Owners have filed 141 complaints
about the 1998 Nissan Altima with NHTSA between 1998 and 2017.
The largest single group is the fuel & propulsion.
Across this model's run it ranks 31 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 — 11
Against the median year of the Nissan Altima. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 100
24.1% 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
924.3%
Gasoline
513.5%
Foundation Components
410.8%
12V/24V/48V Battery
410.8%
Door
410.8%
Tank Assembly
410.8%
Delivery
410.8%
Coil Springs
38.1%
When it fails
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
25,000 – 49,999 miles
411.1%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
925.0%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
411.1%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
925.0%
150,000+ miles
1027.8%
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.
Feb 1998peak 14Nov 2017
Recalls on the 1998 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.
09E025000
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
DOPE, INC. IS RECALLING 42,540 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.
Risk: DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
09E012000
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.
Risk: DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE 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.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
at 180,000 milesLakewood, NJCrash1 injured
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 NISSAN ALTIMA. UPON STARTING THE VEHICLE AND SHIFTING FROM PARK TO DRIVE, THE VEHICLE INADVERTENTLY ACCELERATED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED, BUT FAILED TO ENGAGE AS IT TRAVELED TO THE FLOOR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE STOPPED ONCE IT CRASHED INTO THE NEIGHBOR'S PARKED VEHICLE. BOTH THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED A CUT TO THE LEFT HAND THAT WAS BLEEDING, BUT DID NOT REQUIRE MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO PINE BELT NISSAN OF TOMS RIVER (229-245 NJ-37, TOMS RIVER, NJ 08753 (732) 349-3030) FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THEY WOULD SEND A FIELD INSPECTOR TO INSPECT THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 180,000.
NHTSA complaint #11051050 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 180,000 milesLakewood, NJCrash1 injured
SERVICE BRAKES
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 NISSAN ALTIMA. UPON STARTING THE VEHICLE AND SHIFTING FROM PARK TO DRIVE, THE VEHICLE INADVERTENTLY ACCELERATED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED, BUT FAILED TO ENGAGE AS IT TRAVELED TO THE FLOOR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE STOPPED ONCE IT CRASHED INTO THE NEIGHBOR'S PARKED VEHICLE. BOTH THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED A CUT TO THE LEFT HAND THAT WAS BLEEDING, BUT DID NOT REQUIRE MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO PINE BELT NISSAN OF TOMS RIVER (229-245 NJ-37, TOMS RIVER, NJ 08753 (732) 349-3030) FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THEY WOULD SEND A FIELD INSPECTOR TO INSPECT THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 180,000.
NHTSA complaint #11051050 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 147,769 milesGulfport, MSCrash
SERVICE BRAKES, ELECTRIC
IT WAS A RAINY DAY AND I WAS FOLLOWING TRAFFIC, I WAS GOING ABOUT 30MPH WHEN I HAD TO TAKE A CURVE. I 'GENTLY' HIT BRAKES TO SLOW FOR THE CURVE WHEN MY BRAKES LOCKED UP SENDING ME STRAIGHT INTO ONCOMING TRAFFIC WHERE I HIT A HUMMER H3. LUCKILY NEITHER OF US WERE GOING THAT FAST THROUGH THE CURVE SO LITTLE DAMAGE WAS DONE. BUT THIS WASN'T THE FIRST TIME THE BREAKS HAD LOCKED UP ON A SLIPPERY SURFACE, YET IT DOESN'T OCCUR VERY OFTEN, INFACT THE ABS HAD CHECK OUT OK A MONTH PRIOR. BUT STILL I THOUGHT ABS WAS INVENTED TO STOP THAT FROM HAPPENING AND YET I KNOW THE BREAKS LOCK UP WHEN THEY SHOULDN'T HAVE.
