1994 Nissan Altima
This year had at least 30% fewer complaints than this model's typical year.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
- Complaints
- 113
- Recalls
- 4
- Investigations
- 2
- Top problem
- Air bags
Campaigns on file for 1994
Opened by NHTSA
37% of complaints
Complaints per year
1994: 113 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1993 | 125 |
| 1994 | 113 |
| 1995 | 180 |
| 1996 | 92 |
| 1997 | 108 |
| 1998 | 123 |
| 1999 | 87 |
| 2000 | 160 |
| 2001 | 159 |
| 2002 | 1,047 |
| 2003 | 883 |
| 2004 | 276 |
| 2005 | 1,091 |
| 2006 | 824 |
| 2007 | 471 |
| 2008 | 1,030 |
| 2009 | 1,547 |
| 2010 | 381 |
| 2011 | 241 |
| 2012 | 426 |
| 2013 | 2,310 |
| 2014 | 1,114 |
| 2015 | 955 |
| 2016 | 555 |
| 2017 | 392 |
| 2018 | 226 |
| 2019 | 233 |
| 2020 | 181 |
| 2021 | 70 |
| 2022 | 31 |
| 2023 | 30 |
| 2024 | 41 |
| 2025 | 6 |
| 2026 | 1 |
Known problem areas
Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.
Air bags
37% · 42 reportsMost commonly citing frontal and side/window.
Show complaint excerpts
Tl* the contact owns a 1994 Nissan Altima. When the contact started the vehicle, released the emergency brake, and depressed the accelerator pedal, the vehicle accelerated backwards from the driveway, crossed the street, and crashed into a ditch.
NHTSA ODI report, 2019-10-09
Also filed under Vehicle speed control
Consumer states vehicle was involved in a head on collision and airbags did not deploy. Dealer notified.
NHTSA ODI report, 2003-06-20
Consumer was a passenger and the vehicle went into the ditch and passenger air bag deploy, injured eye and face. Dealer has been notified. Please provide further information..…
NHTSA ODI report, 2002-11-19
Electrical system
13% · 15 reportsMost commonly citing ignition and interior/under dash.
Show complaint excerpts
On 2/12/2004 consumer started vehicle and saw white smoke coming from under the vehicle. Consumer turned the vehicle off, and then turned it back on, and drove to work. Within two minutes, vehicle caught on fire under the hood.
NHTSA ODI report, 2004-02-17
Tl* the contact owns a 1994 Nissan Altima. While driving approximately 55 MPH, the vehicle stalled without warning. The vehicle was coasted to the side of the roadway and was restarted.
NHTSA ODI report, 2018-06-04
Engine and engine cooling
12% · 13 reportsMost commonly citing gasoline and engine.
Vehicle speed control
10% · 11 reportsMost commonly citing cables and accelerator pedal.
Suspension
6% · 7 reportsMost commonly citing coil springs and front.
Safety timeline
4 recalls · 2 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
-
R
1994-03-11Vehicle speed control94V035000 Engine movement can be transmitted to the airflow meter/filter housing and support bracket, which is mounted in the engine air duct, causing the throttle cable housing to pull out of the cable guide.
Remedy: Nissan will reposition the throttle cable housing in the support bracket to provide additional slack for engine movement. A rubber stopper will be clamped to the cable to maintain the correct…
-
I
2001-03-13Preliminary evaluationClosed 2001-08-09 Passenger air bag-related eye injuries
-
I
2001-08-09Engineering analysisClosed 2003-04-24 Passenger air bag-related facial/eye inj
-
R
2003-04-28Air bags03V150000 Nissan is recalling my 1994 and early 1995 Altima vehicles following reports that passenger air bag deployments in these vehicles had caused a number of moderate-to-severe eye injuries. Nissan has…
Remedy: Nissan will replace the passenger air bag at no charge to the consumer. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification began April 28, 2003. Owners should contact Nissan at 1-800-647-7261.
-
R
2006-04-03Exterior lighting06E026000 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…
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.
-
R
2010-03-15Suspension10E002000 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…
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.
Buy-smart checklist
1994 Nissan Altima — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Air bags: 42 reports on file for this year.
- Electrical system: 15 reports on file for this year.
- Engine and engine cooling: 13 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 94V035000 · Vehicle speed control
- Recall 03V150000 · Air bags
- Recall 06E026000 · Exterior lighting
- Recall 10E002000 · Suspension
Other years of this model
See all years ranked →FAQ
- Is the 1994 Nissan Altima reliable?
- Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 1994 Nissan Altima is rated "better than typical".
- What are the most common problems with the 1994 Nissan Altima?
- The most-reported component is air bags, accounting for 37% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 1994 Nissan Altima have?
- 4 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-10-31 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.