Owners have filed 120 complaints
about the 1994 Nissan Altima with NHTSA between 1995 and 2024.
The largest single group is the airbags.
Across this model's run it ranks 32 of 33 worst.
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.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 10
Against the median year of the Nissan Altima. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 100
55% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 9
6% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
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.
Frontal
2850.0%
Gasoline
610.7%
Ignition
610.7%
Side/Window
47.1%
Engine
47.1%
Coil Springs
35.4%
Automatic Transmission
35.4%
HUB
23.6%
When it fails
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
10,000 – 24,999 miles
15.6%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
15.6%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
211.1%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
844.4%
150,000+ miles
633.3%
When owners complained
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.
Jan 1995peak 5May 2024
NHTSA investigations into the 1994 Nissan Altima
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.
EA01015Opened 9 Aug 2001Closed 24 Apr 2003AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
PASSENGER AIR BAG-RELATED FACIAL/EYE INJ
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. THE REPLACEMENT MODULE WILL BE PROVIDED AT NO CHARGE TO OWNERS.THE DEPOWERED AIR BAG SHOULD REDUCE THE OVERALL RISK OF AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT-RELATED INJURIES. THE AIR BAG REPLACEMENT CAMPAIGN TO BE CONDUCTED BY NISSAN, WHICH WILL ENHANCE SAFETY AND BE MONITORED BY NHTSA, SUFFICIENTLY ADDRESSES THE SAFETY CONCERNS RAISED BY THIS INVESTIGATION.ACCORDINGLY, THIS INV...
PE01008Opened 13 Mar 2001Closed 9 Aug 2001AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
PASSENGER AIR BAG-RELATED EYE INJURIES
Recalls on the 1994 Nissan Altima
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.
United States — NHTSA
10E002000
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.
06E026000
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.
03V150000
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
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. NISSAN HAS DEVELOPED A NEW PASSENGER AIR BAG THAT IS LESS POWERFUL WHEN IT INFLATES IN A CRASH TO REDUCE THE RISK OF AIR BAG INFLATION-RELATED INJURIES.
Risk: NISSAN EXPECTS THAT THIS NEW AIR BAG CAN HELP REDUCE THE RISK OF AIR BAG INFLATION-RELATED INJURIES.
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. 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 — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 200311811,743 units in Canada
Airbag
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 inflating. This action is deemed a safety improvement campaign and is not being conducted under the safety act. Correction: Dealer will install a new depowered passenger side airbag free of charge.
Recall 199403512,634 units in Canada
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.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
Marysville, CACrash
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Vehicles throttle was stuck open which caused a vehicle to collide into homeowners trailer.
NHTSA complaint #11586396 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Beaumont, TXCrash1 injured
AIR BAGS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1994 NISSAN ALTIMA. WHEN THE CONTACT STARTED THE VEHICLE, RELEASED THE EMERGENCY BRAKE, AND DEPRESSED THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED BACKWARDS FROM THE DRIVEWAY, CROSSED THE STREET, AND CRASHED INTO A DITCH. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG INDICATOR WAS ILLUMINATED PRIOR TO THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED A SORE BACK, WHICH DID NOT REQUIRE MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS DAMAGED AND TOWED OUT OF THE DITCH TO THE CONTACT'S HOME. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DUPLICATED THE FAILURE AND KEPT THE VEHICLE AT THE SHOP, ATTEMPTING TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. ADDITIONALLY, THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 03V150000 (AIR BAGS). THE CONTACT CALLED BAYTOWN NISSAN AT 844-498-4477 (LOCATED AT 5445 I-10 EAST, BAYTOWN, TX 77521) AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE PART WAS NO LONGER AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT CALLED THE MANUFACTURER AND WAS LATER CALLED BACK FROM THE FINANCE DEPARTMENT WITH A BLUE BOOK OFFER OF $150 IN LIEU OF AIR BAG REPAIRS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ENGINE WAS REPLACED IN 2018. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.
