2001 Nissan Altima
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Engine and engine cooling is the leading concern among 168 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 21st highest complaint count among 26 Altima model years with reports.
Of the 2001 reports, 23 involved a crash and 2 involved a fire. 25 people were injured and 4 people died.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Exterior lighting, headlightsSep 14, 2007
CERTAIN EAGLE EYES HEADLAMP ASSEMBLIES, P/NOS. DS517-B001L AND DS517-B001R, SOLD FOR USE AS REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT FOR THE ABOVE LISTED PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE OPTICEL SURFACE OF THE REFLECTOR IS CORRODED INHIBITING THE PERFORMANCE OF THE UPPER AND LOWER BEAMS WHICH FAILS TO CONFORM TO THE PHOTOMETRIC REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.
DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
EAGLE EYES WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER REIMBURSEMENT FOR ANY NONCOMPLIANT HEADLIGHTS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON DECEMBER 11, 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT EAGLE EYES AT 1-800-568-1098.
Campaign 07E074000 on NHTSA.gov
Tires, tread/beltFeb 23, 2001
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH FIRESTONE FIREHAWK GTA-02 , SIZE P205/55R16 89H TIRES. THE RECALLED TIRES ARE IDENTIFIED BY DOT SERIAL #W2 T2 VF3 XXX OR W2 T2 VF3 XXXX; WHERE XXX MAY BE 289, 299, 309, 319, 329, 339, 349, 359, 369, 379, 389, 399, 409, 419, 429, 439, 449, 459, 469, 479, 489, 499, 509, 519, 529, 010, 020, 030, 040, 050, 060, 070, 080, 090, 100, 110, 120, 130, 140, 150, 170, AND WHERE XXXX MAY BE 1800, 1900, 2000, 2100, 2200, 2300, 2400, 2500, 2600, 2700, 2800, 2900, 3000, 3100, 3200, 3300, 3400, 3500, 3600, 3700, 3800, 3900, 4000, 4100, 4200, 4300, 4400, AND 4500. WITH INCREASING MILEAGE, THE TIRES MAY DEVELOP SHOULDER AREA CRACKING. CONTINUED USE OF A TIRE WITH THIS CONDITION MAY LEAD TO EXPOSURE OF THE BELT EDGE.
UNDER THESE CIRCUMSTANCES, A BELT EDGE SEPARATION IS POSIBLE, WHICH COULD RESULTING IN THE LOSS OF TIRE PRESSURE.
BRIDGESTONE/FIRESTONE WILL REPLACE THE TIRES WHICH WERE INSTALLED AS ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT ON THESE ALTIMA VEHICLES. FIRESTONE IS CONDUCTING THE OWNER NOTIFICATION AND REMEDY FOR THIS CAMPAIGN. OWNER NOTIFICATION IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING MARCH 2001. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED FIRESTONE DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT FIRESTONE AT 1-800-465-1904.
Campaign 01V065000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints
168 reports, newest first.
Structure, Oct 28, 2004
(1)HEAVY RAINS DURING THE LAST WEEK IN OCT0BER 2204. (2)STRUCTURAL FAILURE OF TRUNK LID CAUSING WATER TO LEAK INTO TRUCK DURING HEAVY RAIN. (3)SECOND OCCURRENCE. REPAIR SERVICE SCHEDULE FOR NOVEMBER 1, 2004. ORIGINAL FAILURE AND LEAK REPAIR OCCURRED FEBRUARY.2003 (REPLACED WEATHER STRIPPING). *AK
Electrical system, Aug 31, 2004
WHEN THE CONSUMER TURNED ON THE ENGINE THE BATTERY EXPLODED. THE CONSUMER SAW SMOKE COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD. THE ENTIRE ENGINE COMPARTMENT WAS SPLASHED WITH BATTERY ACID. *AK THERE WAS NO EVIDENCE THAT THERE WAS A PROBLEM. THE CONSUMER SIMPLY TURNED THE KEY AND THE BATTERY EXPLODED. *SC *JB
Suspension, Aug 12, 2004
A RATTLING NOISE IS APPARENT FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE, ESPECIALLY WHEN GOING OVER BUMPS. MY MECHANIC INDICATED THE READ STABILIZER BAR HAS A TSB THAT AN IMPROPER SEALER OR BRUSHING WAS USED WHEN THE CAR WAS MADE, HOWEVER I NOW HAVE 57,000 MILES ON THE CAR THAT IS 3.5 YEARS OLD, I.E. OUT OF WARRANTY THEREFORE I AM RESPONSIBLE FOR A MANUFACTURE DEFECT.
