Owners have filed 199 complaints
about the 2000 Nissan Altima with NHTSA between 2000 and 2016.
The largest single group is the engine & cooling.
Across this model's run it ranks 21 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 — 16
Against the median year of the Nissan Altima. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 100
30.7% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 20
12% 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.
Engine
1018.5%
Tread/Belt
916.7%
Manifold/Header/Muffler/Tail Pipe
814.8%
Foundation Components
611.1%
Frontal
611.1%
Automatic Transmission
611.1%
Gasoline
59.3%
Exhaust System
47.4%
When it fails
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
Under 1,000 miles
65.5%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
21.8%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
1816.5%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
2119.3%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
2623.9%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
2018.3%
150,000+ miles
1614.7%
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 2000peak 6Sep 2016
Recalls on the 2000 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
07E074000
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
CERTAIN EAGLE EYES HEADLAMP ASSEMBLIES, P/NOS. DS517-B001L AND DS517-B001R, SOLD FOR USE AS REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT FOR THE ABOVE LISTED PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE OPTICEL SURFACE OF THE REFLECTOR IS CORRODED INHIBITING THE PERFORMANCE OF THE UPPER AND LOWER BEAMS WHICH FAILS TO CONFORM TO THE PHOTOMETRIC REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.
Risk: DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
01V065000
TIRES:TREAD/BELT
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH FIRESTONE FIREHAWK GTA-02 , SIZE P205/55R16 89H TIRES. THE RECALLED TIRES ARE IDENTIFIED BY DOT SERIAL #W2 T2 VF3 XXX OR W2 T2 VF3 XXXX; WHERE XXX MAY BE 289, 299, 309, 319, 329, 339, 349, 359, 369, 379, 389, 399, 409, 419, 429, 439, 449, 459, 469, 479, 489, 499, 509, 519, 529, 010, 020, 030, 040, 050, 060, 070, 080, 090, 100, 110, 120, 130, 140, 150, 170, AND WHERE XXXX MAY BE 1800, 1900, 2000, 2100, 2200, 2300, 2400, 2500, 2600, 2700, 2800, 2900, 3000, 3100, 3200, 3300, 3400, 3500, 3600, 3700, 3800, 3900, 4000, 4100, 4200, 4300, 4400, AND 4500. WITH INCREASING MILEAGE, THE TIRES MAY DEVELOP SHOULDER AREA CRACKING. CONTINUED USE OF A TIRE WITH THIS CONDITION MAY LEAD TO EXPOSURE OF THE BELT EDGE.
Risk: UNDER THESE CIRCUMSTANCES, A BELT EDGE SEPARATION IS POSIBLE, WHICH COULD RESULTING IN THE LOSS OF TIRE PRESSURE.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
at 200,000 milesDestrehan, LACrash1 injured
AIR BAGS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 NISSAN ALTIMA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, BOTH THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER AIR BAGS DEPLOYED, WITHOUT WARNING OR IMPACT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DRIVER'S AIR BAG STRUCK HER IN THE FACE. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO A CURB AND DESTROYED THE TRANSMISSION AND THE PASSENGER SIDE SEAT BELT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG INDICATOR FLICKERED ON AND OFF PRIOR TO THE FAILURE. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE CONTACT DROVE THE VEHICLE TO HER HOME. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS INVALID. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 200,000.
NHTSA complaint #10903163 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 80,000 milesParker, COCrash1 injured
AIR BAGS
I WAS DRIVING HOME FROM WORK. GOT. REARENDED I HIT THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME. I WAS STOPPED AT A LIGHT. THE AIRBAG DID NOT DEPLOY. I SUFFERED A HEAD INJURY. BROKEN SPINE. CAR WAS DESTROYED ONLY THING LEFT WAS WERE I WAS SITTING. AND THE PASSENGER SEAT. NOW NISSAN MURANO 2005 HAS FAULTY AIRBAG TOO. LIGHT ON AND FLASHING. VEHICLE. RENDERED UNSAFE TO OPERATE VEHICLE. NISSAN HAS ONGOING PROBLEMS WITH THEIR AIRBAGS AND WONT HELP CONSUMERS FIX THE PROBLEMS.