NHTSA complaint #10294954 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 67,200 milesBloomington, INFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ALTERNATOR/GENERATOR/REGULATOR
AFTER ARRIVING HOME SAFELY FROM A LONG HIGHWAY DRIVE (7 HRS), OUR CAR SAT FOR ABOUT 5 HOURS. WHEN I STARTED THE CAR, I SMELLED SMOKE AND HEARD A UNUSUAL RUBBING NOISE UNDER THE HOOD. AFTER POPPING THE HOOD, I SAW SMOKE POURING OUT OF THE ALTERNATOR. I TURNED OFF THE ENGINE, WENT INSIDE TO GET A FIRE EXTINGUISHER. THE FIRE WAS STILL BURNING, BUT SEEMED TO BE INSIDE THE ALTERNATOR. I EXTINGUISHED IT AND HOPEFULLY SAVED SERIOUS ENGINE DAMAGE. THE CAR WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER, AND IS AWAITING SERVICE NOW.
NHTSA complaint #10126110 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 120,000 milesPembroke Pines, FLFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING
VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE AFTER IT HAD BEEN PARKED FOR MORE THAN 8 HOURS. OWNER CONTACTED THE MANUFACTURER AND NOTHING WAS DONE.
NHTSA complaint #10111261 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 120,000 milesPembroke Pines, FLFire
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE AFTER IT HAD BEEN PARKED FOR MORE THAN 8 HOURS. OWNER CONTACTED THE MANUFACTURER AND NOTHING WAS DONE.
NHTSA complaint #10111261 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
at 180,000 milesLakewood, NJCrash1 injured
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 NISSAN ALTIMA. UPON STARTING THE VEHICLE AND SHIFTING FROM PARK TO DRIVE, THE VEHICLE INADVERTENTLY ACCELERATED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED, BUT FAILED TO ENGAGE AS IT TRAVELED TO THE FLOOR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE STOPPED ONCE IT CRASHED INTO THE NEIGHBOR'S PARKED VEHICLE. BOTH THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED A CUT TO THE LEFT HAND THAT WAS BLEEDING, BUT DID NOT REQUIRE MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO PINE BELT NISSAN OF TOMS RIVER (229-245 NJ-37, TOMS RIVER, NJ 08753 (732) 349-3030) FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THEY WOULD SEND A FIELD INSPECTOR TO INSPECT THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 180,000.
NHTSA complaint #11051050 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 180,000 milesLakewood, NJCrash1 injured
SERVICE BRAKES
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 NISSAN ALTIMA. UPON STARTING THE VEHICLE AND SHIFTING FROM PARK TO DRIVE, THE VEHICLE INADVERTENTLY ACCELERATED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED, BUT FAILED TO ENGAGE AS IT TRAVELED TO THE FLOOR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE STOPPED ONCE IT CRASHED INTO THE NEIGHBOR'S PARKED VEHICLE. BOTH THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED A CUT TO THE LEFT HAND THAT WAS BLEEDING, BUT DID NOT REQUIRE MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO PINE BELT NISSAN OF TOMS RIVER (229-245 NJ-37, TOMS RIVER, NJ 08753 (732) 349-3030) FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THEY WOULD SEND A FIELD INSPECTOR TO INSPECT THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 180,000.
NHTSA complaint #11051050 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lynnwood, WA
AIR BAGS
I RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE IN THE MAIL
NHTSA complaint #11046434 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Gibsonville, NC
VISIBILITY/WIPER
DRIVING IN SEMI HEAVY RAIN. VEHICLE IN MOTION WHILE TURNING ONTO A STREET, WIPERS WERE AT MEDIUM TO HIGH SPEED. DRIVERS WIPER STOPPED IN MID-STROKE; PASSENGER WIPER RAN OVER DRIVER WIPER. HAVE TAKEN TO SEE PROBLEM: NEEDING COMPLETE WIPER LINKAGE & SET UP.
