Nissan Altima / 1999
1999 Nissan Altima problems
Owners have filed 110 complaints about the 1999 Nissan Altima with NHTSA. Service brakes, hydraulic account for 15.5% of them — narrowly the most common, ahead of air bags at 11.8%.
Complaints110
Crashes29
Fires3
Injuries23
Deaths0
What owners report breaking
Service brakes, hydraulic 15.5% · 17
Air bags 11.8% · 13
Tires 10.9% · 12
Power train 7.3% · 8
Engine and engine cooling 7.3% · 8
Visibility 7.3% · 8
Vehicle speed control 6.4% · 7
Suspension 6.4% · 7
Severity
Of those complaints, 29 describe a crash, 3 describe a fire and 23 report an injury.
Reading the numbers
Across the 29 model years of the Nissan Altima in this data, 1999 draws comparatively few complaints; 2013 is the outlier year.
Filings are rising — 10 in the last three years against 8 in the three before. For a vehicle this age that usually points to a wear-related failure owners are hitting now.
The median odometer reading at the time of complaint was 88,500 miles.
In owners' own words
Brake light came on in car, thought it was an electrical problem. Was told that I needed new front brakes. Went to 2 dealerships - both said same: front brake pads worn, replace front brake pads and resurface rotors. Total came to $247.74. Since this car is less than 1 year old, am I expected to replace the front brakes @ about every 10,000 miles? This is a major defect!!! Service brakes, hydraulic
At 12,000 miles vehicle would squeal whenever brakes are applied with more pressure then normal. Vehicle been in dealer shop on three occasions. Dealer informed consumer that they are unable to locate the problem, and refused to look at the vehicle any longer. Service brakes, hydraulic
When the car has a panic stop the right rear brakes lock up, but not the others. The car just doesn't stop fast. Took the car to the dealer and they said the brakes are normal and adjusted correctly. The brakes feel fine except in a panic stop. Service brakes, hydraulic
Verbatim from NHTSA filings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.
Safety recalls
Checking NHTSA for open recalls…