NHTSA complaint #10693746 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 80,000 milesParker, COCrash1 injured
STEERING
I WAS DRIVING HOME FROM WORK. GOT. REARENDED I HIT THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME. I WAS STOPPED AT A LIGHT. THE AIRBAG DID NOT DEPLOY. I SUFFERED A HEAD INJURY. BROKEN SPINE. CAR WAS DESTROYED ONLY THING LEFT WAS WERE I WAS SITTING. AND THE PASSENGER SEAT. NOW NISSAN MURANO 2005 HAS FAULTY AIRBAG TOO. LIGHT ON AND FLASHING. VEHICLE. RENDERED UNSAFE TO OPERATE VEHICLE. NISSAN HAS ONGOING PROBLEMS WITH THEIR AIRBAGS AND WONT HELP CONSUMERS FIX THE PROBLEMS.
NHTSA complaint #10693746 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 80,000 milesParker, COCrash1 injured
ENGINE
I WAS DRIVING HOME FROM WORK. GOT. REARENDED I HIT THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME. I WAS STOPPED AT A LIGHT. THE AIRBAG DID NOT DEPLOY. I SUFFERED A HEAD INJURY. BROKEN SPINE. CAR WAS DESTROYED ONLY THING LEFT WAS WERE I WAS SITTING. AND THE PASSENGER SEAT. NOW NISSAN MURANO 2005 HAS FAULTY AIRBAG TOO. LIGHT ON AND FLASHING. VEHICLE. RENDERED UNSAFE TO OPERATE VEHICLE. NISSAN HAS ONGOING PROBLEMS WITH THEIR AIRBAGS AND WONT HELP CONSUMERS FIX THE PROBLEMS.
NHTSA complaint #10693746 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 30 milesPrineville, ORCrash2 injured
AIR BAGS
TRAVELING W/ FLOW OF TRAFFIC WHEN TURN HEAD FOR SPLIT SECOND NOT REALIZING THE VEHICLE AHEAD OF ME STALLED, SO SHE HAD NO BRAKE LIGHTS OR FLASHERS, NEVERTHELESS I SLAMMED INTO THE THAT VEHICLE IN FRONT OF ME. I HIT WRAPPED MYSELF AROUND THE STEERING WHEEL AND MY HEAD FLEW OVER THE STEERING WHEEL AND BACK UNTO THE SEAT. BUT NEVER DID THE AIRBAG DEPLOY TO HOLD ME IN PLACE. MY INJURIES WHERE SHORTNESS OF BREATH, SINCE MY CHEST AND NECK WERE BRUISED. MY ARMS WERE DIFFICULT TO MOVE. MY HEAD WAS POUNDING ALONG WITH MY JAWS IN PAIN.
NHTSA complaint #10659288 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 30 milesPrineville, ORCrash2 injured
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
TRAVELING W/ FLOW OF TRAFFIC WHEN TURN HEAD FOR SPLIT SECOND NOT REALIZING THE VEHICLE AHEAD OF ME STALLED, SO SHE HAD NO BRAKE LIGHTS OR FLASHERS, NEVERTHELESS I SLAMMED INTO THE THAT VEHICLE IN FRONT OF ME. I HIT WRAPPED MYSELF AROUND THE STEERING WHEEL AND MY HEAD FLEW OVER THE STEERING WHEEL AND BACK UNTO THE SEAT. BUT NEVER DID THE AIRBAG DEPLOY TO HOLD ME IN PLACE. MY INJURIES WHERE SHORTNESS OF BREATH, SINCE MY CHEST AND NECK WERE BRUISED. MY ARMS WERE DIFFICULT TO MOVE. MY HEAD WAS POUNDING ALONG WITH MY JAWS IN PAIN.
NHTSA complaint #10659288 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
at 200,000 milesDestrehan, LACrash1 injured
AIR BAGS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 NISSAN ALTIMA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, BOTH THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER AIR BAGS DEPLOYED, WITHOUT WARNING OR IMPACT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DRIVER'S AIR BAG STRUCK HER IN THE FACE. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO A CURB AND DESTROYED THE TRANSMISSION AND THE PASSENGER SIDE SEAT BELT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG INDICATOR FLICKERED ON AND OFF PRIOR TO THE FAILURE. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE CONTACT DROVE THE VEHICLE TO HER HOME. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS INVALID. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 200,000.