NHTSA complaint #10862935 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 142,400 milesBrooklawn, NJ
SUSPENSION
IT HAPPENED AGAIN ON MY DRIVE TO COOPER HOSPITAL, THE CAR VEERS ALL OVER THE ROAD, IT IS NOT A STEERING PROBLEM, IT IS UNDERNEATH THE CAR.....PLEASE HELP ME, I WILL GET KILLED IN THIS CAR......IT SEEMS TO WANT TO JUMP TO THE LEFT OR RIGHT WHEN EVER IT FEELS LIKE IT, NO MATTER THE SPEED. OF COURSE IT IS MORE DISTURBING WHEN ONE IS DRIVING ON A MAJOR ROAD LIKE 676.
NHTSA complaint #10853157 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 143,000 milesBrooklawn, NJ
SUSPENSION
MY CAR WAS ALL OVER THE ROAD WHILE DRIVING AT 55, 60 MPH. IT DOES IT AT SLOWER SPEEDS TOO BUT WE WERE ALMOST KILLED THIS TIME. IT SEEMS TO WANT TO GO TO THE LEFT OR RIGHT WHEN EVER IT FEELS LIKE IT. I JUST BOUGHT IT FROM A PRIVATE PERSON NOT TOO LONG AGO.
NHTSA complaint #10851783 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 187,000 milesNEW Carlisle, IN
TIRES
I WAS DRIVING MY 98 NISSAN ALTIMA THROUGH A RESIDENTIAL NEIGHBORHOOD WHEN THE SIDE WALL OF MY DOUGLAS PERFORMANCE TIRE BLEW OUT DOT #PJAE1YLR0712. I PUT THE DONUT ON MY CAR AND TOOK THE TIRE BACK TO WALMART. IN SPEAKING TO THE SALES PERSON HE SAID THAT THE TIRES WERE NOT WORN DOWN ENOUGH TO BE CONSIDERED A MANUFACTURES DEFECT. SO THE HAD NO WARRANTY, THESE TIRES WILL ONLY BE 7 MONTHS OLD ON MAY,9,2013. THEY REFUSED TO HONOR THEIR WARRANTY BECAUSE I DIDN'T BUY THEIR ROAD HAZARD WARRANTY AT AN ADDITIONAL $10 PER TIRE. THESE TIRES WERE PURCHASED ON 9/9/12 I STILL HAVE THE ORIGINAL RECEIPT THEY ARE 95/65R15.
NHTSA complaint #10511080 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 179,000 milesBaton Rouge, LA
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
TRIED TO FILL GAS TANK, ONLY ACCEPT SMALL AMOUNT BEFORE SPILLING ON GROUND. CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON.
NHTSA complaint #10502489 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 179,000 milesBqaton Rouge, LA
POWER TRAIN
GAS GOES IN VERY SLOWLY WHEN ADDED TO VEHICLE, THEN THERE IS AN OVERFLOW FROM BACK OF PUMP BEFORE THE TANK IS FILLED. I WAS TOLD I HAVE PROBLEM WITH EVAPORATIVE EMISSION CONTROL SYSTEM VENT CONTROL CIRCUIT.
NHTSA complaint #10501920 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 179,000 milesBqaton Rouge, LA
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
GAS GOES IN VERY SLOWLY WHEN ADDED TO VEHICLE, THEN THERE IS AN OVERFLOW FROM BACK OF PUMP BEFORE THE TANK IS FILLED. I WAS TOLD I HAVE PROBLEM WITH EVAPORATIVE EMISSION CONTROL SYSTEM VENT CONTROL CIRCUIT.
NHTSA complaint #10501920 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 168,000 milesCapital Heights, MD
SUSPENSION
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 50 MPH, THE VEHICLE EXHIBITED AN UNUSUAL GRINDING NOISE AS THE VEHICLE ABNORMALLY VEERED TO THE RIGHT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR A DIAGNOSTIC TESTING, WHO ADVISED THAT THE STRUT WELD BECAME DISLODGED FROM THE MOUNTING. THE CONTACT WAS ADVISED THAT THE SWAY BAR, BUSHINGS, MOUNTS AND THE STRUT ASSEMBLY NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 10E002000 (SUSPENSION). THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 168,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 169,500.
