAVELING FASTER THAN 35 MPH. THE PASSIVE RESTRAINTS (SEATBELTS) FAILED TO LOCK IN PLACE, AND THE DRIVER-SIDE AIRBAG WAS NOT DEPLOYED. THE ALTIMA WAS STRUCK IN THE REAR, DRIVER-SIDE QUARTER PANEL/BUMPER - AREA SURROUNDING FUEL CAP. ODDLY ENOUGH, AFTER THE BODY WORK WAS COMPLETED, THE MERCURY SWITCH THAT IS DESIGNED TO LOCK THE PASSIVE RESTRAINTS IN PLACE DURING A CRASH HAD BEEN TRIPPED AND REQUIRED REPLACEMENT BY THE DEALER. WHEN THE PASSIVE RESTRAINT SENSOR WAS REPLACED BY THE DEALER UPON PICKING UP THE ALTIMA I NOTICED A RED AIRBAG LIGHT SOLIDLY ILLUMINATED ON THE DASH. WHEN I QUESTIONED THE DEALER ABOUT THIS CONDITION THAT DID NOT EXIST PRIOR TO THEIR REPLACEMENT OF THE PASSIVE RESTRAINT SENSOR IN THE TRUNK, THEY INVESTIGATED. THEY WERE ABLE TO MAKE THE LIGHT GO OFF, BUT INDICATED THAT THE "AIRBAG CONTROLLER CARD (ACC)" ESSENTIALLY A CIRCUIT BOARD WAS FAULTY - OR WOULD WORK INTERMITTENTLY UNLESS I REPLACED IT. THE MANAGER OF THE DEALERSHIP EXPLAINED THAT THE REASON IT WORKED INTERMITTENTLY WAS BECAUSE THE "ACC" WAS NOT SEALED AND AS A RESULT WAS PRONE TO TOTAL FAILURE ON A VERY HOT OR COLD DAY. THE MANAGER INDICATED FURTHER THAT WHEN HE HAD BEEN A MECHANIC HE HAD SEEN MANY ALTIMA'S, SENTRA'S AND A FEW OTHER MODELS THAT USED THE SAME VERSION "ACC" AND THAT NISSAN HAD BEEN REPLACING THEM ON A CASE-BY-CASE BASIS AT NO COST TO THE CONSUMER. HOWEVER, THEY CHOSE TO TELL ME THAT "NORMAL WEAR AND TEAR" WAS THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE, AND THAT THEY WOULD NOT COVER REPLACEMENT UNDER WARRANTY OR EVEN OUTSIDE WARRANTY DESPITE IT BEING A SAFETY ISSUE. NISSAN INDICATED THAT THERE WAS NO RECALL ON THIS PART, AND THEY HAD NO RECORD OF THIS PART HAVING A HISTORY OF FAILURE. I DON'T WANT TO FIND OUT IF MY AIRBAG IS GOING TO WORK OR NOT THE HARD WAY.
NHTSA complaint #10037008 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY:FILLER PIPE AND CAP
WHILE VHEICLE WAS OFF AND WHEN TAKING GAS GAP OFF A FLAME SHOT OUT OF TANK ON CONSUMER'S ARM. DEALER HAS BEEN NOTIFIED. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION.
NHTSA complaint #887275 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1993 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED UNINTENDED ACCELERATION WHEN SHIFTED INTO REVERSE. DUE TO THE FAILURE, THE VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A REAR END COLLISION. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE FAILURE OCCURRED WITHOUT WARNING. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THERE WAS ONE INJURY THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE CONTACT SUFFERED FROM HEAD, ARM, SHOULDER, AND LEG INJURIES; HOWEVER, THE SPECIFIC DIAGNOSIS WAS NOT DISCLOSED. THE CONTACT REFERENCED NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 94V035000 (VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL), BUT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 168,000.