Electrical system, Jul 19, 2004
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
Electrical system, May 6, 2004
WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH VEHICLE STALLED. CHECK ENGINE LIGHT APPEARED ON THE DASHBOARD AND REMAINED ON. RESTARTED THE VEHICLE AND DROVE IT TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION, AND MECHANIC REPLACED SPARK PLUGS AND OTHER PARTS.*AK PLEASE FILL IN ADDITIONAL INFORMATION.
Engine and engine cooling, Apr 1, 2004
WHEN DRIVING AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WENT ALL THE WAY TO THE FLOOR AND THE VEHICLE LOST POWER. CONSUMER PULLED OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. *AK *JB
Suspension, Tires, Mar 24, 2004
ON 9/17/03 I HAD FOUR P205/60R15 UNIROYAL TOUR TR TIRES PLACED ON MY 2001 NISSAN ALTIMA. WITHIN ONE WEEK TWO WERE REPLACED BECAUSE OF VIBRATION. @ TWO WEEKS AGO I HAD THE TIRES ROTATED. THE REAR TIRES WERE PLACED ON THE FRONT. IMMEDIATELY VIBRATION AND PULLING TO THE RIGHT WAS NOTICED. AGAIN TWO NEW TIRES WERE PLACED ON THE VEHICLE. AGAIN THE PULL TO THE RIGHT. THE FRONT TIRES WERE MOVED TO OPPOSITE SIDES AND THE PULL WAS TO THE LEFT. A NEW TIRE WAS PLACED ON THE VEHICLE AND IT STILLS PULL TO THE LEFT. THE CAR IS IN ALIGNMENT. I WOULD THINK THERE IS A DEFECT IN THESE TIRES. I HAVE NOTIFIED UNIROYAL OF THE SAME BY EMAIL. *JB
Engine and engine cooling, Vehicle speed control, Feb 19, 2004
WHILE DRIVING, THE VEHICLE STOPPED IN HEAVY TRAFFIC WITH THE ENGINE STILL RUNNING AND WITHOUT ANY WARNING, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED. CONSUMER ENGAGED FROM DRIVE TO NEUTRAL. *AK *JB
Suspension, Jan 15, 2004
MY 2001 NISSAN ALTIMA GXE/LE CAR HAS A PROBLEM WITH ITS SUSPENSION. IT MAKES A CRUNCHING/RATTLING NOISE. MY CAR HAS BEEN TO 2 NISSAN DEALERS A TOTAL OF 9 TIMES. IN ALL IT HAS BEEN OUT OF SERVICE FOR 17 DAYS. THEY HAVE REPLACED MANY SUSPENSION PARTS. BUT THE PROBLEM STILL REMAINS. I HAVE CONTACTED THE MANUFACTURER SEVERAL TIMES WITH MY COMPLAINTS VIA PHONE AND LETTERS. I HAVE ALSO DEMANDED A REFUND UNDER THE CALIFORNIA LEMON LAW. BUT NISSAN OF NORTH AMERICA HAS REFUSED. ON MARCH 2002, I FILED A COMPLAINT WITH THE BBB AUTO LINE PROGRAM. ONCE THE BBB AUTO LINE REVIEWED MY COMPLAINT THEY CONTACTED NISSAN. WE HAD A NISSAN DTS PERSON INSPECT MY CAR. I TEST DROVE WITH HIM AND HE VERIFIED MY EXISTING SUSPENSION PROBLEM. I AGREED TO GIVE THEM ONE MORE CHANCE TO FIX MY CAR ON APRIL 12, 2002. THE DTS PERSON ORDERED BOTH FRONT STRUTS AND SPRINGS REPLACED AGAIN. AS OF SEPTEMBER 2002 THE SAME SUSPENSION PROBLEM HAS RE-OCCURRED. ON OCTOBER 2002, I FINALLY DECIDED TO CONTACT A LAWYER EXPERIENCED IN THE LEMON LAW CASES. HE WROTE THE FIRST DEMAND LETTER TO NISSAN. THE LETTER MENTIONED ALL MY PROBLEMS AND DEMANDED A LEMON LAW BUY BACK BECAUSE OF THE SUSPENSION