NHTSA complaint #11267511 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Beaumont, TXCrash1 injured
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1994 NISSAN ALTIMA. WHEN THE CONTACT STARTED THE VEHICLE, RELEASED THE EMERGENCY BRAKE, AND DEPRESSED THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED BACKWARDS FROM THE DRIVEWAY, CROSSED THE STREET, AND CRASHED INTO A DITCH. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG INDICATOR WAS ILLUMINATED PRIOR TO THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED A SORE BACK, WHICH DID NOT REQUIRE MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS DAMAGED AND TOWED OUT OF THE DITCH TO THE CONTACT'S HOME. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DUPLICATED THE FAILURE AND KEPT THE VEHICLE AT THE SHOP, ATTEMPTING TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. ADDITIONALLY, THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 03V150000 (AIR BAGS). THE CONTACT CALLED BAYTOWN NISSAN AT 844-498-4477 (LOCATED AT 5445 I-10 EAST, BAYTOWN, TX 77521) AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE PART WAS NO LONGER AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT CALLED THE MANUFACTURER AND WAS LATER CALLED BACK FROM THE FINANCE DEPARTMENT WITH A BLUE BOOK OFFER OF $150 IN LIEU OF AIR BAG REPAIRS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ENGINE WAS REPLACED IN 2018. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.
NHTSA complaint #11267511 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 104,990 milesLeague City, TX1 injured
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:RETRACTOR
VEHICLE: 1994 NISSAN ALTIMA GXE. PROBLEM: SEAT BELT RETRACTOR DOES NOT OPERATE, RETRACT, OR EVEN LOCK UP. IN ORDER TO AVOID AN 18 WHEELER FROM RUNNING OVER ME ON THE FREEWAY, I SWERVED TO THE RIGHT, LOST CONTROL, AND ENDED UP IN A DITCH. ALTHOUGH THERE WAS NO PHYSICAL DAMAGE TO THE VEHICLE, THE AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY, NOR, DID THE SEAT BELT LOCK UP AS DESIGNED. I HAVE CONTACTED THE DEALER, AND WAS TOLD THAT THEY COULD REPLACE BOTH ITEMS, BUT, I WOULD HAVE TO PAY FOR THEM. I EXPLAINED THAT WITH BOTH SAFETY ITEMS NOT WORKING, THIS COULD RESULT IN SERIOUS INJURY OR EVEN DEATH. THEY STATED THAT EVEN THOUGH IT IS A SAFETY ITEM, IT IS ONLY COVERED FOR THE NEW CAR WARRANTY PERIOD. THE CAR CURRENTLY HAS 105,490 MILES ON IT, AND HAS HAD ONLY ONE OWNER SINCE NEW. I HAVE SINCE FOUND OUT THAT THERE ARE MANY 1994 - 1997 ALTIMA'S WITH THE SAME PROBLEM. THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE, AND ALTHOUGH WE CURRENTLY HAVE SEAT BELT LAWS IN TEXAS, I AM SERIOUSLY CONSIDERING TAKING THE RISK OF NOT UTILIZING THIS SYSTEM. PLEASE INVESTIGATE. VIN CAN BE PROVIDED IF NEEDED.. THANKS.
NHTSA complaint #10146859 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 114,000 milesLOS Angeles, CAFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:FRONT UNDERHOOD
ON 2/12/2004 CONSUMER STARTED VEHICLE AND SAW WHITE SMOKE COMING FROM UNDER THE VEHICLE. CONSUMER TURNED THE VEHICLE OFF, AND THEN TURNED IT BACK ON, AND DROVE TO WORK. WITHIN TWO MINUTES, VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE UNDER THE HOOD. FIRE DEPARTMENT ARRIVED AND EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOP WHERE THE MECHANIC DETERMINED THE FIRE STARTED DUE TO A MALFUNCTION IN THE ELECTRICAL WIRING HARNESS.
NHTSA complaint #10059167 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 82,000 milesMascot, VACrash
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
CONSUMER STATES VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A HEAD ON COLLISION AND AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. DEALER NOTIFIED.