NHTSA complaint #10903163 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 84,000 milesSaint Louis, MO
STEERING
I PARKED MY CAR AT MY HOME ON 5/6/16. ON 5/7/16 I GOT IN MY CAR TO GO GROCERY SHOPPING AND IT WOULD NOT START. I GOT A JUMP START, REPLACED TO FOB BATTERY, REPLACE THE CAR BATTERY, HAD A LOCKSMITH TO TEST THE FOB. TO NO AVAIL, SO I RESEARCH MY VEHICLE AND FOUND THAT THIS WAS A RECALL, BUT SINCE HAS EXPIRED. I PURCHASE MY CAR 9/2013. AS I WAS RESEARCHING A NOTICE THAT WHEN THE VEHICLE REACHER 84,000 THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKS. I HAD MY CAR TOLD TO A NISSAN DEALER AND WAS TOLD IT WOULD BE $1,050. TO REPAIR IT. IT HAPPENS SO OFTEN THAT THEY STOCK THE PART. I HAVE READ 364 COMPLAINTS ASKING FOR NISSAN TO RECALL THIS PROBLEM. IT IS NOT FAIR TO US AS CONSUMER TO HAVE TO PAY FOR THIS BECAUSE THIS IS HAPPENING IN HUNDREDS OF VEHICLE. I HAVE BEEN WITHOUT MY CAR FOR 6 DAYS NOW AND NISSAN CONSUMER AFFAIRS SAID THEY WOULD HAVE TO DO RESEARCH AND WILL NOTIFY ME BY 5/13/16 WHICH WILL BE 8 DAYS. I CAN'T AFFORD A $1,000 TO PAY FOR SOMETHING THAT IS NO MY FAULT. I HAVE OWN A NISSAN MAXIMA AND NEVER HAD A PROBLEM, BUT SINCE THIS EVENT. I WILL NOT BUY ANOTHER ONE. THIS IS FROM COMPLAINTS.COM WEBSITE: THEIR CARS. READ MORE 8.6 PRETTY BAD TYPICAL REPAIR COST: $935.00 AVERAGE MILEAGE: 84,085 MILES TOTAL COMPLAINTS: 323 COMPLAINTS PLEASE HELP ME IN RESOLVING THIS PROBLEM. THANKS, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
NHTSA complaint #10864430 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 153,000 milesMemphis, TN
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
CAR CUTS OFF WHILE DRIVING. FUEL PUMP ISSUES
NHTSA complaint #10850558 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 10 milesKissimmee, FL
POWER TRAIN
GAUGES SHUT OFF, FREEZE, AND ADVANCE WHILE IN MOTION, CONFUSING THE DRIVERS. CAUSING UNKNOWN SPEED, GAS, TEMPERATURE, AND OTHERS METERING. THIS IS HAPPENING SINCE I BOUGHT THE CAR. SOMETIME WORK FINE. MOST OF THE TIME GAGES ARE DOWN.
NHTSA complaint #10819197 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 10 milesKissimmee, FL
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
GAUGES SHUT OFF, FREEZE, AND ADVANCE WHILE IN MOTION, CONFUSING THE DRIVERS. CAUSING UNKNOWN SPEED, GAS, TEMPERATURE, AND OTHERS METERING. THIS IS HAPPENING SINCE I BOUGHT THE CAR. SOMETIME WORK FINE. MOST OF THE TIME GAGES ARE DOWN.
NHTSA complaint #10819197 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 10 milesKissimmee, FL
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
GAUGES SHUT OFF, FREEZE, AND ADVANCE WHILE IN MOTION, CONFUSING THE DRIVERS. CAUSING UNKNOWN SPEED, GAS, TEMPERATURE, AND OTHERS METERING. THIS IS HAPPENING SINCE I BOUGHT THE CAR. SOMETIME WORK FINE. MOST OF THE TIME GAGES ARE DOWN.
NHTSA complaint #10819197 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 80,000 milesParker, COCrash1 injured
AIR BAGS
I WAS DRIVING HOME FROM WORK. GOT. REARENDED I HIT THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME. I WAS STOPPED AT A LIGHT. THE AIRBAG DID NOT DEPLOY. I SUFFERED A HEAD INJURY. BROKEN SPINE. CAR WAS DESTROYED ONLY THING LEFT WAS WERE I WAS SITTING. AND THE PASSENGER SEAT. NOW NISSAN MURANO 2005 HAS FAULTY AIRBAG TOO. LIGHT ON AND FLASHING. VEHICLE. RENDERED UNSAFE TO OPERATE VEHICLE. NISSAN HAS ONGOING PROBLEMS WITH THEIR AIRBAGS AND WONT HELP CONSUMERS FIX THE PROBLEMS.