NHTSA complaint #10948617 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SEAT BELTS
MY AUTOMATIC SEAT BELTS STOPPED WORKING. ACCORDING TO MY OWNER'S MANUAL THERE IS A LIFETIME WARRANTY ON PARTS AND LABOR. I TOOK THE CAR TO MY LOCAL DEAL. THEY REFUSED TO SERVICE THE CAR. I CALLED NISSAN USA AND STARTED A CLAIM. I TOOK THE CAR BACK TO THE DEALER, AND AGAIN THEY DIDN'T WANT TO SERVICE THE CAR. THE SERVICE MANAGER EVEN STATED THAT I'M NOT GOING TO DO A DIAGNOSTIC BECAUSE I ALREADY KNOW WHAT THE PROBLEM IS, AND WILL RELAY THIS INFORMATION TO NISSAN USA, (I HAVE IT ON RECORDING). WHEN NISSAN USA RECEIVED THE DEALERS "DIAGNOSTIC" REPORT THEY THEN REFUSED TO HONOR THE LIFETIME WARRANTY. THEY STATED THAT ACCORDING TO THE DEALER THE SEAT BELT MODULE IS DEFECTIVE AND THAT IS NOT COVERED UNDER WARRANTY.
NHTSA complaint #10821512 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SEAT BELTS
THE AUTOMATIC SEATBELT DOOR LATCH HAS FAILED DRIVER DOOR DOES NOT LOCK OR SHUT PROPERLY, NISSAN NO LONGER MANUFACTURE THIS PART, REASON CAR IS OVER 10 YEARS OF AGE, THIS IS HOWEVER A SAFETY ISSUE AND A LIABILITY ISSUE, THIS PART (DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE) SHOULD BE AVAILABLE AND SHOULD BE MANUFACTURED FOR SAFETY OF THE PASSENGERS.
NHTSA complaint #10563964 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1993 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VAPOR CANISTER FAILED AND WOULD NO LONGER CAPTURE AND RECYCLES GASOLINE FROM THE FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM. THIS ALSO CAUSES FUMES TO GET INTO THE VEHICLE INTERIOR RENDERING THE VEHICLE INOPERABLE IN COLD OR WET WEATHER. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE CONTACTS PERSONAL MECHANIC. THE MECHANIC WAS UNABLE TO LOCATE THE PART NEEDED FOR REPAIRS AND WAS ADVISED BY AN AFTERMARKET PARTS SHOP THAT THE PART WAS NO LONGER BEING MANUFACTURED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND ADVISED THAT THEY DID NOT HAVE THE PARTS FOR THE FAILURE. THEY OFFERED HER NO FURTHER ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 130,000.
NHTSA complaint #10384117 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1993 NISSAN ALTIMA. WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATES UNEXPECTEDLY AND SUDDENLY. THE CONTACT MUST QUICKLY DEPRESS THE BRAKE PEDAL IN ORDER TO STOP THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT YET BEEN INSPECTED BY THE DEALER, BUT SHE BELIEVES THE FAILURE IS DUE TO A MANUFACTURER DEFECT. SHE CALLED THE MANUFACTURER AND WAS INFORMED THAT THERE WAS NO RECALL THAT APPLIED TO HER VEHICLE. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE UNKNOWN.
NHTSA complaint #10263659 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SEAT BELTS
1993 ALTIMA, DOOR LATCH FAILURE WHICH CAUSES A PROBLEM FOR THE AUTOMATIC SEAT BELTS (PASSENGER SIDE DOOR LATCH) NISSAN NO LONGER MAKES THIS LATCH,(THE SENSOR THAT OPERATES THE BELTS ARE BUILT TOGETHER INSIDE THE LATCH) ITS A SAFETY PROBLEM OR ISSUE AND NEEDS TO BE CORRECTED., PS I HAVE REPLACED THE LATCH WITH A 94 ALTIMA LATCH, BUT IT DOES NOT OPERATE THE AUTOMATIC SEAT BELT., THE REASON I REPLACED THE PASSENGER DOOR LATCH BECAUSE THE DOOR WOULD OPEN AT WILL. THE LATCH FAILED!
