1999 Nissan Altima
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
Have the VIN?
Vehicles › Nissan › Altima › 1999
These records cover every 1999 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 1999 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
87 complaints19 involved a crash3 involved a fire17 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Fuel/propulsion system · Service brakes
Keep having trouble smelling gas. Inside the car and fuel pump and the exhaust gas and I have small children it keeps messing with their asthma spending to much money keep getting it fixed.
- Air bags
TL* the contact owned a 1999 nissan altima. While driving approximately 25 mph, the contact's vehicle crashed into another vehicle that made a sharp left turn across the contact's lane. The front driver and passenger air bags deployed. A police report was filed. The contact sustained injuries that…
TL* the contact owned a 1999 nissan altima. While driving approximately 25 mph, the contact's vehicle crashed into another vehicle that made a sharp left turn across the contact's lane. The front driver and passenger air bags deployed. A police report was filed. The contact sustained injuries that later required medical attention. The vehicle was totaled and towed to a tow yard. The contact called dartmouth nissan at 508-996-3200 (located at 483 state rd, north dartmouth, ma 02747) and was informed of an unknown air bag recall. The manufacturer was made aware of the failures and stated that the dealer was aware of the recall. The contact's attorney took over further interaction with the manufacturer. The failure mileage was approximately 43,000. The vin was not provided.
- Tires
Tire on front driver side was flatered sounded like a gunshot going off collapsed coil spring strut and suspension
- Suspension · Wheels
Broken coil and front suspension exploded also causing tire to flatten sounded like a gunshot going off aaa mechanic determined if I was driving at time of inciderdent would have been killed please make this a recall so I can get it fixed at no cost to me my car IS my survival car was in stationary mode
- Suspension · Wheels
Broken and collapsed coil on left front tire suspension in carport stationary position
- Electrical system
The wiring harness for the tail lights had shorted out and caused my car to catch fire in the trunk are
- Engine and engine cooling
My 99 nissan altima gxe IS stalling when stopping for red lights and stop signs. It does not happen consistently and I never know when it IS going to happen. I am scared that it will happen and that someone may hit me from behind. I have had it at the local dealership 3 days this week and still has not been fixed. *tr
- Structure › Frame and members
Tl*the contact owns a 1999 nissan altima. While driving 35 mph, the contact heard a banging sound from the rear of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer where the contact was informed that the rear subframe rusted. The vehicle had not been repaired. The current and failure mileages were approximately 160,000.
- Vehicle speed control
TL* the contact owns a 1999 nissan altima. The contact attempted to accelerate from a complete stop but the vehicle would not engage. The contact was advised by an independent mechanic that the throttle linkage had fractured from the vehicle. The mechanic was able to reconnect the linkage. The vin was not available. The failure and current mileages were 100,000.
- Vehicle speed control
Sudden acceleration. *Tr
- Engine and engine cooling › Cooling system
Intake manifold gasket failure. *Tr
- Fuel system, gasoline › Storage › Tank assembly › Filler pipe and cap
Tl*the contact owns a 1999 nissan altima. the contact took his vehicle to the dealer to be repaired according to nhtsa campaign ID number 07v435000 (fuel system, gasoline:storage:tank assembly:filler pipe and cap). a technician stated that it would only take several hours for the repair. the…
Tl*the contact owns a 1999 nissan altima. the contact took his vehicle to the dealer to be repaired according to nhtsa campaign ID number 07v435000 (fuel system, gasoline:storage:tank assembly:filler pipe and cap). a technician stated that it would only take several hours for the repair. the following day he called the dealer and was informed that the vehicle was not repaired. the contact IS still waiting to receive possession of the vehicle. the failure and current mileages were 116,000.
- Engine and engine cooling
Nissan 98-2001 altima I own a 99 nissan altima which has had check engine light problem for approx 2 yrs .done research and found very common for intake manifold gasket to leak ...please look at car complaints.com...i have been smelling fumes inside car at times and now I know that this IS a…
Nissan 98-2001 altima I own a 99 nissan altima which has had check engine light problem for approx 2 yrs .done research and found very common for intake manifold gasket to leak ...please look at car complaints.com...i have been smelling fumes inside car at times and now I know that this IS a serious problem and it should be nissans for defective engineering . I am having mine replaced but have read of many going again and a third ...nissan should be held accountable for this flaw .. thankyou ...having to pay for there flaw makes me angry .. *Tr
- Air bags › Frontal
When we were taught how to drive we were told to place our hands at the 10 and 2 o'clock position on the steering wheel. If that IS where your hands are at the deployment of an airbag it throws your left arm against the windshield and it's frame which results in broken arms and wrists. I think there should be a warning for this. *tr
- Engine and engine cooling
My altima idles very rough, which feels as if it were about to stall. it shakes the whole car and IS slow and shaking during acceleration. the check engine light came on as a misfire in cyl #4. on the internet, everyone has the same problem as the intake manifold gasket. I read this was a…
My altima idles very rough, which feels as if it were about to stall. it shakes the whole car and IS slow and shaking during acceleration. the check engine light came on as a misfire in cyl #4. on the internet, everyone has the same problem as the intake manifold gasket. I read this was a design flaw by nissan and that they acknowledged it, but refuse to fix it. I now have to pay a repair shop to fix nissan's problem. *tr
- Fuel system, gasoline › Storage › Tank assembly › Filler pipe and cap
Tl*the contact owns a 1999 nissan altima. the contact stated that the check engine soon light illuminated and the vehicle would only accept half to three quarters of a tank of fuel. the mechanic stated that the fuel filter tube was rusted and would not allow the fuel tank to be filled, without…
Tl*the contact owns a 1999 nissan altima. the contact stated that the check engine soon light illuminated and the vehicle would only accept half to three quarters of a tank of fuel. the mechanic stated that the fuel filter tube was rusted and would not allow the fuel tank to be filled, without fuel escaping from the tank. the contact stated that there was a safety recall on the same component of other nissan vehicles except his, even though it was experiencing the same failure. the current mileage was 80,000 and failure mileage was 75,000. *updated 12/27/07 *lj
- Electrical system › Ignition
Tl*the contact owns a 1999 nissan altima. the contact stated that the vehicle felt sluggish while driving. the failure occurred at any speed. the check engine light illuminated. the dealer stated that the ignition coils were failing, but would not specify exactly which coils. the current mileage was 101,000 and failure mileage was 68,000.