NHTSA complaint #10693746 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 80,000 milesParker, COCrash1 injured
STEERING
I WAS DRIVING HOME FROM WORK. GOT. REARENDED I HIT THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME. I WAS STOPPED AT A LIGHT. THE AIRBAG DID NOT DEPLOY. I SUFFERED A HEAD INJURY. BROKEN SPINE. CAR WAS DESTROYED ONLY THING LEFT WAS WERE I WAS SITTING. AND THE PASSENGER SEAT. NOW NISSAN MURANO 2005 HAS FAULTY AIRBAG TOO. LIGHT ON AND FLASHING. VEHICLE. RENDERED UNSAFE TO OPERATE VEHICLE. NISSAN HAS ONGOING PROBLEMS WITH THEIR AIRBAGS AND WONT HELP CONSUMERS FIX THE PROBLEMS.
NHTSA complaint #10693746 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 80,000 milesParker, COCrash1 injured
ENGINE
I WAS DRIVING HOME FROM WORK. GOT. REARENDED I HIT THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME. I WAS STOPPED AT A LIGHT. THE AIRBAG DID NOT DEPLOY. I SUFFERED A HEAD INJURY. BROKEN SPINE. CAR WAS DESTROYED ONLY THING LEFT WAS WERE I WAS SITTING. AND THE PASSENGER SEAT. NOW NISSAN MURANO 2005 HAS FAULTY AIRBAG TOO. LIGHT ON AND FLASHING. VEHICLE. RENDERED UNSAFE TO OPERATE VEHICLE. NISSAN HAS ONGOING PROBLEMS WITH THEIR AIRBAGS AND WONT HELP CONSUMERS FIX THE PROBLEMS.
NHTSA complaint #10693746 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 30 milesPrineville, ORCrash2 injured
AIR BAGS
TRAVELING W/ FLOW OF TRAFFIC WHEN TURN HEAD FOR SPLIT SECOND NOT REALIZING THE VEHICLE AHEAD OF ME STALLED, SO SHE HAD NO BRAKE LIGHTS OR FLASHERS, NEVERTHELESS I SLAMMED INTO THE THAT VEHICLE IN FRONT OF ME. I HIT WRAPPED MYSELF AROUND THE STEERING WHEEL AND MY HEAD FLEW OVER THE STEERING WHEEL AND BACK UNTO THE SEAT. BUT NEVER DID THE AIRBAG DEPLOY TO HOLD ME IN PLACE. MY INJURIES WHERE SHORTNESS OF BREATH, SINCE MY CHEST AND NECK WERE BRUISED. MY ARMS WERE DIFFICULT TO MOVE. MY HEAD WAS POUNDING ALONG WITH MY JAWS IN PAIN.
NHTSA complaint #10659288 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 30 milesPrineville, ORCrash2 injured
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
TRAVELING W/ FLOW OF TRAFFIC WHEN TURN HEAD FOR SPLIT SECOND NOT REALIZING THE VEHICLE AHEAD OF ME STALLED, SO SHE HAD NO BRAKE LIGHTS OR FLASHERS, NEVERTHELESS I SLAMMED INTO THE THAT VEHICLE IN FRONT OF ME. I HIT WRAPPED MYSELF AROUND THE STEERING WHEEL AND MY HEAD FLEW OVER THE STEERING WHEEL AND BACK UNTO THE SEAT. BUT NEVER DID THE AIRBAG DEPLOY TO HOLD ME IN PLACE. MY INJURIES WHERE SHORTNESS OF BREATH, SINCE MY CHEST AND NECK WERE BRUISED. MY ARMS WERE DIFFICULT TO MOVE. MY HEAD WAS POUNDING ALONG WITH MY JAWS IN PAIN.
NHTSA complaint #10659288 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 30 milesPrineville, ORCrash2 injured
STRUCTURE:BODY
TRAVELING W/ FLOW OF TRAFFIC WHEN TURN HEAD FOR SPLIT SECOND NOT REALIZING THE VEHICLE AHEAD OF ME STALLED, SO SHE HAD NO BRAKE LIGHTS OR FLASHERS, NEVERTHELESS I SLAMMED INTO THE THAT VEHICLE IN FRONT OF ME. I HIT WRAPPED MYSELF AROUND THE STEERING WHEEL AND MY HEAD FLEW OVER THE STEERING WHEEL AND BACK UNTO THE SEAT. BUT NEVER DID THE AIRBAG DEPLOY TO HOLD ME IN PLACE. MY INJURIES WHERE SHORTNESS OF BREATH, SINCE MY CHEST AND NECK WERE BRUISED. MY ARMS WERE DIFFICULT TO MOVE. MY HEAD WAS POUNDING ALONG WITH MY JAWS IN PAIN.