NHTSA complaint #10224322 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
1993 ALTIMA, DOOR LATCH FAILURE WHICH CAUSES A PROBLEM FOR THE AUTOMATIC SEAT BELTS (PASSENGER SIDE DOOR LATCH) NISSAN NO LONGER MAKES THIS LATCH,(THE SENSOR THAT OPERATES THE BELTS ARE BUILT TOGETHER INSIDE THE LATCH) ITS A SAFETY PROBLEM OR ISSUE AND NEEDS TO BE CORRECTED., PS I HAVE REPLACED THE LATCH WITH A 94 ALTIMA LATCH, BUT IT DOES NOT OPERATE THE AUTOMATIC SEAT BELT., THE REASON I REPLACED THE PASSENGER DOOR LATCH BECAUSE THE DOOR WOULD OPEN AT WILL. THE LATCH FAILED!
NHTSA complaint #10224322 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 70 MPH ON THE HIGHWAY UNDER NORMAL ROAD CONDITIONS, THE THROTTLE GEAR INCREASED DRAMATICALLY ALMOST RESULTING IN AN ACCIDENT CAUSING MINOR INJURIES TO THE DRIVER. THERE WAS NO PRIOR WARNINGS AND THE BRAKES WERE INOPERATIVE. THE VEHICLE'S THROTTLE WAS PERMANENTLY STUCK ON HIGH. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND DENIED ANY RECALLS ON THE VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, WHO DETERMINED THAT THE THROTTLE BODY CABLES AND ASSEMBLY NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. NO REPAIRS HAVE BEEN MADE. UPDATED 11/9/2006 - THE CONSUMER BELIEVES THIS FAILUERE WAS RELATED TO RECALL 94V035000. THE RECALL INDICATED THAT 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. THIS MAY PREVENT THE THROTTLE FROM RETURNING TO THE IDLE POSITION WHEN THE GAS PEDAL IS RELEASED. THE MMANUFACTURER DENIED AND RESPONSIBILITY.
NHTSA complaint #10170995 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
VISIBILITY:POWER WINDOW DEVICES AND CONTROLS
AFTER THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN TURNED OFF, BOTH REAR WINDOWS OPEN FROM THE UP POSITION TO HALF WAY DOWN. THIS HAS HAPPENED MORE THAN ONCE. ONE TIME, THE CAR WAS STOLEN. TEENAGERS GAINED ACCESS TO THE INTERIOR OF THE CAR THROUGH THE REAR WINDOWS THAT HAD AUTOMATICALLY OPENED AFTER THE DRIVER HAD SHUT THEM AND LOCKED THE CAR. WHILE THE CAR WAS IN POSSESSION OF THE TEENS, IT WAS INVOLVED IN 2 HIT AND RUN ACCIDENTS, DRIVEN 300 MILES IN 2 1/2 DAYS, BEFORE THE TEENS WERE ARRESTED. VEHICLE BOUGHT AT AUCTION 6 MONTHS PRIOR WITH 67,076 MILES. MANUFACTURER NOT NOTIFIED.
NHTSA complaint #10156058 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
STRUCTURE
DT: THE CALLER SAID THE ENGINE SUPPORT FRAME MEMBER RUSTED FROM THE INSIDE. HE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A CAR WASH, AND WHEN HE SPRAYED THE SUPPORT THE PAINT WAS WASHED AWAY, AND IT BLEW A HOLE IN THE FRAME MEMBER. CAR WAS PURCHASED AT AN AUCTION, AND THE MANUFACTURER HAS NOT BEEN CONTACTED YET.