NHTSA complaint #10024526 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Marysville, CACrash
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Vehicles throttle was stuck open which caused a vehicle to collide into homeowners trailer.
NHTSA complaint #11586396 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Beaumont, TXCrash1 injured
AIR BAGS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1994 NISSAN ALTIMA. WHEN THE CONTACT STARTED THE VEHICLE, RELEASED THE EMERGENCY BRAKE, AND DEPRESSED THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED BACKWARDS FROM THE DRIVEWAY, CROSSED THE STREET, AND CRASHED INTO A DITCH. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG INDICATOR WAS ILLUMINATED PRIOR TO THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED A SORE BACK, WHICH DID NOT REQUIRE MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS DAMAGED AND TOWED OUT OF THE DITCH TO THE CONTACT'S HOME. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DUPLICATED THE FAILURE AND KEPT THE VEHICLE AT THE SHOP, ATTEMPTING TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. ADDITIONALLY, THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 03V150000 (AIR BAGS). THE CONTACT CALLED BAYTOWN NISSAN AT 844-498-4477 (LOCATED AT 5445 I-10 EAST, BAYTOWN, TX 77521) AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE PART WAS NO LONGER AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT CALLED THE MANUFACTURER AND WAS LATER CALLED BACK FROM THE FINANCE DEPARTMENT WITH A BLUE BOOK OFFER OF $150 IN LIEU OF AIR BAG REPAIRS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ENGINE WAS REPLACED IN 2018. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.
NHTSA complaint #11267511 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Beaumont, TXCrash1 injured
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1994 NISSAN ALTIMA. WHEN THE CONTACT STARTED THE VEHICLE, RELEASED THE EMERGENCY BRAKE, AND DEPRESSED THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED BACKWARDS FROM THE DRIVEWAY, CROSSED THE STREET, AND CRASHED INTO A DITCH. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG INDICATOR WAS ILLUMINATED PRIOR TO THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED A SORE BACK, WHICH DID NOT REQUIRE MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS DAMAGED AND TOWED OUT OF THE DITCH TO THE CONTACT'S HOME. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DUPLICATED THE FAILURE AND KEPT THE VEHICLE AT THE SHOP, ATTEMPTING TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. ADDITIONALLY, THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 03V150000 (AIR BAGS). THE CONTACT CALLED BAYTOWN NISSAN AT 844-498-4477 (LOCATED AT 5445 I-10 EAST, BAYTOWN, TX 77521) AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE PART WAS NO LONGER AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT CALLED THE MANUFACTURER AND WAS LATER CALLED BACK FROM THE FINANCE DEPARTMENT WITH A BLUE BOOK OFFER OF $150 IN LIEU OF AIR BAG REPAIRS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ENGINE WAS REPLACED IN 2018. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.
NHTSA complaint #11267511 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 192,000 milesTampa, FL
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1994 NISSAN ALTIMA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS COASTED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROADWAY AND WAS RESTARTED. THE FAILURE RECURRED AND THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. THE DEALER WAS NOT CALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS LATER TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE THE DISTRIBUTOR WAS REPLACED. THE FAILURE RECURRED AND THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE, AND THEN LATER TOWED BACK TO THE SAME INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE FAILURE WAS UNABLE TO BE DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT THERE WERE NO RECALLS FOR THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 192,000.
NHTSA complaint #11099838 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 192,000 milesTampa, FL
ENGINE
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1994 NISSAN ALTIMA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS COASTED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROADWAY AND WAS RESTARTED. THE FAILURE RECURRED AND THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. THE DEALER WAS NOT CALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS LATER TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE THE DISTRIBUTOR WAS REPLACED. THE FAILURE RECURRED AND THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE, AND THEN LATER TOWED BACK TO THE SAME INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE FAILURE WAS UNABLE TO BE DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT THERE WERE NO RECALLS FOR THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 192,000.