NHTSA complaint #10659288 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 153,345 milesNEW Albany, IN
ENGINE
WENT OUT FOR DINNER AND NOTICED NOTHING UNUSUAL. ON THE WAY HOME, "CHECK ENGINE" LIGHT CAME ON AND ENGINE BEGAN TO RUN ROUGH. THEN, 200 YARDS FROM HOME, "CHECK ENGINE" LIGHT BEGAN FLASHING AND ENGINE ROUGHNESS INCREASED TO SHAKING. CODES READ: "KNOCK" AND "CYLINDER 4 MISFIRE". IF THIS HAD HAPPENED IN HEAVY TRAFFIC OR ON ONE OF THE BRIDGES THAT WE FREQUENTLY USE, MY WIFE AND I BOTH WOULD PROBABLY BE SEVERELY INJURED, IF NOT DEAD! THE ONSET WAS RAPID! GUESS I WAS NOT LUCKY ENOUGH TO ESCAPE THIS MUCH-STONEWALLED NISSAN MANUFACTURING DEFECT THAT I HAVE LEARNED ABOUT ONLY FROM THE MULTITUDE OF ONLINE INFORMATION. UNTIL IT HAPPENED TO ME, IT WOULD NOT HAVE OCCURRED TO CHECK INTO IT, WITH NO COMMUNICATION FROM NISSAN. MAINTENANCE AND ALL FLUIDS ARE UP-TO-SNUFF.
NHTSA complaint #10567804 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 160,000 milesSugar Hill, GACrash2 injured
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
I JUST BOUGHT A 200 NISSAN ALTIMA. I WAS DRIVING TO HILTON HEAD AND 2 HOURS INTO THE TRIP THE CRUISE CONTROL WENT OFF AND THEN THE AIR BAG LIGHT CAME ON. I KEPT GIVING IT GAS AND IT JUST STARTED SLOWING DOWN. WE GOT HIT FROM BEHIND AND SPUN AROUND. I BROKE MY NOSE AND MY GIRLFRIEND BROKE HER HIP IN 3 PLACES.
NHTSA complaint #10542439 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 107,000 milesColumbia, MD
SUSPENSION
I PUT MY FOOT ON THE BRAKES AFTER I STARTED THE CAR AND WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR, I REALIZED MY BRAKES WERE NOT WORKING. I LATER HAD THE CAR CHECKED AND LEARNED THAT THE BRACKET ON THE STRUT ASSEMBLY THAT SECURES THE BRAKE HOSE SEPARATED FROM THE STRUT WHEN THE SPOT WELDS FAILED. SUBSEQUENTLY, THE UNSECURED BRAKE HOSE WAS PUNCTURED BECAUSE OF CONTACT WITH MOVING PARTS.
NHTSA complaint #10508419 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 107,000 milesColumbia, MD
SERVICE BRAKES
I PUT MY FOOT ON THE BRAKES AFTER I STARTED THE CAR AND WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR, I REALIZED MY BRAKES WERE NOT WORKING. I LATER HAD THE CAR CHECKED AND LEARNED THAT THE BRACKET ON THE STRUT ASSEMBLY THAT SECURES THE BRAKE HOSE SEPARATED FROM THE STRUT WHEN THE SPOT WELDS FAILED. SUBSEQUENTLY, THE UNSECURED BRAKE HOSE WAS PUNCTURED BECAUSE OF CONTACT WITH MOVING PARTS.
NHTSA complaint #10508419 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 200,000 milesST. Petersburg, FLFire
ENGINE
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE TRAVELING 40 MPH THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE TEMPERATURE WAS ALMOST AT MAX. THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO RUN ROUGH AND SMOKE STARTED TO EMIT INTO THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A PRIVATE MECHANIC WHO STATED THAT THE ENGINE WAS NOT THE ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT AND THERE WAS NO COOLANT. AS A RESULT, THE ENGINE OVER HEATED CAUSING THE ENGINE BLOCK TO CRACK. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 200,000.
