What are the most common Nissan Altima problems?
According to Au7o's analysis of 0+ owner reports, the 2004-2004 Nissan Altima has 7 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: 2.5L Pre-Catalyst Breakdown Causing Excessive Oil Consumption and Engine Damage, Rusting Front Floorboards and Underbody Corrosion Near the Firewall/Subframe Area, Engine Control Module Relay / ECM Power Interruption Causing Stall or No-Start. Of these, 4 are rated critical and should be addressed promptly.
Is the Nissan Altima reliable?
The 2004-2004 Nissan Altima has 7 known issues documented across 0+ owner reports. 4 issues are rated critical: 2.5L Pre-Catalyst Breakdown Causing Excessive Oil Consumption and Engine Damage and Rusting Front Floorboards and Underbody Corrosion Near the Firewall/Subframe Area and Engine Control Module Relay / ECM Power Interruption Causing Stall or No-Start and Rear Lower Control Arm Corrosion and Separation Risk. Prospective buyers should inspect for these issues and factor potential repair costs into their purchase decision. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.
How much does it cost to fix common Nissan Altima problems?
Repair costs for known Nissan Altima issues range from $0 to $4,500, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. The most critical issue, 2.5L Pre-Catalyst Breakdown Causing Excessive Oil Consumption and Engine Damage, typically costs $900-$4,500 to repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.
What is the 2002-2006 Nissan Altima 2.5L Pre-Catalyst Breakdown Causing Excessive Oil Consumption and Engine Damage?
On many 2.5L QR25DE Altimas, the pre-catalytic converter material can deteriorate and be drawn back into the engine during valve overlap, scoring cylinder walls and accelerating oil consumption. Owners report needing to add oil frequently, loss of compression, rough running, and… Repairs typically run $900-$4,500. Severity: high.
What is the 2000-2006 Nissan Altima Rusting Front Floorboards and Underbody Corrosion Near the Firewall/Subframe Area?
Older Altimas in rust-belt climates are known for severe floorboard and underbody corrosion, especially around the front floor pan, firewall seams, and nearby structural mounting areas. Owners report soft floors, water intrusion, failed inspections, and concerns about structural… Repairs typically run $500-$3,000. Severity: high.
What is the 2002-2006 Nissan Altima Engine Control Module Relay / ECM Power Interruption Causing Stall or No-Start?
A well-documented problem on 2002-2006 Altima involves failure of the engine control module (ECM) relay, which can interrupt power to the ECM while driving or prevent the car from starting. Owners report sudden stalling, intermittent crank-no-start, or an engine that dies and res… Repairs typically run $0-$250. Severity: high.
What is the 2002-2006 Nissan Altima Rear Lower Control Arm Corrosion and Separation Risk?
In salt-belt states, 2002-2006 Altimas have a documented corrosion problem affecting the rear lower control arms. Severe rust can perforate the arm and eventually lead to cracking or separation, which alters rear wheel alignment and can affect vehicle control. Nissan issued a rec… Repairs typically run $0-$1,200. Severity: high.
What is the 2002-2012 Nissan Altima Crankshaft and Camshaft Position Sensor Failures Causing Stalling or No-Start?
Altimas in this period frequently suffer from failing crankshaft position sensors and camshaft position sensors, especially on the 2.5L and 3.5L engines. Owners report intermittent stalling at stops or while driving, extended cranking, sudden no-start conditions, and check-engine… Repairs typically run $150-$600. Severity: medium.
What is the 2002-2012 Nissan Altima Power Steering Rack and High-Pressure Hose Leaks Leading to Loss of Assist?
Hydraulic power steering Altimas commonly develop leaks from the steering rack seals or high-pressure hose assemblies. Owners report groaning noises, fluid on the subframe, a burning smell from fluid contacting hot components, and progressively heavier steering effort. On higher-… Repairs typically run $250-$1,400. Severity: medium.
What is the 2002-2012 Nissan Altima Front Wheel Bearing and Hub Failure Causing Humming Noise and ABS/Wheel Speed Issues?
A recurring higher-mileage Altima problem is front wheel bearing wear, often first noticed as a humming or growling noise that increases with road speed. As the bearing deteriorates, owners may feel vibration, looseness, or see ABS warnings if the integrated wheel speed signal be… Repairs typically run $250-$700. Severity: medium.