NHTSA complaint #11099838 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 230,000 milesAnchorage, AK
ENGINE
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1994 NISSAN ALTIMA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 50 MPH, THE VEHICLE SHUT OFF. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE RECURRED MULTIPLE TIMES INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 230,000.
NHTSA complaint #10761019 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 160,000 milesTennessee, TN
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
THE AIR BAG LIGHT CAME ON AND WON,T GO OFF!
NHTSA complaint #10376894 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 107,000 milesPortland, OR
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM
MY CAR IS A 1994 NISSAN ALTIMA 4 DOOR WITH 107,000, AND NO PREVIOUS MECHANICAL ISSUES EVER. THERE ARE THOUSANDS OF NISSAN OWNERS OUT THERE EXPERIENCING THIS SAME ISSUE, WHY HAS NISSAN DONE NOTHING TO HELP? I FEEL THIS PROBLEM COULD BECOME A SAFETY HAZARD AS THE CAR RANDOMLY STALLS IN TRAFFIC. 1) THERE WERE NO EVENTS LEADING UP TO THIS FAILURE. THE PROBLEM BEGAN ABOUT 7 DAYS AGO ON APRIL 19, 2010. 2) THE FAILURE IS IN THE INTAKE MANIFOLD GASKET. THE CAR SHAKES VIOLENTLY AT IDLING (BETWEEN 0-1RPM) AND UPON APPLYING GAS, TREMBLES TO GET GOING. WHEN EVER CAR GETS BELOW 1RPM, IT WILL BEGIN TO TREMBLE AGAIN. THE CAR IS HAVING A VERY DIFFICULT TIME STARTING AS WELL AS GETTING POWER TO DRIVE. THE CAR STALLS SEVERAL TIMES BEFORE IT WILL START. THIS IS THE ONLY PROBLEM WITH THIS CAR. 3) TO CORRECT THIS PROBLEM, I WILL REPLACE THE INTAKE MANIFOLD GASKET, WHICH IS IN THE AREA OF $600-1000. I KNOW THAT THIS ISSUE IS DEEP ROOTED BECAUSE MY CAR IS UP TO DATE ON TUNE-UPS, OIL CHANGES, NEW SPARK PLUGS, EVERYTHING ELSE RUNS GREAT UNTIL THIS PROBLEM OCCURRED.
NHTSA complaint #10327649 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 145,000 milesWaynesville, OH
FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER
1994 NISSAN ALTIMA FUEL INJECTOR CONTAMINATION, REPLACE FUEL INJECTOR THREE TIMES BEFORE IT FINALLY PUSHED THE FUEL INTO THE EXHAUST PIPE AND EXPLODED THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER. SOMETHING IS CAUSING THE INJECTORS TO SHOOT START FUEL INTO #3 HEADS WITH OUT PULSATING THE FUEL PROPERLY.
NHTSA complaint #10300440 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 159,000 milesRIO Linda, CA
TIRES
AT BOTH SPEEDS OF 65 AND 35MPH, ON THREE SEPARATE OCCASIONS, WE EXPERIENCED CATASTROPHIC TIRE BELTING AND TREAD SEPARATION.