NHTSA complaint #10493396 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 135,000 milesWindsor, CA
VISIBILITY
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 NISSAN ALTIMA. WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DRIVER SIDE SUN VISOR HAD FALLEN DOWN AND BLOCKED THE CONTACTS VIEW. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE SUN VISOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 135000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 147000.
NHTSA complaint #10344215 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Slidell, LA
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
VERY HARD TO PUT GASOLINE IN CAR. IT SPITS BACK OUT AT YOU. YOU HAVE TO PUMP THE GAS IN VERY SLOW. I'VE NOTICE 2 DIFFERENT PLACES WHERE IT MENTIONS, TROUBLE PUTTING GAS IN THESE CARS. BULLETIN DATE: FEB 1998 DIAGNOSTIC PROCEDURE FOR SLOW FUEL FILL. BULLETIN DATE: MAR 2000 INFORMATION ON DIAGNOSTIC PROCEDURE FOR SLOW FUEL FILL. [XXX] INFO REMOVED FROM MY INSURANCE CO. PROGRESSIVE WEBSITE[XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
NHTSA complaint #10330611 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 147,769 milesGulfport, MSCrash
SERVICE BRAKES, ELECTRIC
IT WAS A RAINY DAY AND I WAS FOLLOWING TRAFFIC, I WAS GOING ABOUT 30MPH WHEN I HAD TO TAKE A CURVE. I 'GENTLY' HIT BRAKES TO SLOW FOR THE CURVE WHEN MY BRAKES LOCKED UP SENDING ME STRAIGHT INTO ONCOMING TRAFFIC WHERE I HIT A HUMMER H3. LUCKILY NEITHER OF US WERE GOING THAT FAST THROUGH THE CURVE SO LITTLE DAMAGE WAS DONE. BUT THIS WASN'T THE FIRST TIME THE BREAKS HAD LOCKED UP ON A SLIPPERY SURFACE, YET IT DOESN'T OCCUR VERY OFTEN, INFACT THE ABS HAD CHECK OUT OK A MONTH PRIOR. BUT STILL I THOUGHT ABS WAS INVENTED TO STOP THAT FROM HAPPENING AND YET I KNOW THE BREAKS LOCK UP WHEN THEY SHOULDN'T HAVE.
NHTSA complaint #10294954 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 150,000 milesMorgan Hill, CA
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
1. WAS DRIVING SOUTH ON HWY 101 IN CALIFORNIA AT 60 MPH. 2. BRAKES FAILED TO SLOW CAR DOWN, ONLY RELEASED AN ODOR AS THE PADS APPEARED TO BE SMOLDERING. ACCELERATOR APPEARED TO BE FROZEN AND FOR A COUPLE MINUTES ACTUALLY ACCELERATED. 3. APPLIED BRAKES REPEATEDLY, PULLED ON HAND BRAKE, PRESSED ON CRUISE CONTROL ON OFF SWITCH, PRESSED ON CRUISE CONTROL CANCEL AND SET SWITCHES. UP UNTIL THEN THE CRUISE CONTROL WAS NOT WORKING AT ALL ANYWAY. BUT, IT APPEARED THAT CRUISE CONTROL WAS ON AND NON-RESPONDING TO THE BRAKES. WENT PAST EXIT AND CONTINUED DOWN HIGHWAY TOWARD GILROY, CA WITH NO ABILITY TO STOP VEHICLE. AFTER APPROXIMATELY 10 MILES, CAR BEGAN TO SLOW DOWN BY ITSELF AND I EXITED. WHILE DRIVING ON A CITY STREET, ON THE SAME DAY, THE INCIDENT OCCURRED AGAIN WHILE TRAVELING 30 MPH. I WAS ABLE TO FORCE THE TRANSMISSION INTO NEUTRAL AND STOP IN THE RIGHT LANE OF TRAFFIC BY PULLING FORCEFULLY ON THE EMERGENCY BRAKE. AT THE AUTO SHOP, I WAS SHOWN COMPLETELY DISINTEGRATED BRAKEPAD ON THE LEFT AND A PAPER THIN BRAKEPAD ON THE RIGHT. BOTH ROTORS WERE 80% COVERED WITH LARGE BLACK BLOTCHES. BRAKES AND ROTORS WERE REPLACED ONE WEEK LATER.
