1993 Nissan Altima
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Nissan › Altima › 1993
These records cover every 1993 Nissan Altima. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
3 recalls name the 1993 Nissan Altima. Newest first.
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 and remedy
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.
Remedy
Ride control will notify owners of record and replace the affected parts free of charge. the safety recall began on march 15, 2010. owners may contact ride control at 1-248-458-1396.
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 and remedy
Risk
Without the amber reflectors, the vehicle will be poorly illuminated, possibly resulting in a vehicle crash without warning.
Remedy
Pro-a motors will notify owners and offer to repurchase the lamps. the recall began on april 3, 2006. owners may contact pro-a motors at 323-838-2988.
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 and remedy
Risk
If this were to occur while the vehicle IS in motion, loss of throttle control could result in an accident.
Remedy
Nissan will reposition the throttle cable housing in the support bracket to provide additional slack for engine movement. A rubber stopper will be clamped to the cable to maintain the correct position for the cable at the support bracket. In addition, the throttle cable will be tested for pull out resistance from the guide in the event the cable was damaged. The throttle assembly will be replaced, if necessary.
Owner complaints
122 complaints19 involved a crash3 involved a fire20 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- 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…
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.
- 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…
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.
- 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. *tr
- 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…
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.
- 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…
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.
- Latches/locks/linkages · 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…
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! *tr
- 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…
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. *nm
- 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…
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. *nm
- 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.*ak
- 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…
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 *jb
- 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.*ak
- 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…
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.*ak
- Engine and engine cooling
When driving in cold weather vehicle stalled. Consumer restarted the vehicle. dealership was notified, but did not resolve the problem. *ak
- Unknown or other
Request information on 1993 nissan altima. *ph *sc *jb
- 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.*ak
- Air bags · 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…
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.*ak
- 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.…
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?*jb
- 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…
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 *jb
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components
No summary listed for above vehicle. *ak
- Air bags
Airbag light comes on intermittently. Vehicle has been taken to dealer 3 times, cannot find a problem.*ak
- 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.*ak
- 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.*ak
- Vehicle speed control
While driving gas pedal dropped to floor. Driver made it to a dealer, dealer stated throttle linkage was defective. *ak
- Air bags
While parked, vehicle was hit in the rear quarter panel and the air bags did not deploy, also while at body shop seat belt sensor was damaged, dealer replaced seat belt sensor, however when consumer picked up vehicle, the air bag light was on. *ak *tt
- Vehicle speed control › Accelerator pedal
Accelerator pedal bracket all spot welds broke away from floorboard. *Ak
Defect investigations
NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation opened these reviews into vehicles including this one.
- Seat belt lock-up
There is no summary currently available
Service bulletins
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
- 10243708DIAGNOSIS OF VEHICLE PULL (DRIFT) AND/OR STEERING WHEEL OFF-CENTER This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
- 10239062SILICONE-BASED LUBRICANT OR GREASE CAN DAMAGE ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS SERVICE INFORMATION Do not apply Silicone-based lubricants or grease to, or around, any interior electrical components. To avoid the risk of death or severe personal injury, do not directly spray Silicone-based lubricant or grease, or inadvertently overspray Silicone-based lubricant or grease onto any interior electrical components. These types of lubricants can be detrimental to the proper operation of electrical components.
- 1023906012 VOLT BATTERY TESTING FOR IN-SERVICE VEHICLES SERVICE INFORMATION The following Service Information lists NNA procedural recommendations for establishing good connections while performing 12V battery testing. These recommendations are expected to promote uniformity during the connection process, therefore reducing the number of incorrect Test with DCA and Replace results. HINT: If 12 volt batteries are allowed to discharge for a prolonged period of time, battery life may be drastically reduced. This condition may lead to premature battery replacement and customer dissatisfaction. IMPORTANT: CPX-900 is now an accepted testing tool to use along with or in place of the DSS-5000 CPX-900 operating instructions are found at: https://nissancpx900.midtronics.com/ DSS-5000 operating instructions are found at: https://nissandss5000.midtronics.com/ DCA-8000 is now a required testing tool to be used for all warranty replacement decisions. The DCA-8000 is also a more efficient charger than previously available, and will charge any available 12 volt lead acid battery safely and accurately as long as all precautions and inputs are made correctly. The DCA-8000 operating instructions are found at: https://nissandca8000.midtronics.com/
- 10235710INTELLIGENT KEY REPLACEMENT OR SWAPPING BETWEEN VEHICLES This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Discard all previous versions of this bulletin.
- 10235707VEHICLE KEY NOT DETECTED / AUTHENTICATED, ENGINE WILL NOT START This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
- 10232658REMOVING FOREIGN MATERIAL FROM THE WINDOW GLASS This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
- 10232657WHEEL BEARING COLLISION DAMAGE This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
- 10232656WINDSHIELD CRACKING This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
- 10232652DIAGNOSIS OF VEHICLE PULL (DRIFT) AND/OR STEERING WHEEL OFF-CENTER This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
- 10206391STRUT AND SHOCK ABSORBER REPLACEMENT GUIDELINES This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
- 10192305SERVICE INFORMATION Information necessary to service the Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) safely is included in the "RESTRAINTS" section of the Electronic Service Manual (ESM) for each vehicle. IMPORTANT: Turn the ignition switch OFF, disconnect both battery terminals, and wait at least 3 minutes before performing any service on the SRS. See this bulletin for further detail.