NHTSA complaint #10283577 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 126,000 milesSatellite Beach, FL
EQUIPMENT
I OWN A 1994 NISSAN ALTIMA. IN DECEMBER 2006, THE DRIVER'S SIDE SUNVISOR MALFUNCTIONED AND DROPPED DOWN BLOCKING THE DRIVER'S VIEW OF THE ROAD. FORTUNATELY, THIS DID NOT CAUSE AN ACCIDENT. ON DEC 21, 2006, THE MALFUNCTIONING SUNVISOR WAS REPLACED AT THE OWNERS EXPENSE ($113.65). AROUND AUGUST 2008, THE REPLACEMENT SUNVISOR FELL OUT OF IT'S HOLDER AND BRACKET INTO THE DRIVER'S LAP WHILE DRIVING. THE OWNER FIXED IT SO IT WOULD NOT FALL OUT AGAIN. HOWEVER, IN OCT 2008, THE REPLACEMENT SUNVISOR WOULD NO LONGER STAY UP. AGAIN IT SWUNG DOWN INTO THE VIEW OF THE DRIVER WHILE DRIVING. AGAIN, IT WAS FORTUNATE THAT THIS DID NOT CAUSE AN ACCIDENT. THIS IS DEFINITELY A SAFETY ISSUE AND BASED ON ON-LINE POSTS IT IS A COMMON THEME AMONG NISSAN VEHICLES. I CONTACTED THE LOCAL NISSAN SERVICE DEPARTMENT FOR A REPLACEMENT AND THEY WOULD NOT REPLACE IT OR GIVE ME A DISCOUNT SINCE IT WAS PURCHASED OVER 12 MONTHS AGO. NEXT WEEK, I WILL FILE A COMPLAINT WITH NISSAN CORPORATE OFFICES. HOWEVER, BASED ON THEIR LACK OF RESPONSE TO OTHER ISSUES WITH THIS VEHICLE, I DO NOT EXPECT THEM TO RESOLVE IT TO MY SATISFACTION.
NHTSA complaint #10245864 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 126,000 milesSatellite Beach, FL
VISIBILITY
I OWN A 1994 NISSAN ALTIMA. IN DECEMBER 2006, THE DRIVER'S SIDE SUNVISOR MALFUNCTIONED AND DROPPED DOWN BLOCKING THE DRIVER'S VIEW OF THE ROAD. FORTUNATELY, THIS DID NOT CAUSE AN ACCIDENT. ON DEC 21, 2006, THE MALFUNCTIONING SUNVISOR WAS REPLACED AT THE OWNERS EXPENSE ($113.65). AROUND AUGUST 2008, THE REPLACEMENT SUNVISOR FELL OUT OF IT'S HOLDER AND BRACKET INTO THE DRIVER'S LAP WHILE DRIVING. THE OWNER FIXED IT SO IT WOULD NOT FALL OUT AGAIN. HOWEVER, IN OCT 2008, THE REPLACEMENT SUNVISOR WOULD NO LONGER STAY UP. AGAIN IT SWUNG DOWN INTO THE VIEW OF THE DRIVER WHILE DRIVING. AGAIN, IT WAS FORTUNATE THAT THIS DID NOT CAUSE AN ACCIDENT. THIS IS DEFINITELY A SAFETY ISSUE AND BASED ON ON-LINE POSTS IT IS A COMMON THEME AMONG NISSAN VEHICLES. I CONTACTED THE LOCAL NISSAN SERVICE DEPARTMENT FOR A REPLACEMENT AND THEY WOULD NOT REPLACE IT OR GIVE ME A DISCOUNT SINCE IT WAS PURCHASED OVER 12 MONTHS AGO. NEXT WEEK, I WILL FILE A COMPLAINT WITH NISSAN CORPORATE OFFICES. HOWEVER, BASED ON THEIR LACK OF RESPONSE TO OTHER ISSUES WITH THIS VEHICLE, I DO NOT EXPECT THEM TO RESOLVE IT TO MY SATISFACTION.
NHTSA complaint #10245864 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lebanon Junction, KY
TIRES
LOUD NOISE FROM DRIVERS SIDE FRONT TIRE, FOUND APPROX. FOUR INCH OVAL BUBBLE APPROX. ONE AND ONE HALF INCH PROTRUSION FROM OUTSIDE SIDEWALL NEAR RIM.
NHTSA complaint #10228527 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Clemmons, NC
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
1. MY AND EVERY OTHER MID 90'S ALTIMA HAS GOT FOGGED HEADLIGHTS THAT BARELY ILLUMINATE ANY LIGHT THROUGH. HAS ANYONE ELSE HAD THIS PROBLEM? 2. I HAVE HAD THE TIMING CHAIN GUIDE REPLACED TWICE, BOTH TIMES COSTING AROUND $1,500.00 AND IT NEEDS TO BE REPLACED AGAIN. I CAN'T AFFORD TO KEEP REPLACING THIS PART OR THE HEADLIGHTS. WHAT CAN BE DONE ABOUT THIS?
