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Nissan Altima

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Nissan Altima • Stalling • Engine problems • Gas tank • Steering • Paint --- • Other Nissan Models

Tracy of Lepanto, AR June 30, 2009

I bought an "Benchmark" 2008 Nissan Altima. This was supposed to be the top of the line from bluetooth to the heated leather seats. And the car was new and fairly expensive. The paint is chipping and Nissan has refused to fix it. Keep in mind at only 20,000 miles I have chips off clear up to the roof and they say its from rocks or bugs. (I do not drive on dirt/gravel roads) I can't believe you pay over 25,000 and they would not stand behind the product.I pointed out, that there are no indentions from the so called "rocks" their alleging hit my car.

Beverly of Tyler, TX June 29, 2009

NHTSA has on file numerous complaints all similar in nature from owners of the 2002-2006 Nissan Altimas described as "engine losing oil within the engine without warning and catching fire". I have filed complaint #10275053 describing the same thing happening to my daughter. She was driving home and the car suddenly began operating poorly, check engine light came on, she heard a "pop", smoke came from car and reportedly a "ball of fire" appear underneath the vehicle.

We check the oil level and all the oil was gone from the car. It did not come out from oil filter or oil pan. Oil was loss within the vehicle somehow. Date of failure was 6-12-09. Oil changed on 5-21-09. Week of June 7-12, car was not driven because we were in San Antonio, Texas on vacation. Car towed to Peltier Nissan dealership and service manager reported that there was no oil in the car causing the rod to blow through engine block. Engine needs to be replaced.

This campaign was focused on a hangar pin but it did mention the other problem of engine defect. Unfortunately, NHTSA closed this campaign on Nissan's word that Nissan is "developing a corrective action". As a result, when consumers contact Nissan, Nissan will just tell them there was no recall involving this problem. Technically, they are correct because NHTSA did not OFFICIALLY create a recall involving defective engines and fires. The recall only addressed the hangar pin. Nissan is using this loophole to avoid replacing the engines and the consumers are driving around in vehicles that have the potential of catching fire. Is it going to take someone getting killed before NHTSA do a recall on these engines?

Owners are these vehicles have hundreds of complaints online and listed with NHTSA. We are so frustrated because we are driving hazardous vehicles, Nissan North America is not concern, and NHTSA is not protecting us. Many of us wish to pursue Class Action Lawsuits to get remedy but cannot find an attorney to take the case. Now is NHTSA going to help the citizens or is there another more effective safety government agency available to force Nissan to recall these vehicles? Bottom line, these hazardous vehicles are on the road and NHTSA is suppose to make sure auto manufacturers are not producing HAZARDOUS VEHICLES.

Slim, of Laval, QC June 25, 2009

I have a Nissan Altima 2003 2.5 . Recently (June 2009), my car start having a sporadical problem, it has trouble to start. Similar problem was noticed in (August 2007) and was fixed by replacing the Crank Sensor. Less then 2 years later the problem occurred again. On the net I read that the problem is related to bad design of the Cam Sensor and the Crank Sensor. Also I was very low on oil and the oil warning sensor had not come on and the oil gauge was registering fine. Be aware don’t relay on the oil sensor on the 2003 Altima 2.5.

K of Phoenix, AZ June 25, 2009

Bought my 2005 Nissan Altima brand new. To date, with 53k miles, I have replaced the A/C Compressor (at 45k), Serpentine Belt, and am about to replace three Engine Mounts. Seems a little excessive to me. . . .This dealership recently told me I had a Cracked CV Boot. (This was on one of my numerous visits to get the gravel guard pinned back up - and was not part of their 99.00 "Bumper to Bumper Inspection").

I went to another mechanic shop - very highly rated in the area. They told me I had no problems with my CV boot(s). Kind of makes you wonder. I will be having the private mechanic replace the Engine Mounts - and will not be trusting Nissan Dealerships anymore. Of course this one lost my trust when I referred a friend there, and they failed to pay out the "Refer a Friend" bonus of 100.00 You'd think their reputation would be worth more than that!