NHTSA complaint #10134009 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:ACCELERATOR PEDAL
DT: NISSAN ALTIMA 1993. THE CONSUMER STEPPED ON THE ACCELERATOR AND THE PEDAL DROPPED COMPLETELY TO THE FLOOR. THE ENGINE CONTINUED TO REV UPWARDS OF 85 MPH. THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL MOUNT HAD BROKEN AWAY FROM THE FIREWALL OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONSUMER REACHED DOWN AND PULLED THE PEDAL UP BY HAND AND SLOWED THE VEHICLE DOWN. THE CONSUMER CALLED THE MANUFACTURER, AND WAS TOLD THAT THEY WOULD HAVE TO BRING THE CAR IN, AND PAY TO HAVE IT FIXED. *AK *SC
NHTSA complaint #10125896 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:CABLES
RECALL CAMPAIGN 94V035000 CONCERNING THROTTLE LINKAGES AND CONTROL. WHILE PULLING INTO A PARKING SPACE VEHICLE COMMENCED TO ACCELERATE. NO OTHER INCIDENTS WERE REPORTED. CONSUMER FOUND THIS RECALL INFORMATION ON NHTSA WEBSITE. THE DEALER OR A REPAIR SHOP HAD NOT INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AT THIS TIME.
NHTSA complaint #10111246 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
TODAY VEHICLE EXPERIENCED SUDDEN UNCONTROLLED ACCELERATION DUE TO THROTTLE CABLE BEING PULLED OUT OF PLACE WHILE DRIVING. I CONTACTED NISSAN USA AND THEY ARE ATTEMPTING TO DECLINE REPAIR OF VEHICLE DUE TO 1) AGE OF VEHICLE 2) RECALL WORK PREVIOUSLY DONE. UNFORTUNATELY THE PRIOR RECALL WORK WAS PERFORMED INCORRECTLY PER NISSAN BULLETIN 94V-035 NTB -- BRACKETS TO PREVENT THROTTLE CABLE MOVEMENT ARE LOCATED INCORRECTLY. VEHICLE REQUIRES NEW THROTTLE CABLE AND RECALL REPAIR TO REMEDY THIS SITUATION. NISSAN USA IS NOT ACTING IN GOOD FAITH TO QUICKLY REPAIR THIS VEHICLE WHICH IS CURRENTLY UNSAFE TO OPERATE.
NHTSA complaint #10108437 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
WHEN DRIVING IN COLD WEATHER VEHICLE STALLED. CONSUMER RESTARTED THE VEHICLE. DEALERSHIP WAS NOTIFIED, BUT DID NOT RESOLVE THE PROBLEM.
NHTSA complaint #10107104 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
REQUEST INFORMATION ON 1993 NISSAN ALTIMA. *PH *SC
NHTSA complaint #10072119 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:ACCELERATOR PEDAL
WHILE PULLING VEHICLE INSIDE OF GARAGE IT SUDDENLY ACCELERATED, HIT THE GARAGE WALL, AND WENT THROUGH THE HOUSE. NO INJURIES OR FATALITIES REPORTED.
NHTSA complaint #10044395 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
AIR BAGS
1993 NISSAN ALTIMA WAS STRUCK WHILE PARKED. BODY SHOP & INSURANCE ESTIMATOR INDICATE VEHICLE THAT HIT THE PARKED ALTIMA WAS TRAVELING FASTER THAN 35 MPH. THE PASSIVE RESTRAINTS (SEATBELTS) FAILED TO LOCK IN PLACE, AND THE DRIVER-SIDE AIRBAG WAS NOT DEPLOYED. THE ALTIMA WAS STRUCK IN THE REAR, DRIVER-SIDE QUARTER PANEL/BUMPER - AREA SURROUNDING FUEL CAP. ODDLY ENOUGH, AFTER THE BODY WORK WAS COMPLETED, THE MERCURY SWITCH THAT IS DESIGNED TO LOCK THE PASSIVE RESTRAINTS