1998 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
- 123
- Recalls
- 4
- Investigations
- 0
- Top problem
- Air bags
Campaigns on file for 1998
None on file
12% of complaints
Complaints per year
1998: 123 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
12% · 15 reportsMost commonly citing frontal and sensor/control module.
Show complaint excerpts
While driving at 30/35 MPH ,vehicle was in a frontal collision, and none of the airbags deployed upon impact. Vehicle was totaled. Ts
NHTSA ODI report, 2003-01-23
While driving consumer was involved in a collision. Air bags deployed. However, consumer hit head on windshield hard enough to spider crack it.
NHTSA ODI report, 1998-05-04
I received a recall notice in the mail
NHTSA ODI report, 2017-11-16
Electrical system
12% · 15 reportsMost commonly citing 12v/24v/48v battery and wiring.
Engine and engine cooling
11% · 14 reportsMost commonly citing gasoline and engine.
Service brakes
11% · 14 reportsMost commonly citing hydraulic and electric.
Show complaint excerpts
Tl* the contact owns a 1998 Nissan Altima. Upon starting the vehicle and shifting from park to drive, the vehicle inadvertently accelerated. The contact stated that the brake pedal was depressed, but failed to engage as it traveled to the floor.
NHTSA ODI report, 2017-11-28
Also filed under Vehicle speed control
Fuel system, gasoline
11% · 14 reportsMost commonly citing tank assembly and hoses, lines/piping, and fittings.
Safety timeline
4 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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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.
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R
2009-05-11Exterior lighting09E012000 Sabersport is recalling 16,270 combination corner and bumper lamp assemblies of various part numbers sold for use as aftermarket equipment for various passenger vehicles. These headlamps fail to…
Remedy: Sabersport will notify owners and offer a full refund for the noncompliant combination lamps. The safety recall began on May 11, 2009. Owners may contact sabersport at 1-909-598-7589.
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2009-07-28Exterior lighting09E025000 Dope, inc. Is recalling 42,540 combination corner and bumper lamp assemblies of various part numbers sold for use as aftermarket equipment for various passenger vehicles. These headlamps fail to…
Remedy: Dope, inc. Will notify owners and offer a full refund for the noncompliant combination lamps. The safety recall began on July 28, 2009. Owners may contact dope, inc. At 1-626-272-1798.
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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
1998 Nissan Altima — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Air bags: 15 reports on file for this year.
- Electrical system: 15 reports on file for this year.
- Engine and engine cooling: 14 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 06E026000 · Exterior lighting
- Recall 09E012000 · Exterior lighting
- Recall 09E025000 · Exterior lighting
- Recall 10E002000 · Suspension
Other years of this model
See all years ranked →FAQ
- Is the 1998 Nissan Altima reliable?
- Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 1998 Nissan Altima is rated "better than typical".
- What are the most common problems with the 1998 Nissan Altima?
- The most-reported component is air bags, accounting for 12% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 1998 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.