NHTSA complaint #10160158 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Clemmons, NC
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
1. MY AND EVERY OTHER MID 90'S ALTIMA HAS GOT FOGGED HEADLIGHTS THAT BARELY ILLUMINATE ANY LIGHT THROUGH. HAS ANYONE ELSE HAD THIS PROBLEM? 2. I HAVE HAD THE TIMING CHAIN GUIDE REPLACED TWICE, BOTH TIMES COSTING AROUND $1,500.00 AND IT NEEDS TO BE REPLACED AGAIN. I CAN'T AFFORD TO KEEP REPLACING THIS PART OR THE HEADLIGHTS. WHAT CAN BE DONE ABOUT THIS?
NHTSA complaint #10160158 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Raleigh, NC
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE
OIL LEAK FRONT RUBBER O-RING AT THE FRONT OF THE ENGINE. HAD THIS REPAIRED ONCE AT THE NISSAN DEALER 3 OR 4 YEARS AGO. PAID $1200 TO FIX THE FIRST TIME, HOWEVER I'M ALMOST CERTAIN I HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM OCCURRING ALL OVER AGAIN. VEHICLE ISN'T WORTH THE COST OF THE REPAIR AT THIS POINT.
NHTSA complaint #10153757 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Jersey City, NJ
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
WHILE DRIVING HOME FROM WORK AND APPROACHING US HIGH WAY 1 AND 9. MY WIFE REPORTED TO ME THAT OUR 94 NISSAN ALT. ALL OF SUDDEN STARTED TO INCREASE IN SPEED. IN FULL FEAR OF HER LIFE. SHE STEP DOWN ON THE BRAKES AND PULL UP THE EMERGENCY BRAKES AND THE CAR KEPT TAKING MOTOR POWER AND WAS NOT SLOWING DOWN. AS SHE APPROACHED THE TRAFFIC SIGNAL AT STOP. SHE HAD TO TURN LEFT TO AVOID AN ACCIDENT AND SHIFT THE CAR INTO THE PARKING GEAR TO STOP. SO AFTER I HEARD THIS I HAD MY MECH. PUT NEW BRAKES ON THE CAR AND TAKE A LOOK AT THE MOTOR AND I CHECK FOR RECALL ON LINE. THIS MORNING I TOOK THE CARTO THE NISSAN DEALER AND EXPLAINED WHAT HAPPEN ALSO TELLING THEM ABOUT THE RECALL I HAD RESEARCH ON THE INTERNET AND THEY REFUSED TO HONOR THE RECALL WANTING TO BILL ME FOR A DIAGNO. TEST BECAUSE MY VIN NUMBER WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL NIS 1994. THIS IS A TRUE STORY.
NHTSA complaint #10147831 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 104,990 milesLeague City, TX1 injured
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:RETRACTOR
VEHICLE: 1994 NISSAN ALTIMA GXE. PROBLEM: SEAT BELT RETRACTOR DOES NOT OPERATE, RETRACT, OR EVEN LOCK UP. IN ORDER TO AVOID AN 18 WHEELER FROM RUNNING OVER ME ON THE FREEWAY, I SWERVED TO THE RIGHT, LOST CONTROL, AND ENDED UP IN A DITCH. ALTHOUGH THERE WAS NO PHYSICAL DAMAGE TO THE VEHICLE, THE AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY, NOR, DID THE SEAT BELT LOCK UP AS DESIGNED. I HAVE CONTACTED THE DEALER, AND WAS TOLD THAT THEY COULD REPLACE BOTH ITEMS, BUT, I WOULD HAVE TO PAY FOR THEM. I EXPLAINED THAT WITH BOTH SAFETY ITEMS NOT WORKING, THIS COULD RESULT IN SERIOUS INJURY OR EVEN DEATH. THEY STATED THAT EVEN THOUGH IT IS A SAFETY ITEM, IT IS ONLY COVERED FOR THE NEW CAR WARRANTY PERIOD. THE CAR CURRENTLY HAS 105,490 MILES ON IT, AND HAS HAD ONLY ONE OWNER SINCE NEW. I HAVE SINCE FOUND OUT THAT THERE ARE MANY 1994 - 1997 ALTIMA'S WITH THE SAME PROBLEM. THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE, AND ALTHOUGH WE CURRENTLY HAVE SEAT BELT LAWS IN TEXAS, I AM SERIOUSLY CONSIDERING TAKING THE RISK OF NOT UTILIZING THIS SYSTEM. PLEASE INVESTIGATE. VIN CAN BE PROVIDED IF NEEDED.. THANKS.