DEFECT. ON DECEMBER 2002 MY ATTORNEY?S OFFICE HAD TO SEND NISSAN ANOTHER LETTER, BECAUSE THEY HAD FAILED TO RESPOND TO THE FIST ONE. WELL JUST RECENTLY ON JANUARY 2003 NISSAN FINALLY DECIDED TO RESPOND TO THE LETTERS AND AFTER NUMEROUS PHONE CALLS THAT WERE MADE TO THEIR OFFICE. NISSAN SAID THAT BASED ON THE NUMBER OF REPAIR ATTEMPTS, ALONG WITH THE TYPE OF REPAIR THAT WAS PERFORMED TO RESOLVE THE COMPLAINT, WE DO NOT FEEL THAT THERE HAVE BEEN ANY SUBSTANTIAL REPAIRS PERFORMED ON THE VEHICLE FOR THE SAME NON-CONFORMITY. NISSAN WENT ON TO SAY THAT THEY ARE NOT REQUIRED TO REPURCHASE YOUR CLIENT'S VEHICLE, THEREFORE DEMANDS FOR REPURCHASE AND RESTITUTION OF ASSOCIATED FEES, IS DENIED. THEY AGAIN OFFERED TO HAVE A DTS(DEALER TECHNICAL SPECIALIST) COME OUT AND INSPECT MY VEHICLE. FOR THE ALLEGED SUSPENSION COMPLAINT.
Electrical system, Nov 20, 2003
IN 2001 I PURCHASED A NISSAN ALTIMA. IT LEFT ME STRANDED ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS. I COULD BE RUNNING ERRANDS AND RIGHT IN THE MIDDLE OF MY ERRANDS THE VEHICLE WOULDN'T START. I WOULD CALL A TOW TRUCK AND ONCE IT MADE IT TO THE NISSAN DEALER IT WOULD START RIGHT UP (I THOUGHT IT WAS AN ELECTRICAL PROBLEM). I CONTACTED NISSAN IN DECEMBER OF 2001 REGARDING THIS PROBLEM AND THEY "COULD NOT DUPLICATE" IT AND WOULDN'T DO ANYTHING TO HELP ME OUT. I LEFT IT AT MY DEALER FOR WEEKS ON 2 SEPARATE OCCASIONS. SINCE NISSAN WOULD DO NOTHING TO HELP ME OUT AND I LIVE IN MINNESOTA WHERE BEING STRANDED IN COLD WEATHER COULD KILL YOU, I HAD TO TRADE IT OFF. THEN THE OTHER DAY I SAY AN ARTICLE THAT THEY HAD RECALLED ALL THESE VEHICLES FOR THE SAME PROBLEM THAT I HAD. SO I CONTACTED THEM AGAIN AND THEY TOLD ME MY VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. I HAVE NO IDEA HOW THEY DESIGNATE WHAT GETS RECALLED AND WHAT DOESN'T, BUT IT HAS THE SAME PROBLEM AS THE OTHER 2.56 MILLION VEHICLES. *LA
Engine and engine cooling, Power train, Vehicle speed control, Equipment, Nov 4, 2003
MY 2001 NISSAN ALTIMA, WITH APPROX 89000 MILES, HAS STARTED EXPERIENCING ENGINE FAILURE AT CRUISING SPEEDS (50-70 MPH) ON THE FREEWAY. IT IS INTERMITTENT WITH NO APPARENT WARNING. FIRST, ALL GUAGES, INCLUDING GAS, TEMPERATURE, RPM AND ODOMETER, FALL TO ZERO. THE CAR JERKS AS IF DOWNSHIFTED, AND SLOWS DRASTICALLY, AND THE GAS PEDAL DOES NOT ACCELERATE THE CAR. IT HAS HAPPENED 7-8 TIMES IN THE PAST FEW WEEKS. THE RADIO DISPLAY LIGHT ALSO BLANKS OUT, NOT SURE IF THIS IS RELATED OR A SEPARATE PROBLEM.*AK
Suspension, Oct 24, 2003
I OWN A 2001 NISSAN ALTIMA, BOUGHT BRAND NEW WITH 35,300 MILES ON IT. NATURALLY THE WARRANTY IS ABOUT TO EXPIRE AND I AM CONCERNED BECAUSE THE REAR BUSHINGS AND STABILIZER BARS HAVE HAD TO BE REPLACED TWICE ALREADY. IS THIS A SAFETY CONCERN? IS THIS A COMMON PROBLEM? IS THERE A RECALL? WHAT ARE MY RIGHTS ONCE MY WARRANTY EXPIRES? *LA