NHTSA complaint #10292115 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 150,000 milesMorgan Hill, CA
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
1. WAS DRIVING SOUTH ON HWY 101 IN CALIFORNIA AT 60 MPH. 2. BRAKES FAILED TO SLOW CAR DOWN, ONLY RELEASED AN ODOR AS THE PADS APPEARED TO BE SMOLDERING. ACCELERATOR APPEARED TO BE FROZEN AND FOR A COUPLE MINUTES ACTUALLY ACCELERATED. 3. APPLIED BRAKES REPEATEDLY, PULLED ON HAND BRAKE, PRESSED ON CRUISE CONTROL ON OFF SWITCH, PRESSED ON CRUISE CONTROL CANCEL AND SET SWITCHES. UP UNTIL THEN THE CRUISE CONTROL WAS NOT WORKING AT ALL ANYWAY. BUT, IT APPEARED THAT CRUISE CONTROL WAS ON AND NON-RESPONDING TO THE BRAKES. WENT PAST EXIT AND CONTINUED DOWN HIGHWAY TOWARD GILROY, CA WITH NO ABILITY TO STOP VEHICLE. AFTER APPROXIMATELY 10 MILES, CAR BEGAN TO SLOW DOWN BY ITSELF AND I EXITED. WHILE DRIVING ON A CITY STREET, ON THE SAME DAY, THE INCIDENT OCCURRED AGAIN WHILE TRAVELING 30 MPH. I WAS ABLE TO FORCE THE TRANSMISSION INTO NEUTRAL AND STOP IN THE RIGHT LANE OF TRAFFIC BY PULLING FORCEFULLY ON THE EMERGENCY BRAKE. AT THE AUTO SHOP, I WAS SHOWN COMPLETELY DISINTEGRATED BRAKEPAD ON THE LEFT AND A PAPER THIN BRAKEPAD ON THE RIGHT. BOTH ROTORS WERE 80% COVERED WITH LARGE BLACK BLOTCHES. BRAKES AND ROTORS WERE REPLACED ONE WEEK LATER.
NHTSA complaint #10292115 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 150,000 milesMorgan Hill, CA
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
1. WAS DRIVING SOUTH ON HWY 101 IN CALIFORNIA AT 60 MPH. 2. BRAKES FAILED TO SLOW CAR DOWN, ONLY RELEASED AN ODOR AS THE PADS APPEARED TO BE SMOLDERING. ACCELERATOR APPEARED TO BE FROZEN AND FOR A COUPLE MINUTES ACTUALLY ACCELERATED. 3. APPLIED BRAKES REPEATEDLY, PULLED ON HAND BRAKE, PRESSED ON CRUISE CONTROL ON OFF SWITCH, PRESSED ON CRUISE CONTROL CANCEL AND SET SWITCHES. UP UNTIL THEN THE CRUISE CONTROL WAS NOT WORKING AT ALL ANYWAY. BUT, IT APPEARED THAT CRUISE CONTROL WAS ON AND NON-RESPONDING TO THE BRAKES. WENT PAST EXIT AND CONTINUED DOWN HIGHWAY TOWARD GILROY, CA WITH NO ABILITY TO STOP VEHICLE. AFTER APPROXIMATELY 10 MILES, CAR BEGAN TO SLOW DOWN BY ITSELF AND I EXITED. WHILE DRIVING ON A CITY STREET, ON THE SAME DAY, THE INCIDENT OCCURRED AGAIN WHILE TRAVELING 30 MPH. I WAS ABLE TO FORCE THE TRANSMISSION INTO NEUTRAL AND STOP IN THE RIGHT LANE OF TRAFFIC BY PULLING FORCEFULLY ON THE EMERGENCY BRAKE. AT THE AUTO SHOP, I WAS SHOWN COMPLETELY DISINTEGRATED BRAKEPAD ON THE LEFT AND A PAPER THIN BRAKEPAD ON THE RIGHT. BOTH ROTORS WERE 80% COVERED WITH LARGE BLACK BLOTCHES. BRAKES AND ROTORS WERE REPLACED ONE WEEK LATER.