Ken of Bowie, MD June 23, 2009

My 2006 Nissan Altima 2.5l stalled out on me several times while driving. I was very lucky since I did not have an accident during these incidents. When I took the car to the dealership, I was informed that the diagnosis was that the Cam and Crankshaft sensors needed to be replaced and the ECM reprogrammed. I went online and found a recall for EXACTLY the same issue on 200 Nissan Altima's with 2.5l engines.

I notified the dealership and they informed me that my VIN was NOT part of the recall. I called Nissan and the individual took my information and told me there was nothing they could do. After promting to speak with a manager, I was told that a regional representative would be in touch. 2 days later, I received a call from the Regional Rep. She took my information and said that she would investigate the situation and that Nissan will usually help owners in such a case.

3 days later, I get a call notifying me that I did not meet the criteria for being helped. In other words, since I have only been a Nissan customer for 3 Years and had only 2 nissans '06 & '08; I did not take my vehicles for regular maintenance to the nissan dealership (i.e. oil changes and tire rotations are provided by the shop 5 mins from me); and I was too far out of warranty (3yr/36k and I have 3yrs/40k). I restated her explaination and asked if she meant to tell me that Nissan North America's position is that I am not a good enough customer for them to correct a known safety issue on my car? and she confirmed my understanding was correct and that Nissan's position was that they would not take responsibility for the bad sensors. To sum it all up, I was told that buying two Brand new Nissans and taking them to the Nissan Dealership for major maintenance was not enough for them to take care of a known safety issue once I went over the warranty period.

Noelani of Aiea, HI June 23, 2009

I had so many problems with my 2005 Nissan -- today is 6/22/09 and i got a computerized engine analysis and they told me i had to change my install crank position sensor. Whats up with these NISSAN's -- my car is only 4yrs old. I had battery problems,the car dents easy, the car dealship offers that extended warranty 45,000 or 6yrs/this is a rip off and all those who purchased this should get there money back. I would like to know HOW MANY customers use there warranty-- they really know how to suck us!! I am a woman and i dont how many miles i can drive in a year but with the warranty it is about 7,000 miles per year come on now WHO can drive 7,000 miles per year-- i would like to know how many have benefited from this warranty. MY car had been recalled for some electric programing.

Tyresia of Birmingham, AL June 10, 2009

On Saturday, May 29, 2009, My 2006 Nissan Altima's motor blew out on the interstate. I had the car towed to the local dealership. Since it was the weekend, I could not get any information on the car until the following Monday. Monday, June 1, 2009, the dealership called and informed me that the motor was bad and that the warranty expired at 60,000 miles. I insisted that I would call Nissan North America and see if they would repair the motor because the extent of the repair made me think that the motor was defective.

I called and initially spoke with Judy Walker. She triaged my information and stated that she would send it to a regional representative. She stated that the regional representative would contact me no later than Wednesday, June 3, 2009. Well the representative (Greg Zlock) did call me on June 3, 2009 around noon. I explained my situation to him and he didn't seem the least bit interested. I explained to him that the reason I purchased a Nissan was because of the quality of the engine. He stated that it was indeed out of warranty and he would see what he would do. Greg acted like the motor blowing up was all my fault and that I had no right to ask for Nissan North America to pay for the motor being replaced. Greg stated that he would call me Friday, June 5.

Well, Greg did not call me back as he stated. I had to call him. When I called him, he stated that he was waiting on more information from the service department at the dealership. I stated that was fine. I did not trust Greg by this point and decided to call the dealership myself. When I spoke with the service manager (Mark Mcmurry), he stated that the rep never called him and in fact, he was waiting on a call from him. I then gave the service manager the direct extension of Greg Zlock. Greg Zlock called on Monday June 8, and stated that he was still investigating my situation.

In the meantime, Mark McMurry called and told me that he spoke with another regional representative and stated that Nissan would not repair the engine. Greg Zlock calls back hours later to tell me the bad news as if a decision had been reached at that time. However, based on the conversation with the service manager, Nissan North America knew their decision all along. My issue is the fact that I could have been killed on the interstate because of a defective motor and Nissan North America does not want to take responsibility for it. I have all of my documentation stating that I serviced my car regularly. The least Nissan North America could do is replace my motor as a manufacturer's defect.