NHTSA complaint #10146859 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 107,000 milesWoonsocket, RI
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION
MY 94 NISSAN ALTIMA SHUTS DOWN WHILE DRIVING WITHOUT ANY WARNING. THE FIRST TIME THIS HAS HAPPENED WAS SOMETIME IN APRIL OF 2004. WHILE ACCELERATING FROM A STOP SIGN THE CAR STARTED JURKING AND THE ENGINE DIED. I STARTED THE CAR UP AGAIN AND KEPT ON DRIVING FOR ABOUT 1/2 A MILE (I DROVE FOR ABOUT 10 MILES PRIOR TO THIS CAR FAILURE AND THAN AFTER THE CAR WAS PARKED IDLE FOR ABOUT 5 HOURS I DROVE BACK HOME FOR 12 MILES WITH NO PROBLEMS). WHILE DRIVING TO SCHOOL A COUPLE OF DAYS LATER FOR ABOUT 8 MILES I SLOWED DOWN TO TAKE AN EXIT OF A HIGHWAY AND THE CAR STARTED JURKING AND THE ENGINE STALLED OUT AND DIED I RESTARTED THE CAR AND DROVE FOR ANOTHER 3 MILES WITHOUT ANY PROBLEMS. THE CAR WAS THEN PARKED FOR 7 HOURS WHILE I WAS IN SCHOOL AND I DROVE BACK HOME 12 MILES WITH NO PROBLEMS. MY BROTHER IN LAW DECIDED TO TAKE THE CAR TO WORK AND HE HAD THE SAME PROBLEM TWICE ON TWO SEPERATE DAYS IN ABOUT THE SAME DISTANCE(8-10 MILES). I DROVE THE CAR TO A MECHANIC BUT HE COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM AND WAS RELUCTENT IN TRYING TO FIND THE CAUSE TO THE PROBLEM. NEVERTHELESS, HE REPLACED THE DISTRIBUTOR CAP AND THE DISTRIBUTOR ROTOR. I KEPT THE CAR RUNNING IN MY PARKING LOT AND THE PROBLEM CONTINUED. THE CAR RAN FINE FOR 3 HOURS THEN THE ENGINE STARTED JURKING IN BETWEEN 2000RPM AND 3000RPM AND THE ENGINE DIED. I RESTARTED THE CAR AND IT RAN FOR ANOTHER 20MIN AND IT DIED AGAIN AND WOULD NOT RESTART FOR ANOTHER SEVERAL HOURS. I DROVE TO DIFFERENT SHOPS BUT NO MECHANIC WANTED TO TACKLE THE PROBLEM BECAUSE THE PROBLEM IS HARD TO FIND. SOME MECHANICS MADE SUGGESTIONS ON WHAT MIGHT BE WRONG. SO I REPLACED THE FUEL FILTER THE FUEL PUMP AND THE ALTERNATOR AND I STILL HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM. IF YOU HAVE ANY REMEDY FOR THIS PROBLEM PLEASE LET ME KNOW.THANKS. THE MANUFACTURER OF THE CAR IS NISSAN MOTOR CORPORATION U.S.A GARDENA, CALIFIRNIA. THIS MANUFACTURER WAS NOT IN THE DROP DOWN MENU.
NHTSA complaint #10126375 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 19,100 milesNEW Castle, DE
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH
DURING COLD WEATHER INTERMITTENTLY THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT START. DEALERSHIP REPAIRED THE DISTRIBUTOR FIVE TIMES, BUT THE CONSUMER WAS STILL HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM.