NHTSA complaint #10292115 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 140,000 milesAlliance, OH
STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS
EXTENSIVE RUST THROUGH OF LOWER RADIATOR SUPPORT BRACKET CAUSED THE RADIATOR TO DROP DOWN, DAMAGING COOLANT AND A/C LINES. REQUIRED REPLACEMENT OF SUPPORT, RELATED SUPPORT BRACKETS, AND REPAIR TO A/C SYSTEM.
NHTSA complaint #10223370 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Jamaica, NY
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY
GAS SPILLS BACK OUT OF TANK WHEN PUTTING GAS IN TANK. HAVE TO FILL TANK VERY SLOWLY. WAS TOLD THAT THE EVAPORATOR CONTROL VALVE IS PROBLEMATIC IN ALTIMA FROM 1997. THIS HAS RESULTED IN THE ENGINE LIGHT COMING ON.
NHTSA complaint #10182054 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 124,666 milesSurprise, AZ
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
DURING CROSS-COUNTRY TRIP, VEHICLE BEGAN EMITTING METALLIC WHINING NOISE AND CLICKING IN ENGINE COMPARTMENT, NOT AUDIBLE FROM PASSENGER COMPARTMENT. WHEN I RETURNED HOME, I PERFORMED REGULAR TUNE-UP MAINTENANCE, CHECKED MY VALVE CLEARANCES AND TIMING ADJUSTMENTS. SHORTLY AFTER I STARTED MY VEHICLE AGAIN, MY LOWER TIMING CHAIN SNAPPED. AFTER A LENGTHY DISASSEMBLY, I DISCOVERED THAT A PIECE OF BLACK PLASTIC FROM A CHAIN GUIDE HAD BROKEN AWAY AND FUSED WITH THE CHAIN, CAUSING IT TO SEIZE AND BREAK. ALSO, THE LOWER CHAIN TENSIONER HAD BEEN COMPLETELY EATEN THROUGH BY THE CHAIN (NOT AS A RESULT OF POOR SERVICING; I CHANGED MY OIL EVERY 3000 MILES AND CHECKED/TOPPED IT OFF EVERY 2 WEEKS) THE INCIDENT CAUSED $600 IN PARTS DAMAGE, AND COULD EASILY HAVE COST $1500 IN LABOR AT A MECHANIC OR DEALERSHIP. THE CHAIN BREAKAGE DESTROYED MY OIL PUMP, CRANKSHAFT SPROCKET, LOWER CHAIN COVER, LOWER CHAIN TENSIONER, GUIDE (BEYOND ORIGINAL BREAKAGE) AND OIL PAN BAFFLE / SUMP TUBE. SINCE NISSAN HAD INITIATED A "TSB" BEFORE I EVER PURCHASED MY ALTIMA, NO COMPENSATION WAS EVEN CONSIDERED. OBVIOUSLY THE TSB PROCESS DOES NOT INCLUDE CHECKING VEHICLES AS THEY ARE BROUGHT IN FOR MAINTENANCE, AS I HAD REGULARLY HAD MY CAR SERVICED BY THE DEALERSHIP FOR A FULL YEAR POST-PURCHASE. I REPLACED THE DEFECTIVE CHAIN GUIDE WITH THE UPGRADED NISSAN COMPONENT, A METAL-BACKED GUIDE TRACK, AND SHALL SOON INSPECT MY TIMING AGAIN TO ENSURE THAT THE REPAIRS PERFORMED INDEED CORRECTED THE PROBLEM. TWO RECOMMENDATIONS: FIRST, THE TSB PROCESS NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED, AS IT OBVIOUSLY DOES NOT EFFECTIVELY SAFEGUARD CONSUMERS AGAINST ENGINEERING BLUNDERS SUCH AS THIS; SECOND, AUTOMOTIVE MANUFACTURERS SHOULD BE HELD ACCOUNTABLE FOR QUALITY OF PRODUCT IN TERMS OF MECHANICAL SOUNDNESS AS WELL AS SAFETY. IF STATE CORPORATION COMMISSIONS CAN REGULATE SERVICE QUALITY AND PRICING FOR EVERY SERVICE AGENCY IN THEIR SPHERE, I THINK THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT SHOULD HAVE THE SAME LEVERAGE OVER AUTOMOTIVE MANUFACTURERS.