I have read several of similar accounts of the motor blowing on the 2006 Altimas on Consumer Affairs.com. It seems as if there is indeed a problem with motor with the 2006 model. I have also read in depth an article about Nissan's initiative on quality. This information is not true because if Nissan believed in the quality of their product, then they would fix the problem. A motor is the heart of any car and Nissan is supposed to have one of the best motors ever made. It is safe to say, that Nissan does not care about the quality of their cars and the customers who buys them.

I would think that in today's economic crisis and the issues that the automotive companies are having, that Nissan would take responsibilty and do what is right for the consumer. I had many choices; however, I decided to buy a Nissan because of the proven track of dependability. If I wanted all this drama, I would have bought a Kia. Oh,I forgot, Kia's have a 100,000 mile warranty. Maybe I should have purchased a Kia. I have had to pay for a rental for a week and pay a towing charge. This is just not right! Something must be done. I will never purchase another Nissan again. I will also discourage others from purchasing them as well!

Anda of West Chester, OH June 8, 2009

Same complaint as other Nissan Altima owners. For a year now my car has had the crank/cam sensor's replaced and supposedly all recalls are up to date but the car is still stalling, idling low up a hill, etc. I called Nissan and they say they haven't heard of this happening to anyone else (yeah right). I am very concerned as i have a four year old and a four MONTH old and I have to drive with them on the highway every day. I would like to see a class action lawsuit for this problem. I cannot afford to take this back to the mechanic again so i just get in my car every day hoping it's not going to break down while I'm driving down the highway with my precious babies in the back seat. Someone please help.

Lance of Sachse, TX June 6, 2009

I own a very small product distributorship near Dallas Texas. I hired a guy to do sales for me. He was doing a great job selling. His car died on him. He talked to me about leasing a car for him, that I would not be out a single dime that he would pay for it with his commissions AND since he was supposed to get a settlement from a law suit he was in the middle of settling. I said no on several occasions and since he didn't have a car 2-3 days a week (drove his girlfriends), sales were slacking.

He found this 'killer deal' on a 2008 Nissan Altima. 99 a month for 12 months and by then he would have his settlement. Against my better judgement I gave in. We went to the Nissan dealership almost an hour away from the office ?? and of course they don't have anymore at that price. We started to leave, they came back with offer after offer and the one I finally agreed to was that Nissan would make the first 6 months payments, NOT that they would make them for me and put them at the end, which is what they did. Anyway, my employee turned out to be a con, took me for a lot of money. When I tried to get out of the lease, I read the entire lease agreement and things didn't add up.

I called and talked to a female named Jordon and I, calmly and trying to be overly nice, wanted to find out what my options were in terminating the lease, and I explained that I agreed to the lease because the Nissan salesman Paul said Nissan will make the first 6 months payments then I start paying on the 7th month, NOT that the payments would be defered to the end of the lease and I would still have to pay them. She said I should have read the lease agreement before signing it. I said I would have gone through every single line with a magnifying glass had I thought for one moment that Nissan would blatantly lie to my face. She said and I quote "what do you want us to do about it? You agreed to the lease terms and signed it" and there was nothing she could do for me and that I would be responsible for the balance of the lease payments and any excess mileage if I opted for early termination of the lease. I asked to speak to a supervisor and she put me on hold without saying a word. I was on hold for 14 minutes! Then I was disconnected. I have since contacted a lawyer and was told I do have a case and there IS something I can do about it. I have never liked leases and have never even considered leasing until the con man. But this was the worst experience I have ever had acquiring a new vehicle. So I have a 2008 Altima that I pay 400 a month to collect dust in my garage.

K'Lee of Pleasant Hill, IA June 3, 2009

I leased an Altima between 2/06- 4/09. On 3/09 I needed to use my roadside assistance. Afetr 20 mins on the phone with them, they said I did not have road-side assistance. I took care of the problem myself- however, I want the 300 I paid up front for the road- side assistance. I have called numerous times, and I was to get a call back last week- NO ONE CALLED!

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