NHTSA complaint #10115401 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 63,000 milesBath, PA
STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS:UNDERBODY SHIELDS
CONSUMER STATED THAT THE RADIATOR SUPPORT BEAMS RUSTED. THIS BEAM GOES UNDER THE VEHICLE THAT ATTACHES TO THE ENGINE CRADLE. CONSUMER STATES IF THE RUST CONTINUES ENGINE COULD FALL OUT. A NEW FRAME RAIL NEEDS TO BE WELDED IN PLACE.
NHTSA complaint #10103339 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lakeridge, VA
AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW
I HAD RECALL REPAIRS DONE FOR MY 1994 NISSAN, ALTIMA. THE RECALL WAS FOR THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG. AFTER THE AIR BAG WAS REPLACED THE AIR BAG LIGHT BEGAN TO FLASH. I TOOK THE CAR BACK TO THE NISSAN DEALER THAT DID THE WORK. THEY CHECKED THE CAR AND SAID THAT IT WAS PROBABLY THE SWITCH, AND IT WOULD COST $1500.00. I TOLD THEM THAT THIS HAPPENED AFTER THEY DID THE RECALL. BUT, THEY DID NOT WANT TO DO ANYTHING FOR ME. THIS HAS BEEN SEVERAL MONTHS AGO. I WILL GET THE EXACT DATE. THE DATE BELOW IS A GUESSTIMATE. BUT, THE WORK WAS DONE AT PASSPORT NISSAN IN ALEXANDRIA, VA.
NHTSA complaint #10082793 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
BAY Shore, NY
AIR BAGS
FOIA REQUEST CYS OF ALL DOCUMENTATION, RECALL LTRS PERTAINING TO THE DEFECTIVE NATURE OF THE AIRBAGS IN THE 1994 NISSAN ALTIMA (SEARCH ATTACHED), ATT REPRESENT FERNANDO RAMOS SANTOS. (NAR) *PH *CB
NHTSA complaint #10071892 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 139,000 milesELK, WA
AIR BAGS
THE PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG HAS MALFUNCTIONED. A RECALL WAS ISSUED FOR THIS PROBLEM. THE DEALER STATES THE "BOX WAS MISS MARKED" AND REFUSED TO HONOR THE RECALL. PLEASE PROVIDE ADDITIONAL INFORMATION.
NHTSA complaint #10075648 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lewisville, TX
WHEELS:HUB
LOSS OF HUB CAP ON 1994 NISSAN ALTIMA. I HAVE DONE AN INFORMAL SURVEY AND 60% OFTHESE 1994 NISSAN ALTIMAS IN THE DALLAS METROPLEX DRIVE AROUND WITH AT LEAST ONE MISSING HUB CAP! I MADE A JOKE OUT OF IT AND ALWAYS POINT IT OUT TOMY WIFE WHEN DRIVING AROUND, ITS LIKE A GAME NOW TO GO AROUND OTHER ALTIMAS ON BOTH SIDES ON THE FREEWAY ANDTHEN I TELL MY WIFE, SEE THERES ANOTHER ONE! I WORK NEXT TO NISSAN DEALER AND WHEN I AM IN THE SHOP I ALWAYS TELL THE MECHANICS JOKINGLY SEE THERES ANOTHER ALTIMA WITHOUT AHUB CAP AND THEY ALWAYS LAUGH IT OFF, I DONT MAKE A BIG DEAL OFIT SINCE THEY GAVE ME TWO NEW (DIFFERENT) HUB CAPS. BUT IN THE INTEREST OF NATIONAL SAFETY THESE CARS SHOULD BE RECALLED AND WHEELS SHOULD BE INSTALLED WITHOUT HUBCAPS SO THESE BABIES DONT POP OF AGAIN AND ENDANGER FELLOW ROAD USERS! ITSABUMMER THIS NEEEDS TO BE DONE 10 YEARS LATER!
NHTSA complaint #10074557 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.