Fuel system, Other, Sep 30, 2003, fire
CAR STARTED SMOKING WHILE ON THE PARKWAY,I PULLED OVER ONTO THE GRASS ,BY THAT TIME FLAMES WERE COMING OUT UNDER THE HOOD BY THE FRONT WINDSHIELD, IN 20 MINUTES BEFORE FIRE DEPT ARRIVED THE ENTIRE CAR WAS IN FLAMES ,BY THE TIME FIRE WAS PUT OUT THERE WAS NOTHING LEFT . CAR WAS TOWED AND CAUSE OF FIRE IS UNDER INVESTIGATION BY MY INSURANCE COMPANY, HAD THERE BEEN ANYONE IN THE CAR WITH ME I DOUGHT THEY WOULD HAVE SURVIVED ,THATS HOW QUICK AND INTENSE THE FIRE WAS
Power train, Vehicle speed control, Sep 12, 2003
THE AUTOMOBILE ACCELERATED WHILE THE CONSUMER'S FOOT WAS ON THE BRAKE. THE CONSUMER TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER/MECHANIC THREE TIMES AND BECAUSE THE VEHICLE DID NOT DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM, THE MECHANIC WAS UNABLE TO FIND OUT WHAT WAS HAPPENING WITH THE AUTOMOBILE. THE THIRD TIME HE JUST LEFT THE VEHICLE WITH MECHANIC/DEALER SO THAT THEY MAY DRIVE THE AUTOMOBILE TO SEE IF THE PROBLEM RESURFACED. *AK THE VEHICLE WAS SHIFTED INTO DRIVE BUT WENT INTO REVERSE. *SCC *JB
Electrical system, Sep 3, 2003, fire
CAR WAS PARKED OVERNIGHT IN GARAGE. WHEN KEY WAS TURNED IN THE IGNITION, EXPLOSION OCCURRED UNDER THE HOOD. SMOKE WAS COMING OUT FROM UNDER THE HOOD AND ACID WAS DRIPPING TO THE PAVEMENT. THERE IS A DENT ON THE HOOD FROM THE INSIDE DIRECTLY ABOVE THE BATTERY LOCATION. THERE WAS ALSO ACID ON THE ENGINE AND LOCAL AREAS. *AK
Equipment, Sep 2, 2003
I AM ONE OF MANY WHO HAVE HAD THE OIL DIPSTICK BREAK OFF IN THEIR 2001 NISSAN SENTRA. I WAS ABLE TO REMOVE MINE USING SUPER GLUE AND A DOWEL ROD SAVING ME HUNDREDS OF DOLLARS. HOWEVER, ANYONE IS NOT AWARE OF THIS WILL HAVE TO DO WHAT NISSAN SUGGESTS AND THAT IS TO REQUIRE PEOPLE TO USE THEIR SERVICES FOR A DEFECTIVE PART OF NISSSAN'S DESIGN. I HAVE BEEN EXPOSED TO OTHER PLASTIC FAILURES WHERE UNDER HIGH TEMPERATURE AND PRESSURE (AN O-RING ON THE GROOVE IN THE PLASTIC) CAUSES PLASTIC TO BECOME BRITTLE.*AK
Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, Aug 22, 2003
I HAVE A 2001 NISSAN ALTIMA. AT APROX 34,000 MILES (CAR NOW HAS 42000) THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER WOULD FAIL, THE OVERDIRVE LIGHT WOULD START FLAHING THEN OVERDRIVE WOULD DISENGAGE. THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER AND OVERDRIVE WOULD COME BACK ON THEN MINUTES LATER THE ENGINE WOULD START LURCHING CAUSING THE CAR TO SLOW TO 30 MPH AND EVENTUALLY STOP. THE ENGINE WOULD STILL RUN BUT REVVING IS CHOPPY AND LAGGED. AFTER A FEW MINUTES OR SHUTTING THE ENGINE DOWN AND RESTSTARTING THE ENGINE THE CAR WOULD RETURN TO NORMAL, BUT AFTER A PERIOD OF 10 MINUTES WOULD REPEAT INCIDENT. HAVE TAKEN TO A DEALER ON 4 OCCASIONS, BUT MECHANICS CANNOT DUPLICATE FAILURE. ONLY ONE CODE HAS COME BACK FROM THE DIAGNOSTIC P0500 (SPEED SENSOR FAILURE) AND THE SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT HAS ONLY COME ON ONCE. THIS ISSUE HAS BEEN RE-OCCURRING SINCE APRIL OF 2003 AND NO REPAIRS HAVE BEEN ATTEMPTED DUE TO THE FACT THAT MECHANICS CANNOT FIND NOR DUPLICATE PROBLEM. I HAVE RECORDED 15 OR MORE FAILURES SINCE APRIL AND 9 IN THE PAST 4 DAYS.*AK