IN PLACE DURING A CRASH HAD BEEN TRIPPED AND REQUIRED REPLACEMENT BY THE DEALER. WHEN THE PASSIVE RESTRAINT SENSOR WAS REPLACED BY THE DEALER UPON PICKING UP THE ALTIMA I NOTICED A RED AIRBAG LIGHT SOLIDLY ILLUMINATED ON THE DASH. WHEN I QUESTIONED THE DEALER ABOUT THIS CONDITION THAT DID NOT EXIST PRIOR TO THEIR REPLACEMENT OF THE PASSIVE RESTRAINT SENSOR IN THE TRUNK, THEY INVESTIGATED. THEY WERE ABLE TO MAKE THE LIGHT GO OFF, BUT INDICATED THAT THE "AIRBAG CONTROLLER CARD (ACC)" ESSENTIALLY A CIRCUIT BOARD WAS FAULTY - OR WOULD WORK INTERMITTENTLY UNLESS I REPLACED IT. THE MANAGER OF THE DEALERSHIP EXPLAINED THAT THE REASON IT WORKED INTERMITTENTLY WAS BECAUSE THE "ACC" WAS NOT SEALED AND AS A RESULT WAS PRONE TO TOTAL FAILURE ON A VERY HOT OR COLD DAY. THE MANAGER INDICATED FURTHER THAT WHEN HE HAD BEEN A MECHANIC HE HAD SEEN MANY ALTIMA'S, SENTRA'S AND A FEW OTHER MODELS THAT USED THE SAME VERSION "ACC" AND THAT NISSAN HAD BEEN REPLACING THEM ON A CASE-BY-CASE BASIS AT NO COST TO THE CONSUMER. HOWEVER, THEY CHOSE TO TELL ME THAT "NORMAL WEAR AND TEAR" WAS THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE, AND THAT THEY WOULD NOT COVER REPLACEMENT UNDER WARRANTY OR EVEN OUTSIDE WARRANTY DESPITE IT BEING A SAFETY ISSUE. NISSAN INDICATED THAT THERE WAS NO RECALL ON THIS PART, AND THEY HAD NO RECORD OF THIS PART HAVING A HISTORY OF FAILURE. I DON'T WANT TO FIND OUT IF MY AIRBAG IS GOING TO WORK OR NOT THE HARD WAY.
NHTSA complaint #10037008 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY
1993 NISSAN ALTIMA WAS STRUCK WHILE PARKED. BODY SHOP & INSURANCE ESTIMATOR INDICATE VEHICLE THAT HIT THE PARKED ALTIMA WAS TRAVELING FASTER THAN 35 MPH. THE PASSIVE RESTRAINTS (SEATBELTS) FAILED TO LOCK IN PLACE, AND THE DRIVER-SIDE AIRBAG WAS NOT DEPLOYED. THE ALTIMA WAS STRUCK IN THE REAR, DRIVER-SIDE QUARTER PANEL/BUMPER - AREA SURROUNDING FUEL CAP. ODDLY ENOUGH, AFTER THE BODY WORK WAS COMPLETED, THE MERCURY SWITCH THAT IS DESIGNED TO LOCK THE PASSIVE RESTRAINTS IN PLACE DURING A CRASH HAD BEEN TRIPPED AND REQUIRED REPLACEMENT BY THE DEALER. WHEN THE PASSIVE RESTRAINT SENSOR WAS REPLACED BY THE DEALER UPON PICKING UP THE ALTIMA I NOTICED A RED AIRBAG LIGHT SOLIDLY ILLUMINATED ON THE DASH. WHEN I QUESTIONED THE DEALER ABOUT THIS CONDITION THAT DID NOT EXIST PRIOR TO THEIR REPLACEMENT OF THE PASSIVE RESTRAINT SENSOR IN THE TRUNK, THEY INVESTIGATED. THEY WERE ABLE TO MAKE THE LIGHT GO OFF, BUT INDICATED THAT THE "AIRBAG CONTROLLER CARD (ACC)" ESSENTIALLY A CIRCUIT BOARD WAS FAULTY - OR WOULD WORK INTERMITTENTLY UNLESS I REPLACED IT. THE MANAGER OF THE DEALERSHIP EXPLAINED THAT THE REASON IT WORKED INTERMITTENTLY WAS BECAUSE THE "ACC" WAS NOT SEALED AND AS A RESULT WAS PRONE TO TOTAL FAILURE ON A VERY HOT OR COLD DAY. THE MANAGER INDICATED FURTHER THAT WHEN HE HAD BEEN A MECHANIC HE HAD SEEN MANY ALTIMA'S, SENTRA'S AND A FEW