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine
Tl*the contact owns a 1999 nissan altima. when shifting the vehicle from park to reverse the rpm's automatically increased to 8000. the vehicle had to be shut off and restarted for the rpms to return to normal. the check engine light illuminated. a local mechanic could not diagnose the failure. the failure mileage was unknown and the current mileage was 148,000.
- Air bags › Frontal
Tl*the contact owns a 1999 nissan altima. while driving 15 mph, the contact was unable to stop her vehicle and crashed into the preceding vehicle. her airbags failed to deploy. the weather was clear. a police report was filed and the contact suffered a head injury. the purchase date and engine size were unknown. the current mileage IS 153,875 and failure mileage was 153,855.
- Air bags › Frontal
Dt*: the contact stated that both of the vehicle's front airbags did not deploy in a crash. the vehicle was struck head on by another vehicle who crossed an intersection at 35 mph. there was pre-impact braking prior to the frontal impact. the occupants were wearing seat belts, and the airbag…
Dt*: the contact stated that both of the vehicle's front airbags did not deploy in a crash. the vehicle was struck head on by another vehicle who crossed an intersection at 35 mph. there was pre-impact braking prior to the frontal impact. the occupants were wearing seat belts, and the airbag warning light was illuminated prior to the crash. the vehicle was towed to a tow yard who determined that the vehicle was totaled. the manufacturer was contacted on 07/26/06 and a complaint was filed. the vehicle will be inspected by the contact's insurance agency on 07/28/06. there are pictures and a police report available.
- Suspension › Front › Springs › Coil springs
Broken and collapsed coil spring on front suspension. *nm
- Visibility
Dt*: the contact stated the driver side sun visor broke when it was pulled down for use. The visor now blocks the contacts field of vision when driving. The dealer was contacted by phone and suggested replacing the visor to remedy the problem. The contact made an attempt to locate a replacement visor from a wrecked vehicle and discovered they all had the same problem. *Nm
- Visibility
We own 1998 and 1999 nissan altima. Both altima sunvisors ( passenger and driver side) keep falling down while driving causing safety issues. We changed visors two times and still falling down. *Jb
- Air bags
(1) I turned left into a parking from sitting still in a turn lane. Approx. 3 car lengths into this parking lot both of the front air bags deployed in my automobile. There was no impact. The police were notified and their response was that because there was no vehicle damage etc. There wasn't…
(1) I turned left into a parking from sitting still in a turn lane. Approx. 3 car lengths into this parking lot both of the front air bags deployed in my automobile. There was no impact. The police were notified and their response was that because there was no vehicle damage etc. There wasn't anything for them to do. They then referred me to this site to fill out a complaint. (2) all three occupants had to be seen in the er. (3) nissan was contacted; they sent out a vehicle inspector and then nissan issued a letter stating that because they could not find any defaulted parts they would not assist in the repairs or hospital costs. Personal automotive insurance covered the incident. As far as I know, all parts have been replaced to the tune of $4,000.00 just to repair the automobile. *Ak
- Power train › Axle assembly
When the consumer made a left or right turn, the front axle made a loud popping noise. the consumer took the vehicle to the dealer and was told the axle was wearing out. *Jb *nm
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.
- 10192677SERVICE INFORMATION Windshield "foreign material" that is on the surface of the glass in some cases can be cleaned off with a very particular type and grade of steel wool. * Most any foreign material on the surface of the Windshield can be cleaned off by using #0000 super fine steel wool. >The #0000 grade super fine steel wool can be found in most hardware stores. Please see this bulletin for further details.
- 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.
- 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.
- 613961Service information for vehicles exhibiting an optional power sunroof that wll tilt up but will not slide open.
- 613952Some applied vehicles may exhibit a chirp noise as the automatic transmission shifts from 2ND to 3RD gear, particularly when accelerating the vehicle with only 1/8 throttle applied, the noise may be coming from the high clutch assembly during operation.
- 613480Information regarding keyless remote entry programming.
- 613464Some vehicles may exhibit steering wheel vibration or brake pedal pulsation when braking, considered as brake judder.
- 610987This bulletin addresses concerns with the sunroof jamming when opening rearward.
- 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.