- 10192233Nissan Original Equipment or Genuine Accessory Alloy wheels, along with their finish coating (clear, chrome, titanium, etc.), are specifically developed to achieve Nissan design and performance standards. These Original Equipment or Genuine Accessory wheels are subjected to testing to ensure they meet Nissan's standards. Nissan Original Equipment Alloy or Genuine Accessory wheels subjected to aftermarket chroming may no longer continue to meet these standards and may be seriously damaged. Therefore, Nissan most strongly discourages, and recommends that these wheels NEVER be subjected to, aftermarket chroming. See this bulletinfor further detail.
- 10192217If YOU CONFIRM: A vehicle needs to have the brake rotors resurfaced (front or rear). ACTION: Use the ProCut PFM Series on-car brake lathe to perform brake rotor resurfacing and follow the tips listed in this bulletin. - The ProCut PFM Series brake lathe has been chosen as the approved tool for rotor resurfacing. - The ProCut PFM Series brake lathe can be ordered from TECH-MATE at 1-800-662-2001. - ProCut technical support or service can be obtained by calling 1-800-543-6618. NOTE: Brake rotors may need to be resurfaced during routine brake repair or for brake "judder" incidents. - Brake judder: A brake pedal pulsation and/or steering wheel shimmy when braking that occurs when there is too much thickness variation of the brake rotors (see NTB00-033). See this bulletin for further detail.
- 10192216SERVICE INFORMATION - This bulletin is to assist you in responding to customer questions about brake operation, and provides diagnostic and repair information for each item listed, if any should occur. - Most brake incidents fall into the following categories: a. Brake Noise: A squeak, squeal, clunk, or groan that occurs when the brakes are applied or released. b. Brake Judder: A vibration that can be felt in the vehicle, steering wheel or brake pedal when the brakes are applied. c. Pedal Feel: The effort needed to operate the brakes is too high or too low. SERVICE PROCEDURE 1. Verify the condition by road testing the vehicle with the customer. 2. Determine the specific brake incident based on the description in the Service Information above. 3. Follow the appropriate repair procedure(s), listed on the following pages, for your specific incident. See this bulletin for further details.
- 10192145SERVICE INFORMATION This bulletin provides information to identify: - A leaking strut or a shock absorber that qualifies for replacement under warranty. - A strut or shock absorber that has slight oil seepage, a condition which is considered normal, does not affect strut/shock absorber operation or performance, and does not require replacement. - A strut or shock absorber that should be replaced due to rod resistance/noise issues. See this bulletin for further detail.
- 10188377STRUT AND SHOCK ABSORBER REPLACEMENT GUIDELINES This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
- 10178251Expiration Notification Fuel Pump Dealer Announcement ***** Campaign Summary***** In 1993, Nissan launched a Voluntary Service Campaign on certain 1991-1993 Model Year Nissan Sentra (B13) and 1993 Altima (U13) vehicles to inspect and, if necessary, replace the fuel pump. It was determined that the fuel pumps on the subject vehicles may experience accelerated brush wear. Parts specified for this campaign are no longer available through Nissan. This customer service campaign and customer reimbursement for these repairs are no longer available. ***** What Dealers Should Do ***** 1. Service Comm will deactivate U3005 on any unrepaired VINs on July 1, 2020. No further dealer action is required.
- 10177205VOLUNTARY SERVICE CAMPAIGN SENTRA (B13) AND ALTIMA (U13) FUEL PUMPS Service Campaign ID # 93-U3005 is no longer active. Repair orders opened after this bulletins published date are no longer eligible for reimbursement under Campaign ID # 93-U3005. Discard all previous versions of 93U3005.
- 10051767Nissan: lock/unlock request button on outside handle does not respond.
- 10032506Nissan: vent control valve replacement. When replacing the evap canister vent control valve for reason: use the one listed on page 2; for vent control valve replacement procedure, refer to the appropriate section of the electronic service manuals (esm; when installing the new valve, do not add any lube to its o ring; for frontier (D40 series) only, install the protector listed in parts information. Includes 2005-09 frontier. Updated 12/8/10.
- 10031305Nissan: tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) warning light on/flashing. No models or model years listed. Updated on 08-11-2011.
- 10030165Nissan: the 12 volt battery IS an important part of the vehicle electrical system and IS required to stay connected when the engine IS running. To prevent damage to vehicle electronic components follow the instructions/cautions. No model years listed.
- 606182Key value brake pad service information.
- 604301Service information on key value brake pads.
- 603251Some vehicles built before 1n4dl01d0wc150648 may exhibit excessive timing chain noise.
- 601863Hvac blower motor noise.
- 600972Experiencing a oil leak at front of engine.
- 600624Vehicles built before 1n4bu31d - vc138483 may experience poor air conditioning (a/c) performance.
- 54272Service information regarding rear wheel arch corrosion repair.
- 52167Rear door partition seal.
- 52165Poor air conditioning (a/c) performance- low pressure goes into vacuum.
- 45799Altima exhibits oil leakage at the front of the engine, it may be caused by the o-ring seal between the timing cover and the block.
- 45010Front oil cover leak.
- 39659Exhaust noise/rattle.
- 39653Fuel tank IS difficult to fill all the way.
- 39649Buzz noise coming from dash caused by cruise control.
- 39647Fuel tank difficult to fill; fuel guage inaccurate.
- 38003Erratic power window operation.
- 37997Automatic transmission slipping.
- 37991The 3M K500 adhesion promoter necessary for recall 94v-035 IS no longer available through nissan tech line and must be obtained through the local 3M representative.
Every Nissan Altima model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.