OTHER MODELS THAT USED THE SAME VERSION "ACC" AND THAT NISSAN HAD BEEN REPLACING THEM ON A CASE-BY-CASE BASIS AT NO COST TO THE CONSUMER. HOWEVER, THEY CHOSE TO TELL ME THAT "NORMAL WEAR AND TEAR" WAS THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE, AND THAT THEY WOULD NOT COVER REPLACEMENT UNDER WARRANTY OR EVEN OUTSIDE WARRANTY DESPITE IT BEING A SAFETY ISSUE. NISSAN INDICATED THAT THERE WAS NO RECALL ON THIS PART, AND THEY HAD NO RECORD OF THIS PART HAVING A HISTORY OF FAILURE. I DON'T WANT TO FIND OUT IF MY AIRBAG IS GOING TO WORK OR NOT THE HARD WAY.
NHTSA complaint #10037008 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
SINCE I PURCHASED MY VEHICLE IN 1996 I HAVE NEVER BEEN INFORMED OF THE RECALL ISSUED IN 1994 AND I HAVE BEEN TO THE DEALER MANY TIMES EVEN AT FIRST WHILE IT WAS STILL UNDER WARRANTY. THE REASON FOR THE RECALL, THE THROTTLE CABLE PULL OUT, ACTUALLY HAPPENED TO ME AND NEARLY CAUSED AN ACCIDENT. NHTSA# 94V035000 REFERRAL CARFAX.COM INFORMED ME OF THE RECALL WHEN I PAID FOR A HISTORY ON MY VEHICLE BEFORE SELLING IT. THIS STILL HASN'T BEEN FIXED. CAN I STILL ASK THE DEALER TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM?
NHTSA complaint #10010118 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:PEDALS AND LINKAGES
WHILE DRIVING, THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL MOUNT BROKE FROM THE FIREWALL. THE DEALER WAS AWARE OF THE PROBLEM. CASE NUMBER 3927452 FOR NISSAN. MR. THE MOUNT WAS ABOUT 2 INCHES TALL AND PROVIDES THE PIVOT POINT, AND WITHOUT IT, THE MECHANISM DOESN'T FUNCTION PROPERLY. THE DEALER RECOMMENDED PULLING THE CARPET, REMOVING THE STEERING COLUMN, AND MOVING THE DASH BOARD TO GAIN ACCESS TO A EXTREMELY TIGHT AREA TO AVOID A FIRE/MELT RISK. SCC
NHTSA complaint #8022693 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS
NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOVE VEHICLE.
NHTSA complaint #766142 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
AIR BAGS
AIRBAG LIGHT COMES ON INTERMITTENTLY. VEHICLE HAS BEEN TAKEN TO DEALER 3 TIMES, CANNOT FIND A PROBLEM.
NHTSA complaint #8015060 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
VISIBILITY:POWER WINDOW DEVICES AND CONTROLS
TWO REAR WINDOWS GO UP AND DOWN ON THEIR OWN. CONSUMER IS CONCERNED FOR SMALL CHILDRE RIDING IN THE REAR. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION.
NHTSA complaint #8011245 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
LENSES ARE BECOMING VERY CLOUDY OVER THE LAST YEAR TO THE POINT CONSUMER CAN BEARLY SEE THE ROAD. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION.
NHTSA complaint #8011236 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
WHILE DRIVING GAS PEDAL DROPPED TO FLOOR. DRIVER MADE IT TO A DEALER, DEALER STATED THROTTLE LINKAGE WAS DEFECTIVE.
NHTSA complaint #8005019 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.