NHTSA complaint #10478121 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 120,000 milesDowners Grove, IL
ENGINE
MY 2000 NISSAN ALTIMA IDLES ROUGH AND THE ENGINE SHAKES. MY MECHANIC RAN A DIAGNOSTIC TEST AND SAID CYLINDER 4 WAS MISFIRING AND THE ONLY WAY TO CORRECT IT WAS TO CHANGE THE INTAKE MANIFOLD GASKET. THE PRICE: $1500. THIS SEEMS TO BE A COMMON PROBLEM BECAUSE I SEE THE SAME COMPLAINTS FROM 98-01 ALTIMA OWNERS. THE MECHANIC, SAID THIS WAS COMMON PROBLEM WITH THESE CARS. HE ALSO SAID CHANGING THE GASKET WILL FIX THE PROBLEM. WHY ISN'T NISSAN FORCED TO RECALL THIS ISSUE? SOMEONE NEEDS TO DO THEIR JOB AND LOOK AT THIS ISSUE.
NHTSA complaint #10461178 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 186,867 milesEdison, NJ
SUSPENSION
THE CAR FRONT END HAS BEEN MAKING STRANGE NOISES, I TOOK THE CAR TO A NISSAN DEALER ON MAY 15,2012 FOR OIL CHANGE AND INSPECTION. THE DEALER FOUND OUT THAT THE CAR IS UNSAFE TO DRIVE BECAUSE THE LEFT FRONT STRUT TOWER IS SEPARATING FROM THE CAR. I WAS VERY SHOCKED TO KNOW THAT BECAUSE THE CAR DIDN'T HAVE ANY ACCIDENT OR HIT. I MADE AN INTERNET SEARCH FOR RECALLS, I FOUND THAT ALL THE MODELS OF 1995 TILL 1999 HAVE RECALLS REGARDING THE FRONT STRUT. I NOTICED THAT THE STRUT TOWER ON RIGHT SIDE STARTED CRACKING AND RUSTING TOO. THE DEALER TOLD ME THAT THEY CAN'T FIX IT AND I HAVE TO TAKE MY CAR TO A BODY SHOP TO REPAIR IT. THIS IS A VERY DANGEROUS DEFECT AND NISSAN SHOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR IT. P.S. I HAVE MADE A REPORT BY PHONE AND THE REFERENCE # [XXX]. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
NHTSA complaint #10459057 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 186,867 milesEdison, NJ
STRUCTURE:BODY
THE CAR FRONT END HAS BEEN MAKING STRANGE NOISES, I TOOK THE CAR TO A NISSAN DEALER ON MAY 15,2012 FOR OIL CHANGE AND INSPECTION. THE DEALER FOUND OUT THAT THE CAR IS UNSAFE TO DRIVE BECAUSE THE LEFT FRONT STRUT TOWER IS SEPARATING FROM THE CAR. I WAS VERY SHOCKED TO KNOW THAT BECAUSE THE CAR DIDN'T HAVE ANY ACCIDENT OR HIT. I MADE AN INTERNET SEARCH FOR RECALLS, I FOUND THAT ALL THE MODELS OF 1995 TILL 1999 HAVE RECALLS REGARDING THE FRONT STRUT. I NOTICED THAT THE STRUT TOWER ON RIGHT SIDE STARTED CRACKING AND RUSTING TOO. THE DEALER TOLD ME THAT THEY CAN'T FIX IT AND I HAVE TO TAKE MY CAR TO A BODY SHOP TO REPAIR IT. THIS IS A VERY DANGEROUS DEFECT AND NISSAN SHOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR IT. P.S. I HAVE MADE A REPORT BY PHONE AND THE REFERENCE # [XXX]. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
NHTSA complaint #10459057 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Gastonia, NC
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 45 MPH WHEN THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE DEALER CONFIRMED THAT THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED BUT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE UNKNOWN.
NHTSA complaint #10457162 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 95,000 milesCanton, MA
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 NISSAN ALTIMA. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 2 MPH WHEN THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE RESTARTED AFTER THE FAILURE OCCURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING NOR WAS THE MANUFACTURER NOTIFIED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED AND THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 95,000.
