1998 Nissan Altima
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
Have the VIN?
Vehicles › Nissan › Altima › 1998
These records cover every 1998 Nissan Altima. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
4 recalls name the 1998 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.
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…
Risk and remedy
Risk
Decreased lighting visibility may result in a vehicle crash.
Remedy
Dope, inc. Will notify owners and offer a full refund for the noncompliant combination lamps. the safety recall began on july 28, 2009. owners may contact dope, inc. At 1-626-272-1798.
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…
Risk and remedy
Risk
Decreased lighting visibility may result in a vehicle crash.
Remedy
Sabersport will notify owners and offer a full refund for the noncompliant combination lamps. the safety recall began on may 11, 2009. owners may contact sabersport at 1-909-598-7589.
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.
Owner complaints
123 complaints17 involved a crash2 involved a fire9 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Service brakes · 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…
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.
- Air bags
I received a recall notice in the mail
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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…
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. *Tr
- Fuel/propulsion system
Tried to fill gas tank, only accept small amount before spilling on ground. check engine light came on. *tr
- Fuel/propulsion system · 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. *tr
- 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…
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.
- 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.
- 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…
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). *Tr
- 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…
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. *Tr
- Power train › Automatic transmission · Service brakes, hydraulic · 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…
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. *Tr
- 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. *tr
- 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. *jb
- 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…
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. *Jb
- 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 ?*jb
- 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…
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. *Ak
- Engine and engine cooling › Exhaust system › Emission control · 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. *jb
- 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…
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.
- Electrical system › Wiring · 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. *ak
- Suspension › Front › Springs › Coil springs
Problems with front coil springs on 1998 nissan altima.*mr (nar) the vehicle front coil spring broke while the vehicle was parked. *nm
- Electrical system
The car was idle at a red light when it shut down completely (engine, radio, lights, etc). it would not start again. I got a jump and it started. the next day it started fine. I let it idle for about 15 minutes and it was okay. I drove it for a few minutes and it died again. I had it towed to…
The car was idle at a red light when it shut down completely (engine, radio, lights, etc). it would not start again. I got a jump and it started. the next day it started fine. I let it idle for about 15 minutes and it was okay. I drove it for a few minutes and it died again. I had it towed to a repair shop. none of the diagnostic tests showed anything wrong (battery, alternator, etc. Were okay). they drove it and it did not die again. I took it to a nissan dealer and they cannot find any problems either. *nm
- Electrical system
While applying the accelerator pedal vehicle failed to accelerate. consumer was able to maintain control of the vehicle, and pulled over. vehicle was taken to the dealer for inspection, and mechanic determined that computer needed to be replaced. *ak
- Fuel system, gasoline › Delivery › Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
Consumer smelled fuel while driving. He examined fuel system underneath and the fuel tank, and noticed the entry point where the gas went into the vehicle broke. *ak
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.
- 10192513SERVICE INFORMATION Changes or modifications to the front seat assembly trim materials may affect the proper operation of the Front Seat-Mounted Side-Impact Supplemental Air Bags and Passenger Occupant Classification Sensor and could result in serious personal injury or death. Nissan STRONGLY RECOMMENDS AGAINST making any change to seat trim materials from the factory equipped condition. This specifically applies to replacing the seat trim with non-factory materials; adding leather/cloth seat covers, seat pads, or seat storage pouches, etc. around or over the seat back and the passenger seat cushion. See this bulletin for further detail.
- 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.
- 10192192As part of an enhanced emissions test for Inspection & Maintenance (I/M), some States may require the System Readiness Test (SRT) status be checked. - The SRT is used to indicate whether the engine control module (ECM) has completed self diagnosis of major emissions systems and components. - In these instances the State may require completion of the SRT before permitting the emissions inspection to proceed. Refer to 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.
- 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.
- 10025522Nissan: srs precautions during service;improper maintenance, including incorrect removal and installation of the srs, can lead to a serious injury or death caused by unintentional activation of the srs on all nissan models with the srs systems. Updated 2/21/14.
- 10017473Front seat belt latch plate retaining button missing.
- 10012843Auto-dimming electrochromic (ec) mirror diagnosis.
- 10003515Front seat belt latch plate retaining button missing.
- 632164Subject regarding revised throttle position sensor (tps) adjustment procedure.
- 631971Information on nissan revised tps adjustment procdure. *Slc
- 631766Information regarding essential tool: throttle position sensor test connector. *Slc
- 631760Subject regarding revised maintenance procedures. *Slc
- 629210Seat belt latch plate retaining button missing.
- 624064Subject pertaining to revised maintenance procedures.*jb
- 623162Service information regarding inner tie rod wrenches.
- 613485Information on diagnostic procedure for slow fuel fill.
- 613480Information regarding keyless remote entry programming.
- 613464Some vehicles may exhibit steering wheel vibration or brake pedal pulsation when braking, considered as brake judder.
- 609967Service information to repair vehicles exhibiting squeak and rattle noise(s).
- 608135This bulletin contains information on replacing a broken center console lid latch.
- 607626Concerns with the front seat belt latch plate stopper button missing.
- 606243Information regarding keyless remote entry programming.
Every Nissan Altima model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.