NHTSA complaint #10176271 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Destin, FL
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:ANCHORAGE
THIS IS A CONCERN ISSUE...THE ADJUSTABLE SHOULDER BELT ANCHOR PROTRUDES FROM SIDE POST 1" AT MY HEIGHT SEAT ADJUSTMENT IT PLACES MY HEAD ALONGSIDE THIS ANCHOR POST. ON A SIDE IMPACT (WITH NO SIDE BAGS AVAILABLE ON THIS MODEL YEAR) COULDN'T THIS CAUSE SEVERE (UNNECESSARILY) HEAD INJURY ?
NHTSA complaint #10168766 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 93,000 milesJersey City, NJ
CHILD SEAT:HANDLE (INFANT)
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE THE CHILD SAFETY SEAT WAS SECURED IN THE VEHICLE, THERE WERE TWO SCREWS THAT FELL OUT OF THE HANDLE INTO THE SEAT. THE SCREWS WERE FROM THE CHILD SAFETY SEAT HANDLE. THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO REINSERT THE SCREWS BACK INTO THE HANDLE HOWEVER THE SCREW HOLES WERE STRIPPED OUT. THE MANUFACTURER HAS NOT BEEN ALERTED. THE CHILD SEAT IS A DORAL JUVENILE GROUP, EDDIE BAUER, MODEL NUMBER 22-630-BAL AND THE DATE OF MANUFACTURE IS 09/13/05.
NHTSA complaint #10160199 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Philipsburg, PA
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY
1998 NISSAN ALTIMA DEVELOPED PROBLEMS WITH THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED, PROBLEMS WITH THE GAS TANK, AND THE OXYGEN SENSOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED.*MR WHEN THE CONSUMER ATTEMPTED TO FILL THE TANK, GAS WOULD SPILL OUT.
NHTSA complaint #10134548 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Philipsburg, PA
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL
1998 NISSAN ALTIMA DEVELOPED PROBLEMS WITH THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED, PROBLEMS WITH THE GAS TANK, AND THE OXYGEN SENSOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED.*MR WHEN THE CONSUMER ATTEMPTED TO FILL THE TANK, GAS WOULD SPILL OUT.
NHTSA complaint #10134548 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 67,200 milesBloomington, INFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ALTERNATOR/GENERATOR/REGULATOR
AFTER ARRIVING HOME SAFELY FROM A LONG HIGHWAY DRIVE (7 HRS), OUR CAR SAT FOR ABOUT 5 HOURS. WHEN I STARTED THE CAR, I SMELLED SMOKE AND HEARD A UNUSUAL RUBBING NOISE UNDER THE HOOD. AFTER POPPING THE HOOD, I SAW SMOKE POURING OUT OF THE ALTERNATOR. I TURNED OFF THE ENGINE, WENT INSIDE TO GET A FIRE EXTINGUISHER. THE FIRE WAS STILL BURNING, BUT SEEMED TO BE INSIDE THE ALTERNATOR. I EXTINGUISHED IT AND HOPEFULLY SAVED SERIOUS ENGINE DAMAGE. THE CAR WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER, AND IS AWAITING SERVICE NOW.
NHTSA complaint #10126110 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.