NHTSA complaint #10453766 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 129,522 milesManomet, MA
WHEELS
ON 3/5/2012, I HAD A VEHICLE SAFETY INSPECTION. EXCESSIVE PLAY IN THE FRONT END WAS NOTED. I TOOK MY CAR TO MONRO MUFFLER WHERE THE VEHICLE WAS PLACED ON A LIFT AND THE UNDERSIDE INSPECTED. IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THE SUBFRAME WAS SO BADLY CORRODED BY RUST THAT THE FRAME HAD PERFORATED AND BROKEN AWAY FROM THE SUSPENSION. THERE ARE HOLES THROUGHOUT AS WELL AS BREAKAGE AND WEAKENING. MONRO MUFFLER RECOMMENDED I CONTACT NISSAN CONSUMER AFFAIRS WHICH I DID. I EXPLAINED THE SITUATION TO NISSAN STATING THE EXTENT OF THE DAMAGE. I WAS DIRECTED BY NISSAN TO TAKE THE VEHICLE TO A NISSAN DEALER FOR A DIAGNOSIS WHICH I DID. NISSAN OF DARTMOUTH, MA CONFIRMED MONRO MUFFLER'S DIAGNOSIS AND QUOTED A MINIMUM $2,300 TO REPAIR BOTH THE FRONT AND REAR SUBFRAMES. BEVERLY BANSEK OF NISSAN CALLED ME BACK TO INFORM ME THAT NISSAN WOULD DO NOTHING FOR THE REPAIR. I ASKED FOR A SUPERVISOR AND I WAS THEN CONTACTED BY THE REGIONAL SUPERVISOR OF NISSAN, VAUGHN FRANCIS WHO, AFTER REVIEWING MY CLAIM AGAIN, STATED THAT NISSAN WOULD DO NOTHING FOR ME AND THAT THE DISINTEGRATION OF THE SUBFRAMES WAS DUE TO A LACK OF OWNER MAINTENANCE RATHER THAN A DEFECT IN WORKMANSHIP. VAUGHN FRANCIS THEN STATED THAT THERE WAS NO NEED FOR ME TO CALL NISSAN AGAIN AS I WOULD ONLY GET HIM AND THE ANSWER WOULD BE THE SAME AND THAT MY ONLY OPTION WAS TO CONTACT THE BBB AUTOLINE DISPUTE RESOLUTION DIVISION AT 1-800-955-5100 WHICH I HAVE DONE. TWO NISSAN DEALERSHIPS STATE THERE IS NO OWNER MAINTENANCE RECOMMENDED ON THE SUBFRAMES OF NISSAN'S VEHICLES. IT IS MY BELIEF THAT THE FAILURE OF THE SUBFRAMES IS DUE TO EXCESSIVE CORROSION OF THE SUBFRAME WHICH HAS LEAD TO PERFORATION POSSIBLY FROM THE INSIDE OUT AND BECAUSE THIS IS AN ISSUE OF WORKMANSHIP, NISSAN SHOULD BE INVESTIGATED FOR A POSSIBLE SAFETY RELATED DEFECT RESULTING FROM INADEQUATE MANUFACTURER'S CORROSIVE RESISTANT PROTECTION AND/OR SUBFRAME DESIGN.
NHTSA complaint #10453063 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 129,522 milesManomet, MA
STEERING
ON 3/5/2012, I HAD A VEHICLE SAFETY INSPECTION. EXCESSIVE PLAY IN THE FRONT END WAS NOTED. I TOOK MY CAR TO MONRO MUFFLER WHERE THE VEHICLE WAS PLACED ON A LIFT AND THE UNDERSIDE INSPECTED. IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THE SUBFRAME WAS SO BADLY CORRODED BY RUST THAT THE FRAME HAD PERFORATED AND BROKEN AWAY FROM THE SUSPENSION. THERE ARE HOLES THROUGHOUT AS WELL AS BREAKAGE AND WEAKENING. MONRO MUFFLER RECOMMENDED I CONTACT NISSAN CONSUMER AFFAIRS WHICH I DID. I EXPLAINED THE SITUATION TO NISSAN STATING THE EXTENT OF THE DAMAGE. I WAS DIRECTED BY NISSAN TO TAKE THE VEHICLE TO A NISSAN DEALER FOR A DIAGNOSIS WHICH I DID. NISSAN OF DARTMOUTH, MA CONFIRMED MONRO MUFFLER'S DIAGNOSIS AND QUOTED A MINIMUM $2,300 TO REPAIR BOTH THE FRONT AND REAR SUBFRAMES. BEVERLY BANSEK OF NISSAN CALLED ME BACK TO INFORM ME THAT NISSAN WOULD DO NOTHING FOR THE REPAIR. I ASKED FOR A SUPERVISOR AND I WAS THEN CONTACTED BY THE REGIONAL SUPERVISOR OF NISSAN, VAUGHN FRANCIS WHO, AFTER REVIEWING MY CLAIM AGAIN, STATED THAT NISSAN WOULD DO NOTHING FOR ME AND THAT THE DISINTEGRATION OF THE SUBFRAMES WAS DUE TO A LACK OF OWNER MAINTENANCE RATHER THAN A DEFECT IN WORKMANSHIP. VAUGHN FRANCIS THEN STATED THAT THERE WAS NO NEED FOR ME TO CALL NISSAN AGAIN AS I WOULD ONLY GET HIM AND THE ANSWER WOULD BE THE SAME AND THAT MY ONLY OPTION WAS TO CONTACT THE BBB AUTOLINE DISPUTE RESOLUTION DIVISION AT 1-800-955-5100 WHICH I HAVE DONE. TWO NISSAN DEALERSHIPS STATE THERE IS NO OWNER MAINTENANCE RECOMMENDED ON THE SUBFRAMES OF NISSAN'S VEHICLES. IT IS MY BELIEF THAT THE FAILURE OF THE SUBFRAMES IS DUE TO EXCESSIVE CORROSION OF THE SUBFRAME WHICH HAS LEAD TO PERFORATION POSSIBLY FROM THE INSIDE OUT AND BECAUSE THIS IS AN ISSUE OF WORKMANSHIP, NISSAN SHOULD BE INVESTIGATED FOR A POSSIBLE SAFETY RELATED DEFECT RESULTING FROM INADEQUATE MANUFACTURER'S CORROSIVE RESISTANT PROTECTION AND/OR SUBFRAME DESIGN.