Visibility, Aug 18, 2003
STARTING FROM 10 MONTHS TO THE PRESENT, WHICH IS 14 MONTHS AFTER PURCHASE, BOTH FRONT AND ONE REAR WINDOW REGULATOR ASSEMBLIES HAVE FAILED. THE FIRST TWO ONLY WEEKS APART. I NOW , OF COURSE ASSUME THAT THE FINAL WINDOW COMPONNENT WILL FAIL AS WELL.REPLACEMENT OF THE FOUR REGULATOR ASSEMBLIES WILL COST ME $900. *AK
Electrical system, Aug 14, 2003
BATTERY EXPLODED WHEN KEY TURNED TO "ON" POSITION. CAR WAS IN GARAGE. IT WAS INITIAL CRANKING OF ENGINE THAT DAY. A LOUD "BOOM" WAS HEARD. UPON INVESTIGATION DISCOVERED TOP OF BATTERY IN THREE PIECES AND A SPLIT IN CASE NEXT TO NEG TERMINAL. ACID ON UNDERSIDE OF HOOD AND SURROUNDING AREA OF BATTERY. POOL OF ACID COLLECTED ON GARAGE FLOOR.*AK
Vehicle speed control, Aug 5, 2003
CONSUMER STATES THAT WHEN VEHICLE IS PUT IN PARK ENGINE RACES AND JERKS FORWARD INTREMITTENTLY WHILE FOOT IS ON THE BRAKES.*AK
Other or unspecified, Jul 30, 2003
I OWN A 2001 NISSAN ALTIMA, PUCHASED WITH APPROXIMATELY 23,000 MILES, A DOCUMNET WAS OBTAINED FROM THE DEALER STATING THAT THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT. THE PROBLEM IS THE CAR WAS VERY QUIET WHEN I TEST DROVE IT AND FOR A FEW WEEKS AFTER THE PURCHASE. THE CAR NOW HAS MORE RATTLES AND SQUEAKS THAN I CAN DESCRIBE. I DID TAKE THE CAR IN FOR A SQUEAK ON THE RIGHT SIDE A BUSHING WAS REPLACED ON THE RIGHT DOOR PANEL, THE SQUESKING STOPPED BUT NOW HAS RESTARTED, THE MECHANIC TOLD ME THIS WAS NORMAL WEAR AND TEAR BECAUSE THESE PARTS ARE MADE OUT OF PLASTIC. THE CAR HAS ALSO STARTED PULLING TO THE RIGHT, A NEW SET OF TIRES HAS BEEN INSTALLED AND IT HAS BEEN REALIGNED TWICE, THE PROBLEM STILL EXISTS AND IS WEARING MY TIRES OUT. A NON MECHANICAL COMPLAINT IS THE PAINT JOB, IT APPEARS TO BE VERY THIN AND CHIPS AND FLAKES EASILY AND IS FADING, THE CAR IS WHITE.
Vehicle speed control, Jun 26, 2003
THE GAS PEDAL BECAME STUCK IN FULL THROTTLE POSITION. *JB PH *JB
Visibility, May 21, 2003
I OWN A 2001 NISSAN ALTIMA. DURING THE PAST YEAR, BOTH WINDOW UNITS CONTROLLING THE UP AND DOWN OF THE FRONT WINDOWS HAVE FAILED. MY DEALER INFORMS ME THAT THIS IS A VERY COMMON PROBLEM IN NISSAN ALTIMA, BUT THERE HAS BEEN NO FACTORY RECALL NOTICE SENT TO OWNERS.*JB
Electrical system, May 12, 2003
THE POWER DOORS AND LOCKS WORKED INTERMITTENTLY. *JB
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Apr 23, 2003
6 TIMES CAR HAS BEEN IN FOR WARPED FRONT BRAKE ROTORS AND PROBLEM STILL NOT RESOLVED. *JB