NHTSA complaint #10453063 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 129,522 milesManomet, MA
SUSPENSION
ON 3/5/2012, I HAD A VEHICLE SAFETY INSPECTION. EXCESSIVE PLAY IN THE FRONT END WAS NOTED. I TOOK MY CAR TO MONRO MUFFLER WHERE THE VEHICLE WAS PLACED ON A LIFT AND THE UNDERSIDE INSPECTED. IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THE SUBFRAME WAS SO BADLY CORRODED BY RUST THAT THE FRAME HAD PERFORATED AND BROKEN AWAY FROM THE SUSPENSION. THERE ARE HOLES THROUGHOUT AS WELL AS BREAKAGE AND WEAKENING. MONRO MUFFLER RECOMMENDED I CONTACT NISSAN CONSUMER AFFAIRS WHICH I DID. I EXPLAINED THE SITUATION TO NISSAN STATING THE EXTENT OF THE DAMAGE. I WAS DIRECTED BY NISSAN TO TAKE THE VEHICLE TO A NISSAN DEALER FOR A DIAGNOSIS WHICH I DID. NISSAN OF DARTMOUTH, MA CONFIRMED MONRO MUFFLER'S DIAGNOSIS AND QUOTED A MINIMUM $2,300 TO REPAIR BOTH THE FRONT AND REAR SUBFRAMES. BEVERLY BANSEK OF NISSAN CALLED ME BACK TO INFORM ME THAT NISSAN WOULD DO NOTHING FOR THE REPAIR. I ASKED FOR A SUPERVISOR AND I WAS THEN CONTACTED BY THE REGIONAL SUPERVISOR OF NISSAN, VAUGHN FRANCIS WHO, AFTER REVIEWING MY CLAIM AGAIN, STATED THAT NISSAN WOULD DO NOTHING FOR ME AND THAT THE DISINTEGRATION OF THE SUBFRAMES WAS DUE TO A LACK OF OWNER MAINTENANCE RATHER THAN A DEFECT IN WORKMANSHIP. VAUGHN FRANCIS THEN STATED THAT THERE WAS NO NEED FOR ME TO CALL NISSAN AGAIN AS I WOULD ONLY GET HIM AND THE ANSWER WOULD BE THE SAME AND THAT MY ONLY OPTION WAS TO CONTACT THE BBB AUTOLINE DISPUTE RESOLUTION DIVISION AT 1-800-955-5100 WHICH I HAVE DONE. TWO NISSAN DEALERSHIPS STATE THERE IS NO OWNER MAINTENANCE RECOMMENDED ON THE SUBFRAMES OF NISSAN'S VEHICLES. IT IS MY BELIEF THAT THE FAILURE OF THE SUBFRAMES IS DUE TO EXCESSIVE CORROSION OF THE SUBFRAME WHICH HAS LEAD TO PERFORATION POSSIBLY FROM THE INSIDE OUT AND BECAUSE THIS IS AN ISSUE OF WORKMANSHIP, NISSAN SHOULD BE INVESTIGATED FOR A POSSIBLE SAFETY RELATED DEFECT RESULTING FROM INADEQUATE MANUFACTURER'S CORROSIVE RESISTANT PROTECTION AND/OR SUBFRAME DESIGN.
NHTSA complaint #10453063 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.